XTRAWLD

Oh gosh. That doesn't sound good, but I am sure it's something that they have handled before. My Ryder had lots of blood too (he had both top molars pulled - poor guy), but it never really got out of control. Please know that he is in good hands at the vet, they could prolly take better care of him in case the clotting just doesn't stick. I wonder if they might not try to sedate him and restitch the hole?

We've had our boy since he was 2.5 and he's now 10 and I have to admit he's aging, and I don't like it. We told him to stop but he won't listen. I've noticed over the past couple of years more sleeping, more food refusal, tougher to get up after resting, etc. I really do think a lot of it is the aging process. He can't go for the same walks like he used to....he'd walk to the end of the earth and back, no matter how tired he was when he was young. We take that into account now and never push him. We do try to avoid long walks in the heat, only quick bathroom breaks when it is hot. He's got his own fan to blow cool air on him. He also enjoys spending time in the basement where it is cooler than upstairs, however he will stay where we stay, and if we are upstairs, he eventually trots up there to join us, and we try to make him as comfortable as possible. The weather has been unstable lately, cool one day blazing hot the next and I think it messes with their system a lot. Once it gets steady, you should be able to notice a bit better of a pattern. Keeping Riley in our thoughts. Just keep monitoring her and enjoy every minute Senior years can still be some of the greatest years!

I agree that every hound is different, and some have better tummies than others. Make sure Hutch is staying hydrated. With a lot of D, you can run into hydration issues. If you can lead a dog to water, but he won't drink, try some chicken or beef broth to ensure he's intaking some sort of fluid. Keep your diet as bland as possible, with little feedings throughout the day instead of one or two big meals. Sounds like his tummy is really upset. I would go with some rice and broth, and work up from that. We've tried Cerenia for Ryder, and a full pill was too much for him, so we halved it and it seemed to break the cycle, it was used to control nausea, so if Hutch has a flippant tummy, that might be a good idea. He might turn into a space cadet like mine did though, but it did break the cycle for Ryder who would vomit like clockwork, but you need a prescrip. I also use chewable Pepto for a quick solution for times when you just have to wait for it to pass because they ate something they shouldn't have, etc. but I don't think that's something you should try right now. It would just be masking the problem. We use Pepcid to control Kasey's acid reflux, it really and truly calms the stomach. I have heard a gurgling tummy stop within 15 minutes of dosing. If you try anything, do so for at least a week, so that their body can have a better reaction and recovery before trying new food or weaning off another drug. I have dosed Kasey with colloidal silver before, and it really did help his system get back on track rather quickly. I wouldn't believe how well it works if I didn't try it. It might surprise you - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_uses_of_silver - Edit to add the page that I used - http://awesomepaws.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=discussion&action=display&thread=25 and the dosing info - http://awesomepaws.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=discussion&action=display&thread=62 You might also consider feeding raw, instead of kibble. I can't tell you the wonders of a difference it made with both my boys.

Huh, how bout that. Very interesting....thanks....

I thought about this actually, he was responsive but not all there. I'm not quite sure how else to describe it. It's like he came to with the sound of my voice, attention and petting. Lasted maybe about 3-5 minutes.... For back story, he's been seeing a chiropractor monthly to aid in his on and off limping issue, which has been steadily getting better, and he's on joint supplements to assist with stiffness, etc. He was quite excited yesterday and I think he just overdid it as he tends to do sometimes, but his reaction last night was a first. He jumped off the bed when I left the room and when I got back, he seemed fine, but I didn't see how he landed. He's not off his food, but you can tell his shoulder hurts - I can tell it's stiff because the range of motion isn't there when I try to stretch it, and do mobility maneuvers. This is an idea. I've been looking for a canine RMT, but no luck. I've always thought massage would help. Linky?

Curious to know, if a hound is in pain, is it normal for a grey to go a little trance like? Ryder tweaked his shoulder a little last night, and for a few minutes I wasn't sure if he wanted to vomit or didn't know what to do with himself. I comforted him and saw some life come back into his eyes after a couple minutes, but he was pretty much staring blankly.

Oh my goodness. Sending good thoughts, but unfortunately I have no advice.

Awesome all thanks so much. The added benefit for Ryder - at the age of 5 who has had some on and off limping in the past - we're also giving this to him as well, in addition to chiro - he gets what his brudder gets. After seeing the results from Fresh Factors, I really feel there is nothing to lose by starting any dog on it. I'm excited to try the joint health ones and will report back after he's had them for a month as well. Re: Longevity. I spoke to the sales lady, and she said everything that is in that, is in Fresh Factors (and a bit in joint health) so I didn't see the need of dosing with that in addition to the FF and JH.

We use Sentinel. The only thing it doesn't protect against is ticks. It is not cheap, however, the company is offering $20 off per box due to the shortage they experienced last year. We had a case of fleas last year, I nearly lost my mind, however I had peace of mind knowing that they were protected for those! We used to use Heartguard, however found it was not suitable for Kasey with his allergies.

I noticed this option at the vet's the other day. While I don't think we are at the stage for trying to use it yet - it does have a long list of applications. I have witnessed successful laser therapy in horses, no experience with canines though.

Sounds like we'll give the joint health a try first and see how it goes. I'd like him to stay off meds as long as possible as well. He's been doing phenomenal lately regarding his allergies....I barely have to dose him with pred anymore! And what 10 year old IMPROVES (as far as the bloodwork and weight gain is concerned) as they get older?!?!?

To update this thread. I have, since posting this thread, started using Fresh Factors. I've seen mild improvement, and I'm pleased to say he hasn't gotten worse. We went to the vet yesterday for their annual checkup. Not only has Kasey put on more weight, but his bloodwork has come back better than last year too. With that said, the vet suspects that he's just starting to show signs of arthritis/joint disease. She is happy to prescribe, based on his liver levels, a non steroidal med to make him more comfortable. I asked for a list of what she would suggest based on pricing. She did mention he would be on an incredibly low dose. She suggested metacam (which I think is probably too heavy for his needs right now?) or even Deremax? I have no idea about joint drugs..... however, I ordered another batch of Fresh Factors as well as trying Joint Health (which contains MSM, condroitin, etc.). The vet (and the sales person for the supplements) both agreed that is something that should assist him. So thoughts on providing him with supplements vs. meds? I know what I just paid for my order of supplements, but they of course have yet to cross the border and will have duty applied. So....is it a cost thing....a making him feel comfortable thing.... I'm looking for suggestions and ideas. Thanks!

We picked Ryder up and he was diagnosed with this at his first checkup! I was floored. Had to treat both him and Kasey just in case he caught it during the one week he was with us. Keep up with treatment, try to avoid going to other people's houses to visit (we didn't visit my mom for a month just in case he pooped in the grass and then her dog caught it - it is highly contagious we were told). We actually never took Ryder to go to the bathroom in the same place twice during any of our walks to try to avoid "recontamination".

Ryder is still having a hard time not turning around and running at the sight of big, loud men. He is incredibly shy to approach. Women - no problem. Not sure what happened to him, but clearly, he's not a fan of those types. Loves hubby though, and gets along quite well with other members of my family. Just the big, tall and/or round ones that have a loud voice he just can't be comfortable around.

I would also suggest trying to take her on a very long walk to tire her out before you need to leave. A tired dog, is a content dog. She also gets to spend time with you before you depart. There are a lot of things you'll need to work on to help her through her SA. Happy reading and good luck!

Tru dat. When all else fails for Kasey, he finds flat and cleared patch of road...... Sorry to the OP to be reading all these stories, but I'm not sure it's something you can change about your pup. Time to get it done might get reduced, but her finickiness will prolly stick around. Just keep your wits and patience about you.

This is great tip and I forgot to mention it as well. Kasey has 1 location that is his favorite, and is almost like a "no fail" area. Even if he thinks about it and doesn't in that spot the first time, I just re-circle again in that small area until he does....for some reason he is comfortable going there. He's an edge of the grass dog and enjoys "curb" walking.

Kasey is like that. The planets have to be aligned, the wind cannot blow, and the sun has to be at the right angle. Honestly, if that's the way she is, you will have to be patient because it might just turn into a permanent thing. She might get a little better as time goes on, but I've experienced that for years with Kasey. We used to have a yard, he would never go #2 on walks. When we got our new house without a fenced yard, and he had to learn to poop on walks...it took an eternity. Finally he had no choice. Honestly I was out there for 30-45 mins with him for the first couple of weeks. Even to this day, it might take him 10-15 for round 2. Ryder goes the SECOND we are outside, he doesn't mess around. I can guarantee you, Kasey will take even longer in inclement weather. Every individual is different. Edited to add: Try NOT to get frustrated with her taking so long. They sense this....and get upset. And then take longer. I know when we are in a hurry, Kasey looks up at us with a pleading look like "I gotta do my routine before I go mom, but the wind and rain are bugging me...."

I think beach steps might be open to the back? My Kasey traverses steps (UP) in bounds and Ryder does them one at a time. Down I would think is fine, it's going up that would be the challenge instead. My concern is paws flying through the back of the steps if she is a bounder. Where we've had to encounter flights of stairs, hubby has often picked Kasey up instead. I'm sure you'll get more feedback soon. Oh and

I love the forceful go at the end. "That's right, and you stay closed!"

Poor Trooper. So sorry.

Moonwalks! Adorable Congrats and

I'm so sorry to read this and was shocked to see her name in this section of the forum. Run free.

LOL at the "need to know" comments. I was lurking and waiting for the answer too.

Good for you for being so observant and keeping Robin's "offness" in mind right from the get go. Sending good vibes.