duncan41

I like the sedation part of Robaxin for night time pain relief, but I'm concerned about the "loss of appetite" listed as one of the side effects. He is already to the point of refusing to eat on his own.

Sorry, auto correct wiped out my reference to Traumeel and substituted Tramadol. Dalton has been on Traumeel and the Chinese herb for a year. The Metacam was introduced 4 weeks ago and discontinued two weeks ago because off the worsening appetite. The Sulcrafate was started on Monday and the Cyproheptadine yesterday, so it's not what we know works or doesn't. Sorry for the confusion. We know the Metacam works but it's affecting is stomach.

Dalton is 11.5 years old, 77 pounds and came to me with virtually no medical history last fall other than "no crating" and "no stairs". His initial physical exam by our Vet showed rear end discomfort and weakness with slow neurological response especially on the left rear leg but the rest of the exam and blood work was unremarkable. Fast forward to 4 weeks ago. Dalton woke up one morning and could not/would not use the left rear leg; obvious pain, knuckling under, panting..........the whole 9 yards. Off to the Vet for x-rays (all negative), I-therm, Metacam, Tramadol and house arrest; diagnosis is soft tissue injury of the left knee. Without making this a novel, the Metacam totally wrecked Dalton's stomach. No diarrhea, no vomiting but his appetite has diminished to the point that he hasn't eaten hardly anything in the last two days. (I have tried all of the food tricks and he's just can't/won't eat regardless of whether it's people or dog food.) I had been force feeding him, but Monday night he was in obvious discomfort so I stopped. He is drinking just fine. He has been on Sucralfate (no pill size on the container) three times a day since Monday and started Cyproheptadine (4mg) three times a day yesterday, Tramadol and a Chinese herb called Concentrated body sore. Dalton ate 7 ounces of raw sirloin steak last night but won't touch the rest of it this morning, of course. How long does it take to realize the full effect of the Sucralfate and Cyproheptadine? He is using the leg and foot very well for his age and overall condition but is having a horrible time every time he tries to lay down. He's not resting properly - DH was up with him at 1:00 am and finally got him to lay down, and I was up with him at 4 am for the same reason but he didn't lay down until 6 am. Don't know why he's getting up, other than he's a dog and that's what they do, but when he gets up, he can't/doesn't want to go back down because of the discomfort. He doesn't cry out, no GSOD, just whimpering, and a lot of turning in circles hoping to find that magical spot that will allow him to lay down without discomfort. Does anyone have any suggestions for a pain relief med or combo that is not in the NSAD family that would be appropriate for a soft tissue injury and won't aggravate Dalton's stomach? This is the sweetest boy that I have ever known and it's breaking my heart knowing how distressed he is. Thank you all very much! Linda

I think he likes dining at Chez Houston! Variety, great service, presentation..........................sounds like a 5 star establishment! Love him!

Prayers for an uneventful surgery and a quick recovery. I hope that Toby will be pain free very soon. I'm sure it will be a welcome relief and much easier on him than you, but we all understand.

What a difficult year this has been for you. I know that Spirit would have stayed if it was possible, but her body betrayed her. Beautiful Spirit. The lovely Spirit. The Beautiful Miss Spirit. What else did I call her? I will miss that, but not nearly as much as you miss her. I am very sorry.

Don't forget to breathe. Please update in the am!

In cases like this, I always remember what Dr. Couto said when I heard him speak in Jekyll Island, GA years ago. When asked about hypothyroidism, he said, "I treat dogs, not blood test results." Have you considered getting an opinion from Dr. Dodds? I am not up-to-date on Zuri's issues/symptoms, but could it be euthyroid sick syndrome - as a result of "something else" going on?

He was too young. Godspeed, Cooper. I am very sorry for your loss.

How devastating. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Praying hard for your boy.

I am very sorry for your loss. Godspeed,Sally.

I am sorry that Holly couldn't stay longer. Hugs.

Beautiful and sweet. Jackie obviously loved you with all of her being as you loved her. I am so sorry she had to leave.

Hugs and prayers for both of you.

Happy Birthday, Sabrina. You were loved by so many.

It may not be fair to put so much emphasis on one medication (western, homeopathic or eastern) as a cure all. I prefer a multi-discipline approach; I-therm, Zeel, turmeric, a Chinese herb called Concentrated Body Sore and essential oils. If you would prefer something with less steps/ingredients/investment, look at the ingredients in Zeel. I have had some surprising success with Rhus Toxicodendron for acute issues.

Better is always better. How is his Mr Handsome today?

Checking in on Houston. How is he after his marathon appointments? He's such a handsome guy.

One of my favorites. Godspeed, Poodle. Pam, I am so sorry.

It will probably be another 24 hours before he feels like eating. If canine recovery is anything like humans, the first 48 to 72 hours after surgery are the worst and then the body revives and active healing begins. Will he eat "anything"? Would he drink Ensure?

Hugs to everyone who loved Moose. Godspeed, Handsome.

I have read two articles just recently about Cholodin by MVP Laboratories. (Available on Amazon.) It appears to address multiple age related conditions and some of the reviews are quite encouraging. With a 10 and 11 year old, I'm looking for ways to keep them engaged for as long as possible and will watch the media for more information until I need to make a decision.

It's always better at home 'cause there is no love like Mom's love. Hope he has a swift and uneventful recovery. Hugs, Diane.

Prayers for Peggy and hoping for the end of her symptoms. Sounds like you were on top of this episode immediately, so hopefully she will be fine very quickly.