Since our last update we have some new information about Steamboat. We have been treating her for a severe bladder infection. In the last month she has had two courses of antibiotics. The number of bacteria were too high to count in the first urinalysis. We tested her again today and the news was both good and not so good. Her bladder infection is gone. But the vet noted a high level of calcium oxalate in her urine which indicates stones in her bladder. The plan is to x-ray the bladder and see whether surgery is necessary to remove stones. The surgery could run as high as $800. If surgery is required there would be a two week recovery period. If the x-rays show there are no stones, no surgery would be necessary...but she would require a prescription diet for the rest of her life. She will go in for the x-ray next week and will start on the diet as soon as possible. She is still having the bladder urgency but is sleeping through the night.

We are also still working on getting her thyroid dosing corrected. She will have another test in 2 weeks. She currently is taking l-thyroxine 0.4 mg twice a day. This is down from 0.8 twice a day. Her weight has remained constant at 76 pounds. Usually when the thryroid dose is reduced there can be some weight gain.

All this medical treatment has really livened her up. She is a real sweetie who loves to swim in the pond and stand on the ledge "fishing" for our goldfish. So far she hasn't caught any. She was the hit of the graduation party for our duaghter...there is nothing friendlier than a wet dog!!