Sickly

Poor little Marley has a parasite. I only just found out yesterday because Alex forgot to bring a stool sample with him when he took her to the vet weeks ago, and then I forgot again until Thursday. I feel sooo guilty that: #1 She has probably been feeling starved since the day we got her, #2 She has also probably been feeling parched, as I was putting up her water between meals (she was drinking rediculous amonts and it was making it hard to house-train her); Now I know that the giardia can cause dehydration.

About a week ago, I noticed that the hair on her face is looking sparse, and more recently I noticed small patches missing from her body. When I went to the vet's office to pick up the meds yesterday, I explained what I saw and asked if it could have to do with the parasite. The lady behind the desk said no, but what do you think? If hair-loss can be caused by lack of nutrients, and a parasite can cause lack of nutrients... wouldn't the two be connected? Actually, I just found a website that said asymmetrical hair loss can be caused by parasites, so pft: Take That, Vet Office Lady.

Anyway, I am hoping that once the meds start to work, her hair will grow back (so I can be right) and she will start to gain some weight (so I won't feel like I'm playing some kind of Flintstone's bony xylaphone every time I pet her stomach).

P.S. on the Vet's Office... When I made her next appointment, I made a request for the vet I wanted. The office lady was not surprised-- apparently "younger clients just don't get Dr. Bitchyvet... but most of the older clients like her a lot." I don't know what that says about her... Maybe we younger pet owners are too sensitive about our pets? Who knows.