Thanks. The medication wasnt so much the issue, since I figured that they wouldn't have given it to me if it didn't work - but it was the fact that they didn't really answer the questions that was icing on the "I feel like I'm paying for useless tests" cake.

Its mainly the tests, which I feel are unnecessary since some have apparently been preformed already at the pound, and shes HEALTHY besides her pelvis! I wouldn't mind doing them, but when every single visit leaves me with hundreds of dollars in test bills, for a healthy dog who is not (at this time) planning on having surgury (well, spayed after her pelvis heals more, but thats beside the point) or having any signs, syptoms or reasons for constant blood/fecal tests.

As for a cast, they said that because the fractures are in her pelvis there is not good way to wrap it to do any good.

You are definitely getting milked for every penny he/she can get! I am so sorry you are being treated like that! I recommend changing doctors or clinics, but I've had dogs my whole life and have had my share of injuries and sickness but never once have I had a blood test taken. How long has your pup been on pain medication now? If more than 6 weeks I would take her off of it for sure. Just because it is very unhealthy to be on it in the first place. The other thing I am not sure of is how good the "pain" med is that she is on there is a med that I've heard of that I thought started with an M that is not very good but I am not sure if that is the one or not... The other thing with dogs is that they will not show their pain if they are hurt especially working/hunting dogs like beagles that just want to go, go, go... So if you are wanting to wean him off the meds, but your not sure of her pain level then I would suggest crating her for 2 weeks or so to keep the activity level low key.

When your dog is about to go into heat you will sometimes see some swelling...don't worry its really noticeable, however sometimes they'll just start spotting with no warning, but if she was in heat you would definitely be able to tell from one of the two..

What state do you live in if you don't mind?

I live in CA.

The pain meds she was on is "metacam" does start with an "m" is that what you were thinking of?

Shes on crate rest with very limited activities per doctors orders since we're going the "conservative treatment" (which is essentially resting) route instead of surgury at this time. Honestly though, I've never heard of dogs hiding their pain. Shes not much of a toughie and has certainly whined and limped and pouted.

I can attest to the fact that metacam actually does work very well... not only in fids but on dogs as well. I know someone with a yorkie- the workie broke its leg and had to get a plate in her femur to set the leg in addition to scraping out bone fragments... the dog is on metacam to keep swelling and pain to a minimum- both before and after surgery. The metacam is working very well to help control the dogs pain.

I do know, that with birds anyhow, when using metacam for extended periods of time the vet must check the liver as metacam can affect the liver in a negative way. Of course, this is birds and not dogs but am not sure if it can have the same affect on dogs- it is something I would ask about.
And like any medicine the animal can over time build a resistance to it.

I don't know why you need so much blood work at every visit. Blood work is very important before surgery and we get it each year for heartworm testing.