Canine respiration rate

[Tuckervill]

She's not fat. She was starving when she was rescued, and I got her about 4 days after that. She was rescued by someone who dropped her at an animal hospital and one of the employees took her home because this particular AH doesn't do rescue. (My friend who lives in that neighborhood doesn't use this vet for her 7 animals anymore, because of this fact.)

So the deal is, the AH employee said she'd had all her shots but had not been spayed. She sent me a copy of her med record, but you know, she was insistent that I talk to HER and not just call the AH to give her the fax number. That could be for any number of reasons, but I found it odd.

Further, she was eager to "be rid" (my impression, not her words) of Lucy, and I'm okay with that but I usually expect more of a screening process. I did have her round-the-block/rescuer-lady/friend-mentioned-above neighbor to vouch for me, and I have emailed updates and she seems honest and interested enough. I don't want to caste aspersions or anything.

BUT, I had suspected somewhere in my gut that I should at least get heartworms absolutely ruled out. If this woman accepted the dog against the AH's wishes, she could have been in a situation where she felt forced to stretch the truth to save the dog. I know I seem like a big sap when it comes to dogs and she could have figured I wouldn't give up on Lucy if I later found out she was HW positive.

All that to say, I'm glad you brought up heartworms. It solidified something in my gut, and Lucy will be going to my vet tomorrow. I also want to get her hips checked. Thanks.

Karen ::shivering at the cost of heart worm treatment:::how am I going to keep her "quiet?":::y::::