dogs don't look both ways

We were so lucky to have Dr. Tamara.

She questioned us carefully about our observations of Joey - and why we were questioning the other doctor's diagnosis. She trusted our observations. She shared her knowledge of the medical issues involved. We listened to each other.  I took notes. 

And then she and we developed a plan of action.

Joey was due for an annual physical exam in a little over one month, and at that time we would bring Joey in for his physical and he would get his prostrate gland examined to see if it was enlarged and if it was asymmetrical. In the meanwhile, we would be observing his peeing and pooping to see if we observed any peeing without urine coming out, if we observed any blood in the urine, and if we observed any straining on Joey's part when pooping.

I also telephoned the diagnosing doctor where Joey had been boarded and told her the plan we had reached with Joey's local veterinarian. I wanted her to understand our "issues" too. It's important for this doctor to also understand what our reservations are about her diagnosis.

So in these 5 or 6 weeks, what have we observed? Or, conversely, what haven't we observed?

We haven't observed any blood.

And when Joey lifts his leg, urine always comes out. I mean always. Because Joey likes to mark almost every tree and almost every bush, he marks whether he sees another dog or a bunny, we've seen plenty of urine and plenty of marking. 

Phil and I are glad to have a veterinarian with whom we could share our concerns - and can trust. Together we're going to look after Joey's well-being.

The big exam is scheduled for tomorrow.

Joey's going to have some surprise when he gets his prostrate exam!  But more importantly, what will the examination show? Will the exam resolve our fears, or will it send us down another difficult path?

Please continue!