I took our little old lady Samantha to the vet clinic this morning. Despite her age, Sam has been a pretty healthy girl in the time we've had her. But she's started peeing while she sleeps, which is something we've seen before in younger female dogs (and is easily treated with phenylpropanolamine -- which for obvious reasons is usually just called PPA for short). Yet the incontinence could be caused by other things, too, so she needed a urinalysis and a general exam. That was the initial reason for today's appointment, but in the past 24-48 hours she developed a hematoma in her left ear, making it look like her ear had swallowed a small balloon. This required surgery to open it up and drain all the fluid out.
Usually what happens to us is that a dog will develop a new problem -- say, a hematoma in a left ear -- 24 to 48 hours after a vet appointment, necessitating a trip back to the clinic. We told Sam we really appreciated her cooperation in this matter by getting the hematoma a day before the vet visit.
Here is Sam with Dr. Chris Plumley, who owns the practice in Whitefield and did the exam this morning:
And here they are again, with Sam clearly enjoying the attention:
Our other vet, Dr. Nancy Lefavour, did the ear surgery on Sam this afternoon and she came through that procedure just fine. When I picked up Sam this evening, the verdict was in: we'd start her on PPA for the urinary issue and see how she does. She came back with a deflated ear, a bit groggy still from the anesthesia, but glad to be home.
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I have that same problem when I sneeze! Do you think those pills would work for me???? My "kids" are such brats at the vets and I can't help but compare them to "Sweet Sam".....Hope those pills are working!
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | March 03, 2011 at 01:36 PM
Sweet, sweet lady Sam! I don't notice the grey - you beautiful smile shines above everything. The best! Delight about your wonderful care.
Posted by: Margaret | March 03, 2011 at 11:12 AM
I have a rescued black lab who has the same problem, in fact, I suspect that is why she was dumped. PPA has resolved the problem and I have a continent angel. Cindy
Posted by: Cindy Allen | March 03, 2011 at 11:06 AM
What a beautiful, sweet old girl Sam is! So happy to hear that she's back home and on the mend.
She sure looks like she loves her vet! I have 2 dogs, one who likes her vet but doesn't like being there and one who not only likes the vet, but loves being there! She goes around and visits with everyone that she can. It's always great when the animals have a great relationship with their vets.
Posted by: Ann | March 03, 2011 at 12:35 AM
What's not to love about that face. Be well precious.
Posted by: Cora Hellings | March 02, 2011 at 11:48 PM
Smilin' Sam! Love you!
Posted by: Julien Sharp | March 02, 2011 at 07:30 PM
Believe it or not, I was just thinking about Samantha the other day!
I agree with Moon Rani (love that name BTW), Sam does seem to have greyed a bit since we've seen her last. She sure is photogenic. I hope she's all better real soon!
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | March 02, 2011 at 03:14 PM
What a beautiful, sweet old dog. Is she as precious as she looks in her photos?? I am so glad she has such a nice life now. Thank you S&A for taking such good care of Samantha and making her golden years happy. You sure Doc Plumley doesnt want another dog?? She seems to fancy him, it looks like......
Posted by: Anne in FL | March 02, 2011 at 01:55 PM
Awwww, Sam - we know you're glad to be back at home with your family at the ranch but you got to see that handsome vet. And you kept smiling too. Here's' hoping you will feel great soon! Thanks, all, for taking care of sweet Sam.
Posted by: Angela | March 02, 2011 at 11:40 AM
I was wondering how Smilin' Sam was doing, I adore her. She is cute as a bug and such a sweetie. I'm so glad her vet trip went well (bet you are too . . . )
Posted by: Dawn | March 02, 2011 at 10:49 AM
What a sweet face! Happy to hear all will be well with Samantha.
Posted by: Barbara Techel | March 02, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Doesn't Sam look like the sweetest dog on earth?:-)
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that her incontinence problem can be easily solved with PPA.
Please give her a HUGE hug for me.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | March 02, 2011 at 04:20 AM
So glad smilin' Sam is doing well! She looks so content and adorable!
Posted by: Nina | March 01, 2011 at 09:46 PM
Smilin' Sam, you old dog, you. Love your sweetness. Speedy recovery.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | March 01, 2011 at 09:17 PM
Oh you beautiful beautiful girl- that swollen ear must have been very painful. How smart of you to have everything taken care of in one trip.
We hope you are feeling much better now and so happy that you are back home.
Posted by: Chloe | March 01, 2011 at 07:13 PM
Sweet Sam, she looks to have gotten much greyer in the short time she's been at RDR. How I wish I could have her for my own! Well I remember her path to arriving at RDR. I'm glad to see her pretty face and to know she's getting over her current troubles.
Posted by: Moon Rani | March 01, 2011 at 07:04 PM
Oh SWEET, SWEET Sam!! Glad she is back home. What precious pictures! Give her a big hug from Aunt Shirley and Uncle James!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | March 01, 2011 at 07:03 PM
Sam actually looks like she is indeed enjoying her time at the vet.......wonder why my dogs always look the opposite at the vet? I have a terrific vet but still, they stress out about it. Way to represent Sam!!
Posted by: Marla from Kansas City | March 01, 2011 at 06:43 PM