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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Sept 27, 2018 12:35:42 GMT -7
This morning she got her Amoxicillin 250 mg and she will get her second dose this evening. She got 5 mg pepcid 30 minutes before her antibiotic. I figured just like humans 30 minutes before food. and antibiotic. Porschia is very alert and trying to crawl to the door to be picked up. Baby girl we will get you. I took in a urine sample and UTI is GONE. She has 2 1/2 more days on antibiotics. Tonight is her last dex. so after this she will be on NO medication only 24 hrs crate rest and every day she looks better and better. PRAY FOR US!!!
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Sept 27, 2018 13:09:22 GMT -7
I am so pleased that Porschia's taper has gone so well. The UTI being gone is also great news. Smiling is the best news of all
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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Sept 28, 2018 5:47:44 GMT -7
Thank you. Ears up cookie time. ibb.co/iUMbCUSat will be last day of Antibiotics. Amoxicillin 250 mg x2 for 7 days. Porschia will be on no medication. She WILL NOT be on NSAID Doctor said she doesn't need them. I am going to do per the vet, and my other dogs. Porschia as long as she is doing good she will take 3 drops of CBD oil 2x a day. All of my dogs are on CBD oil. 1 oz is 250 mg. (the bottle last forever) at a few drops at a time. Hard to figure out how much 3 drops is calculated.
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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Sept 29, 2018 18:32:07 GMT -7
Today is Sept 29th. Tomorrow is Porschia's last day on Antibiotics. Amoxicillin 250 mg x2/day. 30th Sept will be Stop Amoxicillin. She will then be on no medication. For a dog that has no DPS when I take her diaper off and she moves her back legs to pee on the pee pad I have lots of hope. She still has until Nov 14th I believe for her full 8 weeks. I will continue to change her on a changing table handling as less as possible. I see her right foot being picked up inside her crate from time to time. I know Porschia will walk again. My faith leads me that way. I go in all the time and just love on her head. Give her kisses and give her a treat from time to time. She sleeps a lot but when she sees the cookie jar up her ears go. I pray every day for my little Angel to regain the strength in her little legs. Thank you
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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Oct 1, 2018 5:18:08 GMT -7
Oct 1st. Porschia is still doing pretty good. She is on No medication now only CBD oil that has been started Oct 1st today. She is still on crate rest, until Nov. we will get through this. Oh I ordered Sept 18th when I started in here the newsletter. At what point does it start and where do I get it from. Is Linda Stowe part of this group? I paid 8.00 plus 1.99 and have heard nothing. Thanks
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Post by Linda Stowe on Oct 1, 2018 5:44:01 GMT -7
Hi Wanda Thanks for your subscription. I'm the founder of Dodgerslist and I did receive your payment for the newsletter on Sept. 17. The newsletter is sent out on the first day of the quarter and I will be emailing the link out later today. www.dodgerslist.com/newsletter.htm Linda
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Mary & Mila
Helpful Member
FEMALE— DACHSHUND
Posts: 218
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Post by Mary & Mila on Oct 1, 2018 5:51:34 GMT -7
Hi Wanda, Great to see Porschia is doing well and that you will be seeing the crate rest through. Dodgerslist Linda is the founder of Dodgerslist, it's named after a Dachshund Linda had called Dodger, who sadly was PTS following an IVDD episode. Linda later learned that crate rest may have helped Dodger recover rather than the option of being PTS, so she founded this great site in order to save other dogs from a similar fate. There is also a Facebook page and an Instagram page, if you'd like to check them out. As you paid in Sept your subscription will start with the next publication, which is October and the issues are online ones, you will get an email with a link in. I hope you enjoy the articles and stories, regards Mary
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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Oct 7, 2018 17:37:05 GMT -7
Today is Oct 7th. Porschia is still doing her crate rest and small things are starting to happen. She is on CBD oil only no medication. When I take her out to change her diaper she stands straight with her hind legs. Then when she has no diaper on and she is over a pee pad on her changing table she squats and pees. I see her pick up her hind legs move them over to the side and pee. She still can't walk, I haven't tried because strict crate rest is strict crate rest. I do stick my head in her kennel and love on her. She gets cookies and sits up, she drinks, eats and peeing normal, no extra pee everywhere and I am not so stressed anymore. So to me if a dog has no DPS she wouldn't be moving body parts and standing would she?
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 7, 2018 21:57:22 GMT -7
Wanda, Porschia would have to have DPS to be able to stand and move as she is doing and be able to pee on her own! I had two very sweet Boston Terriers as a child and Timmy and Tammy used to wag their little tail stubs.. Has Porschia done this yet to the sound of your happy talk? Check out the list below to see how far she has come in nerve healing.
Once nerves have repaired then muscles will also have to be retrained to relearn proper placement of the paws. Some muscles will need to regain strength for walking. Consider learning to walk again as it would be for a stroke victim or a baby learning to walk. At first, the steps will be weak and a bit unstable. Relearning to walk takes coordination, building up strength, and lots of patience.
There is no timetable anyone can give you when to expect nerve repair to happen. In fact, there is no time limit for nerves to heal...it can take weeks to more like a year or even longer. However, it is known that neurological function usually returns in the reverse order of the damage. The first big sign you want to look for is that wonderful tail wag!
1. Deep Pain Sensation (Only correctly identified by a specialist.) 2. Tail wagging with joy at seeing you, getting a treat or due to your happy talk. 3. Bladder and bowel control proved by passing the "sniff and pee" test. Take your dog out to an old pee spot in the grass. Let him sniff and then observe for release of urine. 4. Leg movement, and then ability to move up into a stand, and then wobbly walking. 5. Being able to walk with more steadiness and properly placed paws. 6. Ability to walk unassisted and perhaps even run.
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Mary & Mila
Helpful Member
FEMALE— DACHSHUND
Posts: 218
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Post by Mary & Mila on Oct 8, 2018 2:33:51 GMT -7
Hi Wanda, It looks all good from here, if Porschia can even stand for a few seconds it's a great sign, eyes peeled for that tail wag, it's not too far away now I'd say. happy for you both Mary
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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Oct 10, 2018 14:49:41 GMT -7
Pauliana Porschia has no tail, no nub just some hair. I will however say she is giving me kisses which since I got her in May I have never gotten kisses. I also say give me your paw and she is giving me her paw laying in her crate. Front paw of course. So yes she is definitely getting to be a happy pup. Now to finish her 8 weeks we are halfway there and hopefully she will be up in no time. Thank you for all your help and encouragement. I might have said don't fuss at me to some of you because I am learning about this disease and now with what I know if someone asks me about I know. CRATE rest conservative, surgery is surgery .
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Oct 11, 2018 4:26:07 GMT -7
I'm glad Porschia is feeling more like herself, Wanda. Yes, it's all about education and learning about this disease which gives us the ammunition to fight it.
Keep up the good work with Porschia. She's shown some wonderful signs of nerve healing in a very short time so her recovery is going well. Continued prayers.
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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Oct 24, 2018 20:06:02 GMT -7
Porschia is giving me kisses and licks and rolls over on her belly in her crate for kisses. I have noticed one thing, her front pads look really pink, not swollen but pink, the back ones look like a cal lose hard in the middle. Any suggestions on what to put on them, Vaseline or antibiotic ointment? She is still on no medication because she is not in any pain. Thanks
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Mary & Mila
Helpful Member
FEMALE— DACHSHUND
Posts: 218
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Post by Mary & Mila on Oct 25, 2018 4:30:36 GMT -7
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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Nov 1, 2018 15:52:56 GMT -7
Thank you Mary I got some for her pads. It is helping. We also got Porschia a child's playpen. She sleeps in it during the day when we are in the living room and surrounding rooms. She is getting very antsy to get out of her crate. She has less than 2 weeks and then she will be off crate rest and I can start small exercise with her to build her back up to see how she will do. I ordered her a wheelchair [graduation is not til 11/13!] and I honestly don't know if I just put her in it for a little time each day to see what she does. She is moving her back legs and when I put my finger under her pads she draws up her foot. So will the wheelchair help her with her strength also? Thanks for everything.
Wanda
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Post by Pauliana on Nov 1, 2018 21:43:05 GMT -7
Hi Wanda, Two important design points for IVDD dogs using a wheelchair: Need to avoid unwanted stresses on the spine which may lead to further disc problems in IVDD dogs. There should be practically NO yoke pressure on the shoulder area. The shoulder area is supported by the legs and if there is to be any light pressure that is where it should be, not on the weaker back. A well-designed wheelchair will keep the body aligned and not increase pressure points on the spine. The back should be aligned straight and in natural position for the body, i.e. the rear is not higher than the front. Well-designed wheelchairs appropriate for an IVDD dog come in a wide range of prices. Dodgerslist does not advocate a particular manufacturer. The two photos below are for educational purposes to show correct positioning of the yoke over the shoulder area. Additional features: Easy to get in and out of. Yoke or harness opens completely making putting dog in cart fast and hassle free. Yoke locks and opens quickly. Comfortable seating. Cart design needs take into consideration where the dog's weight is supported to avoid skin breakdown or friction sores. The dog's weight needs to be supported in a well-designed and padded manner. Small footprint. Doesn't have parts sticking above, on the side or out in back. Easier to use in the house around furniture and not get caught in outdoor branches, etc. Most amount of support and least amount of side to side swaying as dog runs. Minimal adjustments required. Will take a good number of measurements to get custom fit for your dog. There is no one size fits all in a good cart. A cart should have many areas to adjust in case a minor tweaking is needed once you receive the cart at home. Email a photo back to the manufacturer for comment on the fit for your dog. Maintenance should be none or minimal. Aluminum is strong and lightweight, does not rust, but pricier. PVC is sturdy, light weight, maintenance free and cost effective. Needs to be lightweight and properly balanced so the dog does not have to strain pulling a heavy cart. Tires which do not require inflation, less maintenance. Larger, thicker tires roll better over rougher terrain and through snow. All carts have the potential to tip over, angled tires can help with stability. Nothing to impede normal range of leg motion. If your dog begins to walk, he needs to put his feet down. There should be no hindrance to natural leg movement while still being supported, making it a rehab tool if/when needed Do your homework before you buy. Ask users of carts what they like/don't like about their cart, what experience they had in communications with the manufacturer, warranty, how satisfactorily any problems were attended to. A cart is used every day and several times a day. Dogs will use a cart for a couple of hours at a time, not all day long. Dogs must always be supervised when in a cart. All carts can tip over. Training a dog to use a wheelchair: eddieswheels.com/training-a-dog-to-use-a-wheelchair/
Updated link to wheel chair training: eddieswheels.com/n/27/Training-a-dog-to-use-a-wheelchair
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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Nov 2, 2018 5:08:02 GMT -7
There is no picture and that page says no longer exists. I am doing my homework for six weeks now. My vet and everyone is going to make sure if she walks she just needs a little help and exercise. I want her legs all four on the ground and just a little support to help her build strength. I promise she won't be out of my sight in that cart. I change her diaper wash her bottom, make sure she has no wetness or sores since the beginning. She hasn't been outside for five weeks. One day I bought a dog stroller and I let her lay in it and she sat up (Strapped in) so she could smell outside and get fresh air. So Porschia has a play pen, she has a changing table we change size 2 now because size 1 seem to cut her leg and I didn't like that. None scented baby wipes, she has had accidents in her bed, I clean up, sometimes she waits until we get her out and put her on her changing table and then pees. This baby has been taken better care of than most people take care of their children. Mine are all grown and I want Porschia to live and to be happy. That is why I am fighting so hard for her. If I put my finger under her back pads she moves her hind legs up. When she is being held to pee she squats to pee. Spreads her legs an lifts her hind legs up since she knows we are holding her. Just pray hard that she walks one day and can be happy. She is licking me all over when I am gone for five minutes. I come home and she just about eats me alive. She doesn't wag her tail because there is only a hair spot no nub but she does lick and her eyes light up like a Christmas Tree. Since I have had Porschia she has never done that. She hands me her paw when she is laying down and I rub her belly. All new to me , a love on a different level. Thanks for listening.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,528
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Post by PaulaM on Nov 2, 2018 7:09:33 GMT -7
Wanda, the updated link to training a dog to use a wheelchair is here: eddieswheels.com/n/27/Training-a-dog-to-use-a-wheelchairBeing off of all meds and showing no signs of pain, it would be appropriate to do some VERY, very light least aggressive range of motion (ROM) and massage for the back legs to keep joints flexible and maintain muscle circulation. Here is the information for paralayzed legs highlighted in pink and a video to help you with these types of exericise til she would be able to do more upon graduation on Nov 13th: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/massagepassiveexercises.htmWhich brand wheel chair did you select? Use of the wheelchair would wait until graduation day. Just getting a dog in and out of the cart is TOO much movement prior to graduation day. Upon graduation as for any exercises it would be an introduction with short times gradually increasing in length. The idea is to not be confused by pain of overdoing exercises and sore muscles VS. serious signs of pain from new disc problem. We'll have more information for you as you near Nov 13th. Your dedication in care and love for Porchia clearly shows with the increased bond you both share!!! How heart warming!! Good job!! For us humans to figure out what things are caused by a message from the brain traveling down the spinal cord or whether reflex caused, we need to see a head level involvement. Here are some examples to see if there was purposeful thinking with the release of urine, movement of a limb. --- Sniff (head level nose) an old urine spot then release of urine would be brain directed. Limb movement at potty times could be and often is a reflex movement. --- Since Porchia has no nub of a tail, how about a butt wriggle? Hear (head level ear) you doing some happy talk and then her butt movement is activated would mean brain directed butt wriggling. --- Itchy sensation at at neck and then tries to scratch would be purposeful movement. Tickling paws will cause reflex leg movements. Hold off on tickling pads til graduation day, when PT can then be upped to include this exercise.
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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Nov 2, 2018 14:54:23 GMT -7
Porschia went to the doctor today because her ear was really red. Yes she had yeast and bacteria in one ear. I told the doctor that. lol Anyway doctor was looking at her hind legs and pushed her toe and Porschia pulled her leg up and then pushed her leg to the doctor. The doctor says yes Wanda Porschia does have feeling in her hind legs. Come on baby girl you can do this two more weeks. Her wheel chair is Walkin' Pets by HandicappedPets.com. I haven't gotten it yet it is on it's way. I will not do anything until Dodgerlist instructs me. I am listening very hard and learning lots about my little one. Keep prayers coming
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Nov 2, 2018 15:03:10 GMT -7
She can definitely do this for two more weeks. That will give her disk the best chance to heal.
Good news that the doctor sees improvement in her legs!
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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Nov 13, 2018 17:38:15 GMT -7
today is graduation day. So now I am doing a little more exercise with her. She still isn't walking but she is moving her legs a little, I am going to check into a new vet for acupuncture and water therapy. I guess the rest is up to Porschia and myself. www.dodgerslist.com/forumads/Graduate.jpg
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Post by Julie & Perry on Nov 13, 2018 18:10:59 GMT -7
Yay, happy graduation day!!! You've both come a long way.
Congratulations 😀
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 14, 2018 5:14:25 GMT -7
Wanda, congratulations to you and Porschia on sticking with strict crate rest for the full 8 weeks! So glad to hear that she's able to move her legs some. Do take it very slow with Porschia. Now that the 8 weeks of strict rest are over, she needs to very gradually build up her muscle strength and stamina again. Here's a schedule that I found very helpful when my Jeremy graduated from conservative care - there are also tips on how to care for Porschia in the days ahead: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/AfterCrateRest.htmIf you haven't seen it yet, here's our page on how to make your home back friendly: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/protectback.htmWe love it when members have a mind to pay forward and help another. We invite you to hop on to our educational bandwagon team in any way that makes you happy. Education about disc disease is our number one mission! We wish we did not have to hear of another dog that was put to sleep because of disc disease nor one denied the correct principles of crate rest to help them heal.
--- You've been there, and are doing it....if you see another member on the Forum needing support or information share what you know to be true or point them to one of our many IVDD articles. The "search box" on each page makes quick work to find the right helpful link: www.dodgerslist.com/-- "Share" our FB/twitter/ posts to widen the reach of IVDD knowledge www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist twitter.com/DodgersList-- Hand carry our literature and introduce us to your vet. When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas) to give out our little cards. Ask Linda to send you our free packet: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htm
-- We have a store where you might find something you absolutely need! Our earnings go to paying for our webpage and literature to hand out. www.dodgerslist.com/store.htm-- Don't forget to add a photo to the gallery and 1-2 sentences. Give inspiration to others just starting a scary IVDD journey. Directions to u/l here: dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/put-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-calendarPlease know that we continue to be here for you and Porschia in the years ahead. Let us know how the acupuncture and/or water therapy work out for her.
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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Nov 28, 2018 10:57:11 GMT -7
I just want to say thank you for all your help and guidance while Porschia was on crate rest. She is now seeing another vet and they are doing acupuncture, adjustments on her spine and laser on her. I am put her in a full tub of water and exercising her. The vet said she has DPS now. Yeah Porschia however there are bone spurs in her vertebrae. She is on vitamins holistic ones and hind quarter support. She will have three treatments and we will see if any improvement. Porschia has good spirits and loves going on the road walking a block or two in her wheelchair. The wheelchair is adjusted correctly. The doctor said wow the dedication I have for her. Well I said it is called LOVE and I will do whatever I have to for little Porschia. I even made her a facebook page just to post pictures and make friends. Porschia Marie is doing good, and she is happy!!!
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Post by Merriem & Spike on Nov 28, 2018 11:33:46 GMT -7
That is such wonderful news. Glad you all are doing so well.
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Post by Michelle & Keira on Nov 28, 2018 19:24:34 GMT -7
Great to hear how well Porschia is doing.
i just checked out the FB page, especially loved the happy birthday clip lol!
Porschia is lucky to have such a loving Mumma!
Take care 😃
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Nov 28, 2018 21:20:29 GMT -7
I'm very glad to hear that Porschia's spirits are up and that she's enjoying her walks, Wanda. That's so good to hear. I know you want to do everything that you can for Porschia but please be aware that Dodgerslist does not recommend chiropractic treatments (adjustments to spine) for any dog with IVDD. Please take a look at the following link for more information on why chiro is not recommended. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/chiropractic.htm
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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Dec 1, 2018 15:54:30 GMT -7
I don't know if by the vet running her finger down her spine after she looked at her xrays is considered chiropractic or not. She did use a cold laser and put little pins on her legs for acupuncture and Porschia just laid there being a good patient. Porschia has got so much energy now she is standing for minutes but not taking a step yet. I am still doing her exercise three times a day and she goes for two walks just to the end of the block and back. Not to over do it. The vet said she is hoping to get her to walk even if a wobble and using the potty on her own. I am taking it slowly and just letting her smell outside and to be a happy dog for once in her young life. The vet knows I am guarding her with my life and I don't want any adjusting of her spine or jerking or anything. Thanks for the info.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Dec 1, 2018 16:04:25 GMT -7
I am so happy to hear that Porschia is doing so well. Standing for minutes is a really good sign. Standing requires not only strength but balance.
I don't think simply running fingers down her spine is chiropractic treatment but we would not recommend anything more forceful than this. It is just to risky for an IVDD dog.
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Post by Wanda & Porschia on Dec 1, 2018 19:48:27 GMT -7
I carry a diaper bag with me, I carry all her records, I took her wheelchair with me, so that the doctor saw everything I am doing. Yes Porschia does have accidents in a diaper but you take the diaper off and she squats to pee. I have seen and read about the drag bags, I haven't let her use one yet at all. I am to scared to let her wonder around in the house just yet. I am asking opinion here and also will ask my vet. I do pick her up do exercise and let her lay in a bed beside the couch on the floor. I don't want anything to jeopardize her progress. I talked to a lady that her little beagle has gone down three times and this vet has brought her back all three times. Seems like forty years ago with diapers and now carrying a diaper bag again. lol I have to giggle because she is like having a baby again. Doctor said Ms. Porschia you are spoiled to the core. I said Dr. she is loved so much I can't imagine life without her. I will not let the doctor do anything to Porschia that I think will hurt her at all. Thank you for all your words of encouragement.
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