PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Apr 27, 2014 9:28:48 GMT -7
Tracy, if I could reach out and give you a hug I would.... your strength in advocating for Jersey comes from self education. Now that you know the disease you are dealing with you have become a very effective voice for Jersey's needs. That is the hope we have for each of our members.... read and be an educated strong voice for their dog. So very nice to hear your report that now the meds are finally perfect for Jersey's needs ...she is in no pain!!!! Kudos to you, Tracy. It is not reasonable to think a doctor or vet can know all the diseases in depth. So with our doctors we seek 2nd opinions. A vet will put on a specialists hat of a pediatrician, dentist, internist, a surgeon not just for one species, the human species, as our own doctors do but for many, many species (dogs, cats, reptiles, farm animals...) So the kind of vet we look for is one with an open mind to learn, uses connections with colleagues or at the University they attended and invites dialog and questions with and educated owner. When you find that vet and he happens to be IVDD knowledgeable it is like night and day teaming up with them to give Jersey the best help. Hope the new vet appointment this week will yield that vet. I hope one of our Canadian members will be able to offer you a vet suggestion. We are trying to build up our directory and encourage anyone who has an IVDD vet knowledgble recommendation to add it here: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/10/guidelines-posting
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on Apr 27, 2014 9:36:04 GMT -7
Hi Tracy, Just reading through your posts, and I'm so sorry that your little one is going through this. This is my second trip to this board, my fourth dog in my lifetime with back issues like this. My dog Hope (the black and tan) presented exactly how yours did, and we treated her for stomach issues with the idea out there that it may be her back. We put her on restricted movement, but not crate rest, and I'm so sad because maybe she wouldn't have lost control of her legs if I'd been more diligent. I actually convinced myself that it was definitely her stomach because she was walking just fine, and then when she started to wobble, I thought it might be the medication Robaxin or being cramped up in a cage a lot of the time... exactly like you did. Hope too had a really hard tummy for a long time, and had trouble going to the bathroom (poop). Keep her confined at all time, and support her rear with a sling. My dog Axel (the little red guy) went down last summer, lost partial control of his back end in that he could sometimes wobbly walk and sometimes just flop, and he's back to running around and digging on his pillow like nothing happened other than his gait is a little different. I am hoping that strict crate rest (Hope gets fed in her crate too) that we will see a similar result with her. I'm in Woodbridge, ON, so it's kind of a far drive, but my vet is really kind and compassionate and completely willing to agree to whatever treatment makes me comfortable, and also trying to keep our costs down. He's not an IVDD expert, but he is informed, and he supports conservative treatment, considering surgery to be a very last emergency effort. I hope Jersey feels better soon!!!! It's hard to crate them, isn't it? My pair are bonded, so it's very hard for them to be apart, but I know it's for the best. Every so often I open her crate and lie on the ground and stroke her, and let Axel stick his nose in the crate and give her kisses and that seems to calm her down. It's the best I can do right now, and you're doing the best you can do for your little furbaby.
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Vita & Emmie
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Currently graduated for the 3rd time; walking and running!
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Post by Vita & Emmie on Apr 28, 2014 16:04:24 GMT -7
Hi Tracy! My vet came from Ontario prior to settling here in Calgary - so I'll ask him if he knows anyone near Niagara - are you Niagara on the Lake or Falls ish? Don't feel bad about finances and the impact on the choices you make. Financial restrictions are very real - so you do what you can with what you have. The good thing is that IVDD doesn't really know about your finances and neither do Jersey's nerves and the healing that can be done for free in her crate! There are modest vets that still know about IVDD, it doesn't have to be the huge ER centre that bankrupts you before any treatment. You are doing great for Jersey right now. Like the moderators here always say: control the pain, reduce the inflammation and relax the muscle guarding - add some stomach protector and that is the best for the dog to do its own healing. You made that happen for your pup. I actually was just giving my dad advice as he hurt his back lifting heavy furniture and won't take anything for it. I told him what I learned here on the site for fixing weenie backs and off he went to get some human help with his pain, guarding and inflammation near the injury. I guess we should have sent him to the vet! Give Jersey a kiss from me and a lick from Emmie.
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 29, 2014 16:35:23 GMT -7
Hi Paula, You're comletely right. At first I just trusted my vet without question, But the more I've learned about IVDD, I now know how important it is to treat properly. The only feelings I care about are Jersey's. We have an appointment tomorrow afternoon, I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 29, 2014 17:35:41 GMT -7
Oh Hester, it sound a like we have gone through a lot of the same. This is just so scary and sad. I find myself crying a lot for Jersey. Half the time because I can't imagine how she feels and wondering why she's in her crate so long. The other half of the time it's out of guilt, for not being more strict with her until now. I'd let her use stairs and hop on the couch knowing that I probably shouldn't. I'm so sorry you've been through this so many times. It must be extremely difficult every time you realize one of them is having an episode. These little dogs are just so incredible, I can't imagine life without them. There's been so many times that they've sat by me when I wasn't feeling well or just had a bad day. It's my turn to sit by Jersey and get her healthy again. We have 6 weenies in our family (not the same household, although I would love it) I have a black & tan as well. None of the others have had any back issues and I pray they never do. But if they do, I know exactly what to do for them. Axel and Hope are both so sweet! I'm glad that Axel is doing so well and Hope will be there too. It is really hard to crate them. Their little face just so sad. I would give anything to see her playing and running around again. If only we could make them understand why they're in there. It's funny I do the same with Jersey while she's been in her crate. I open the door and lay beside her and pet her and I think she thinks I'm in there with her. My other weenie is named Rolo. I'm sure she's wondering what's happening with Jersey and why she doesn't play or come out of the crate. Your Axel knows exactly what Hope is going through. I'm sure with his little kisses, he's telling Hope it'll be ok. I'm going to see a new vet tomorrow. I don't think she specializes in IVDD but I have a neighbour that suggested her. Her dog has IVDD as well and she said that this vet worked wonderfully with them and was open to treatments and suggestions. I'm just so glad that Dodgerslist has been here for us. Thank you so much for your good wishes. I wish a full and speedy recovery for Hope.
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 29, 2014 17:53:30 GMT -7
Hi Vita, I live 20 min from The Falls. I have an appointment with a new vet tomorrow but anything you can find out about a vet in this area would be great, thank you!! I hope your Dad is feeling better soon! I think sometimes we are better off going to a vet for our own issues! . Lots of licks to you & Emmie!
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on Apr 29, 2014 18:59:16 GMT -7
I love weenies, I don't know why. I had mutts in my life growing up, my grandparents had farm dogs, and I loved the big hairy beasts - but when I was 13 my dad brought home Oscar, a little wiener puppy, and oh, it was instant love. The silky fur (he was a short hair). The eyes. The loyalty. The burrowing in blankets with the nose poked out as a snorkel! The popcorn smell when they warm up! All of it. I'm working on my husband to get another one to add to our family. Even with their back problems, Eric is totally up for having more wieners in our lives, but just not right now. He thinks 2 is a perfect number, and I always think 4 would be perfect. I'm glad that you've found a vet that is nearby and you have a referral from someone else whose dog also went through IVDD with this vet. Hopefully it goes well! Hope seems to be feeling a lot better today, and even stood up in her crate several times to settle herself. Improvement! She even did the "poop stance" today (with the help of a sling), which she hasn't been able to do in about a week. Jersey and Rolo will be reunited again soon enough. 8 weeks seems like forever, but it really does pass quite quickly.
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Apr 30, 2014 4:56:44 GMT -7
There is definitely something about these unique little characters. Once you fall in love, instantly, you just can't get enough of them! Me and my sister who has 2 weenies as well have a plan that when we retire (or win the lottery, whichever comes first) we're pulling our resources and buying a wiener farm. Rescue every wiener we can, I think it would be amazing! We are crazy about them. lol I'm so glad that Hope had a better day and showing improvement. Every little bit makes such a big difference. And you're right, the 8 weeks is passing by. I know it will be worth it at the end for our babies to be healed as best they can.
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Vita & Emmie
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Currently graduated for the 3rd time; walking and running!
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Post by Vita & Emmie on Apr 30, 2014 16:01:12 GMT -7
This is to cheer you up! It is in the UK but watch the videos - this is the life I would LOVE to have sausagedoghotel.com/
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on May 1, 2014 18:02:39 GMT -7
I was JUST going to post a video about that hotel! I want to work there! Tracy, you know there's a bunch of wiener dog festivals in Ontario in the summer right? I think one is in London, one is in Embro, and another one is in Mississauga. The last 2 years I've gone to Wiener-Paw-Looza (they raise funds for dachshund rescues) and there were like 300 wiener dogs running around. Both my dogs love it, they are totally "racist" and only like the company of other wiener dogs, and they were having so much fun playing with other weenies!
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Vita & Emmie
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Currently graduated for the 3rd time; walking and running!
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Post by Vita & Emmie on May 1, 2014 19:54:23 GMT -7
Hi Tracy, just to follow up - I checked with my vet and he doesn't have any contacts anymore in your area so hopefully you're doing okay with who is treating Jersey now? I want my own hotel, not just work there! Imagine having a heard of weenies everywhere all the time! We go to weiner paw looza here in Calgary too! And my weenies are racist too - they only like other dachsies (even that is iffy)! In fact last year, this guy was crossing the field at pawlooza with two huskies and you should have heard the cat calling from all the dachsies! It was hilarious. The huskies felt most unwelcome.
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on May 5, 2014 7:50:14 GMT -7
Hi Vita and Hester! This link made my day! LOL My girls are very racist as well! And like you said, that's sometimes too. Jersey is the only red weenie in our family. The others are all black & tans. And she was the only red in her litter. I don't think she knows she's a red because she loves black weenies but if she runs into another red weenie on a walk or the park, she doesn't like them. Sometimes not pretty at all. It's kind of embarrassing at times. I've tried to show her in the mirror that she's red too but she doesn't care! But if another dog isn't a wiener, they don't stand a chance! To make it worse if we're walking them all together as a pack, they own the town! They have no idea how small they are. In their hearts they are the biggest dog around. We go to the festival in Embro, Onario every year. It's called Wienerfest. We look so forward to going. We go for the amazing sight of weenies everywhere! And you're so right, God help the odd non-wiener that shows up! I love being around other dachshie owners. We're all the same at heart, obsessed with our weenies! This year I look forward to going for another reason. I can't wait to go to the adoption tent. The tent always has so many weenies there with IVDD. All the other years that I went I would look at these poor little creatures and be terrified of them and their condition. And wonder how they got there and who could ever adopt them. I know this sounds horrible but I would think that they were hopeless little cases. I knew nothing about IVDD then. All I knew is that I was glad my dogs didn't have it. It was a very ignorant way of thinking, I know that now. Now I understand how they got there. Their owners couldn't handle the care that this horrible disease demands. And they are not hopeless little cases and they are very adoptable to the right person. They are the same sweet little weenies they were before when their short little legs worked fine. I'm not in a position right now to adopt but when I am ready for another wiener, it's the only way I'll get one. But I will make a donation to their organization and hope that they will let me pet their little angels. Thanks for checking with your vet for a referral. I actually found an amazing vet! She was so knowledgeable about IVDD and patient with all of my questions and concerns. She was so gentle and careful with Jersey, giving her about an hour long examination and explained everything along the way. While reviewing Jersey's history and the meds that she was on, she wasn't happy with her progress. She noticed that Jersey's right side was much weaker than her left. Her right foot comes back much slower when folded and that is the side she is much wobblier on as well. She warned us that Jersey's walking may never come back 100% but that she will still enjoy walks and play once she is out of her crate and off all her meds. She also noticed a small amount of tension in her back that showed Jersey wasn't !00% pain free. She increased the 16.5 lbs Prednisone from 5 mg 2x day to 7.5 mg 2x day. She also brought the Tramadol up to 40 mg 3x day. Pepcid AC She loved the fact that Jersey's tummy was being protected . She was happy w/ her dose of Gabapentin at 100mg 3x day and her Robaxin 125mg 3x day. She said her morning dose of Robaxin can be doubled to 250mg if she seems stiff in the morning from laying so still all night. She was also very happy that I had been educating myself so that I could help Jersey better. She also loved Jersey's portable recovery suite. She suggested the cold laser treatments and explained how they work and their benefits. She asked if we knew about the surgery option but didn't push it. Telling us that some have amazing results and others not so much. We told her it wasn't really an option for us and she was fine with that. Thank you to everyone who helped us come to the decision of finding a new vet. I think this is a real turning point for Jersey.
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Vita & Emmie
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Currently graduated for the 3rd time; walking and running!
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Post by Vita & Emmie on May 15, 2014 10:54:50 GMT -7
Hi Tracy, just in case you check in - how are things going with Jersey? We'd love to hear back about any progress...
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Post by Hester & Hope+Dashel on May 15, 2014 18:53:11 GMT -7
Tracy, I believe Wienerfest is June 23rd this year? Maybe if Axel and Hope are up for it, I might drive out there for that one.
I don't want to push them though.
Eric and I have been talking about getting a stroller. We go for long walks, and we miss our wiener buddies, but we know that long walks won't be possible for them for a long time, and our vet told us to keep it under 3km at a time and we usually do about 5km - and then it hit me, why not buy a doggie stroller, so that we can walk with them until they're tired, and then pop them in and give them a break and push the stroller? Axel's lung condition means he can't walk that far without tiring out, but they love to be with us. We don't know how long we have with Axel because it's all up to how long his lungs will last, and I hate the idea of missing summer walks with him if they might be his last (we were given 18 months- 5 years prognosis ... kind of a big range!!!).
And if we're the weirdos with the doggie stroller and people stare or make fun, let them!! At least we have our dogs with us in whatever way is safe for them!
I'm so happy that Jersey and you have found a vet who is understanding and educated and seems to be encouraging you to do what you think is right for your dog!!!!
Wieners rock! We adopted from the CDR (Canadian Dachshund Rescue) several years ago to get a companion for Axel, his name was Shopsy, and we had him for 3.5 years before he passed of cancer. No one wanted to adopt him because he was old (he was about 9 when we got him), and he was such a great older brother for puppy Axel, who had anxiety issues.
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on May 30, 2014 16:06:45 GMT -7
Im sorry I haven't been on in so long. Jersey's progress has been a roller coster. She'll have a few really good days then wake up one day in pain. Her meds have been slowing increasing all the time. Jersey had a big setback on May 19th. It was for no apparant reason she just woke up that morning in a lot of pain. We brought her to the vet and decided to start laser therapy right away. She has had 4 treatments so far and seemed to be doing really well. This past Wednesday she had a treatment and that night her pain came back. By Thursday morning she had become even worse. Completely lost all use of her back legs. And her pain was the worst its been yet. So that was last night. The vet stsrted her last night on codeine 5mg every 6 hours. That calmed her pain nicely last night but as of this morning she hadnt peed or pooped in almost 24 hours. We brought her to the vets this morning and they applied a patch on her back to try to control the pain. Now today Jersey is peeing and pooping on her own again and pain is under control. The vet is worried that Jerseys only option is surgery and that there is much more of her back affected ghan we originally thought. I'm afraid to say what we ard considering for Jersey now because the surgery is simply not an option. If anyone has anymore advice I would so greatly appreciate it. I want to have hope for my sweet little girl but I cannot have her constantly having this kind of pain and no quality of life. This is her current med list prednisone 10 mg 2 x day tramadol 50 mg 3 x day codeine 15 mg 4 x day robaxin 125 mg 3 x day gabapentin 100 mg 3 x day pepcid ac 5 mg 2 x day
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PaulaM
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Post by PaulaM on May 30, 2014 19:04:11 GMT -7
Getting the pain back under control is key and that has been done. Now you have to giver Jersey the chance she needs to get that disc healed. Something, it appears, happen related to the laser therapy. Maybe too much movement in transport, maybe laser therapy not the right thing for Jersey. THE SINGLE most important thing now besides keeping pain in control is as little movement as possible.... really concentrate on 100% STRICT crate rest 24/7. If a vet visit is not an absolute must, she is better to be staying at home in her recovery suite. Can she move her legs at all? Can she wag her tail specifically if you do some happy talk to her? Can she hold her urine, sniff an old pee spot and then decide to release urine? That is proof of bladder control. Finding urine leaks in bedding or leaking on your when lifted is a sign of loss of bladder control and the need to manually express the bladder www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Expressing.htm Let us know what you are observing All hope is not lost for Jersey.... stay strong and give her the opportunity she deserves to heal and get back to life and her family.
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Jul 1, 2014 12:05:32 GMT -7
It is with great sadness that I have to tell everyone that on June 16th we had to lay our beautiful little girl, Jersey, to rest. She lost her fight with IVDD. On Fathers Day weekend something happened and she was experiencing tremendous amounts of pain despite all the medications she was on. Nothing had happened or changed. She was still on 100% strict crate rest and we had stopped bringing her to laser treatments in case that was preventing her healing in any way. We truly do not understand what happened since we were with her 24/7. There weren't any explanations for her series of setbacks. The vet applied another morphine patch on June 13th hoping that would give her some relief but even that along with an increased dose of codeine, tramadol, gabapentin and robaxin, we could not relieve any pain for her. It got to the point on the 15th that I could no longer pet her little head or when I even came near her she would moan, afraid that I was going to try to bring her out for a pee or touch her in some way that would cause even more pain. Her tummy was literally hard as a rock. She had become incontinent and completely paralyzed in the back legs by the 15th. But still that pain was untouchable. We had begun the process of ordering a cart the week prior because paralysis looked like that was the route she was going and we knew we could all handle that just fine and incontinence was no problem either. We could learn how to express her and she could learn how to be in her little cart and she could still have a very happy life. It's the pain that we could not ask her to cope with any longer. Her belly was starting to bloat on the morning of the 16th and she had stopped eating and drinking. I suspected that maybe something was happening to her internally from the long period of time being on so much strong medication. When we brought her to the vet that morning we knew what the outcome might be so we were all able to leave from work to be with her. It was the single most difficult decision we have ever made. We love her so much and that was why we decided to let her go. I hope no one judges us for our decision because we desperately wanted to give her every opportunity to heal and give her the chance to have a happy life. I feel we did that but she was just in so much pain and it was so unfair to ask her to keep going. I want to thank you all so much for being here for us. For being such a strong source of support and knowledge. Without Dodgerslist I know we wouldn't have had as much time with Jersey as we did after she got sick. She was an amazing little dog that did not deserve this horrible disease.
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PaulaM
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Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
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Post by PaulaM on Jul 1, 2014 12:57:14 GMT -7
Tracy, my heart aches for you on the turn of events for Jersey. Jersey, could feel all you did for her care and even to the last but most difficult of gifts of to help her cross to the rainbow bridge. I believe that she developed another disease on top of disc disease, as disc disease is not a fatal disease. Did the vet mention myelomalacia, recognize these signs? * about 3-4 days into recovery, they become painful. Within the first week, they are in a LOT of pain. * development of excruciating pain (more than just pain from the original disc herniation) • even the strongest pain meds do not help * acute disc extrusion with no deep pain sensation * loss of anal tone, the anus hangs open, (anal flaccidity) and areflexia (below normal or no reflexes) * loss of cutaneous trunci reflex at a level more cranial to a previous evaluation over a period of hours to days with or w/o surgery * development of fever (normal rectal temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit) * sudden twitching or jerking of the neck and/or head * loss of voice, horse bark * can't hold body up, can't hold head up * increased respiration/ labored breathing • hyper-esthesia (over-reaction to any touch sensation on body) There is no cure for M. It is not something anyone did to cause it. In cases after the spinal cord has been injured by a disc herniation, the chemical changes that happen after injury lead to a progressive ascending and descending death of the spinal cord. As the spinal cord dies paralysis happens over several days and leads to death from lung paralysis. The cause of M or how it progresses is still unknown. You can read more here: www.dodgerslist.com/literature/Myelomalacia.pdfWhile alive Jersey's wonderful qualities and love existed within. Now she lives in your memory and heart and in the minds of those she touched and may touch in the future.On behalf of Jersey a legacy of helping to educate about IVDD. If this sounds like something you would like to do when the time is right, ask Linda to send you a free packet for your vet and business sized cards to hand out wherever you see owners of IVDD prone breeds. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/litorder.htmThere is a lovely website called the Dachshund Memorial Garden where you can pay tribute and even place a photo. Many touching poems to help in this time of grief: www.dachshundmemorialgarden.comSending warmest of ((hugs)) and sympathy during this time of grief.
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Jul 1, 2014 20:14:26 GMT -7
Paula thank you so very much. I'm having a very difficult time with this because I keep thinking I did something wrong for her. Because I can't understand why her pain was so uncontollable. Why I just couldn't seem to help her. There are so many successful stories and I thought Jersey was going to be one of those cases. I"m going to look more into this other disease you mentioned. It really does sound like it to me. Our vet didn't mention anything about it but I will ask her about it next time I'm there. It would explain the horrible pain she experienced. I would love to help others get educated and keep myself educated because I still have another doxie at home. She is perfectly healthy with no signs of any back trouble. But I need to be very aware of all signs in case we're ever faced with this again. I will make sure to get more cards to hand out and to bring to my vets. I had already ordered some when I ordered my DVD. Thank you again for your kind words and support.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 1, 2014 21:14:05 GMT -7
Hi Tracy,
Very sad to hear about Jersey, you did the most loving thing helping her cross the rainbow bridge.. It sounds so much like it was Myelomalacia and if it was, there was nothing you could have done to cause it or prevent it.. What causes it is unknown and I hope and pray one day they find out the cause and find a way to keep it from happening again..Allow yourself to grieve the loss of your beautiful Jersey without the guilt you feel. It was nothing you did or didn't do.. Jersey knows you only wanted to help her and she felt your love..
We all understand the grief you feel and share it.. Sending hugs your way!
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Tracy
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Post by Tracy on Jul 1, 2014 21:28:53 GMT -7
Thank you so much Pauliana. I read the article on this and it would make sense if this is what Jersey had. I've actually been avoiding coming back to Dodgerslist because I've been feeling so ashamed that I couldn't help my little girl. Not thinking for a minute that there was a possibility of something else she was dealing with. Your support is very appreciated. Thank you.
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Post by Jean & Mimi on Jul 2, 2014 5:19:56 GMT -7
Tracy, I am so so sorry for your loss, my heart is breaking for you. Myelomalacia is a nasty disease that takes our babies away. There was absolutely nothing you did or could have done to prevent it. You did the only loving thing to do for her, to help her to the bridge. Know that she is now running free, wagging her tail, living life happily and waiting for you. (((HUGS)))
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Marjorie
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Post by Marjorie on Jul 2, 2014 6:31:32 GMT -7
My sincerest condolences, Tracy. My heart also breaks for you. You were such a strong, good advocate for Jersey and did all that you could to help her. And she knew how much she was loved. No one can do anything to prevent that horrible disease or do anything about it once it hits. Prayers for you as you grieve. I hope that your memories of Jersey will soon turn to happy ones.
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