Two Visits with the V-E-T

Waiting for the V-E-T...

A few years back, we discovered a benign growth on Heather's eyelid. In general, it is harmless. Unless, of course, it grows too large and presses on Heather's eye or affects her vision. The V-E-T shaves it off every time Heather has a surgery or a dental procedure. Neither of which Heather has had recently. Until now, it has been nothing more than an "eye sore" and Heather gets along just fine. That changed when I came downstairs to discover dried blood under Heather's left eye.

Off to the V-E-T we went. It appeared Heather scratched the growth accidentally, causing it to open up and bleed. We cleaned up the wound and treated it. All seemed to heal well and I didn't see her messing with it. Then, two weeks later, we found ourselves sitting in the V-E-T's office again - this time, we talked of removing the growth as blood had appeared under her eye once again. 

The growth is pressing on Heather's eye now. The only way to remove it is to do so when Heather is under anesthesia. Given the fact Heather has scratched the growth open twice in such a short period of time, it is obvious the growth has started bothering her. As a result, we moved up her next dental appointment to Friday, Nov. 20 so we can shave down this growth once more and offer her some relief. Healing thoughts for sweet Heather Beather are welcome! We'll let you know how it goes.

Scottish Terriers of Instagram

Allow us to introduce this week's #ScottishTerriersofInstagram! Aren't they adorable? Believe it or not, the three Scotties featured in the last photo are all up for adoption with Aberdeen Scottish Terrier Rescue. Won't you help them find forever homes by sharing this post? Those interested in learning more about adopting one of these Scottish Terriers should visit Aberdeen Scottish Terrier Rescue's website or contact savethescotties(at)gmail(dot)com.

Don't forget to upload your Scotties' photos to Instagram and use #ScottishTerriersofInstagram or tag @TheScottieMom. Oh, and be sure to follow us and this week's featured Scottie dogs!

Still looking for more Scottie Love? Check out other Scottish Terriers of Instagram on Pinterest!

Return of the Howl-o-ween Pawty

It's that time of year again! Forget lions, tigers and bears...there is a lot more to say, "Oh my!" about this Howl-o-ween. Think creepy crawlers, witches' brews, lonely ghosts and terrible goblins. Scotties everywhere will take on another character, channeling their alter egos, the super cute and cuddly, or even the fierce and ferocious when selecting the perfect costume for the spooky occasion.

Not only will there be tricks (isn't it in every Scottish Terrier's nature to create some mischief?) but there also will be treats. And we are inviting all our furry friends to take part in our annual Howl-o-ween Pawty on October 31. Join us for a virtual parade of costumes and come dressed in your best!

Here's how it works: have your human post photos of you in costume and videos of your very best tricks on any of Scottie Mom's social networks. Be sure to tag @TheScottieMom and use #HowlOweenPawty. Looking forward to another pawesome pawty, friends. ArRRrOo! 

7 Cool Scottie Dog Products on Etsy

Scottish Terrier note cards by littledebskis

Scottish Terrier garden stake by georgiametalart

Scottie dog canvas print by Hanging the Moon Shelby

Scottish Terrier wreath by Adorable Pet Wreaths

Scottish Terrier rolling pin by Dough Roller

Scottish Terrier necklace by HOBBYHORSELADY

Scottie garden stake by RescuedPawsIronWorks

If you're like me, you've probably heard of Etsy before but never felt inspired to check the site out. That is, until you realized there could be a wealth of undiscovered Scottie dog goods just waiting to be snatched up by lucky Scottie Moms everywhere! With the Season of Scotties once again headed our way, I figured it was time to start looking out for those special somethings sure to spark a flame in Scottie Moms' hearts. So, we searched dozens of Etsy results and came across these great finds! Tell us: from where do you score the most Scottie loot each year?

Scottish Terriers of Instagram

We know you just can't wait another day for #TooCuteTuesday so we'd introduce you to this week's #ScottishTerriersofInstagram. Aren't they adorable? If you'd like to share your Scotties' Instagram photos with us, upload your photos to Instagram using #ScottishTerriersofInstagram or tag @TheScottieMom. Oh, and be sure to follow us and this week's featured Scottie dogs! 

Still looking for more Scottie Love? Check out other Scottish Terriers of Instagram on Pinterest!

Scottish Terriers of Instagram

Didn't get enough #TooCuteTuesday? Allow us to introduce you to this week's #ScottishTerriersofInstagram! If you'd like to share your Scotties' Instagram photos with us, upload your photos to Instagram using #ScottishTerriersofInstagram or tag @TheScottieMom. Oh, and be sure to follow us and this week's featured Scottie dogs!

Still looking for more Scottie Love? Check out other Scottish Terriers of Instagram on Pinterest!

The Heart of the Matter

It started a few weeks ago with a cough. The local V-E-T suggested it could be kennel cough or bronchitis. It is hard to say if the medication they prescribed worked so today, we pursued the next step: a chest x-ray.

For the most part, everything looked good. There was only one potential problem area. The V-E-T showed us one picture, taken while Mr. K was on his right side. It was marked with a big "X" and had the number 11.23 written next to it. The V-E-T explained this was his vertebral heart score - a method V-E-T-S use to measure heart sizes across breeds and assess for cardiac enlargement. He said it could be normal for the Scottish Terrier breed or it could be indicative of heart disease. "Doctor Google" told me the normal vertebral heart score for dogs of any breed is between 8.4 and 10.5...so naturally, I was very worried.

The V-E-T sent the pictures to a board certified radiologist who could better assess the x-rays on hand. Luckily, the radiologist believes Mr. K's heart looks fine and is normal for the breed. Still, we have a small, yet persistent cough problem to resolve so the V-E-T came up with another potential remedy: Zyrtec. Yes, you read that right! 

Allergies can be a source of inflammation and therefore, a reason for Mr. K's coughing. So, for the next two weeks, he will take 10mg of Zyrtec and we will evaluate for effectiveness or next courses of action then. I have never heard of a dog taking Zyrtec, have you? All I know is that, as a chronic allergy sufferer for the last 22 years, I have used Zyrtec and it never fails to knock both me and my symptoms out every time. The down side? I'm seldom awake to reap the rewards of a good antihistamine. I am curious to see how Zyrtec affects Mr. K and can only hope it brings him relief. Fingers and paws crossed for continued good results, please!