WOW—Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital

We arrived at this wonderful facility about noon, saw a 4th year veterinary medical student named Danika who took a very complete history and then consulted with Dr. Simpson, the staff veterinarian.  We agreed on a diagnostic plan—x-rays, fluoroscopy (x-ray with camera), blood work and a dermatology consult for the lesions which have appeared all over her back.  They took Emmi away and we headed out to find some lunch, stroll around Home Depot and kill time. 

About 4:15 we all convened to discuss what they found—Emmi was one very happy little pooch when she saw us!  Emmi does have a minor case of collapsed trachea, common in small dogs.  The prolonged barking at the hanging ball probably irritated this condition and inflamed her trachea.  Dr. Simpson gave us another liquid pain/cough medicine and we are to continue the prednisone for a few more days.  As for the back lesions—Emmi was a celebrity today!  The doggy dermatologists and students examined the lesions, looked at the drainage from the lesions under the microscope and did cultures.  What they are and why she has them remains a mystery—but the drainage is pus so there is an infection present.  So, we are also giving Emmi antibiotics and bathing her in a special shampoo twice weekly—thanks goodness for full hookups! 

All in all we feel much better, Emmi does not have a life threatening condition and should improve quickly.  We were given the go ahead to leave with the promise we would find someone to see her in about a week for a checkup.  Dr. Simpson will notify us of the culture results via email in a couple days.  Whew—I think a glass of wine is in order!

What a spectacular facility with every kind of diagnostic tool and specialist available.  Everyone with whom we came in contact was cheerful, pleasant and welcoming.  With a hard to diagnosis problem in a young animal—I wouldn’t hesitate to go to a veterinary college—we were that impressed!!  Our veterinarians at home were on the right track, they just don’t have access to the kinds of diagnostic tools these huge institutions have and we weren’t at home any longer.  When I realized we were near a veterinary college, it was a no brainer!  The waiting room was a sea of dogs all the time we spent waiting—you’ve heard of people watching—well, we dog watched! 

When the final bill came it was surprisingly reasonable—that too was a welcome surprise.  Finding out what is wrong with your beloved pet can come at great cost! 

We so appreciate all your comments and concerns—it helps!!