Deborah & Angel
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No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 1, 2013 16:42:45 GMT -7
Angel is in Pittsburgh, she will have surgery in the AM, providing there are NO changes in her neuro exams during the night.. www.pvs-ec.com/
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Post by Linda Stowe on Apr 1, 2013 17:41:39 GMT -7
Looks like a good facility with boarded neuros. Please keep us updated tomorrow on how the surgery goes and the surgeon's recommendations. We will be thinking of you and Angel.
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Apr 1, 2013 17:48:33 GMT -7
Fingers crossed!
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Deborah & Angel
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 1, 2013 17:49:23 GMT -7
Thank you Linda, I will update tomorrow..I am just worried sick over this..I miss my FurBaby..
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Deborah & Angel
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No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 1, 2013 17:52:07 GMT -7
Thank you to ". pollysmom"..Hope I did that right..
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Post by Cindy & Sophie on Apr 1, 2013 19:11:20 GMT -7
In regards to your March 23rd post. I found a product called Pill Pockets made by Greenies. Makes giving the pills I have to give Sophie, my dog, so much easier! Hope this helps!
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Deborah & Angel
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No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 2, 2013 6:56:53 GMT -7
Thanks again pollysmom about the pill trick, it works. Sorry so late getting this in, I'm not good at this Forum thing.. :/
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Deborah & Angel
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No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 2, 2013 8:33:41 GMT -7
Angel is having a CT scan to determine the extent of the disc damage, there are a few discs involved. The Neuro Dr will call to discuss his findings after reviewing the scan. Surgery will be this afternoon.. Please keep the prayers coming
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Post by Cindy & Sophie on Apr 2, 2013 8:53:06 GMT -7
prayers coming your way
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Deborah & Angel
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No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 2, 2013 9:08:36 GMT -7
I found this www.amazon.com/BestPet-Pink-Posh-Pet-Stroller/dp/B0033JJBQE/ref=pd_luc_sim_01_03_t_lh?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I'm wondering if this would be ok for Angel to re-coup in...She has never been crated (Bad Me), and I thought I could keep this close to me and even put it in the bed with us, (they have ALWAYS slept with us). Trying to get prepared for release day..I am so scared and overwhelmed...PLEASE advise, much appreciated... I guess my above post didn't work, here are the specifics: Pink Posh Pet Stroller by BestPet 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews) Price: $34.99 Only 3 left in stock. Ships from and sold by Rowland Direct Wholesale. 2 new from $34.99 Handle to Floor = 33" Side to side (wheel to wheel) = 19 1/2" Carrier interior Front to Back = 21 1/2" Carrier interior Side to Side = 15 1/2" Carrier interior Height = 20".
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Deborah & Angel
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No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 2, 2013 9:09:57 GMT -7
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 2, 2013 9:19:38 GMT -7
Debbie, pet strollers are a very good idea. Because dogs have been known to escape from them, strollers should only be used when you are there to supervise and to keep them near you as you move around the house. So when you leave the house, you still need a secure recovery suite....such as an ex-pen, wire crate, packNplay, baby crib. The size of any recovery suite should be enough room to turn around, stand up and when lying down to fully stretch out their legs. More details on stroller features, use, size etc: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/strollers.htm
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Deborah & Angel
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 2, 2013 9:26:58 GMT -7
We will also have a recovery suite set up. When it says to measure your dog from nose to tail for a stroller, does it mean, tip of the tail, sorry to sound so stupid, just don't want to order something to small.. :/
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Deborah & Angel
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 2, 2013 13:15:16 GMT -7
The CT scan shows the disc is ruptured..it is BAD, but prognosis is GOOD...She's going to surgery now..I'm so scared and worried.. Please read above post and let me know what to do...I'm so unsure of what I'm doing and hope I can do this, I have researched everything on your site about what to expect, and the hospital said they keep them 2-4 days after surgery so that will give me some time to get things set up.. I'm one scared and worried Mama.
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 2, 2013 15:10:22 GMT -7
Debbie, many prayers being sent your way for Angel before, during and after her surgery.. Will be watching for an update when you know more. I felt the same exact way when we left Tyler for his CT scan and surgery for his herniated disc.. The first week she is home she will likely be very tired from the pain medications and this will help you during the first week or more of crate rest.. Tyler slept a lot during this time, it was when he started to feel better than it became more of a challenge but we managed to get through the 6 weeks of crate rest and he is now acting like nothing ever happened.. We found ways to make it bearable.. such as putting a crate or recovery suite in each of the rooms we spent the most time in.. We put one of them near the river view window for his entertainment also.. You can make it work.. trust me. The stroller isn't such a good idea as Paula mentioned at least not fresh from surgery.. Ask the surgeon for his recommendation on the best place for her to rest. A crate would keep her spine aligned.. This is oh so important to her recovery. As far as measurements go for a stroller for the future, I would say tip of the tail to answer your question.. I highly recommend you start with the article entitled "Answers about IVDD Surgery" www.dodgerslist.com/literature/surgery.htmHugs and prayers.. Pauliana
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Deborah & Angel
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 2, 2013 16:08:17 GMT -7
Thank you so much Pauliana, your encouragement is MUCH appreciated. Surgery went very well, the Dr said she was sitting up in her cage an hour after surgery. (I'm guessing that's ok). The girls put a bow in her hair, I may have a problem getting my 8# FurBaby back. He said we could go visit tomorrow, I'm wondering if that's a good idea. She will be VERY excited to see us, I'll let them know my fears in the AM when they call. So Pauliana, you had a recovery suite in each room, did you move Tyler from room to room when you did? I'm worried about moving her too much...Sorry to be such a pain..but trying to find out as much as I can before she comes home..Another reason I thought about the stroller is, they open from the top, and I thought I could use it to get her home in, the one I have has the front door, and I think she'll spazz out if we try cramming her in it. Also, it can be put on the bed. But you don't think they are sturdy enough?
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Apr 2, 2013 18:27:31 GMT -7
I'm so glad to hear that surgery went well. We have a crate that opens both from the front and the top. It was a lifesaver for us. I think I got it at petsm art, but I'm not sure.
Do visit if you can. It will make you and your Angel feel better. They walked Polly down the hall to us with a sling. We visited on a blanket on the floor. It was hard to leave again, but we we so happy to see her, and she to see us. I visited every day until she came home.
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 2, 2013 20:38:48 GMT -7
Debbie,
So happy to hear that Angel came through surgery so well. Sitting up an hour later! That's so wonderful! Tyler had a very quick positive reaction to surgery also.. He was moving his legs when he woke up.. and he couldn't before. So happy for you and Angel!
When you talk to them in the morning, just ask if she is ready for a visit, it sounded like she might be since they suggested a visit.. Tyler gets very excited too, so I know your worry.. The day we picked him up, two days after surgery, he got so excited, we had to get down on his level to calm him down. We got quite a reception from Tyler and of course we were concerned he would hurt himself.. We continued to soothe him and he calmed down.. We have a plastic carrier for travel and he went right in with no problem. He was anxious to get out of the clinic and he knew he was going home when he saw the carrier.
We didn't move him constantly.. I stayed downstairs with him near the living room recovery suite for most of the morning and part of the afternoon. When Neil got done with his projects in the afternoon,he likes to be in the computer room for several hours and he would carry Tyler, so that his back was aligned, the way he did when he took him outside to potty.
When Neil took his nap in the late afternoon he would put his crate on the bed and Tyler would get in and Neil would pet him through the wire and both of them would fall asleep that way. The rest of the evening was spent in the living room recovery suite area.. We had to find ways to make it work since Tyler gets anxious if he can't see and feel Neil..
The best part of the recovery suite was the top part was open and it also had a door on the front. Some crates can be adjusted from a front entry to a top entry.
The stroller can be a great idea, if Angel doesn't find a way to escape from it.. and if it provides enough support to her back, because she can ride from room to room. When she isn't being supervised a crate or recovery suite is the best idea..When they start to feeling better, that's when they think they are well and try to do too much.
Pauliana
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Deborah & Angel
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 3, 2013 6:00:59 GMT -7
Thank you Pollysmom and Pauliana, I'm so excited to be able to see Angel this afternoon, but worried too. Waiting on them to call to let them know my fears. I really miss her, and her half sister here, is lost without her. Any suggestions on how to manage that reunion when she comes home? She also has a CAT buddy here that she just loves, and literally attacks when she comes in the door if we have been away, it's so funny to see, she LOVES her kitty..
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Deborah & Angel
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 3, 2013 6:51:13 GMT -7
Well, they just called and said Angel is doing VERY well...YAY!!! When I expressed my concerns, she proceeded to tell me their game plan..They had planned on sending her home TODAY...YIKES. I told her I was NOT comfortable with that since they are slowly cutting down her pain meds and we are 45 mins away. And I need to get a few things in order yet, so tomorrow while the hubby is at work, I will be finishing up the recovery suites, and getting things in order here. They said, she is going pee on her own...YAY, the other concern they have is, she isn't eating well, but she doesn't eat much, and she's a very picky eater, so I hope that's what's going on.. I'm so excited she's well enough to come home, but VERY nervous about the recovery, HOW DO YOU KEEP THEM SETTLED? After they start feeling better. Oh my.. :/
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 3, 2013 8:13:51 GMT -7
Debbie, wonderful news Angel already has bladder control. Most dogs to so much better at home than in the hospital. You will have lots of questions come to mind before discharge day. Here is a list started for you, just add more to it as they come to mind. Believe me you will be very excited on pick up day and you don't want to miss getting any questions answered. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/dischargequestions.htmYou might discuss IF Angel becomes rambuctious in her crate, what dose of plain Benadryl could be used. Let us know what the surgeon directs for PT and for crate rest plus all the details on any meds she is sent home with.
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Deborah & Angel
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 3, 2013 8:49:58 GMT -7
I am so overwhelmed right now Paula, I just don't know if I should go get her today, or wait until tomorrow since she isn't eating for them..I do have a list of questions ready...I have to buy a transport crate as the one we have only has a front small door and I know, she will NOT go in, and will spaz out. I just hope I make the right decision in buying one. I want to get one that we can use on the bed at night and something sturdy, one that has a top door, easy to get her n and out. I'm so afraid to hurt her. This will certainly be a challenge. Funny, I have taken care of the elderly and mentally challenged for years, and NEVER questioned my abilities.. :/ Anyone ever heard of these? petslady.com/articles/dogs_bad_backs_theres_wiggleless
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 3, 2013 9:27:16 GMT -7
These back braces are springing up all over the internet. Buyer beware. What is the purpose of them for an IVDD dog? --To prevent another disc episode... educated owners know the disease and know it does not do that for an IVDD dog. -- As a kind of a crate rest during a disc episode? We know what works is 100% STRICT crate rest and there are no short cuts. We contacted Dr. Isaacs in our Neuro Corner for his response: www.dodgerslist.com/neurocorner2/backbraces.htm-- There are other concerns with them as well here are a few of them to be considered: - getting them on without causing any more pain or damage to the spine is on top of the list of our major concerns. Too much movement to get the thing on is not good for a dog that you are trying to limit movement of the back of in the first place. - Additional muscle atrophy in the spine is another big concern as muscle strength is very important to maintaining spinal health. - Think about the unnecessary discomfort and anxiety caused by having to wear this device… adequate limited movement is supplied with owner commitment to safe and effective 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7. Might be hard to get on a dog who is even slightly painful. - Braces would require monitoring for pressure (rub) sores. Also, if not properly fitted (not covering from thoracic down to tail) there is the potential to create a fulcrum. It is hard to immobilize the entire back and not end up creating a fulcrum that stresses out adjacent disks. - A brace would not a preventative measure. Disc disease is the cause of prematurely aging discs...a disc problem happens at the point the disc has hardened too much. Any activity such as turning to lick a paw or putting on and off a brace could be the last straw for a disc that is no longer flexible. Put simply, there isn't enough research on them for Dodgerslist to support their use. What we do know is that strict crate rest is what works - it's proven. We like *sure* tried and true things that we know to be safe. Orthotics like a back brace should require an Rx from a board certified neurologist (ACVIM) who is well educated in disc disease, just the same as any reputable company would require. An ill fitting product that is not custom made can do more harm.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 3, 2013 9:34:13 GMT -7
Debbie, you can relax! A post op dog needs care for sure but it is not as strict as with conservative treatment. You won't break her... just carry her supporting both ends to protect her back.
Angel will like be able to walk out of the crate enough for you to put on her harness and leash for full control at potty times. Another alternative is is a towel under her where you can gently pull the towel out the crate door giving you access to her for the leash and harness.
I would wait til tomorow unless they say she is fully pain free dose to dose of the pain meds. One of the reasons they keep the dogs is to make sure pain is under control with the right combo before going home. YOu can stop by today and bring some food to help her eat better and then decide if she should come home with you today or tomorrow.
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Deborah & Angel
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 3, 2013 9:59:32 GMT -7
Thank you Paula..I hate to be a pain, but I am just so afraid, she is my Baby. Got my list of questions ready, recovery suite, all washed up and ready..Going to but a better crate, just not liking the one I have, still looking for a top loader...lol..sounds like I'm looking for a washing machine. I don't know if I should get some canned food or not, with her taking meds, my concern is the fact that she never has eaten well, and I'm afraid of stomach issues next. I do want to say something to ALL Doxie owners out there, Paula, if you think this needs put somewhere else let me know...This is Angel's story: About 1 and a half to 2 years ago we rescued 2 Yorkies, we didn't have them for a year and had to give them up...There was such a conflict between the Doxies (we have 2) and the Yorkies, so we found the Yorkies a good home. Things were so bad, we had knock down, drag out fights. Anyways...Angel from that point on, seemed depressed...I kept going to the vet and saying something is wrong..she's just NOT herself...we did everything...Blood work, you name it...Everything came back normal, we figured she may just be depressed over the loss of the Yorkies. But we knew we couldn't bring them back, there was just too much tension in the house....NOW that I look back...I am wondering if this has been bothering Angel for all this time, and she couldn't tell us??? Just makes you wonder.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 3, 2013 10:17:18 GMT -7
It is hard to say what happened after those fights, perhaps she was having a disc bulge out of shape and causing discomfort. It is the typical signs we repeat in all our posts that help us to get them crated asap. With very mild symptoms it can be a challenge for a vet to diagnose. When the pain becomes very evident and the dog has a history of IVDD, then a disc problem is highly suspicious.
I do want to alert you to the pack dynamics that have now forever changed at your house just so you are aware.
For dogs the inborn instinct about weakness is for survival protection of the pack as a whole. There are two things that can happen in pack dynamics when a dog has been or is sick. 1. The healthy one may try to eliminate the weaker in the pack. 2. For the sick one, now the weaker in the pack to become more protective and aggressive because they know they are weaker now and may be subject to being attacked.
Make sure that after post-op crate rest Angel feels protected from her best bud when home alone... the crate will be that source of protection. Whenever you leave the house and they are not supervised, it is a good idea to crate them for their own safety. We have had many instances where a deadly attack among best buds could have been avoided by crating. One I recall is of two sisters who had grown up together and never showed any signs of aggression to one another. The two dogs were put in the kitchen while their owners went out to dinner. They came home to find the IVDD dog almost dead from the vicious attacks of the other.
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 3, 2013 10:20:18 GMT -7
Debbie,
A couple of things I would like to mention.. First about not eating at the hospital. Tyler didn't either. It could be the medication as well as being in an unfamiliar environment plus food he wasn't used to and it could be the same with Angel. When you go to visit, take her some of her favorite food and hand feed it to her.. That will serve two purposes to calm her down as well as get her to eat. The first few days at home Tyler's appetite was still off but we continued to hand feed him at meal time and he soon started to eat as normal.
Second, be cautious when she comes home as regards to your other pets, because Angel is now quite vulnerable and they will pick up on this. Dogs even cherished family pets have attacked other dogs that are considered to be weaker. It's all part of pack dynamics. Tyler also had a favorite kitten named Mercy that he played and cuddled with prior to his disc surgery but when he came home instead of being excited to see his kitty friend, he growled at her and she kept her distance. I was surprised at the time but now know he was trying to protect himself..
Just play it by ear if she feels comfortable with them, let them lay near her crate but never leave them alone unsupervised.
I had all the anxieties that you are having right now Debbie! Tyler, Neil and I made it through everything. You can too!
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Deborah & Angel
Helpful Member
No current back issues... Living Life.. <3
Posts: 294
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Post by Deborah & Angel on Apr 3, 2013 10:39:13 GMT -7
OMGosh... I just burst into tears...Not sure I can do this.. :/
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,598
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 3, 2013 10:44:49 GMT -7
Debbie, you have EVERYTHING inside you right now to do this. So now is the time to buck up draw up your inner strength. You know how smart Angel is. She'll be watching you... interpreting your facial and body language, your tone of voice. Start practicing now at home with happpy,positive phrases..."everything is going to be oK, mom is here!" The truth is that everthing WiLL be ok. The more times you say it the more you will believe in your inner strength. Angel will be counting on her pack leader to let her know she is in good hands.
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Post by Pauliana on Apr 3, 2013 10:51:33 GMT -7
Debbie,
You CAN get through this! Once you see Angel everything will fall into place. Take one moment at a time, one day at a time. Everything that comes up, you will find a way to deal with it. You are overwhelmed and scared but you will see Angel soon and together you and Angel will find a routine that works for you. She needs, as Paula said, your positive direction. Take a deep breath and know your love for Angel will get you both through..
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