StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 10, 2013 12:45:52 GMT -7
Hi Stacy- how is Sir Freddie doing?
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 10, 2013 15:57:17 GMT -7
Better and more stuborn every day! We are getting close 3 more weeks to go woot woot! I have a supplement that I wanted to ask you guys and my vet before I give it to him. It is nupro joint and immunity supplement with glucosamine complex. Any thoughts?
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 10, 2013 18:48:11 GMT -7
Check the ingredients and make sure that there is nothing that will conflict with any medication that he is taking. There is a link on this site about supplements. Glucosamine is a traditional treatment for joints - but wouldn't affect a disc directly. Once you have checked out the ingredients you can be certain that there will be no harm
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 10, 2013 19:18:39 GMT -7
Will do...I usually express Freds anal glands. Is there a safe way to do this while on crate rest? Someone...cough cough "Fred" is starting to smell not so fresh.
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 13, 2013 19:06:23 GMT -7
Ok..update .. Fred is doing well or appears..he doesn't show pain. Every now and then he will limp a little. He still hates his potty pen and is back to refusing to go in it. hence late for work this week. Ok so do you know if there is a special way to express the anal glands during an IVDD episode. Normally I do it in the bath with his back leg elevated slightly. I don't want to do any damage but I think it is starting to bother him.
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 13, 2013 19:08:54 GMT -7
Another question..can IVDD be bred out? Hubby is saying that dogs can be tested for the IVDD strain.
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Post by Linda Stowe on Jul 13, 2013 19:43:16 GMT -7
Oh my Stacy where to start on this question. IVDD is thought to be inherited. I worked with a geneticist for six years at UC Davis trying to find the genes responsible. We actually went into a blood draw with the latest genetic equipment available at that time. I worked with breeders who knew their bloodlines very well and collected members of families and we even had a pedigree database set up. Unfortunately, the researcher left Davis and the research ended. It was one of my most disappointing times in my life.
There is now research going on in the UK trying to find the genes also. They are collecting dna now on dogs with severe herniations and have had surgery.
Yes, reputable breeders do try to breed it out. Your hubby is wrong unfortunately, as there is no test available. Your chances of getting a dog without IVDD are probably better by going to a reputable breeder who does know their bloodlines and is honest.
I have been working with this for 12 years now, and what I see happening is it is spreading. It does seem to be in some bloodlines more then others. I also see it spreading in other breeds now too.
To sum it all up, it is in the breed and at this time, there is no guarantee that any Dachshund will not get it. We believe that 20-25% of Dachshunds will have it. Believe it that there are other breeds that the statistics are just as high or higher. I found that to be true when I was working with the IVDD research and we reached out to other breeds.
Someday I know there will be the answer. I just pray every night that it will be very soon.
So we always say: UNTIL THERE IS A CURE FOR IVDD, THERE WILL BE DODGERSLIST
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 13, 2013 20:33:09 GMT -7
Wow..what a shame the research came to an end. How fascinating it must have been. I don't know if I want to know the stats of dogs that get put down because of it. We have a zoo in our house right now..a 20 year old cat, rescue dog with diabetes and now IVDD dog. Once Fred is ok and our new normal is established going to see what I can do locally to help. Will be adding dodgerslist to prayer list at church tomorrow.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 14, 2013 20:39:34 GMT -7
As far as Freddie's anal glands, it is best not to express them or bathe him until his 8 weeks of crate rest is over. The thought is because it would cause excess movement which is not good for his healing disc.. I know it is smelly to wait but it is for the best..
We had to wait on grooming Tyler and Shih Tzu's hair continues to grow and he needed a bath big time! He was a mess by the time we could get him to a groomer that I felt we could trust. She learned about IVDD with the brochures from Dodgerslist and I taught her how to lift and carry him safely.
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 17, 2013 18:05:10 GMT -7
Yep..one stinky dog it is. He so cute though and he is doing very well. He is back to his old self yay! He really has the bossy personality lol. The drugs made him seem depressed and sleepy. He lifted his right leg to pee and didn't wobble with all his weight on his left today. He still hates potty pen and we argue about. I tell him to get busy and he barks..then will ram the little fence if it is within range. Potty time is back to being anxiety time...he pulls on the harness something fierce...anyway we are hanging in on week 6. Can't believe what a difference from then until now. Just glad to see the spark in his eyes back love my weenie, bossy and all. Oh..he is famous too..made dodgerslist facebook!!!!
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 17, 2013 20:07:18 GMT -7
Love the Freddie updates! You have done such a great job with him and have come so very far in the past 6 weeks. Countdown to graduation is on!!!
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 20, 2013 21:41:29 GMT -7
Thanks Maureen He seemed a little depressed today. He wasn't fighting to get out of his crate. He wasn't shivering or yelping. This disease sure does take its toll. How is Stevie?
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 21, 2013 7:04:04 GMT -7
Getting worried again...Freds belly is definayely upset..he ate grass this morning and refused his breakfast. Poop looks good and he has been off all meds for the last couple of weeks. Just Hoping it is a belly thing.
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 21, 2013 10:37:29 GMT -7
Stacy,
Sending Hugs your way.. I am sorry to hear that Freddie has an upset tummy.. Been fighting the same battle today with Tyler.. We finally got him to eat some hamburger and broth and got his meds in him..
If you have some hamburger or chicken cooked in their own broth, that might tempt him to eat.. If you have some Pepcid AC handy, I would give him 5 mgs or half of a 10 mg tablet and see if that would help settle his tummy..
Feel better Freddie and Stacy..
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 21, 2013 15:47:49 GMT -7
Thanks, ill try the pepcid ac..sorry to hear Tyler's belly is upset too.
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Jul 21, 2013 16:00:55 GMT -7
Oh gosh, if it's not one thing it's another. Such a worry. I'll bet you're exhausted. I know I am, and we're only into week two. Aack! Hope the tummy troubles ease up soon.
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 22, 2013 20:06:55 GMT -7
How is Freddie doing? has his stomach settled? Hugs and belly rubs to Freddie
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 24, 2013 14:36:15 GMT -7
Thanks guys sorry I haven't been on..we put our cat down on Monday after having her 19 years. Still can't believe she is gone even though I knew it was coming. Anyway so we all know how bad fred is at taking it easy. This morning when I took him out he lunged at a snake...yep a nice big water moccasin that I didn't see..the snake lunged back and both Fred and I ran like screaming girls..thankfully he didn't get bit but he ran and I am ok with that. I haven't seen him limp in a couple of days but lets see if this made him sore. So that is where we are. Hope everyone is doing well and thanks so much for the supportive posts..you guys are awesome
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Post by Pauliana on Jul 24, 2013 18:22:59 GMT -7
Oh Stacy,
I am so sorry about your cat.. You gave her a wonderful life of excellent care for those 19 years. You will never be forgotten, she will keep you in her heart while she is on Rainbow Bridge as she will always be in yours until you meet again.
How scary about the Water Moccasin..Good thing you and Fred hightailed it outta there.. This would be the one time I would say running is ok...Now take it easy Fred and relax some more.. Is his tummy better?
Big Hugs to you!
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Post by kaisersmom on Jul 24, 2013 18:58:46 GMT -7
This fencing is a great suggestion Paula! I am going to try this for Kaiser too.
Thanks! Gina & Kaiser
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 25, 2013 20:14:14 GMT -7
Thanks for the kind words Pauliana. I miss her Hoping this pet drama ends soon. Evidently we have a nest of snakes...I took Fred out front lastnight and what do I see..yep another one..this time I managed to see it before Fred so I picked him up and ran inside. @keisermom (hope I spelled name right) the fencing worked awesome for us. It was much easier to control Fred and he stopped pulling on harness because he didn't have anywhere to go. Totally worth the $20 I spent at home depot. Anyway stay safe everyone and wishing everyone pain free recoveries
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Jul 25, 2013 20:27:59 GMT -7
I'm sure sorry about your cat. We lost our 17 yr. old cat in January, just one week before Polly went down the first time. We still miss him terribly.
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 26, 2013 11:50:41 GMT -7
Aw Stacey I am sorry to hear that your old friend has crossed the Bridge - I am sure that you miss her terribly. We don't have that type of snake here - they sound absolutely charming... Glad that you two are keeping safe!
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 27, 2013 22:33:14 GMT -7
Thanks pollysmom and Maureen. It has been very weird without her. I think both of our dogs know too. I never thought having pets would be this hard. Im still in the habit of reaching for her food and today I turned down the kitty isle in Walmart on a much better note we are on our last week of crate rest!!!! Yay!! Going to get a kiddy pool next paycheck to start water therapy to build his muscles. Fred is extremely anxious and still stomps in his crate. I have been taking him outside in both his crate and stilled which helps a ton. Ive also decided to crate him when we are not home or can't keep an eye on him. So the crate is now a permenent fixture.
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StevieLuv
Helpful Member
Conservative Treatment 3x. It really does work!
Posts: 1,335
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Post by StevieLuv on Jul 28, 2013 10:15:22 GMT -7
I have the expen set up in the dining room for Stevie when we aren't home - learned that one the hard way. I would love to see a video of Freddie's stomping tantrums, I bet that they look hilarious (when I am not the one that has to deal with them of course!!) One week to go - and we're counting down with you!!!! Stevie says to tell Freddie to hang in there!
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 30, 2013 15:49:24 GMT -7
Lol..ok ill ninga him with my cell and try to get video..it will put a smile on your faces I'll also be posting pics of our bed set up now..it is pretty funny..we got a guard rail for the side of the bed and hubby made a ramp that takes up the back of the bed that includes a rail so he can't jump down. 3 more days!!!
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Jul 30, 2013 15:49:41 GMT -7
Lol..ok ill ninga him with my cell and try to get video..it will put a smile on your faces I'll also be posting pics of our bed set up now..it is pretty funny..we got a guard rail for the side of the bed and hubby made a ramp that takes up the back of the bed that includes a rail so he can't jump down. 3 more days!!!
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Post by Yvonne & Billy on Jul 30, 2013 18:31:37 GMT -7
Hi Stacy! It's been forever since I last logged in but I just read up on your "weenie" (lol!!!) being much better! So great to hear~~~ Even though I didn't post anything you were always in my thoughts. <3~~~ And I am sorry to hear about your kitty cat. It's never easy to say goodbye... Hugs to you and of course, Freddie. Graduation, here comes Stacy and Freddie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =)
I was wondering, do you think Freddie will be back to %100 as far as his neuro-deficits go when he graduates? My Billy will start week 7 tomorrow and he's not %100. MUCH better but not %100. Maybe %98? In fact, I think the vet may be using his neuro-deficits returning as a barometer to continue his meds and acupuncture. So now I'm wondering if returning of neuro-deficits is indicative of his healing? If so, if his deficits don't return does that mean his crate rest has to be extended? The vet wants another 4 weeks of crate rest. (YIKES! Don't tell Bills!)
Billy is getting acupuncture still and the vet didn't want him off of his Pred yet (every third day but he's been on it since mid June) but I asked her if we could try. It started to upset his tummy even with Pepcid and Bill shows zero signs of pain. So confusing, right?
Sorry my "good to hear Freddie is doing well" comment became a bombarding of my questions! But I truly am happy that you were a trooper for Freddie and vice versa. =)
LOTS of hugs and hopefully champagne in two weeks, Yvonne
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Aug 1, 2013 18:44:10 GMT -7
Hi Yvonne and Billy!!! Let me start by saying... "I don't know..lol". Fred has been off and on with his recovery. when I do see him walk somtimes he is fine and other times he has a slight strut. Thinking maybe he is just sore. He is definately back to himself. Amazing at what great dogs they are :-D. Fred never lost the use of his back legs..he just ..hang on..he yelling at me atm..ok..I have 5 minutes until the Kong is empty...he is very demanding LOL..he wobbled a lot and would fall down. He would also poop while walking..which he never did before.. It didn't help that we were totally inexperienced with this disease. We made lots of mistakes until I found this website. Including no crate rest He does sit funny too..his back legs will jut out..so I would say Fred is about 95% of where he was. I'm very scared of graduation..I couldn't wait for it before but now I'm affraid something will happen. Fred is one wild weenie!! He won second place in the weenie races..and he cheated...he won't share his treats (which I had at the finish line) so he knocked the other weenies over..boy did we get bad looks from the other weenie moms..they even said it wasn't fair lol. Ill have to post the pic..it is too funny..anyway..the announcer called him fieldhockey Fred after that..sorry to ramble..it was an awesome day with ears flapping in the wind. I think time will tell and can't help how grateful I am to everyone here. Hugs and prayers to you and Billy Fred is whining so I might go hide in the garage...
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Post by Yvonne & Billy on Aug 1, 2013 18:54:18 GMT -7
OMG, you kill me! Lol!!!!
I know what you're saying about making many mistakes until this website. Cue the guilt... At least our fur-babies are making a recovery. Yay! I love it when they get their old "bratty-ness" back. =) Here's to graduation, sweets~~~
I can't wait to see fieldhockey Fred's picture!
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