I asked the vet tech to do all the vaccinations (Rabies, DHLP, Bordetella), and heartworm test. If heartworm test comes back negative, then go ahead to do the neuter surgery and give Heartgard (like Heather instructed earlier). I also asked them to check his ears and treat it if infected, and also I told them about the shelter's report of limping. I didn't ask them to do the flea preventative, because of previous experience with them, they do not give flea preventative until the day of discharge anyways. Also I asked them to give him a bath. I would usually give him one myself, but I really don't have time to spend more than 30 minutes with him per day until Friday afternoon or Saturday morning (I'm going to groom a horse at the vet school tomorrow though). However I will call them this afternoon to find out the test and examination results, and also to go see him early tomorrow morning to cut out the mats if they have not done so. Also they asked if we want pre-surgery blood test, and I said yes. I will give him another bath prior to his transport to foster home if needed.
Other behavior observations, Jackson pulls on leash, but not as bad as Jake, I would say like Chris, but since Jackson's bigger, his pull is stronger. Also, although Jackson did not sit on command when I told him to twice, I have a feeling that he knows the command, just too "confused" at the moment to listen, because when I told him to sit, then I tapped on his behind, he sat down. Once he sat, I told him Stay, and he did. Also I checked his teeth to make sure the shelter said the right age (1 year), and he did not mind it at all when I pulled open his lips.
His tail is docked, just that there�s a big long mat near it. Like Mickey said, Jackson is a handsome boy.
I went to see Jackson for one and half hours early this morning, did about an hour of clipping out of all the mats, about 5 minutes of ear cleaning, and then we just walked around outside for about 10 minutes. When they brought Jackson to me into the exam room, he was a little wet. At first I thought maybe they gave him a bath. After I smelled and touched him, I don't think they did, which is kind of what I expected when I thought more about it last night, because with my prior experience with them, they don't like to give baths until the day they are about to leave, because they said the dog would get dirty in the kennel anyways.
I also brushed him generally, but I think it would be easier if we brush him after he has a bath. But he was okay with the brushing. Also I put Frontline on him. When I was kneeling on the floor cleaning up all the fur, Jackson kept getting in front of me, like he's afraid that I would forget him. So I think he's a typical Springer in that he loves attention from humans.
Also as expected, Jackson did Sit on command today. But I didn't bring any treats because I didn't know if he's going in for neutering today.
I've asked the vet tech twice to tell me Jackson's medical report from the vet, but they are always so busy when I'm there.
When Jackson stands for longer periods, I think he kind of does not put a lot of pressure on his left hind leg, just use it to steady his body. So if I have to pick, I would say that was the leg he was limping on at the shelter (Heather later confirmed this). But when he's walking, I don't see any limping, even with him pulling on leash. If the vet doesn't say anything, I will check that leg/paw more on Friday or Saturday when he's at my apartment. He does have a tiny hump on his back occasionally, hopefully this does not mean hip dysplasia. Mickey and Marilyn and I haven't seen any limping since yesterday morning.
I went to see him for 25 minutes this afternoon near closing time. He is more energetic this time, eager to go out for a walk, had his happy face on. We just walked around the block twice. He pooped and peed outside. I had Keely in the car because we were going for our campus walk later. I walked Jackson over to my car, lifted up his front end, and let him see Keely in the car through the window. Keely was staring out of the window, and when she saw Jackson, she backed off to the middle of the seat, but didn't bark or growl (I really don't think she's an alpha when in public, just a princess when she's in "her castle", but will try to let them meet on Keely's turf on Saturday so she would seem more alpha). Jackson looked at Keely for a few seconds ("Oooh, a girl") but he looked away also and didn't seem that interested. I also put hydrogen peroxide on the scissor cut on Jackson's left ear. It's not bleeding, but I just put some more on it with cotton ball just to make sure it doesn't get infected (especially he's a little dirty right now). The vet tech said they sent the blood samples out yesterday but still haven't gotten the results back, so they didn't do the neutering today. They will wait until tomorrow. I want to give him a bath on Friday or Saturday when I go see him next time, but now it also depends on when he can have bath after surgery. Will ask them when I go see him later this week.
By the way, I caught Keely drinking water out of the toilet one day last week. I told her "No" and she stopped immediately. Now I keep the cover down of course.
Keely had her last dose of metronidazole yesterday morning, and just like predicted, she started having loose stool again this morning. But I can't switch her off the Nutro Ultra with lamb meat in it until the big bag of Wellness Chicken gets here.
