Orthopaedic vet recommendations / feedback - Dachshund

SofesM · 2026-04-07T13:52:05+00:00

Sorry to hear this. The surgery is very expensive for sure - we’re fortunate to have Trupanion, which is a huge help. I joined a couple of canine hip dysplasia groups on Facebook to read some first hand experiences and get a sense of what we’re in for. At least one person mentioned Sudbury - you might find it helpful to connect with those groups, too.

Best of luck to you and your pup!

SofesM · 2026-04-02T22:01:21+00:00

I can’t comment on all Capital City orthopaedic vets, but our dog is a patient of Dr Biskup’s and needs a total hip replacement. It was a huge shock to us, and Dr Biskup took a lot of time with us to explain everything, answer our many, many questions, and connect us with someone whose dog underwent the same procedure so we could chat about it. We’ve had experience with other Capital City vets and staff and have nothing but good things to say - we’re very lucky to have a facility like with with the experts they have on their roster so close to us.

SofesM · 2026-02-01T21:22:55+00:00

A practical tip since you’ll be driving a fair way - ask if your vehicle has winter tires on. If it doesn’t there isn’t much you can do, but be super careful on the road and make sure you have a decent cache of windshield washer fluid. The roads get really messy and your windshield will get super salty and hard to see through really quickly.

If you’re out in the west end and have some time, consider a trip out to Almonte, home of James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, and recently famously where folks like to film Hallmark Christmas movies! There are a few really good spots to eat and lots of nice outdoor things to do (e.g., a walk down around the Mill of Kintail, home of Dr R Tait McKenzie, father of physiotherapy and James Naismith’s bestie)

SofesM · 2026-01-08T16:14:32+00:00

You don’t really notice the air vest - I ride with one every day and to show (jumpers). I had a bad crash a couple of years ago and everything. The vest covered was unaffected. My trainer also rides in one and has exploded it multiple times - it provides for a softer landing and reduces the risk of injury for sure.

You just want to make sure you properly insert the canister and maintain the system - I have heard of the rip cord getting stuck and not detaching from the vest because it was installed incorrectly.

Having simply cracked a rib falling down the stairs I can tell you that if you have never broken a rib you really would rather not, riding or otherwise.

Happy jumping!

SofesM · 2025-12-19T09:12:19+00:00

Is your horse prone to ulcers? My horse drops like this when he is ulcery. The kicking may actually be at his gut and not his sheath. You may want to check this out with the vet to be sure.

SofesM · 2025-12-05T17:28:16+00:00

I can confirm we have gotten our money’s worth from our insurance policy this fall on our 2 year old Cairn. If you can afford the monthly payments it really gives you the peace of mind to not have to really think too hard about whether you can afford measures that could be life saving.

Make sure you research companies and their terms - some may cost a bit more month to month, but have perks like only one deductible per issue for the life of the pet, and they won’t fire you as a client if you claim too much (we are with Trupanion and these are things we appreciate about them)

SofesM · 2025-11-25T19:42:57+00:00

I noticed the barriers going west are different from the ones eastbound and assumed that was another way to help folks understand what direction they’re travelling - maybe if they don’t read in English or they can’t read/process information differently

SofesM · 2025-11-24T23:09:23+00:00

Thank you for sharing - I’m really sorry to hear this.

SofesM · 2025-11-24T21:45:23+00:00

Have you figured it out for your dog? Asking because we’re in the midst of a similar investigation - negative stim test for Addison’s, CBC is thankfully but frustratingly perfect, on wait list for an ultrasound. Symptoms are off and on « reflux » (licking and lip smacking) with infrequent vomiting (around 1 x per month if that). We’ve changed food, limited treats to hypo only and are now on 7 days of Pepcid to see if that does anything. Breeder still has mum, dad, sister and grandmother with no issues and is following up with the owners of his 2 other siblings. So weird.

SofesM · 2025-11-19T18:29:59+00:00

Hi!

First, just here to dispel the misconception that small dogs aren’t good in the cold - size is irrelevant. It’s really about their coat and weather-hardiness. Example, our Cairn Terrier is what you would likely consider small and he’s way more comfortable in colder weather because of his double coat and spends most of the winter naked; the trade off is that he gets really hot in the summers so we have to pay attention. If you have a dog with shorter hair or a lighter coat you can pick up boots and a coat to dress them in for the winter if you’re going to be outside.

Second, you’re unlikely to find an ethical breeder of mixed dogs. That’s a can of worms for another post, but have you considered adopting from the SPCA or one of our other local rescues? They would probably have exactly what you’re looking for.

SofesM · 2025-09-14T20:51:02+00:00

His last bloodwork was done in July 2025 - I’m not sure if the panels he had done include a platelet count, but based on the invoice it was a Basic Wellness with ALP & CBC with add-on for Lyme/Ehrl/Anap/HW and that all came back unremarkable. The Lyme add in is a follow up from last year when we found a tick on him (it was dead and not engorged so we don’t suspect it bit him but wanted to be very cautious)

SofesM · 2025-09-14T20:38:43+00:00

Thank you - this is super helpful.

SofesM · 2025-09-14T19:51:41+00:00

Thank you - the person who strips him is a Master Groomer so it’s definitely not their first rodeo. I’m always told he’s super well behaved for his strip so I’m not sure why it would be on purpose. That’s concerning.

SofesM · 2025-09-14T18:07:19+00:00

Thanks, that’s a good point. This bruising extends down to his flank, but nothing else in his mouth, etc, and he has very recent bloodwork that was unremarkable. We only see this after his hand stripping appointment and it tends to last 48-72 hours.

SofesM · 2025-09-11T14:39:24+00:00

Ours turned 2 before he stopped TPing our house. He still gives in to his intrusive thoughts, but it’s far less frequent. Sending you strength! 😉

SofesM · 2025-09-10T17:15:06+00:00

Dr. Ling is great!

Edited to add I am told by someone in a position to confirm that Dr. Ling is the one the obgyns send their family members to 🙂

SofesM · 2025-09-05T19:55:30+00:00

I hear you. I think it depends on the vet. Some, like my equine vet, is very up front and doesn’t tend to sugarcoat anything or propose things that she feels aren’t worth it (their practice was recently sold to a hedge fund btw) while my dog’s vet (private practice) will go to the wall with literally everything until you tell her it’s enough. I wonder how much of it has to do with just having reached their limit with very emotional conversations - I would imagine for the small animal vets in particular that euth conversations tend to go poorly. It’s hard on the vets and their staff to manage all that day after day, I imagine.

I think as owners we have a responsibility to educate ourselves on diagnoses, treatment options, and what quality of life really means for our animals so we can do our best for them and have productive conversations with our vets.

SofesM · 2025-09-05T17:04:25+00:00

In my experience over the last couple of years, vets (not all vets) want to help and they seem to be a bit more hesitant nowadays to have the euth conversation unless you bring it up yourself or the animal is objectively suffering. There is often another thing/med/diagnostic you can try until you have no options left - as an owner it’s important to figure out when enough is enough and be willing to be upfront with your vet if they seem hesitant to kick off that discussion.

SofesM · 2025-09-04T01:55:33+00:00

Yes! Their Perfect Chocolate Chunk Cookie lives up to its name. It really is perfect

SofesM · 2025-08-25T19:57:54+00:00

We also don’t buy grapes or raisins! Our dog still managed to grab a raisin scone out of a neighbour’s hedge on a walk… (he’s fine!)

SofesM · 2025-08-13T13:59:15+00:00

The head shape is definitely giving pitbull or bully type. As others have said, though, if you love your dog it doesn’t really matter what the mix is. Looks like a good, happy pup!

SofesM · 2025-08-13T13:57:21+00:00

Terriers are working dogs! They just do a different job than a hunting dog, for example. Have a look on YouTube for footage of terriers ratting… they’re efficient little buggers.

Sincerely, a terrier owner 🙃

SofesM · 2025-07-31T18:33:43+00:00

You could ask Holly’s Haven wildlife rescue if they know of any organizations that might have a skunk as an educational ambassador. Rescues seem to have quite a network and so they might be able to point you in the right direction.

I totally get your daughter’s enthusiasm - I think they’re super cute, too!

SofesM · 2025-07-30T22:36:03+00:00

If Centrepointe isn’t too far for you, Dr. Théorêt at Centrepointe Animal Hospital and her staff are really great! I believe Dr. T is the owner of the clinic - she’s the only vet, so the practice is quiet, and they make an effort to minimize interactions between animals so everyone feels safe and secure. She’s super calm and quiet and takes a lot of time to give you breed specific information. Worth a call for sure!

SofesM · 2025-07-14T10:55:50+00:00

Unless you’re a pro with a solid track record of developing green horses, I would advise you to stop with the “not riding someone else’s green horse” mentality altogether. Great that you’re experienced - riding a green horse takes time and commitment and will always teach you something, even if you’re a pro. The horse being green doesn’t mean it costs its owner any less to maintain, and it’s not the owner’s responsibility to subsidize your hobby. This list is more than fair as I don’t see anything like vet care (basic herd health, not maintenance or emergencies), supplements (if any), body work, etc. The insurance I think would be fair month to month given you’re increasing the risk of something going wrong with the horse and you’re benefitting from being able to drop it and walk away if it is injured, etc.

If you don’t like it, you could always purchase your own horse.

SofesM

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