It was a sunny and peaceful morning on the farm when Bibi, the gentle old golden retriever, stretched her legs and gave a soft yawn. At 11 years old, Bibi had always been strong and loyal, but recently, her movements had become a little slower. Her back legs didn’t move as smoothly, and sometimes she hesitated before climbing the porch steps. Her best friend, Farmer Cutis, had been watching her carefully.
“Bibi, today we’re going to the animal hospital for a check-up,” Farmer Cutis said kindly, kneeling beside her and giving her soft ears a scratch. “You’re such a good girl, and I want to make sure you’re feeling your best.”
Bibi wagged her tail slowly. She trusted Cutis completely and always enjoyed car rides, even if the destination was the vet’s office.
A Special Trip to the Vet
Farmer Cutis gently helped Bibi into the truck, placing a thick blanket on the seat to make her comfortable. The drive to the animal hospital wasn’t too long, and Bibi sat quietly, watching the fields pass by through the window.
When they arrived, the staff at the clinic greeted them warmly. “Hello, Bibi!” said Dr. Lina, a kind and experienced veterinarian. “You’re such a beautiful girl. Ready for your health check?”
Bibi wagged her tail a little faster now. She liked Dr. Lina—she always spoke softly and moved gently.
Starting with the Basics
Dr. Lina started with a general physical examination. She checked Bibi’s eyes, ears, nose, and teeth.
“Her eyes are a little cloudy, which is normal for her age,” Dr. Lina explained to Cutis. “But there’s no sign of infection. Her ears are clean, and her teeth look good for a senior dog.”
Next came Bibi’s weight. The assistant helped her onto the scale.
“Looks like Bibi’s gained a little weight,” Dr. Lina noted. “That can put extra pressure on her joints. We’ll need to talk about adjusting her diet a bit to help ease the strain.”
Farmer Cutis nodded. “We’ll do whatever she needs.”
Checking the Joints: Arthritis Assessment
Now it was time to check for arthritis, which was the main reason for the visit. Dr. Lina gently moved Bibi’s legs, hips, and shoulders, feeling for stiffness, swelling, or pain.
“Hmm,” she said thoughtfully. “Bibi’s joints are a little stiff, especially in the back legs. She didn’t react strongly to touch, so it’s not severe pain, but I can tell she’s uncomfortable. This is quite common in senior dogs—it’s arthritis.”
Cutis looked concerned. “Can we help her feel better?”
“Absolutely,” said Dr. Lina. “We’ll get some X-rays to see how far it’s progressed. Then we’ll make a plan—maybe some gentle medication, joint supplements, and low-impact exercise. There’s a lot we can do to keep her happy and mobile.”
X-rays and More Tests
Bibi was very calm during the X-rays. The team was careful and reassuring the whole time. After that, they ran blood tests to check her organ function, tested her urine, and even gave her a heart check using a special monitor.
“She’s doing really well overall,” Dr. Lina reported. “Her heart sounds good, her kidneys are working well, and her liver looks normal. There are just a couple of areas we’ll want to keep an eye on.”
The X-rays showed mild arthritis in Bibi’s hips and knees. “It’s not severe, but it’s enough to explain why she’s been slowing down,” said the vet.
Making a Plan for Bibi’s Health
With all the information gathered, Dr. Lina sat down with Farmer Cutis to create a care plan.
“First, we’ll start Bibi on a daily joint supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin. These will help protect the cartilage in her joints. We’ll also prescribe a mild anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling.”
Cutis nodded. “Got it.”
“Second, I recommend short daily walks on soft ground, like grass. Swimming is also great for dogs with arthritis—if she enjoys the water, that can be wonderful exercise without stress on her joints.”
“And third,” Dr. Lina added, “we’ll adjust her diet slightly to support weight loss. Losing even a few pounds will take a lot of pressure off her hips.”
Cutis gave Bibi a loving look. “We can definitely do that. I’ll make sure she eats healthy and gets gentle exercise.”
Time for a Treat
After the long exam, Bibi got a well-deserved treat from the clinic—a soft dog biscuit and lots of praise.
“You were such a brave girl,” said the assistant, petting her head.
Bibi’s tail thumped the floor happily.
Before they left, Dr. Lina gave Cutis a printed health plan and a bag of the joint supplement. “Come back in a month for a follow-up, and we’ll see how she’s doing.”
Back Home Again
On the ride home, Bibi lay peacefully on her blanket, looking out the window with tired but content eyes. She knew she’d been taken care of.
Back at the farm, Lala the cat and a few curious chickens came over to sniff and greet her. Bibi gave a low, friendly bark in return.
“She’s going to be just fine,” Cutis told them. “We’ve got a plan to help her feel stronger and more comfortable.”
From that day on, Bibi’s routine included a morning walk, new food, and her daily supplement. Cutis even built a little ramp over the porch steps to make things easier for her.
Within a few weeks, Bibi was moving with more ease. She even started chasing butterflies in the yard again—slowly, but with joy in her eyes.
A Visit that Made a Difference
Bibi’s visit to the vet was more than just a check-up—it was a turning point in her golden years. With the right care and lots of love, Bibi was able to continue living her best life on the farm, surrounded by friends, sunshine, and the farmer who loved her more than anything.
Because every old dog deserves comfort, care, and a chance to keep wagging their tail.
