Akita Question & Answer Forum: Talked to my Vet

I called and talked with my vet yesterday afternoon because I was so emotionally distraught and frustrated with everyone attacking me on the forum yesterday, like I was doing something wrong or I was neglecting Porscha or I have the worst vet etc etc. I appreciate everyones concerns and all; this forum is the best thing that has ever come to me. You guys are like family, everyone here is awesome!!! Its just that I felt like I was being attacked! I did not ask for any one's opinion on the subject about Porscha and my vet, I was just posting on Sarah's post about spay/neuter subject and then there was a new post started about Porscha and my vets suggestion to put 5 pounds on Porscha before she was spayed. I was not looking for any opinions or insight on the subject. I trust my vet and respected his wishes and agree with his cautions before having Porscha spayed. I am glad he is being cautious, you know some vets wont do a health check up and everything before a spay/neuter. If making Porscha put on a few pounds for her to get spayed will help with any complications and have her at a good weight I am all for it!! I dont want to loose my baby, if something could have prevented it!! Wouldnt you!?!? If I lost her to something that was preventable, I would blame myself for the rest of my life!

I really didn't think it was a big deal, dont know why the subject was blown up so much. It didnt worry me at all when my vet suggested to me to put a few pounds on Porscha before under going her spay. As I said i was NOT looking for any type of opinions, suggestions or to ease my mind on this subject from anyone. It was just a shock to see it blow up the way it did! Its not like he wants me to pack on excess poundage thats not needed, but a slightly underweight dog needing to gain back what Porscha lost since the summer months. Let me point out to everyone that Porscha was at a GOOD weight when she had her eyes done, she was about 74 pounds then, now she is about 67-69 pounds. I know some dogs will loose weight in the summer months, and thats fine I understand but if gaining a few pounds before her spay will help with her recovery, then I am all for it.

I called and talked with my vet yesterday afternoon because I was so emotionally distraught and frustrated yesterday as I said, like I was doing something wrong or I was neglecting Porscha or I have the worst vet etc etc. I called and had a discussion with my vet and asked him "Does Porscha really have to gain this weight to get spayed?" and he replied back with "Of course not, it was just a suggestion that you put a few pounds on Porscha to avoid any complications. Such as having a hard recovery, or have complications under anesthesia being a little under weight Porscha could become weak during her recovery so I would put a little weight on her just to be on the safe side and to avoid any complications." He also said that "To hold off on Porschas spay wont hurt anything, as I know you are a responsible person/responsible dog owner and you do everything to keep Porscha safe and you wont have any accidents." He knows how passionate i am about dogs and how I think dogs & cats should be spayed/neutered because some people just don't care or even be as cautious as I am while I am awaiting for Porscha to gain weight so she could be spayed.

Like I said before, if making Porscha put on a few pounds for her to get spayed will help with not having any complications I am all for it!! I don't want to loose my baby, if something could have prevented it!! Wouldnt you!? If I lost her to something that was preventable, I would blame myself for the rest of my life!

I am very passionate about my dogs. They are my kids! I am very passionate about dogs in general and always have been since i was a kid; dogs are my passion and calling. Thats why I want to get into showing and training dogs. Dogs and animals are my life, and I say that because they are its the only thing I know and something I am very passionate about and I am great at what I do and it makes me happy!

Also yesterday I asked my vet about getting blood work done on Porscha and I had totally forgot that yes in fact Porscha has had blood work done on her when she had her eyes fixed at the end of March this year. And everything was ok. Because when my vet does major surgeries he always does blood work to insure the dog/cat is healthy before undergoing any type of surgery.

I feel comfortable with my vets suggestions, and I did not have any doubts, questions, concern or anything when he told me to put 5 pounds on Porscha. Because I agree! You cant tell it in the photos of Porscha, but you can feel her ribs and feel her spine now that she has lost this 5-6 pounds. Dont you think I would have asked for everyone's opinions, concern, questions on this subject if I was seeking it? Well of course I would have, you guys are like my family. But I was NOT seeking any advice, opinions, concerns or anything about this. As it was pointed out, I have done lots of research when choosing my vet, I think I am already going to the best vet in the area. Other vets in my area didnt even know what an Akita was! I live in the country and Akitas are not popular at all. I chose my vet because he knows about the breed and has worked with the breed and he has been doing this for years. Another thing pointed out; there are vets that will spay anytime, anywhere, any weight, any condition. I am glad my vet is being cautious and suggesting things to me, to help better Porschas recovery when undergoing her spay surgery. Because I know my Porscha all too well, when she has this surgery she will most likely go on a food strike until she recovers.

I didnt want to discuss thos weight gain with anyone, as I didnt feel the need to. I was just posting on Sarahs post about spay/neuter and that was it. I was not looking for any type of any advice, opinions, concerns or anything about this, because I did not feel the need to. Thank You for everyones opinions and concerns but they were not needed, but they are much appreciated. I will be starting Porscha on satin balls on Monday and I will go from there, in about 2-4 weeks time she should put on the weight and she will be spayed and that will be the end of that. I will do updates on Porschas progress and let everyone know how the girl is doing before she is spayed. When Porscha gets spayed my vet is doing another blood test, because thats what he does with every surgery.

Once Porscha is spayed I hope she keeps her weight up, if not a change of food may be the last resort, I really love the Taste of the Wild food but if she is not staying at a good weight I may have to change it. The food has done wonders on her coat, skin, ears, teeth, and stools its just not putting any weight on her, I am feeding the High prairie formula. As Nik said, I might have to go with a richer food like Innova or Evo. But I dont want to, because the only place that sales those foods are over an hour away. With Taste of the Wild its only 10 minutes from my house. Its more convenient, but if it comes down to it I might have to switch to those foods that are over an hour away. Ill keep everyone updated on this as well; just know to all that dont already know Porscha is the most stubborn eater I have ever met, she turns her nose up to everything!! Porscha has no appetite what so ever!!

Anyways thank you all for you concern and options on this, I just didnt ask for any help, but if I did you guys would be the first ones I ask. You guys are my Akita family!! Sorry so long.

When you own an Akita, flaunt it!*Real Women, Own Real Dogs!* *�`*Amy, Porscha, and Mercedes*�`* [linked image]