College Kid came home this weekend. She is having a much-needed break from school before heading off to another three-week rotation, this time in sunny California at a very posh veterinary clinic. We're hoping she will see some famous celebrity pets and bring back a few pawtigraphs to share with us. While she's home, she demonstrated some things she has learned in class, like how to take our blood pressure.
First a small area is clipped on the back of our foot. This is because the blood pressure monitor has a hard time hearing our pulse through all that wiry hair. A bald place works better.
Glynn was the first brave volunteer. Well, she didn't actually volunteer, she was just the one standing closest when the moment came to start the demonstration. She was a bit taken by surprise, and has hereafter referred to it as The Ordeal.
Glynn had to lay very still on one side. It's hard to make a tense dog lay down, especially when she wants to curl up. Relax, Glynn, it won't hurt, I promise!
When she finally opened her eyes, Glynn came face-to-face with the blood pressure kit paraphernalia. "What does THAT do? And that? And that?" she asked.
College Kid had to find the right size cuff to use. She picked a cat-sized one since Glynn is petite.
Then some cold goop was put on Glynn's bald spot. She said it was much like the time she had an ultrasound on her tum-tum. It didn't hurt then, either, so she is a little more relaxed this time.
A little listening device was put on her foot, and the cuff pumped up. We could all hear a swoosh-swoosh sound. When The Ordeal was over for her, Glynn got down from the table and it was my turn. My blood pressure reading was a good 130. Glynn's was a little high at 145, but then she is a Nervous Nellie. Cap had the lowest reading of all, but I'm not surprised since he spends most of his time laying around sleeping and doesn't get stressed. The only time he would have any blood pressure is during his occasional geriatric version of a butt-tuck run around the house. I don't know why he gets away with running in the house when My Boy and I get tossed outside for it, except Cap never breaks anything. I think that's why Mom loves him best. Anyway, it's good to know that we all passed our test and have healthy hearts!
~Tell
