Vet Visit

So Sunday afternoon Tink was given a star to chew on and she did so very happily and willingly. However, later that evening, i noticed she was sore on the left side of her mouth. It proceeded to become more sore monday and tuesday and we called to make a vet visit for thursday morning. It was so bad that Tink wouldn't let me near her mouth without putting up quite a fuss. And as you know, Tink doesn't show when she's in pain very often. So if she's squirming and causing a fuss it's gotta hurt something fierce! Well wouldn't you know, wednesday evening as I'm examining her mouth for the umteenth time, I see some gunk coming up from her enflamed gum line. I grab the squirty thing that we used when we had our wisdom teeth removed and managed to clear her gums with some warm salt water. Of course, 9pm the day before the morning appointment.

We take her in this morning just to be sure since we are heading up to MA first thing tomorrow morning. Dr. Haver takes a look at her with a smile on his face-she's wearing her little red riding hood outfit. He looks in her mouth as I explain what we did the night before and he says "yup, that would do it. Looks good now." He showed me that her gum line is receeding and will probably have a tendency to get stuff stuck in it (and consequently be quite painful.) Apparently the salt water or hydrogen peroxide is a good thing to help flush it out and seemed to be something that we can take care of at home (amazing!)

While we were there though, he took the time to look her over, check her spine and neck, and of course comment on how great she looks: "she could be a poster child for curves" he said. Just under 15lbs the same perfect weight she's been at for about 2 years now.

I also showed him 2 bumps on her belly and unfortunately they are mammary tumors---the same ones she had before. A purist would remove them immediately, but being practical, he told me to keep an eye on them like we did with the others and if they change to get her in right away. I asked about her heart murmur and he said it was a grade 2. I believe last year it was a grade 1, but a grade 2 still does not clinically affect her health in any way-- no fluid in the lungs, no coughing or anything like that.

It always feels good to hear the vet say how great Tink's coat looks and how great she looks overall both inside and out. I mean, we know she's wonderful, but it's always nice to hear the professional's opinion.

So while we cleared Tink's mouth up last night, it was still a very information and worthwhile visit and now we can head up to MA without any concerns!