home vets

carver had his first visit with a pair of veterinarians whose practice is all house calls. I found them over the summer, while I was researching for vets who would be able to help with at home euthanasia, if we have to face that awful decision in the future. carver has had less mobility lately, first not wanting to go into the kitchen, then the walks began to get shorter, with more frequent rests. he becomes dead weight when he does not want to go in the direction. anyway, we had suspected that his difficulty in walking was in part due to his nails getting too long, and his not being able to gain purchase on the slick linoleum. at first I began to see if I could find a groomer who could come over to trim his nails (carver has never been able to stand me doing this, and I have not been able to stand it either). but e pointed out that it may be something else-and I thought of the home vets. they were wonderful-two female vets who work in tandem. we were outside when they arrived, and they honked and waved as they drove by. carver was smothered with pats and kisses and compliments. he was thrilled-visitors! we made our way into the house, and they continued to praise and pet carver while i filled them in with how I have been treating him and the story of his cancer. then they began to examine him, an extension of the petting. they listened to his heart and lungs, looked into his eyes and ears, checked all his limbs, flexing and extending his joints, all the things he would have done at the regular vets, all on the comfort of his own cushion. although we love love love dr. w, it was wonderful to not have to out carver through the stress of the vets visit. and it is a huge comfort to have more folks on carver's team. and what a kind and compassionate and wonderful team he has all around-dr. w, janice the acupuncturist, saint lili, the expert elder dog care giver, e, mother number 2 extraordinaire and carver's best pal, and now the awesome home vet ladies. and the happy news-they were way impressed with carver's overall health, all things considered. they said his eyes looked great, heart sounded strong. his right lung sounded a little odd, but she said it could be "old dog lung" and not due to a lung met. the main issue now is his arthritis. they suggested adding fish oil & glycosomine, both of which I have in the house, and adding a warm compress to his front right shoulder at tonight while we are cozy on the couch. between this visit and the wonderful winning of president obama, I feel my body relaxing for the first time in months. what sweet relief!