Lexie’s Surprise Illness

There are many illnesses that certain breeds are more likely to contract. If you’re buying a dog from a reputable breeder, you can check blood lines to make sure there is no reoccurrence of certain illnesses. However, if you are rescuing a pure bred, there is just no way to know. It may be a good idea to be familiar with the most common diseases. Of course, your veterinarian would rather you didn’t worry obsessively and diagnose your dog on your own, but on your first visit, ask your vet if there is anything you should watch out for and talk to others familiar with the breed. You may decide that it’s a good idea to get pet insurance as well.

Debbie Pollino in Fort Thomas, KY writes about her standard poodle, Lexie. The gorgeous Lexie was found and adopted through the Standard Poodle Rescue in great health. Debbie says she was wonderful from day one, but she wishes she would have considered getting her insurance. You just never know when health problems might arise.

Lexie’s problems started gradually. She was losing weight and just didn’t seem like her normal perky self. Debbie found herself taking her to the vet every few weeks with something new and troublesome. First she was diagnosed with colitis because of her occasional bouts of diarrhea. Next she had heartburn and then sinus problems. Eventually she was diagnosis with anorexia because of a large weight loss. She had lost 10 pounds in just a year dropping from 55 pounds to 45 pounds. The poor thing was emaciated, but no one seemed to know what the problem was.

When Debbie brought her in for her annual shot, another doctor in the practice took a look at her and didn’t like what she saw. She refused to give the ailing poodle any shots until some blood work was done. Surely there was some reason for her frail state.

Lexie’s vet was right and she was diagnosed with Addison’s disease, a common ailment in female standard poodles. Now for the rest of her life Lexie has to receive an injection of cortisol every 25 days. The dosage is based on her weight and costs between $90 and $100. She also has to take prednisone which has increased her appetite. She is now back to a much healthier and normal weight of 55 pounds. Debbie is so happy that her gorgeous dog is healthy again, but she wishes she had purchased health insurance. If she had, she would have been reimbursed for eligible benefits.

Petplace Staff