I am a Survivor!!

I am a Survivor!!

By Tracy Frost

DiMaggio the day he completed his Chemo Last Treatment 

This sweet little boy is Silverdale's Joe DogMaggio (Magi), a 13.5 year old very loving and active Havanese. He loves to go for long walks, play soccer and fetch. His owners, Tom and Gretchen say, “He's a playful, good-natured little guy whom we adore. He's the smartest dog I've ever known.”

Magi is always a very enthusiastic eater, so when he didn’t want to eat, no matter what his owners fed him, they began to worry.  They even tried his favorites; chicken, hamburger and rice, but it still didn’t do the trick. Magi was also starting to struggle with walking far distances, and would lie down shortly after they started. His loving owners were frightened over his behavior, and knew something was seriously wrong.

Magi, was immediately taken to CKVC to see Dr. Weakley, where he informed Tom and Gretchen that Magi's symptoms were consistent with cancer.  With heavy hearts, they listened as Dr. Weakley explained about the two possible types of lymphoma--the good and the bad, in layman's terms.  

After a Needle aspirate was taken, Magi was given a steroid injection to kick his appetite into gear, along with prednisone tablets.  Gretchen said, “Magi began to eat immediately, the first step toward feeling better.” 

Unfortunately, the cytology was inconclusive, so Magi had to undergo a biopsy, which confirmed that he indeed had lymphoma

The Importance of Annual Examinations

Annual Pet Examinations and The Rising Cost of Pet Care:

It is very important to bring your pet to see your veterinarian at least once a year. 

Vaccines are generally required annually once your pet reaches adulthood. Puppies, of course, require a regiment of vaccinations throughout their first year. The kennel cough vaccine, which is given twice a year, is another exception to the general rule of annual vaccinations.


As your pet ages or as health issues arise your pet may need to be seen more than once a year. Most pet owners understand that pets age faster than humans. So, if you only brought your pet in once a year, that would be like you going to the doctor every seven years.

A lot of changes can occur to your pet's health in a year. If your pet is on any long term medication your pet should be seen 2 - 4 times per year for an exam and blood work.

Some Ideas That May Help:

With the instability of the economy, we are all feeling the pinch of rising costs. Budgeting for pet care and medications is very important. It may help are to break your annual visit into two visits (or every six months). Ask your veterinarian if you can get more than one month's worth of medications. Some medications, however, by federal law can only be filled every 30 days.

Using preventatives like heartworm, flea, and tick products monthly year round are cheaper than treating the disease that your pets can get if you do not use these preventatives.

Finally, you may want to inquire about pet health insurances, which may cover the cost of preventative health care.

Amy Marcum, LVT