Buddy Again.....

[silverfish]

What I have liked when we've taken one of ours to the specialist is that they don't just look at what the dog is being referred for, they'll take the whole animal into account. They've been very, very thorough. In my experience (admittedly small, and in a different country) if they see signs of something which might complicate what they want to do, they WILL take it into account in what they advise doing.

 

Also, in my experience, they will stop at any point if they feel it's not in the dog's best interest to continue.

 

If Buddy were in good health, I wouldn't hesitate to go ahead with the surgery at twelve. What you seem to be saying though, is that Buddy isn't in good shape. If it were me, I think I would still take him to the specialist and let them do the tests, talk things through with them, and then take their advice very much into account when you decide what to do.

 

I'm sorry you're going through this. It's miserable, isn't it?

 

 

[Guest LindsaySF]

Sorry you are going through this. He should feel better once the pain meds get to working. I agree with the previous suggestions on how to get the pills into him.

 

He could be vomiting or have diarrhea from the meds, especially the antibiotics. Maybe some yogurt or probiotics would help, as well as a prilosec for his tummy.

 

You mentioned that the diarrhea pre-dates the pain issues. Has he been dewormed recently?

 

[Guest Carla]

Sending prayers and tone of white healing light to you and Buddy.

[MandysMom]

No advice, just lots of prayers.

[Guest vahoundlover]

I am so sorry this is happening. We use liverwurst or braunsweiger for pilling. Keeping Buddy in my prayers.

[Batmom]

Thinking of you and Buddy this evening.

[duncan41]

I am so sorry that you're having to deal with all of this! Perhaps the weight loss and other digestive related symptoms are connected to the meds as suggested earlier. Which, of the two issues, is more about qualitiy of life? If you proceed with the surgery, more meds will most likely be prescribed. Can you have a discussion with your Vet or the specialist regarding how best to treat the digestive and the spine? Is Buddy a good candidate for the surgery or is that to be determined?

Sending prayers for Buddy. I do hope you get some help with this soon!

[rascalsmom]

Well the rollercoaster just goes on and on.

 

Yesterday Buddy seemed to feel better as the day went on. My DH was again able to get his pills into him, although the things he used weren't the best things for his digestive issues: sausage balls and summer sausage. He really, really seemed better again by last night.

 

This morning, however, he seemed to have taken two steps back. Not as bad as yesterday morning, but still not as good as he was last night. Since DH was at work, he couldn't work his pill-giving magic, and I tried hiding them in the raw medallion food that I have been giving Buddy for MONTHS with DGP pills in it (and he's always eaten it). He found EVERY LAST pill....and as a result didn't eat most of his breakfast.

 

So here is where we stand.

--In September he was 74 lbs.; last Friday he was 66. I really think it's been a gradual weight loss, not all in the past week or so. We just didn't notice since we see him all the time. A couple of months ago his nail trimmer lady mentioned that she thought he'd lost a little weight.

--He has been having a hard time going up stairs for probably a year, and it's been a LONG time since he tried getting on our bed, which he always used to do. We attributed it to him getting older, etc.

--The diarrhea started BEFORE he ever went to the vet and got the antibiotics and pain meds. He had that for the first time probably the day we took him to the vet. He's been on a bland diet (rice, boiled ground beef and chicken) since last Friday. Well, except for the sausage balls and summer sausage.

--Up until yesterday morning, he was making WONDERFUL progress; getting all the pills, steadily getting better and seeming more like himself. So why the sudden setback yesterday? Then the rally, and again a slight setback this morning.

--I mentioned LS to his vet. She said it "could be", but seemed to sort of brush it off.

--She agreed that acupuncture and/or chiropractic might help, AFTER we get him through his acute phase.

--She sent a referral to the specialist, so is she giving up?

--Will the specialist consider, as silverfish has experienced, EVERYTHING? Weight loss, loose stool, occasional vomiting, as well as spinal issues? He IS a specialist, and of course you'd think he would be concentrating on that area.

 

I am sure you all are getting sick of me by now. I am so stressed about this, and of course money is an issue, too. I don't work outside the home, so I DO need to respect my husband's wishes as far as how deep we go moneywise. He loves Buddy very much, too, but he does tend to look at the financial side of things, too, which we have to do. We are fine financially (otherwise I would be working!), but we aren't wealthy.

 

Thank you all for being there. It really helps.

Edited February 4, 2009 by rascalsmom

[Batmom]

--I mentioned LS to his vet. She said it "could be", but seemed to sort of brush it off.

 

Umm .... Find another vet.

 

No, really. Basic check for LS is simple, takes seconds, and is noninvasive. There's no excuse for not doing it. See here: http://greythealth.com/lumbosacral.htm

 

 

Second, I'm wondering if part of the rollercoaster is that he's not getting his meds at consistent times each day. I know you're having a hard time with this. Are there any friends nearby who are good at pilling dogs who could come over and give it a go?

 

Sending more hugs.

 

 

[rascalsmom]

--I mentioned LS to his vet. She said it "could be", but seemed to sort of brush it off.

 

Umm .... Find another vet.

 

No, really. Basic check for LS is simple, takes seconds, and is noninvasive. There's no excuse for not doing it. See here: http://greythealth.com/lumbosacral.htm

 

 

Second, I'm wondering if part of the rollercoaster is that he's not getting his meds at consistent times each day. I know you're having a hard time with this. Are there any friends nearby who are good at pilling dogs who could come over and give it a go?

 

Sending more hugs.

Over the weekend, he WAS taking his pills at consistent times, and doing well.....all the more mystery of why he was worse Tuesday morning; until that time, he had gotten EVERY pill, at normal times.

 

And if it turns out he has LS, I may indeed look for another vet. I like my vet, but I DID mention this to her......and she did brush it off.

[Batmom]

Over the weekend, he WAS taking his pills at consistent times, and doing well.....all the more mystery of why he was worse Tuesday morning; until that time, he had gotten EVERY pill, at normal times.

 

Well, poop. There went that theory.

[duncan41]

IMHO: The Specialist will consider what you ask him to, so; 1. Make a list of issues for which you need answers from "The Specialist". (symptoms, connected symptoms, treatment options, cost, non-standard treatments) 2. Print the article about LS and take it with you. 3. Create a timeline of symptoms, treatment, results....................and don't stop asking questions until you receive an answer. (You have a good start in Post# 33) Note to self: not all answers are what you want to hear.

Meds: Inconsistent medicating may be clouding the issue. As tough as it may be, it would be best to get those meds in him no matter the technique you have to use, or change the time so DH can do it since he has the magic touch.

Cost: The LS diagnosis technique in the article requires no expensive testing. Have you tried Metamucil for the diarrhea? (I know, it's another pill.) What kind of specialist is The Specialist? Not sure IM will be the best to diagnosis LS and an ortho specialist might not want to touch the diarrhea.

Sorry this is so long, but you have some very valid concerns. Sending prayers and hugs for you and Buddy.

[rascalsmom]

The specialist is in the surgery department at the "specialist hospital", and our vet wanted Buddy to see a neurology specialist, so he's going to see a neurologist.

 

We are thinking on the same lines, as I was going to sit down and make a timeline of how this has progressed, and take it with me. Also, I already have the LS article printed.

 

I agree, I might not want to hear what they might answer, but at this point ANYTHING has got to be better than this up and down, up and down.

[duncan41]

Do you have a date and time to see the specialist? Prayers going out to you and Buddy! He's such a handsome guy! Give him hugs and kisses from all of here in chilly FL. Would appreciate an update tomorrow. Sure hope you see some improvement.

[nyGreys]

I am so sorry your Buddy is going through this. He will be in our prayers.

Edited February 5, 2009 by nyGreys

[rascalsmom]

Do you have a date and time to see the specialist? Prayers going out to you and Buddy! He's such a handsome guy! Give him hugs and kisses from all of here in chilly FL. Would appreciate an update tomorrow. Sure hope you see some improvement.

Yes, tomorrow (Thursday) at 9:45.

[Guest 4baddogs]

Hey Melissa~

I've been remiss in following poor lil' Buddy's saga because of dog issues here. Nothing as bad, but I kept forgetting to check in.

 

I'm sorry he keeps relapsing. Who's the neurologist you're seeing tomorrow?

 

I'm a world class worrier and always imagine the worst. When any of mine are sick, I automatically think the worst nomatter what it is. It drives Glenn insane. He, on the other hand, is Mr. Optimism and thinks they'll all live to be 30 years old. I don't know why I'm saying this other than to say I know EXACTLY how you're feeling: that punched in the gut-feel like you're going to throw up - can't sleep feeling.

 

I'm praying that Buddy bounces back for you and is better really soon.

~Paula

[Guest argolola]

You will both be in my prayers.

[Guest MAXNAV]

Just talked to the vet's office. Her recommendation is to first, up the pain meds...now if I could get them into him....and if he isn't feeling better by this afternoon she wants to see him and give him an injection of a muscle relaxer. They are also going to fax a referral to an orthopedic doctor.

Poor baby. How does the vet expect you to up the pain meds, if he's been sick? Most pain meds my guys have been on have to be taken with food.

We'll be thinking of you.

 

[RobinM]

Haven't posted much but want you to know that Buddy is always in my prayers.

[Guest Che_mar_Cody]

Prayers for Buddy, please let us know what you found out

[Guest MAXNAV]

How's Buddy doing?

[Guest TaraCoachCougar]

Our meds are squished between a couple of mini marshmallows except the deramaxx which I popped down the back of her throat. Good luck! Saying prayers for Buddy!