Chloe relaxes after pre-surgical blood tests

We had an unexpected surprise at the vet today.  Last week we found what looked like a “mole” or “wart” on the tip of Chloe’s ear.  I made an appointment at the vet more to put my mind at ease than anything else.

Turns out it is a cluster-cell tumor (with a big ol’ long word in the beginning that I just could NOT make out).  Chances are greatest that it is benign as most of these are, but surgery is schedulled to remove it on Wednesday.  We are getting a biopsy done “just in case”, as Chloe is a working dog.  The vet nor I either one wanted to take any chances.

Chloe enchants everyone who meets her up close, and face-to-face.  The vets all love her, and she actually enjoys the attention and love from others as she gets to be “off vest” while there. She loves people.  They had to “take her away” to draw blood for the pre-surgical blood work.  I heard a sound, and only saw the vet tech’s wide eyes on the other side of the counter about 20 yards down the hallway.  Evidently Chloe escaped.  (She isn’t use to not being right with me all the time, poor thing).  Chloe came barreling around the corner going full steam right at me!  I was speechless!  Fido‘s training “kicked-in” and right before she ran me over, I used the hand motions for a long recall.  She sat prim and proper after skidding to a halt.  Whew!

The vet said she was going to make some notes for the surgical team to make sure they made the smallest notch possible in her ear, and that they would use special sutures.  Still in shock, I only nodded numbly while she explained this.  I guess she was thinking that Chloe is in public all the time, and extra care should be taken?

A field spaniel with a snake bite came in while I was getting ready to leave, so scheduling the surgery went rather quickly.  Wednesday I drop her off (no food or water) around 7 AM.  I get to pick her up after 7 PM.  Will this be a long day for me or WHAT?  Grin!

Denise Portis

© 2008 Hearing Loss Journal