She did really well during the exam, although she didn't want them messing with her mouth so they only got a look through her panting. They saw the tooth, but couldn't see anything else aside from bad tartar build up. They encouraged me to get a cleaning and extraction, and I'm going to see what diet and chews can do while I wait for my budget to increase. The quote they gave me is reasonable since it includes everything including x-rays and meds, but still out of my range this week. Hopefully by the middle of January I can schedule her.
She has arthritis in both knees, her left hip is stiff, and her right shoulder is sore. We agreed she should loose a bit of weight and go on joint supplements with Vit E and fish oil.

The senior blood panel includes a urinalysis so I'm waiting for her to go so I can catch some. I'll know the results of the blood work by the end of the week.
Sadly I'm unable to afford a holistic vet and have to use a regular one. Of course they pushed for vaccination, although once I pointed out that the packaging says 'do not use on sick animals' they backed off.

Did you already get a flea topical? I ask because I also could send you Frontline Plus for up to 44 pounds.

Or does she weigh a lot more than that?

She should be around 45 for her build and weighs 52. I applied Advantix although she doesn't seem to have fleas. Either way, she needs it since our building has a flea problem in the hall.

Thank you everyone for the advice and support. We both really appreciate it.

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I would recommend no vaccinations for an 8 year old dog. Likely each time she has transferred owners she has had another round of "shots".

I do believe with a decent diet including plenty of RMBs you will see a huge change in her coat, weight and teeth.

Some ACDs do have hip and elbow problems and they do get arthritis. If you are increasing her exercise (possibly from zero exercise) go slow and consider Ecotrin in the evening occasionally.
Aspirin products can be dangerous in dogs if overused but most ACDs have pretty good GI function and aspirin is a cheap and profound, strong antiinflammatory and painkiller in the dog.
Can you tell if she is smart? Most of them are really sharp.
I bet that she is worried, having changed homes yet again.

How is she doing, Samantha?

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Just a quick update.

She's eager to get her breakfast and dinner instead of picking over it like she did when she first her first few days here. She seems to be very mobile despite her joint issues so I've been letting her do what she wants as far as exercise. We go for a mile walk twice a day on concrete to help her pads and nails, and she gets some free time on the long leash for about 30 minutes while she trots around a grass field. She likes to bound up stairs so I've let her do it in moderation.

Her itching as slowed dramatically, but she's still itchy. At this point I have to wonder if it's a boredom habit. If I give her an engaging toy or we're outside, she doesn't do it. If she has nothing immediately grabbing her attention she'll scoot around on her tail (not her anus) and chew on her legs and tail base.
The hotspots have gotten 10x better thanks to the spray! Thank you so much for sending some Connie. I've bathed her in a soap free solution every day and drenched her in diluted ACV and then once she dries I applied the spray.

I also haven't noticed her breath being as bad, although I've been avoiding situations where I might get a strong wiff of it. This week, now that she seems calmer, I'm going to start brushing her teeth. She's had access to lamb RMB but she doesn't want it. I've been looking around for a good dental chew that isn't chock full of crap and not overpriced. At this point she's eating Back To Basics kibble, pork formula, but I'm going to transition her to raw in the next few weeks.

The woman failed to find her rabies certificate, so I'm going to see if she will tell me where it was done at so I can call them and see if they'll send it over. If not, she'll have to get rabies but that's all she's going to get. I really hate the idea of giving it to her when even the vet says she's sick but my hands are tied.

Do you have any friends with horses? Hoof trimmings (horse) make nice chews, and they are pretty soft. I've always given them to my dogs. We just break them in half before giving.

 Quote: Jodi Moen

Do you have any friends with horses? Hoof trimmings (horse) make nice chews, and they are pretty soft. I've always given them to my dogs. We just break them in half before giving.

Outside only. Those things can stink as bad as any bad breath but dogs sure love them.