Well, on the bright side, I can get to this site from work again - hi, everyone!
On the downside, I am afraid I am here to ask for prayers and rays for Scooter, whose little back legs failed him on Saturday night and who's been in the Emergency Vet Hospital twice in the past two weeks.
It's his back, you guys, and you all know what this means - crate rest and constant monitoring and I've been worried sick about him the past few days, not sleeping, scared to death because he's eleven years old and how would he even cope with surgery if he needed it?
Luckily he's seen a bit of improvement - he's home now, and he can wobble around a bit on his back legs when I take him out to potty. But he does it with an arched back and a pained look on his face and he's just not okay and it breaks my heart. He's on Tramadol for pain right now - but I want to know, is there anything else I can do for him besides keeping him still and quiet, and praying for the next 4-5 weeks?
I'm exhausted. And poor Scoot, he is very upset to be stuck in his crate all the time, and to not be able to run and play. He cried and howled for the first few hours home - very upset to be in prison when the boys and I were not at work.
Any good thoughts you could spare for my little boy would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much....
Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear about scooter. I will be praying for BOTH of you and I hope he starts doing better with the crate rest and medication. :pray: I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you; I have thankfully not had to deal with this issue yet. :xfinger: It breaks my heart to hear about scooter! Try and rest whenever possible and please keep us posted when you can. :comfort: :heart: :heart: :pray: :pray: :pray:
The Vet should have Scooter on Dexamethasone with the Tramadol. The "Dex" is an anti-inflammatory...that is needed in this situation! After several rounds of Tramadol and Dexamethasone we ended up taking Winston to a doggie chiropractor/acupuncturist named Dr. Haverkos in Oldenburg, Indiana. That is what finally started Winston feeling better. Scooter sounds alot like how Winston was acting. Hopefully he will settle down in his crate. Do you have another crate you could place in the livingroom so he will be with you more? Where is his crate? Or can you move it around the house so he can be near you at all times? Chews and frozen kongs filled with peanut butter will keep him occupied....monitor when he is munching on the chews. If he is not on an anti-inflammatory I would definitely call the Vet/Emergency Center and get him some! If he does not improve with the first rounds of medications, get another round. Then you might consider the acupuncture. After several chiro and acupuncture treatments Winston's disc fell back into place it was at if a miracle happened; he started acting better just as fast as he started acting poorly with the disc.
Quote from: doxielady5569128 on February 10, 2010, 07:48:41 AM
Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear about scooter. I will be praying for BOTH of you and I hope he starts doing better with the crate rest and medication. :pray: I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you; I have thankfully not had to deal with this issue yet. :xfinger: It breaks my heart to hear about scooter! Try and rest whenever possible and please keep us posted when you can. :comfort: :heart: :heart: :pray: :pray: :pray:
Thank you so much! And no need to apologize. The prayers and thoughts are as appreciated as anything else at this point - I truly believe they help! *hugs* I'm just so worried about Scooter...
Cheryl, thank you for all the good advice! I'm going to call his regular Vet today and ask about anti-inflammatory meds. I'd given him a dose of Metacam the first day this happened, and frankly I was surprised when they took him off of it, but I assumed they knew best...
I am going to check into the chiro/accupuncture treatment as well.
So sorry to hear Winston has been suffering through the same thing! What a nightmare for him - and for you. I hope he continues to feel better! *prays very hard*
I agree with Cheryl he needs some antiinflammatories to go with that. That's the nice thing about Tramadol, you can give other meds with it. I carry tramadol and pred in my purse (plus my stomach pills...I am sure I shall be arrested one day!) and I do give Hallie a Tramadol first thing if she seems sore but Scootie needs a bigger punch. Did they tell you where his ruptured disk is, I'm guessing lumbar and not neck? It doth suck! Hang in there with your boy (I just CANNOT believe he is 11 already...) this back thing is no fun but it's very good he can hold himself up to potty and walk a bit. Just don't let him talk you out of leaving him in the crate or xpen once he starts feeling better! :wink: Call or email me if you wanna talk, I lost your phone # in the last computer crash....
Hang in there!
Oh Scooter we are sending you and your momma all the rays we can!!! We hope your better soon!!!!
Oh and Fin says he has some advice that will help Scooter.
Fin Says: Bacon will make anyfing better.
Rays & Hugs to all first,also you can give him Rescue Remedy since it is a herbal flower type it will help calm him down for the crate rest of course since it is herbal takes awhile to kick in can't hurt anything. Just make sure it is OK for animal its a liquid were some pills out some time back those are NOT good for animals but the liquid is.
Good luck to the little guy hoping for a speedy recovery.
Scooter's situation....actions and behavior sounds identical to Winston's. I believe the disc is not ruptured but bulging. To protect the painful area our babies will tighten/tense up their stomach muscles ......and hunch up.......once Winston got his acupuncture and chiropractic treatments, they helped the pain to ease up, hence he relaxed the muscles around the affected area and the disc just kind of fell back into place. It did take while for this to happen but we noticed slight improvements with each visit....like Dr. Haverkos said....treating our baby was a "work in progress"....but it will work!
Quote from: Dee Dee and Hallie on February 10, 2010, 09:22:43 PM
I agree with Cheryl he needs some antiinflammatories to go with that. That's the nice thing about Tramadol, you can give other meds with it. I carry tramadol and pred in my purse (plus my stomach pills...I am sure I shall be arrested one day!) and I do give Hallie a Tramadol first thing if she seems sore but Scootie needs a bigger punch. Did they tell you where his ruptured disk is, I'm guessing lumbar and not neck? It doth suck! Hang in there with your boy (I just CANNOT believe he is 11 already...) this back thing is no fun but it's very good he can hold himself up to potty and walk a bit. Just don't let him talk you out of leaving him in the crate or xpen once he starts feeling better! :wink: Call or email me if you wanna talk, I lost your phone # in the last computer crash....
Hang in there!
Dee! It's so good to hear from you! I'd love to give you a call sometime - I lost your phone number too, but due to a phone and carrier switch! Can you email it to me at NSWiedner at cvty dot com? Or send me a PM? YAY.
As of today, Scooter is back on Metacam, also an anti-inflammatory. And I talked to his vet and we're adding in a med to help restore/strengthen cartilage - not Adequan (Vet thinks being given injections would make Scooter squirm and squirming is on his list of Forbidden Activities currently), but the one that comes in oral form that I do not know how to spell. We've an appointment on Monday and I'll bring up the topic of chiro/accupuncture then.
And there's no way Mr. Scoot is talking me into letting him out of prison. Nope, no way. I am a MEAN MOMMY. :wink:
Heh. Your purse sounds like my kitchen counter - it looks like a pharmacy in there. Don't forget I have medicated mouthwash and toothpaste in there for Scooter, as well as that PetsLife dental gel, and a tooth scaler too.
Perhaps I need to quit my job and just go work at the animal hospital...
Thank you so much for posting! *hugs* Please give lots of love to Hallie from me and Scoot! I hope you're doing well too...
Quote from: klsb on February 10, 2010, 10:06:03 PM
Oh Scooter we are sending you and your momma all the rays we can!!! We hope your better soon!!!!
Oh and Fin says he has some advice that will help Scooter.
Fin Says: Bacon will make anyfing better.
Fin, that's very good advice! I will buy some BACON for poor, imprisoned Scooter! And thank you to you and your momma for the rays - they really help!
Quote from: papbouv on February 10, 2010, 10:06:48 PM
Rays & Hugs to all first,also you can give him Rescue Remedy since it is a herbal flower type it will help calm him down for the crate rest of course since it is herbal takes awhile to kick in can't hurt anything. Just make sure it is OK for animal its a liquid were some pills out some time back those are NOT good for animals but the liquid is.
Good luck to the little guy hoping for a speedy recovery.
Thank you so much for the rays and hugs and well-wishes and advice about the Rescue Remedy! I used to give this to Scooter when I first got him and he was a nervous wreck all the time. It helped then and I look forward to it helping him relax now. Thanks again!
Quote from: cheryl186 on February 11, 2010, 08:26:12 AM
Scooter's situation....actions and behavior sounds identical to Winston's. I believe the disc is not ruptured but bulging. To protect the painful area our babies will tighten/tense up their stomach muscles ......and hunch up.......once Winston got his acupuncture and chiropractic treatments, they helped the pain to ease up, hence he relaxed the muscles around the affected area and the disc just kind of fell back into place. It did take while for this to happen but we noticed slight improvements with each visit....like Dr. Haverkos said....treating our baby was a "work in progress"....but it will work!
Oh! I didn't realize that's why he was hunching up!
As of today, Scooter is back on his Metacam (anti-inflammatory) and I'm also going to the vet to pick up some sort of cartilage strengthening/repairing supplement/med. Like Adequan, but administered orally. Monday is his weekly check-up with Regular Vet and I'm going to ask about chiro/accupuncture then.
Thank you for the encouraging words! I cannot tell you how much hope it gives me to hear that Winston has had success with these treatments. I am so happy for you and for him!
I am so glad Scooter is on the anti-inflammatory, etc....yea :hello2: Ask the vet if any of these meds could upset Scooter's tummy....My two were never on Metacam, so I don't know if that bothers the tummy. I had Winston on 1/4 tab of Pepcid a day as a tummy protector. I currently have Winston and Zoe on a homeopathic medicine called "Joint Rescue"...as Zoe had her back surgery in 2006. It is specifically designed for dogs with joint/cartilage damage and back problems.....kind of a super homeopathic med....you can read about it and find it on www.arknaturals.com (http://www.arknaturals.com)...it has all kinds of good stuff in it...Dr. Haverkos liked it as a supplement. I also have Sheba on a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement every day as she is 9 yrs old...and I tell you, it works as she still runs and plays like a puppy. Your vet may feel that chiropractic adjustments are not a good idea at this time, but may feel that the acupuncture would be great at this time....Winston displayed symptoms in early July...with several rounds of meds and basically no improvements...my Vet suggested Dr. Haverkos in the beginning of September 09. Our first appt. was mid-September. This is when he received his first chiro adjustment and first acupuncture treatment, but certainly you could start the acupuncture for Scooter well before that. Good luck....keep us posted!
Also if you want to try a herbal remedy for arthritis you can give tiny amounts very slowly over a few weeks of Mother's Apple Cider Vinegar work up to a couple of teaspoons everyday.How much does he weigh ? The only reason you go slow is because it tastes bad just start out with like a few drops slowly working up to the teaspoon or two.This came from a Cocker Spaniel magazine of years ago the Apple Cider Vinegar has to be Mothers or Heinz one where they use the whole apple.Its good for a anti inflammatory had a elderly man come in the hospital said he never had arthritis because he drank the ACV every day.
Just a thought.
Good Luck
I hated to hear this about Scooter. I remember being there the day you got him. It sounds like you can be guardedly optimistic. Rays and prayers coming from Des Moines.
Sorry I didn't get in here sooner. Loads of rays to Scooter Pie. It's horrible when they're sick or are hurting. :comfort:
Rays and prayers to skoot. I know the routine, glad he is back on meta calm. Amy gets it if she even looks a bit naff. Another thing to think of is BOwen theraphy it has helped Amy, as it works on the muscles. Both are on Sachas blend and the hills for for joints, both smell shocking but they think its fantasic, Amy rolls in it if a bit drops.
Roberta
Quote from: cheryl186 on February 11, 2010, 10:50:17 AM
I am so glad Scooter is on the anti-inflammatory, etc....yea :hello2: Ask the vet if any of these meds could upset Scooter's tummy....My two were never on Metacam, so I don't know if that bothers the tummy. I had Winston on 1/4 tab of Pepcid a day as a tummy protector. I currently have Winston and Zoe on a homeopathic medicine called "Joint Rescue"...as Zoe had her back surgery in 2006. It is specifically designed for dogs with joint/cartilage damage and back problems.....kind of a super homeopathic med....you can read about it and find it on www.arknaturals.com (http://www.arknaturals.com)...it has all kinds of good stuff in it...Dr. Haverkos liked it as a supplement. I also have Sheba on a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement every day as she is 9 yrs old...and I tell you, it works as she still runs and plays like a puppy. Your vet may feel that chiropractic adjustments are not a good idea at this time, but may feel that the acupuncture would be great at this time....Winston displayed symptoms in early July...with several rounds of meds and basically no improvements...my Vet suggested Dr. Haverkos in the beginning of September 09. Our first appt. was mid-September. This is when he received his first chiro adjustment and first acupuncture treatment, but certainly you could start the acupuncture for Scooter well before that. Good luck....keep us posted!
Thanks, Cheryl! I hope the Metacam helps. It can't hurt, right? *crosses fingers*
Scooter is also on Dasuquin (http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/Vet/Products/Dasuquin-pet-joint-supplements.aspx), which has Glucosamine and Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate; as well as extracts from avodaco/soybeans/tea and other good things. It sounds close to what you are giving Sheba...so I'm glad to hear her supplement helps her and she's doing well!
I'll check out "Joint Rescue" too! Thanks for the link!
I'll definitely keep you posted on what Scooter's vet says about chiropractic manipulation/accupuncture. Maybe Scooter needs to heal a bit before getting manipulated...
Quote from: papbouv on February 11, 2010, 01:35:21 PM
Also if you want to try a herbal remedy for arthritis you can give tiny amounts very slowly over a few weeks of Mother's Apple Cider Vinegar work up to a couple of teaspoons everyday.How much does he weigh ? The only reason you go slow is because it tastes bad just start out with like a few drops slowly working up to the teaspoon or two.This came from a Cocker Spaniel magazine of years ago the Apple Cider Vinegar has to be Mothers or Heinz one where they use the whole apple.Its good for a anti inflammatory had a elderly man come in the hospital said he never had arthritis because he drank the ACV every day.
Just a thought.
Good Luck
Thank you for the tip, and for the wish for good luck!
Quote from: Rich on February 11, 2010, 07:28:01 PM
I hated to hear this about Scooter. I remember being there the day you got him. It sounds like you can be guardedly optimistic. Rays and prayers coming from Des Moines.
Thanks, Rich! Wow, that day seems so long ago...and yet the time has flown. I am doing my best to be optimistic. It certainly helps to have you, and everyone here, to talk to. I really appreciate the rays and prayers, and so does Scooter! I know they help...
Quote from: Madderoos Mom on February 11, 2010, 09:01:45 PM
Sorry I didn't get in here sooner. Loads of rays to Scooter Pie. It's horrible when they're sick or are hurting. :comfort:
Aw, thank you Sandy! *hugs* Scooter and I appreciate every single ray we can get!
Quote from: Roberta on February 11, 2010, 09:32:41 PM
Rays and prayers to skoot. I know the routine, glad he is back on meta calm. Amy gets it if she even looks a bit naff. Another thing to think of is BOwen theraphy it has helped Amy, as it works on the muscles. Both are on Sachas blend and the hills for for joints, both smell shocking but they think its fantasic, Amy rolls in it if a bit drops.
Roberta
Thank you, Roberta! I think Scooter would similarly appreciate shocking-smelling things. I think his Wellness food has a dreadful scent, but he loves it!
Cheers,
Noel
oh nos !!! I am so late seeing this...so sorry and sending tons and tons of rays to our Scooter...and a worried mommy :comfort:
Quote from: Barb on February 19, 2010, 03:51:17 PM
oh nos !!! I am so late seeing this...so sorry and sending tons and tons of rays to our Scooter...and a worried mommy :comfort:
Thank you so much, Barb! And no need to say sorry. ALL rays are appreciated, at all times. *hugs* Scooter says thank you as well!
How is the Scootman doing?
Oh, Scooter! We all know your mom is willing to do anything for you, so it's time for you to do your big boy thing and ease up on Mom so she can get her rest and you can both take care of each other! I do have the chiropractor's name from Bastian's fist momma, who got him treated there on his back issues, so that is my second option when I may need it. Rays for Scooter heading easterly...
Quote from: Barb on March 01, 2010, 12:32:42 PM
How is the Scootman doing?
Hello!
I am doing well, thank you! I was licking around my tail again on Sunday, which kind of alarmed my Mom, but then what doesn't, these days? SILLY MOM. I haven't done it since that morning, though, so maybe she'll relax a little. Also I am all out of back pills: the pain ones and the no-inflammation ones. It has been two days without and I am still feeling fine; in fact, I was feeling very perky this morning (like Mom after her coffee) and I really wanted to run around outside instead of walking S-L-O-W like Mom makes me. *SIGH*
Now I am just having joint supplements in the evening and antibiotics in the morning, which has cut down on my daily processed meat tidbit allottment, which in turn is very dissatisfying. At least I'm still getting hamburger and rice mixed in with my food. Mom is in SO MUCH TROUBLE if she stops this too.
This weekend, Mom and my Uncles went shopping On Line to buy me a playpen for when I get out of CRATE PRISON. I am not sure about this...
Thank you again for asking about me! I feel so loved!
xoxo,
SKOOTR
Yay Scooter! I havent been on WW very much lately but this was one of the links i was keeping my eye on! Im so glad to hear your feeling better!
Hi Scooter! :hello2:
Glad you feel better!