Hypocondriac poodle mix mom again :) have questions

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Hypocondriac poodle mix mom again :) have questions

Posted : 3/6/2007 7:48:09 PM

I adopted my first dog (other than childhood pets) 11 years ago - she was 2 years old and went to the bridge on Jan 12th. I miss Michelle but know that we had 11 wonderful years together and I have only happy memories of her.

On Jan 20th I adopted a poodle mix named Prancer. She's a cutie (even tho she's not good at proving the "poodles are very intelligent" theory LOL - we're failing obedience training and I'm sure it's more my fault then hers !).

Michelle was an owner turn-in at the pound. Prancer was found stray in Miami Florida which has me imagining the unimaginable about her past.   She had scabies when found, and was given a dip for treatment. Since she remained "itchy" after joining my family I've also been treating with Revolution (2 doses, 2 weeks apart). She was tested Heartworm negative by the rescue org's vet. I had a full blood workup done on her and nothing out of the ordinary was found.

Here are my questions:
1. How do I find a good vet in my area ? I like my Vet, but I can't say I love him - I want someone who really knows their stuff. I know people's recommendations would be a start, but since not everyone is as "thorough" as I am, I'd rather base my decision on creditials rather that just what other people think (unless its ALOT of other people. or someone who's just as thorough as I am, with the recommendation).

2. She was given her regular shots by the rescue organization, but since she was a stray when found I can't be sure if she's ever had shots before and I understand that some shots need a booster. Should I have the booster done just in case she's never had shots before ?   Are there any risks ?

3. How long should I wait before I have her retested for Heartworms ? I'm assuming the rescue org vet did this, but I also know that in its early stages Heartworm will show a negative test result. I want to have her retested, but want to make sure that I've waited "long enough" to ensure I'm not going to get a false negative (G-d forbid she's positive).

Prancer wants me to tell you "Thanks for helping my mom - she's a nut sometimes ! But we really love each other alot, so I'll let her neurosis slide a little"

Raja19

Posted : 3/6/2007 8:06:30 PM

Well I can't answer all, but I can try and answer a few...

1. How do I find a good vet in my area ?

I would pick a some vet's in your area and ask if you can make a consiltaion with them. I did this and 3 of the vet's I did not like once I had talked to them for a little while, they seemed cold and did not explain things well.

Also there is a website where people ( customers) can rate Veterinarians, and dentists and normal doctors as well. I can think of thye website but it is pretty popular and gives the Vet's name and the ratings they have gotten and people can give comments too.

3. How long should I wait before I have her retested for Heartworms ?

Since I am going throught this right now, the vet said it can take up to 7 months for heartworms to come up on a test...so I would say about 6 -7 months from when she was last tested.

Prancer is a cutie, I am sure she is very glad to be in a forever home, where her owner cares so much about her!

Cita

Posted : 3/7/2007 1:06:23 AM

As for vaccinations, run a forum search for "titers." Calliecritters has given out a ton of information that pretty much blew my tiny mind when I first read it. Basically, in modern society we tend to vaccinate our animals way more than necessary, and some relatively simple blood tests can help us know whether additional vaccinating is necessary or not. I bet that would help with the booster/no booster question. How old is she, btw?

In fact, that might be a good test subject to help you find a vet. If you bring it up and your vet listens well and is cooperative, then you found a good one! If he/she gives you some "can't be done" nonsense, perhaps you should look elsewhere.