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*´`*

I kind of skimmed that thread and i can sort of see how you feel the way you do. Personally, if those pics in your sig tag are recent, she looks a bit lean, but not too thin. Ridley was always lean and he got way down when he was sick, but he never even came close to 90 pounds until he was about 4 years old and he's quite tall. He was always a picky eater and would skip food for days especially in the summer.. Now that he's eating RAW, he's a horse.

Keep your mind open, everyone wants to be helpful, but you have to balance that out with what you are experiencing in person.

You need to do what you feel is right, she's your dog, your responsibility. If that means waiting because she's thin, then wait. Even if all that's doing is giving you peace of mind, it's worth waiting.

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send you a small bag of food since I can get most brands locally. That way you could try something out. I have been using Merrick and have been very happy with it, and so have the dogs.

Love,
April, Muggsey,Vixxen, and Klondike
Akitas (and Mals) Bring Happiness!!!

Nobody knows more about Akitas than you do. I've taken your advice more times than I can count. You have helped me out time and again when I've had questions about my big old boy, and your advice has always been sound. Keep on keepin' on.

I'm no expert but I try to do the best I can.Thanks so much

I`ve skimmed through the threads you`re talking about and I`ve read every word in this thread, so I think I`ve got a handle on what you`re concerned about, my only imput is to say I know you love Porcha the world and I know you wouldn`t do anything to harm her, so, it`s only my opinion, but you are the only one who knows whats best for her and your vet sounds very supportive and knowledgable, don`t worry about what anyone else thinks, you`re a great mum and Porcha is very lucky to have you

I feel so bad that you felt necessary to write a post like this. As I've said before, we all care and that is the only reason we post what we do - to try and help each other.

Erika, Marquee, & Magnum

Don't let others get you down. Five pounds is no that big of a deal either way. So, I would do what you and your vet feel is best

You bet kid Yes, I hope to hit the ring soon. Bella has not decided to level out, she is going to be a big girl, like her Momma and Gracie and Sawyer just need a few more months to catch up. I just finished my Am Staff "Piper", so I don't have any class stuff to show....so they better get on with it

till you get back in the show ring again! I love Bella cant wait to see how she turns out, hope she levels out soon so she can get in the show ring. Cant wait to see new pictures pictures of Sawyer & Grace hope they catch up soon so they can get in the show ring and show em how its done! lol Congratulations Genoa on finishing Piper, I love Piper very Stunning! Cant wait to see everyone.



When you own an Akita, flaunt it!*Real Women, Own Real Dogs!* *´`*Amy, Porscha, and Mercedes*´`*

Your sweet

need to do what YOU think is best for your pup....YOU are her mommy and know what is best for her. I am glad you vented though!!! Glad you cleared everything up!!!

PENNY

When you own an Akita, flaunt it!*Real Women, Own Real Dogs!* *´`*Amy, Porscha, and Mercedes*´`*

...of foods you are interested in such as Innova and EVO ought to be available at most locations that carry that food. The manufacturer(Natura) guarantees the food, and so the store you purchase it from should offer to let you return it if it is not working for your dog. You might try adding a small amount of coconut oil and really warm water on her food to see if that helps entice her to eat. The coconut oil is good for skin and coat and is sweet which most dogs seem to prefer. Also, it is one of those products that you can use for yourself(I use it in the frying pan when doing eggs etc), so you aren't out the money if your dogs don't like it. Lately I have been doing a 1/2 raw 1/2 kibble diet. In the a.m. everyone gets a chicken back or two. In the p.m. everyone gets kibble with salmon oil etc. added. So far so good. Everyone is doing great and eating fine. So, maybe something like that will work for you. In any case, what you decide to do for/with your animals is your decision alone. We all have that responsibility to do what is best for our pets, but it is our responsibility, not that of others. And what may work for one dog may not work at all for another.

Hi Amy - if it's any consolation - I can honestly say that after lurking for serveral months and reading posts and seeing pics of your babies - there is no doubt in my mind that they are well taken care of. You feed high quality food, give them the best treats, toys, etc. Their coats look great and they look healthy. You are an A+ mom to them in my book.

I've been meaning to say Hi - We tend to get really busy this time of year - seems like we are never home until after Labor Day. We had family here for a week, then I was out of town on business for a week, then we go boating, etc. I can lurk at the forum at work now and then but I have to be careful what I do.

Anya tore her cruciate ligaments in both hind legs - poor baby. She had surgery on the right leg as it was the worst and then towards the end of Sept we will get the other leg taken care of. My vet says that she is doing rather well in the one leg that had surgery, great strengh and range of motion. She just has a hematoma that we need to get taken care of. Everyone else is great - They really don't quite understand why they cannot be together but we try to compensate the best we can and do individual things with them - like yesterday Brewski went boating - he loves it.

Your two look lovely and happy as always - hope all has been well with you.

....I dunno, buncha opinions but I didn't see anybody call into question your care or concern for Porscha.
As far as following vet's orders and all that, if the vet says that five extra pounds will make it easier for him to rip my bitches uterus out then I'd pack it on. I payed full up on the bloodwork and bought the pain meds, our spay was almost $300. Eff it, I'd pay eveything I got if it means my girl will do alright. Despite what PEOPLE say, it is a major surgery.
There aren't any vets posting on here, but there's alot of experience in the mix.
Audit.