Thursday 8 May 2008

Update on Jake

I took him to the veterinary surgeon yesterday. What a disaster! When the vet tried to examine his leg, Jake turned into a growling, biting monster, first going for me (but not biting into skin), then turning on the vet and going for his crotch! I yanked him back but not before he apparently made contact with skin (I'm not sure where and I sure didn't examine the vet). I was horrified, embarrassed, and oddly amused.

Anyway, after that, the vet decided Jake needed his other hip operated on. So in four weeks' time, Jake will be back again and we'll have another four weeks of him wearing a cone. I'm going to try to get him a Bitenot collar beforehand, and something to wear over his mouth so he doesn't bite the vet again.

9 comments:

Shania said...

I'm so sorry. Poor Jake, and poor your wallet!

Anonymous said...

Lots of love to Jake. Are you sure you didn't want to examine the vet's crotch? Or was the vet a female!

CJ xx

-Ann said...

Can I recommend a wire basket muzzle? We got Toby one from this place in the States.

The problem with a nylon muzzle that clamp the dog's mouth shut is that it prevents the dog from comfortably panting. (And panting is a common reaction to stress or pain.) A wire basket muzzle protects the vet but gives the dog a lot more comfort and ease. You can even slip him treats through the muzzle bars.

Another thing is to get Jake used to whatever you decide to use well before the vet trip. We randomly put the muzzle on Toby so he wouldn't associate it only with the vet.

laurie said...

ann's advice is good.

and i'd say that clearly Jakie is a pup in pain.

Flowerpot said...

Yes a muzzle's a good diea. I've been practising with Mollie and a muzzle because she hates teh vet and being a terrier, will growl and try and nip. She's got used to it now and is fine but it takes some practising with treats at home.

Aoj and The Lurchers said...

Yay! Go Jake!! Bugger the muzzle...you get that pesky vet!

Actually, being serious for a moment, a muzzle probably is a good idea. Pet@Home do a wide range and you should find one to fit him.

wakeupandsmellthecoffee said...

shania: And poor vet's crown jewels!

CJ: Vet is male, but not really my type. Still....

-ann: I'm going to visit the site. Good advice about the nylon muzzle. Thank you.

laurie: Or he remembers what caused the pain. I do worry that he's becoming a bit too aggressive now that he's a teen-ager (and he's getting huge for a border collie).

flowerpot: Jake loves our regular vet because he gives him lots of treats. Why don't all vets do that?

aoj: The vet said no dog had bitten him -- at least, not there -- in 15 years. Guess there's always a first time.

DJ Kirkby said...

Awwwww poor Jake, who can blame him? I think he is behaving perfectly normal in a situation where someone is probably going to hurt him.

Sparx said...

Poor Jake - but he sounds like he's been through it and you've been very understanding. I've haven't been by in a disgraceful amount of time however have just caught up on a couple of months of posts and it does sound as though you have been having a stressful time of it. Hope all is well with your Mum. Have enjoyed your Moving to England posts as well - I did many of the same things when I returned in 95!