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Post by Linda Stowe on Sept 1, 2013 7:21:12 GMT -7
Hi Stacy, I have used Adequan on a couple of my dogs who have had IVDD. Both were mild cases so can't say whether it really helped or whether the crate rest worked. I know several others who have used it and believe in it. My vet in Illinois used it with clients whose dogs had IVDD and she firmly believed it helped. It really is a "safe" drug as drugs go. Much safer then the NSAIDS or steroids that are normally used. None of my dogs even flinched at the shot. As with anything you are giving your dog, do your research and be observant for any changes.
Note to Marjorie: I bought one of those horns to try to limit one of my Dachshunds' barking. The first time I used it, they just looked at me and the next time they just ignored it. I'm not sure it would break up two dogs who were really fighting or one that really wanted to attack.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
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Post by Marjorie on Sept 1, 2013 12:56:07 GMT -7
Thanks for the info, Linda. Appreciate it.
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Sept 1, 2013 22:59:00 GMT -7
You guys ate awesome Fred is getting plump..very plump..it seems all he wants to do is eat. I started cutting his portions down and boy ishe mad!! I know it is my fault but gosh it is hard when he loves food so. Note to self..stop feeding the chubby dog too much.. So next paycheck I will be switching his food up and going with a doggie diet. Fred also is sporting some wicked gas...his poops have been good but I think his belly is bothering him..he has been trying to eat grass again. Marjorie that airhorn may not be a bad idea. My parents street is full of dog lovers and the neighbor down the road has a pitbull that got loose..(they kept it tied to a tree) and attacked a corgi. It was bad..so now no one will walk by that end of the street. Bad situation all around. Anyway..stay safe and sending warm wishes of peaceful healing to everyone and pup here. Ps..still giggling over Polly..I know shouldnt but that sure is one determined dog to be with her mama.
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Sept 6, 2013 20:49:40 GMT -7
Starting to wean off the prednisone...worried..what happens if his limp comes back...or if his back starts to bother him again..how many times do you keep putting them on steroids?
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Post by Pauliana on Sept 6, 2013 21:06:25 GMT -7
Here is a link that tells what to look for in a new food but it's a good idea to wait until after he is off of the Pred, so that if he has GI/tummy problems, it would be hard to determine if it's the Prednisone or the new food. Pred makes them thirsty and hungry and that is contributing to his added weight, most likely. Read this about how to choose a new dog food when the time comes. www.dodgerslist.com/literature/nutritionhealing.htmSince he is on a Pred taper now, you know to watch for pain.. Hope the taper goes well and the limp doesn't come back.. The taper is the only way to tell if the swelling is gone, I know how worrying it is.. Worry is my middle name when it comes to Tyler..
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Sept 7, 2013 6:24:01 GMT -7
Thanks Pauliana he goes in today for another adequan shot.
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Sept 12, 2013 15:04:35 GMT -7
Well...ugh....wasn't going to post until I felt more positive..Going a second round of this back to back is really taking its toll. Fred hates me..he now tries to get away from me cause he knows I keep him in the crate.... He is still tapering the pred and has 3 more pills left... no sign of pain or limp..yay..but that is how it went last time.. Took him to potty the other night..I was looking up at the sky and he busted loose and hauled his shaved bum 2 blocks..ugh..nothing like seeing your IVDD dog at a full run glancing back at you with a smile and a face that said haha..you can't get me.. as you are chasing him in your PJ's and pink bowtie slippers!!! It was my fault..I didnt put his harness on..thought he would stay in the pen..and I know the potty pen isn't strong enough to hold him..Ugh..ugh..ugh..bad mama...ugh..I know better!! neighbors must really think I'm a loon...running screaming after Fred one way and crying carrying him back the other.. This happened on Monday and he seems ok.. Fred used to be the kind of dog where I didn't even need a leash..wherever I went he went with a smile showing off his human..now he trys to get away from me...ugh.. We have another big dog named chance and he has diabetes who got really sick so to the vet he went..thinking I could have saved money and went to vet school...ugh Praying the adequan is a miracle shot that will keep Fred lubed and flair free... So scared for him...if he flairs and starts limping again don't know what to do..we seriously can't afford surgery..he cant stay in pain and we can't crate him for the rest of his with only out to potty and on steroids..ugh The idea of him being in pain because of my finances is horrible, horrible, horrible..he deserves better..way better.. Ok so I just proof read this and it is pretty depressing and I really didn't want to be negative....sorry been holding it in..and only you guys understand being totally stressed out over your dog with every move, poop, noise and anything else they do...and feeling guilty for bad decisions made... Speaking of poop...we still have good poop Yay poop!!
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Post by Pauliana on Sept 12, 2013 15:47:58 GMT -7
Stacy, I so feel for you and don't cut yourself down, you are an excellent Mom to Freddie and he knows that. He is just being difficult right now because he isn't getting his way. Tyler treats me that way at times.. Neil is his hero because I am the one that takes care of him and what he needs.
Things will get better.. Sounds like Freddie has his spirit back and that is a good sign.. We all make mistakes that;s what makes us human. He is ok and maybe he is just showing you that he feels better.. and that is not a bad thing.. Just tell him his aunties on Dodgerslist say he has to rest some more and it's not your fault..
Sending BIG HUGS!
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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 Sept 12, 2013 18:06:03 GMT -7
Aw Stacy, I remeber how awful having to do a second round of crate rest right after the first was. The good news is that Stevie forgave me and still loves me We have been even more careful with the after crate rest activity the second time. We use toegrips to help her maintain traction on the floors and rugs strategically placed to help her mobility - our house looks like it was decorated by an insane person. As far as the Vet bills, we are funding our vets unborn grandchildrens university education ( already got the kids covered-ugh) the things we do for our babies. Sending big hugs your way - don't beat yourself up - these little beggars are fast and sneaky when they feel good (which is a good sign-even if it ages us pre-maturely!) XOXOXOX
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Sept 13, 2013 6:16:26 GMT -7
It's perfectly understandable why you would feel so down, Stacy. Fred doesn't hate you - he just hates the crate and doesn't understand why he has to be in it. The whole conservative care process can be very wearing on us and having to go through it again so soon is very hard. Your worry level has doubled after his relapse. My heart goes out to you, Stacy, and to Fred. It certainly sounds like he's feeling pretty good right now and hopefully the taper will go well and once he's off of crate rest, he'll continue to do well. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
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Post by Nancy & Polly on Sept 13, 2013 20:47:17 GMT -7
Oh dear, I feel for you too. Hang in there!
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Sept 27, 2013 7:17:14 GMT -7
Hey guys..sorry for not posting sooner. I'm trying not to dwell..Fred and I are doing ok and hanging..he has good days and bad.. he hasn't tried to escape or run off during potty time..not that he could..learned lesson there...but we have had a lot of rain this last week so it maybe making him sore. No limp..full use of legs.. leg lifting when peeing is in good form . We just finished he weekly shots of adequan and will now be giving them monthly. I have expressed his glands and he is still dragging his bum on the grass. Any clue?? We can't afford to take him back to vet until next month....I am hoping it is just a flared gland but time will tell..if he doesn't stop next month back to vet...ugh.. Fred has taken to yelling at me...yep..seems that he is good in crate until I get home then the yapping and angry barking to let him out starts...he stopped stomping cause that was just cracking us up....atleast he knows who takes care of him So stay safe and put IVDD puppies.. Sending everyone warm wishes of peacful fast healing. XOXO
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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 Sept 27, 2013 11:00:52 GMT -7
I'm so glad to hear from you! And that Freddie is feeling well enough to start the stomping tantrums. I hope that he just has an irritated anal gland, and that it calms down now that you have them expressed. You can call the Vet and ask about applying warm compresses to the area if Fred will let you - I have used warm - not hot-chamomille tea as a compress - it has natural anitbiotics in it, but ask your Vet first if it is okay. I know how sick you both are of crate rest, but this last 2 weeks should fly by and Fred can start his rehab again (((hugs))) to you and a belly rub for Freddie
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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 Oct 24, 2013 10:52:24 GMT -7
How is Freddie? How are you?? We need a Stomping Freddie update here!
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 25, 2013 20:03:05 GMT -7
We are thinking of you and Freddie, Stacy.. By now Freddie would have graduated crate rest about two weeks ago, so I will be moving you two to updates.. I hope he had a happy crate rest graduation and that everything is ok!
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Post by Pauliana on Oct 25, 2013 20:08:46 GMT -7
Happy crate rest graduation once again Freddie! Hope you are having a happy and fun time.. Behave for your Mom!
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Nov 4, 2013 18:20:58 GMT -7
Hey guys..I know I haven't been posting but it has been hard this second go around. F red is however doing ok cross your fingers..I still haven't gotten over the fear of him getting hurt again. He is active or wants to be active as ever and has now become sneaky with wanting to jump and it is a challenge to monitor. I have to blink lol! So when I got home Shane let him out to come greet me..Fred did..then he ran to the neighbors and did circles in their yard. Then he ran across the street and down the road. He ran like a maniac. He was about 2 houses down when I kneeled and called him. He turned toward me then came running right at me. I freaked until I saw his face.. tongue hanging out..ears flopping huge smile. I haven't seen him run like that in about 5 months. It was scary and awesome! I swear he was trying to tell me he is better. We do have a ways to go..while that was great he needs to build his legs back up and lose some weight. So I have started walking him to the corner and back which is about three houses down and plan on going from there. As for Fred hating me..he doesn't but he is still very upset that he can't go with me when I leave. So that is our update and I will drop by to keep you informed. Hang in there guys..it isn't an easy situation dealing with IVDD. Sending healing prayers your way and thank you for all that you have done and shared with us
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Nov 29, 2013 20:33:30 GMT -7
Ok..so Fred get hair That he sheds stuck in his ears and it drives him crazy. .. usually I am able to get then out but these couple of strands are in there good. I tries using ear cleaner but am afraid to "dig". Anyone else have an issue like that and advise? Ps...Fred made it around the block lastnight without stopping
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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 Dec 4, 2013 9:57:03 GMT -7
Have you had any luck getting the hair free of his ears?? Does the ear cleaner soften things up enough for them to get "unstuck". I don't know of any easy way to get them free other than waiting for the ear cleaner to soften stuff up and then swabbing them away. Belly rubs to Freddie
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Dec 4, 2013 22:41:07 GMT -7
Hair in ear update... Yep..it is still stuck and even further in... The ear cleanser didn't loosen it up it made it worse and now they are stinky..ugh..he has an appointment next week for the vet. I was hoping to avoid the vet..been trying to establish a "Fred's bad back savings account" but what can ya do...
How is Stevie doing?
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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 Dec 6, 2013 20:10:23 GMT -7
Stevie is doing great. Trying to convince her that all four feet are to stay on the ground is a (delightfully) never ending task. She likes to bounce about when she is happy, which is most of the time. I hope that the Vet can give you something for Fed's ears - sounds like he might have an infection brewing, oh yay. Maybe they can suggest something to use as a softening agent when hair gets glued in there. Belly rubs and hugs
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Mar 21, 2014 21:11:23 GMT -7
Freddie update. Doing ok still don't want to jinx us..but so far so good. Fred is off the wall misbehaving!! He now demands treats every 5 minutes and yaps when he doesn't get them. Lots of yaping cause he is still on diet.. Every now and then I will see a little extra waddle in his step but I keep a close eye and it seems to go away. Thinking he has aches like everyone else. We are snuggled up in bed and thinking how grateful I am for it. Thanks again everyone for all of your help and advise and thank you dodger prayers to everyone and dog here.
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Marjorie
Moderator~
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724
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Post by Marjorie on Mar 22, 2014 4:29:14 GMT -7
Is that Freddie being a little stinker??! I don't really blame him - I wouldn't mind getting treats every 5 minutes either! LOL! So nice to hear from you, Stacy, and to hear that Freddie's doing well. Hugs and prayers for no more problems with IVDD. Keep on enjoying that little guy.
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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 Mar 26, 2014 10:30:41 GMT -7
Thanks for keeping in touch Stacy. We still need our Sir Freddie "fix" once in a while!
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Post by Stacy & Fred on Apr 26, 2014 18:37:07 GMT -7
Guess who ran in the weenie races this year?!?!?! This was something I didn't think possible again. I was a bit worried and almost backed him out, but then I saw how short the track was. The fear of him going down doesn't go away... but Freddie did great well..we did practice in the backyard with cheese as his motivation. Umm..yes low fat cheese that is lol. I have some pics and would love to post them buy my laptop is down. While he didn't place and he had a different gait..(he kind of hops now when he runs) it was an awesome experience just seeing him be able to do this. Score 1 for the IVDD dog!! There were weenies everywhere As we were there I couldn't help but think of everyone here especially the moderators who go through this every day helping people they don't even know and the current posts with dogs going through an episode. My gratitude is huge and we sincerely thank you all again for all of your help. Hang in there and keep doing what you are doing..YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!! Watching our dogs go through IVDD sucks..and living with it sucks too!! Right now Fred is on an adequan shot a month and it is scary...hate doing it..anyway that is our update. Stay safe and pain free!
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