Hot Spots- and the Economics of Going to the Vet

This morning I took buddy on our usual outing (wearing my new weight vest!) and noticed he had a hot spot.

When I got home I looked hot spots up online and upon the advice of a few sites, cut his hair away from around the spot to reveal the inflamed area.

The skin was both red and pussy-white. He had obviously been licking at it all night. First thing we did was put on The Cone of Shame to prevent further licking.

Then I did a bit more research online to see if this was something we should take him to the vet over.

With a pet, it’s kind of hard to make that decision as far as when to take them to the vet. You want to be the best “mom” you can be, but also you aren’t sure if you’re overreacting, and also there are always those pesky financial concerns. We have spent about $600 on taking Linus to the vet in the past month. He’s been itchy and had fleas, and each time- shoomp- there goes $300 flying out of our wallets. Not that we mind- I would happily spend a small fortune on our four legged buddy to keep him healthy- however right now money is kinda tight. I am planning to spend $2k on my medical classes this fall, and we’re trying to move (ironically- to save money) however the up-front moving costs- first months rent, last months rent and security deposit are steep!

So, you have to weigh whether or not things are serious enough to warrant a vet visit. I tried something kind of stupid- I called the vet and asking if we should take him in. The vet said “we can’t give advice over the phone” and advised us to come in. Argh. Sometimes you have to wonder how people who live in rural areas, for example, my friends who live in Argentina, get by without always being able to pick up and rush to the vet. They manage, right?

Fortunately, Earl and I extremely lucky to have a wise counselor to turn to with questions like this. Her name is Debbie, and she is one of the selfless, devoted souls behind Tri State Corgi Rescue. She was the foster home from where we adopted Linus, and ever since then has remained in our lives as a source of information and doggy-owner mentorship. She has helped us so much with countless issues and questions. I honestly don’t know where we would be without her (sometimes I wonder how she has time to do anything; if she is this helpful to every single family who has ever adopted a dog from her foster care… she must have no time for herself! lol… or maybe Earl and I are just high-maintenance adoptees)!

We emailed Debbie and she (as usual) responded within mere moments. Have I mentioned how amazing she is?! She informed us that a vet appointment wasn’t necessary at this point, and to make sure our flea meds are up to date. She mentioned we could try Goldenseal (to break open a capsule and dab it on the wound) and perhaps some EMT Spray which is a doggy “Bactine” that also includes a noxious taste additive. It speeds healing with ingredients other than the typical antiseptic.

In the meantime, Linus is on the hook to sport the Cone of Shame interminably while the hot spot heals. Hopefully the Goldenseal and EMT Spray will help as well. Between this and the itching that happened a few weeks ago, he clearly has bad allergies to *something*… time to begin that fun process of elimination of cleaning the house top to bottom, washing his bedding in a new type of detergent and switching up his diet until it solves the problem.

Poor buddy! Doesn’t he look so sad?