I’m hoping there’s at least one super-experienced veterinarian who reads this site, because I need some help. I’ve been to two vets now in the last few days with our St. Bernard puppy, and they have no idea what’s the matter with her. We’re taking her to another vet tomorrow today for a third opinion, but I don’t have high hopes.

If you think you can help, please email me ASAP. It’s VERY important (life-and-death important).

Thanks in advance!

Update: Since Dana thinks it necessary, here’s a pic of the dog (taken a couple of days after we got her, two months ago…she’s a LOT bigger today, lol):

Update #2: Took her to a third vet and they are keeping her for a few hours to run some tests. They think it might be pneumonia, but that doesn’t sound right. I mean, how on earth could two other vets NOT see that, if that is indeed what it is? These aren’t “quack” doctors, they’ve been around for years (the first one is our regular vet and we’ve been with him for 30+ years!). Anyway, they’re taking x-rays and running some blood tests (which the other vets did), should know soon if that’s what the problem is.

I love this dog to death, but man…she’s costing me a fortune right now, lol. It’s worth it, though. Like I said in Dana’s comment section, she’s a pretty damn good dog, and we want to keep her.

BTW, in case anyone is wondering: her name is “Lady” (after a dog I had in childhood, the greatest dog that ever lived, IMHO).

Update #3: I think we got it this time around. They did a full battery of tests on her, gave her some shots and some meds to bring home. Seems to be working, she’s acting normal again (not gasping for breath at every turn). I guess I have a new vet, now. If my old one couldn’t spot this, then I think it’s time to switch.

Thanks for all the emails of suggestions!

June 17 Update: Been AWOL from the blog for a few days. Our puppy was doing fine, but had a serious relapse over the weekend. Long story short, we had to have her put down, there was nothing they could do for her. We only had her three months, but we grew very, very attached to her and we are grieving.

I’ll freely admit, I’m especially hard hit by this. I love dogs, and this little girl was about the best puppy I’ve ever had. Without getting into any details, I’m just going to say that I’ll be away from the blog for the rest of the week. I just don’t feel up to it, you know what I mean? Hope you all understand. I’ll be back when I’m feeling a little better.