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<div class=Section1>
<p class=MsoNormal>I’ve been a member of the drool since I got Baxter
when he was six weeks old. He will be six in October. I can
remember reading about all the joys (and challenges) other basset lovers
experience. I’ve laughed, cried and learned a great deal from the
postings over the years. I was determined to be the very best mom
ever: correct instruction during those LONG first months of training,
proper diet, lots of exercise, watching his weight and loving him.
However, he’s my first basset and after a 30 year span between my
previous dogs (St. Bernards) and I’m worried something is wrong other
than normal aging.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Baxter has always been an active dog. My husband and I
walk him morning and night (except when it’s raining since he thinks he
will melt). The last couple of weeks he occasionally becomes lame in one
hip/leg. He can hardly weigh bear until he gets up moving around but then
(sometimes within an hour of that slow movement) he will tear out chasing a
rabbit with ears flapping. He is eating, drinking and all other functions
seem normal but there is just something off. He has regular checkups, has
had heartworm medication his whole life and regular shots. His weight is
67 lbs. and the vet says he’s not overweight. He does have numerous
cysts that have formed over the last three years but each time I question the
vet he tells me they are no concern.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>I just watch his behavior and feel something is wrong.
He lays on his side and seems almost unresponsive at times. He loves his chair…but
now he jumps down and just lays in front of it. His attitude just seems
very different from his previous upbeat, playful self. The vet doesn’t
think I have anything to worry about since Baxter acted like he’s the
picture of health when I took him in. But that nagging feeling just
won’t go away.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>Does anyone have any thoughts on what I should be looking
for? I’m not sure what the aging process looks like but he seems
very young compared to the ages of some of the seniors I read about. I
love him so much and would just never forgive myself if I was missing something
I could have a vet check. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal>I feel somewhat silly reading my post but thought maybe
those of you that have had numerous babies could help me with mine.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
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