plus, minus, and question

scootersmom · March 15, 2010, 03:16:10 PM

Plus: Today is Scooter's last full day of CRATE PRISON. Tomorrow is Parole Day - hooray!

Minus: I just called the local holistic vet. Initial consultation for Scooter would start (!!!) at $200; and then treatment would be at LEAST $75 a week for at LEAST 4 weeks. WOE. I still have to buy him a ramp, and a bed, and somehow scrape up the money for a dental cleaning, which is well overdue. I have never felt quite so financially made of FAIL. Who has that kind of money? *SIGH*

Question: Can anyone recommend a supplement or supplements which will help boost/strengthen Scooter's immune system? He sure seems prone to infections of various kinds (gland/teeth/snoot) so I'm hoping I could give him a little something to help that. He's on good food (Wellness), supplemented with a little bit of hamburger and rice just because he loves it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! (Scooter hopes his immune system would be strengthened by the addition of lots and lots of HAM to his diet.)

Dee Dee and Hallie · March 15, 2010, 04:36:59 PM

I'll bet if you look long enough you will find a vet to prescribe ham!

I don't really know of immune boosting supplements either and will be interested to hear what people say...I did give fish oil to Hallie for a while which is supposed to help but I don't know if there might be something better out there. GREAT NEWS on it being spring day spring has sprung early this year! :thumb: Bright side is he lost 1 hour of crate time this weekend...

Munchfam · March 15, 2010, 04:58:13 PM

Hi,
I don't post much, but I do read the posts regularly and I've been following Scooter along with all of our Board family. My heart goes out to everyone, human and dachsie alike, and all are in my prayers. :pray:

I'm so glad to know that Scooter is continuing to improve! Re your question about an immunity booster, have you checked out NuVet Labs? I think a post from Kari about Penny clued me in to it several months ago and when I checked out the site, I was very impressed with everything I read. It is a little pricey, but the quantities seem to be generous based on the dose by weight and it might be worth it. (I'm on an extremely tight budget too, but I had decided to try it for a cat who was seriously ill at the time. Sadly, she passed away suddenly two days before the product arrived, but they were very kind about allowing me to return what I had purchased.) They were also wonderful about answering questions for me, both by email and telephone.

http://www.nuvet.com/index.html

cheryl186 · March 15, 2010, 06:27:21 PM

You could also try looking at www.arknaturals.com or www.onlynaturalpet.com They may have something for you. Do you know a handyman who could build you a ramp/ramps? My husband made ours himself..... Are there any other "cheaper" holistic vets nearby? Our initial visit with Winston was $125 and he spaced the visits 3 to 4 weeks apart....A visit each week for the first four weeks seems a little too much too soon???? After each visit he had us keep Winston quiet for the next 3 days. "Petzlife" makes a gel that you can place on their teeth which helps dissolve tarter buildup....it is reasonable and you can find it at one of the links I provided earlier in this post. It had some good recommendations.

I hope some of this helps!
Cheryl

scootersmom · March 16, 2010, 08:06:45 AM

Quote from: Dee Dee and Hallie on March 15, 2010, 04:36:59 PM
I'll bet if you look long enough you will find a vet to prescribe ham!
I don't really know of immune boosting supplements either and will be interested to hear what people say...I did give fish oil to Hallie for a while which is supposed to help but I don't know if there might be something better out there. GREAT NEWS on it being spring day spring has sprung early this year! :thumb: Bright side is he lost 1 hour of crate time this weekend...

Dee, you're a genius! Yes, you're right, Scooter's CRATE PRISON sentence has been reduced by an hour! I'm sure my smug little boy thinks he is somehow responsible for this. Heh.

I am so enthusiastically looking forward to having him sleep with me again, even if I'm a little nervous about it. He's jumped off my bed once, maybe twice, in the three years I've had it. So there's not a GOOD chance he'll do it again, but I know it only takes one time. Perhaps I should just set the mattress on the floor and build a little fortress wall of pillows around it.

Here's hoping we get some good info on supplements - I am optimistic!

scootersmom · March 16, 2010, 08:32:13 AM

Quote from: Munchfam on March 15, 2010, 04:58:13 PM
Hi,
I don't post much, but I do read the posts regularly and I've been following Scooter along with all of our Board family. My heart goes out to everyone, human and dachsie alike, and all are in my prayers.

I'm so glad to know that Scooter is continuing to improve! Re your question about an immunity booster, have you checked out NuVet Labs? I think a post from Kari about Penny clued me in to it several months ago and when I checked out the site, I was very impressed with everything I read. It is a little pricey, but the quantities seem to be generous based on the dose by weight and it might be worth it. (I'm on an extremely tight budget too, but I had decided to try it for a cat who was seriously ill at the time. Sadly, she passed away suddenly two days before the product arrived, but they were very kind about allowing me to return what I had purchased.) They were also wonderful about answering questions for me, both by email and telephone.

http://www.nuvet.com/index.html

Hello! Thank you so much for the prayers, and for the advice, and for sharing your story about NuVet. I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your kitty.

I did get to check out the site you linked to. I really like what I read there - and I like the fact they have an A+ from the BBB. And I find the prices to be pretty reasonable - very close to what I'm paying for the joint supplement I bought from Scooter's vet. I'm very encouraged by this!

Thank you again, from me AND from Scooter!
xoxo,
Scooter's mom

Munchfam · March 16, 2010, 09:29:32 AM

Quote from: scootersmom on March 16, 2010, 08:32:13 AM
Hello! Thank you so much for the prayers, and for the advice, and for sharing your story about NuVet. I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your kitty.

I did get to check out the site you linked to. I really like what I read there - and I like the fact they have an A+ from the BBB. And I find the prices to be pretty reasonable - very close to what I'm paying for the joint supplement I bought from Scooter's vet. I'm very encouraged by this!

Oh my goodness, you're just like I am about checking the BBB! :2funny: :thumb: I think most people think I'm being overcautious, but the BBB is usually the first place I look when I'm considering doing business with a company. You're very welcome for the prayers, and I thank you in return for your condolences on my kitty. She's been gone for almost a year now, but she will always have a special place in my heart. If you have any specific questions about the NuVet products, I found them to be more than helpful in answering my questions and they weren't at all pushy about getting me to try the product. Let us know if you decide to give it a try. Circumstances prevent me from having a dachsie right now, but I fully intend to use this product as soon as I'm able to adopt another dachsie kid, and I'm thinking about trying it now for the cat that I still have, who has come unexplainable vomiting issues, no matter what food I try. It will require some budget juggling, but we all try to do the very best we can for our four-legged kids.

Hugs to both you and Scooter. Tell him to be patient just a little longer with crate prison. Mom knows best ........

papbouv · March 16, 2010, 09:47:18 AM

Fish Oil, is suppose to be good for hearts,skin, mental status problems but you have to make sure about the heavy metals in some so do your homework.

scootersmom · March 16, 2010, 09:47:33 AM

Quote from: cheryl186 on March 15, 2010, 06:27:21 PM
You could also try looking at www.arknaturals.com or www.onlynaturalpet.com They may have something for you. Do you know a handyman who could build you a ramp/ramps? My husband made ours himself..... Are there any other "cheaper" holistic vets nearby? Our initial visit with Winston was $125 and he spaced the visits 3 to 4 weeks apart....A visit each week for the first four weeks seems a little too much too soon???? After each visit he had us keep Winston quiet for the next 3 days. "Petzlife" makes a gel that you can place on their teeth which helps dissolve tarter buildup....it is reasonable and you can find it at one of the links I provided earlier in this post. It had some good recommendations.

I hope some of this helps!
Cheryl

Thank you, Cheryl! I'll definitely look at both those links too! EXCELLENT.

Alas, I know no handyman. I live with two men, but they're both far better at decorating than playing with tools. (I'm the one with the hammers and drills, but sadly, I've not been able to find instructions clear enough for my liking for me to try and build my own ramp.) My dad thinks I should just put Scooter to sleep because he's too much trouble already so I can't ask him, he'd never do it. *sigh*

You're totally right - I'm going to look around for a cheaper holistic vet. Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky! And I really appreciate the information about how the accupuncture worked with Winston. I feel better armed to go into a decision with this.

Thank you so much, again. ALL of this was helpful!
xoxo,
Scooter's mom

Dee Dee and Hallie · March 16, 2010, 02:03:15 PM

When Hallie's back first went out I was scared to death for us to sleep in the big bed too, even though I trust her as close to 100% as you can not to jump off. So I took our 48" tall X Pen and wrapped it around the bed like a big flippin' crib, just so I could actually fall asleep. When we go places and sleep in a strange bed, which is a lot, I always do the pillow/rolled up coat/purse/whatever fortress along the edge she's on and if possible also push the bed up against a wall. I'm sure it's not needed but better safe than sorry eh? :) You got some great ideas for immune boosters I appreciate that too, let me know what you pick for Scootie!

Roberta · March 16, 2010, 02:46:00 PM

My sister used to think I was a nut, when I went on about "DO NOT LET OR PUT AMY ON A BED FOR A NANNA NAP"

ZAc had done his cruciate ligament and he is used to being on the bed or his futon on the verandah, she now concedes how I feel. She relented and put him in bed with her the other night, she said, he slept and she lay awake "just in case he dicided to go out to the toilet, and jumped".
Do you have a doggy pool around you as that could be of use, and not as expensive, we AMy run/skid proof the house ie antiskid matting.
Both are on HIlls joint food and sachas's blend, evening primrose oil is suppose to good also, we used it with Emma.
Roberta

Dee Dee and Hallie · March 16, 2010, 03:32:14 PM

Oh duh I forgot I was going to order this when I run out of the cosequin Hallie is on

http://www.springtimeinc.com/product/121/2

It is called Longevity and supports the immune system among other things. There have been a lot of good suggestions here though too, I'm sure any of them will do a good job. This one they say is good for the ahem...mature dog.

Roberta I wish we had a pool around here like that, when my 150 lb Fred needed one I tried everything but there was nothing to accomodate his size, I even stopped and knocked on doors in the neighborhood I could see had an indoor pool! For some reason they didn't let me bring my Great Dane into it...

doxielady5569128 · March 16, 2010, 06:07:20 PM

Fish oil has helped Porky a lot, but make sure to check the labels carefully to make sure they checked them for mercury. Everyone else gave out the websites I was thinking of. :thumb: I'm glad Scooter is doing better. :apls:

Roberta · March 16, 2010, 08:12:27 PM

Dee Dee in Melbourne they have a few, I think also pet Physio is being done more, up here none...............but there is the river.........into which two dachies have been placed over this summer and they did not melt.
Roberta

papbouv · March 16, 2010, 10:38:55 PM

It is sad the USA does not have more things for pets swimming pools are a excellent way for dogs to get exercise they seem to have them over seas but nothing here.A few vet offices have a tank for exercise but not many rehab after some surgeries. Would be wonderful to have a pool to take your dog too a tired dog is a good dog.

cheryl186 · March 17, 2010, 07:21:29 AM

Baby bed rails work wonderfully around da big bed!

scootersmom · March 17, 2010, 09:03:41 AM

Quote from: papbouv on March 16, 2010, 09:47:18 AM
Fish Oil, is suppose to be good for hearts,skin, mental status problems but you have to make sure about the heavy metals in some so do your homework.

Thanks so much for the tip!

scootersmom · March 17, 2010, 09:16:35 AM

Quote from: Dee Dee and Hallie on March 16, 2010, 02:03:15 PM
When Hallie's back first went out I was scared to death for us to sleep in the big bed too, even though I trust her as close to 100% as you can not to jump off. So I took our 48" tall X Pen and wrapped it around the bed like a big flippin' crib, just so I could actually fall asleep. When we go places and sleep in a strange bed, which is a lot, I always do the pillow/rolled up coat/purse/whatever fortress along the edge she's on and if possible also push the bed up against a wall. I'm sure it's not needed but better safe than sorry eh? :) You got some great ideas for immune boosters I appreciate that too, let me know what you pick for Scootie!

Dee! Once again, you are a genius! I'm going to go straight home tonight and figure out how to rearrange my bedroom so the Big Bed can go in a corner! That will take care of 2 of the 4 sides, and then I can make some sort of fort around the other two - thank you so much!

I can't believe this never occurred to me, to move my bed. D'oh!

Thank goodness I have smart friends...

I think I'm going to go with the NuVet for Scooter...well, once I pay off this month's credit card...

scootersmom · March 17, 2010, 09:21:01 AM

Quote from: Roberta on March 16, 2010, 02:46:00 PM
My sister used to think I was a nut, when I went on about "DO NOT LET OR PUT AMY ON A BED FOR A NANNA NAP" ZAc had done his cruciate ligament and he is used to being on the bed or his futon on the verandah, she now concedes how I feel. She relented and put him in bed with her the other night, she said, he slept and she lay awake "just in case he dicided to go out to the toilet, and jumped".
Do you have a doggy pool around you as that could be of use, and not as expensive, we AMy run/skid proof the house ie antiskid matting.
Both are on HIlls joint food and sachas's blend, evening primrose oil is suppose to good also, we used it with Emma.
Roberta

Thanks Roberta! Sadly, there is no doggie pool that I know of close by. Just a creek in the woods behind our townhouse.

scootersmom · March 17, 2010, 09:35:34 AM

Quote from: Dee Dee and Hallie on March 16, 2010, 03:32:14 PM
Oh duh I forgot I was going to order this when I run out of the cosequin Hallie is on

http://www.springtimeinc.com/product/121/2

It is called Longevity and supports the immune system among other things. There have been a lot of good suggestions here though too, I'm sure any of them will do a good job. This one they say is good for the ahem...mature dog.

Roberta I wish we had a pool around here like that, when my 150 lb Fred needed one I tried everything but there was nothing to accomodate his size, I even stopped and knocked on doors in the neighborhood I could see had an indoor pool! For some reason they didn't let me bring my Great Dane into it...

Ooh, I like what I'm reading about that supplement too. I think I will wait until Scooter's Dasuquin runs out before I think of switching over, but I have bookmarked the site for the future. I really like the fact it's an all in one supplement and that it's already powdered.

Currently, I have to bash Scooter's daily tab of Dasuquin to bits before adding it to his food. Large chewable tabs + small nearly-toothless dogs = not recommended, I think.

I can't believe anyone wouldn't let Fred into their pools! HEATHENS.

scootersmom · March 17, 2010, 09:36:52 AM

Quote from: doxielady5569128 on March 16, 2010, 06:07:20 PM
Fish oil has helped Porky a lot, but make sure to check the labels carefully to make sure they checked them for mercury. Everyone else gave out the websites I was thinking of. :thumb: I'm glad Scooter is doing better. :apls:

Aw, thank you so much!!

scootersmom · March 17, 2010, 10:12:42 AM

Quote from: cheryl186 on March 17, 2010, 07:21:29 AM
Baby bed rails work wonderfully around da big bed!

What a great idea! THANK YOU!

Shumard4 · March 17, 2010, 11:11:58 AM

Look at the supplements you might consider...............................

I've used this one

http://www.springtimeinc.com/product/121/2

http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Genesis-Resources-Canine-CAS-Options/152003.aspx

Let me know how tall you need the ramp and I will see what I can do?

Also do you know they usually have the small steps at Walgreens for $10.00

scootersmom · March 19, 2010, 09:18:24 AM

Munchfam,

Thank you again! I hope you are able to have another Dachsie again soon, and that the supplements help your kitty! Speaking as a human who's had stomach troubles, I know it can be a misery. I sympathize!

xoxo,
Scooter's Mom

scootersmom · March 19, 2010, 09:50:49 AM

Quote from: Shumard4 on March 17, 2010, 11:11:58 AM
Look at the supplements you might consider...............................

I've used this one

http://www.springtimeinc.com/product/121/2

http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Genesis-Resources-Canine-CAS-Options/152003.aspx

Let me know how tall you need the ramp and I will see what I can do?

Also do you know they usually have the small steps at Walgreens for $10.00

Thank you for the recommendations! And for the offer of help! The step to the back porch is only about 7" tall. Maybe I'm overthinking this. Could I just use a thick piece of plywood with indoor/outdoor carpet attached, and lean it on the threshold? Maybe it doesn't need to be anything elaborately constructed.

Until then, Scooter is enjoying being carried outdoors and gently set down to wobble around in the grass to potty (and sniff fascinatedly at the mole trails in the yard)...