[Roxiesmama]

OK, Roxie is home from her x-rays, all bathed, and is relaxing with her daddy. She's still a little groggy.

Here's the lowdown from the Doctor:

1. Neck, spine, and hips were all clear. No sign of slipped discs or arthritis. He even showed us the digital images and explained everything about her joints and vertebrae and everything.

2. Luxating Patella in her left knee is only stage 1. He said we could still follow up with a surgeon if we like, but that most surgeons won't operate for stage 1.

3. Dental was okay, though he said there was a mild occlusion in that her front top and bottom canines don't line up the way they are supposed to. He said he doubts that is the reason for the sudden change in her eating habits, since her teeth have been that way her whole life. He didn't see any cavities or cracks. He said we could follow up with a specialist, as they do make "doggie braces" that could fix the problem.

4. She has put on weight. How this is possible when she hasn't been eating all of her food is beyond me, but nonetheless we will be cutting down on how much food she gets with each meal and go back to giving her Pepcid, since that seemed to help her appetite for a few weeks. He said we just might be giving her too much food and her body doesn't want/need it. He also said we should try to grind up the food a bit, because the kibble pieces are very large.

5. As for the not jumping up onto the couch, Dr. said that at some point she must have done it and it caused her extreme pain (maybe from her LP knee). She probably remembers that and won't jump up on the couch anymore because she doesn't want the pain again.

I feel better knowing that the x-rays are clear. I have high hopes that with the dietary modifications and me being home for the summer, we will see an improvement in both her disposition and behavior.

I thank you all for your concern and advice. I love this place and I am so glad YT is here when I need it! You folks are amazing!