The Importance of a Veterinary Exam

Each day, I receive many emails asking me to help -- help discover what is wrong with a pet, decide what medication would be best, or simply give advice to avoid a trip to the vet. The World Wide Web is wonderful, but it isn't a crystal ball. However, that isn't to say that people and pets can't be helped over the web! They are, and it happens every day. That is truly the wonder of the Internet.

As a veterinarian on the Internet, I am very careful not to diagnose, prescribe medication, or give second opinions. This sounds easy, but isn't always so black and white. An email about a pet, a vet, or the outcome of a case may sound obvious, but who knows? I haven't seen the patient, haven't met the owner or the vet, haven't seen all of the laboratory results or other test results. I don't know the whole history or even if things are presented accurately in the email.

This article is a "case example" -- an email exchange between myself and a viewer (who gave permission to use this material here) discussing her dog.

TO: Vetmedicine Guide
FROM: Chachawoman
SUBJECT: Old Dog Smells

Our 8 yr old shepherd, white lab mix has developed an unpleasant, dirty/musty smell since this spring. We bathed her, which helped for a week or so, but she has this unpleasant odor again. She has arthritis and about 60 lbs, so we don't like to bathe her too often.

Is there something natural we can add to her food to help eliminate the odor? She is shedding like crazy, but that is normal for her during warm/hot weather. I look forward to your comments. Thank you.

It would be easy to recommend some shampoos or bathing techniques, but I have to ask...what would cause the odor in the first place?

TO: Chachawoman
FROM: Vetmedicine Guide
SUBJECT: Re: Old Dog Smells

I recommend having your dog checked out by a vet. There are many things that can cause odor, skin infection being one of them. Other problems, such as anal gland infection, bad teeth, and so on, can give off a general odor and get on the hair coat to confuse the issue. I cannot recommend anything to put into her food without knowing what is causing the odor.

Good luck,

Janet Crosby Tobiassen DVM
About.com Guide to Veterinary Medicine

I don't often hear back from viewers who write with questions, but it is very nice to hear how things turned out. Thankfully, Chachawoman wrote me back after a visit to her vet with this news:

TO: Vetmedicine Guide
FROM: Chachawoman
SUBJECT: Old Dog Smells

It appears the smell was from the anal sacs, which is one of the indicators you mentioned. She seems peppier now and doesn't have the smell any more. It's much more pleasant to have her in the house now. Thanks.

So, a happy ending for an "old dog" who was smelly. Not everything happens so smoothly, but it is encouraging to know that people and pets ARE being helped in some way over the Internet. The importance of seeing your "real life" vet cannot be stressed enough.

The site Forum is buzzing with exchanges such as this everyday, several times a day. We have a very helpful community of vets, techs, students, and fellow pet owners ready to lend an ear and offer advice, suggestions, and support. The forum is the place to be for timely answers to your veterinary medicine questions.

Please click here for more information about anal sac troubles in dogs.

Thanks for visiting...until next time!

Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.

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