The First Time

Since the husband and I have had Reno for a few weeks, we figured it was time for the first Vet visit. I set up an appointment for him and brought him in the afternoon for his first check up. I was not quite sure what to expect as the husband was the one who brought Remmi for her first check up.

Reno was wonderful. He did so great and of course, everybody loved him. He was the superstar patient. He was so calm and didn't really seem to mind the poking and prodding and shots.... he just laid there as calm as could be-that is until the doctor tested out his joints.

He squealed in pain each time the doctor tested any one of his joints. It is cause for concern because Shepherds are known to be effected by hip dysplasia and joint problems.  It can be quite costly and devastating if this is the case.  I'm not sure if he squealed because he's a wimp and didn't want the doc pulling on his leg or if there is a problem that is going to be more prevalent as he gets older.

We got Reno from a breeder in VT. They are very sweet people and I don't believe they would have knowingly given us a dog that is not in tip top form. I would like to believe they wouldn't anyway. When we got him they discussed the "hip guarantee" that they offered because they were certain none of the pups would have a problem. The hips on our puppy are guaranteed for 1 year, however, if there is a problem with the hips instead of fixing them (because I don't believe there really is a fix) we would get a new puppy instead.  That sounds all fine and dandy, but we have already bonded with Reno and so has Remmi and to be honest, we don't have a big enough house for another Shepherd.

I'm hoping that all will be fine with Reno in the long run and that perhaps he was just having a rough day and really doesn't have any problems! We are going to have the joints re-tested in 3 weeks when he returns for the rest of his shots. Poor guy. I hope that his poor joints are doing better by then!

Have you ever had a scary first experience at the vet?