full health work up question

**Canula2000** · 09-29-2011, 12:29 PM

My labrador Gordy is looking way more older than he is, age nine in December. Anyway, in August when we came back from vacation he had lost alot of weight. I assumed the boarding stressed him out. He has gained some weight back but still seems skinny. He also is being really slow getting up and down and yesterday I notice a slight slip or stumble on our walk. His tongue looks dark to me...almost the color when he is really stressed. I have been waiting to see the vet on his weight as my husband and I agreed that he most likely lost it due to stress while boarding but now with other symptoms I am going to take him in.

My dilimma is my vet is old school country vet and I have to tell him what I want or it doesn't get done. I think I read about a full blood work up on here before, what do I ask for if I want this done for my dog? Gordy also has a broken front tooth that I worry might be causiing pain. There is no redness or swelling but it is broken at the gumline. When I was in the vet in June I questioned if it should be pullled but the vet said it could stay in until it became infected. But I think maybe we should just have it pulled. Advise please!!

**MidwestGirl** · 09-29-2011, 12:46 PM

I would insist on a complete physical for Gordy. Also that tooth could be infected by now.

**Alaskalab** · 09-29-2011, 01:06 PM

Defintely, that tooth could be causing a lot of his symptoms even if it isn't infected.

**BigBrownDog** · 09-29-2011, 01:13 PM

Are there limited vet options where you live? If you feel like you need to direct the care of your dog maybe you need to check out a more up to date vet.

**Sophiesmama** · 09-29-2011, 04:12 PM

I would be looking for a new vet. That tooth might hurt like crazy! Dogs don't show pain the way people do.

**LuvBrown** · 09-29-2011, 05:29 PM

Country vet or not, they should be wanting to care for your dog. I have a country vet, and the tend to be a little more realistic about tests etc. but they will not futz around when you ask for something done.

**Canula2000** · 09-29-2011, 07:20 PM

Yes, our vet options are limited. I live in a rural area. I could travel an hour to city vet but I wouldn't know really who to choose.

So when you say complete physical, I am not sure what that means. He was just in for his yearly in June. The vet looked at his eyes, ears, teeth, checked his lung's sound and heart. But doesn't do blood tests. Do I just ask for blood tests or is there a name for tests?

Luvbrown-They are good about doing what I ask but most times I have to ask for it to be done to get done or I just get basic service.

I have never owned an old dog so I am not sure what extra vet care gordy should be getting. Thanks!

**Sophiesmama** · 09-29-2011, 08:13 PM

I would ask for blood work. It couldn't hurt...

**YellowJakesMom** · 09-30-2011, 07:31 PM

Ask for a complete blood count and serum chemistry panel. That will be full bloodwork, which IMO every pet over age four should have done at least yearly. Hope it was just boarding stress getting your guy down!

**Canula2000** · 09-30-2011, 09:42 PM

We are going in on Wed. I guess it will take a few weeks for blood test results to be done but Wednesday (sp?) I can get some idea of his health. On a good note, Gordy was rolling around in the grass like a young happy dog today! Maybe he is just feeling his age, although it is hard for me to think 9 is old.