ok hes been tested for heartworms.. negative... thank goddess! his gums are pink/ red with no discoloration, his blood returns within a second, his hear rate was normal at the time of his visit, we will start alternating hot and cold when his hip starts to hurt and reduce his pain meds. Poor little powder hes been poked, prodded, stuck with needles, and kept away from his beloved pillows for much too long. the doc took blood and theyre gonna do blood test for a bunch of shit including infections. another thing, when he breathes, you can hear a bubbling like he has phlem or liquid in his lungs.. could it be bronchitis? can dogs get bronchitis? how do u test for bronchitis anyway... and thanks weedhound for all the info and takin the time to worry bout my little one. also, thaks to the rest of ya for ur kind words - hilder