Rottifan

Hi there, no idea if this is anything similar but my 7yr old rotti was diagnosed with 'severe elbow displaysia' and my vet was wonderful. They started him off on Metacam which saw his limping subside although it returned about a month after that commenced. Injections, fish oil, sasha's blend, glucosamine didnt make any difference with my boy unfortunately although I kept it up 'just in case', in hope. After the limping came back my vet perscribed (in addition to the Metacam) daily gabapentin/neurontin and tramil. I think the idea was explained to flood the body with pain relief! My vet suggested I try acupuncture for pain relief - I tried a vet who did acupunture with the little needles although after a few sessions i didnt notice any difference. My boy was good through the first couple of treatments and then the last one he figeted and thought it was a big game, moving around so much it made it near impossible to keep the needles in and do what the vet wanted to do! My hydrobath lady said to try an animal chiropractor and at that point I was prepared to try anything at all although I had been a firm 'science only' believer in treatments - got to see it to believe it kind of thing. The chiro had apparently worked on police dogs so it gave the recommendation some strength for me. Operations were not an option for my dog due to rehabilitation afterwards and other reasons the surgeon described. After several treatments by the chiro (jamieson in brisbane) I weaned my boy slowly off medication and since then he has been on no medication and not limped at all. He is now 9 and a half. I wish you luck!

Hi, I'm trying to get prepared early, armed with ammunition before I start walking around my loungeroom practicing! I am new to showing and thought by watching some of the past Ekka Greyhound Stakes and presentations I will get some confidence to settle my nerves before that time of the year comes around. I am hoping for my big debut that the day is more enjoyable than nailbiting! If anyone knows where I might be able to get video records of say the last 10 years so I can start learning a bit more can you please let me know! Thanks very much Nervous but excited mum!

Just wondering how Jenna is going now? Is she showing any signs of soreness/limping/discomfort? I'd be interested to see how her movement is, hope all is going well for you!!

Hi, Good luck that things go well from hereon in for you, I know how stressful these times are! I have had similar with my rotti, paralysis with many different diagnosis' from vets and ortheopaedic surgeons, and everyone else in the industry. All answers for me, with a large older dog, lead to the end of the road for my boy. Determined not to give up I asked my vet about alternative treatments and was referred to a chiropractor/animal healer in Brisbane area - Jamieson. He was a wealth of information and my boy is like a 9yr old puppy now on no meds. He might have some info to help if you arent happy with the results you are getting. Its terrible but there are lights at the end of the tunnel, you just have to find them. Stay positive!

Jamieson is based at Willowbank but I've used him because of the millions of testimonials he had when I visited his clinic when he was working from Yatala at the time AND also because he offers a mobile service coming to your house (same price regardless of whether its afterhours, weekends or public holidays - great when you're as busy and unorganised as me!!). www.######.com is the website - I only wish I'd found him sooner. When I was there people with show dogs were turning up with a trailer of 10 border collies/bull terriers including with really young puppies and swore by his magic hands - the ribbons they'd won they attributed to his treatments just prior to their shows. He also said to me that he does dogs from 3 months of age to ensure that any of the nerves pinched which they may have got from puppy stage (mum stepping on them in the litter, rough play with litter mates, being dropped by breeders etc) can be sorted out so they grow properly and move properly from a young age and dont end up with early diagnosis of cruciate ligament problems or other issues so might be a good idea to look into it before your lovable one reaches that 'old age stage', I surely wish I could turn back the clock and had done myself thats all. Goodluck hey!!

Thanks for that info again. Keeping a close eye on him. He's on hills science diet active and weaning over to the j/d formula and due to him not being too active himself he's not on the full dosage for his weight. Last time I weighed him the scales said 52kg but this week they were 46kg so I'll guess halfway. To me he looks like he's put on weight but really its just the belly area - like a bloated tight feel even in the mornings when he eats once at day in the evening. The vets say his condition is good, not overweight, will aim to keep him that way and keep an eye on the scales and measure drinking to make a further assessment as time progresses. All of your information has been tops and helped me get through this worrying time. Thanks so much and keep enjoying the ones you love as much as I do mine!

Thanks so much for all of your comments.....the big day was yesterday. Urine - diluted but all else inconclusive... Blood tests included thyroid (and waiting to get a copy of the results to see what the exact results are/parameters to see if I should take it further eg USA, thanks alot, definitely the sort of person I am! and I'll be in touch if I need help with that) - all normal. Vet suggested another test be done with blood sample being for pancreas....paid for that yesterday so possibly tomorrow for that one. Apart from that I'm waiting for the next day that I'm home all day so I can reduce his water supply to one bucket and mark and measure exactly how much he's consuming. The vet said due to the results there is no need to proceed with an ultrasound of his abdomin. I will be getting the results of all tests and asking another vet for a second opinion because you can never be too sure and learning along the way is always something to be gained if nothing else...then I can rest assured knowing I have always done everything I can all the time for my boy when its counted most. All in all, good results though and I'm feeling fairly confident that I may have just spent alot of money to find out that my boy is just getting fat....but I'm ecstatic in this case if its just his tummy muscle relaxing. His weight is still the same and he's not overweight or anything. Ah!

I know this is a little of the beaten track but I've heard that the reason these become strained or need ops is because of issues with movement due to pinched nerves in the back and tension being put where it shouldnt be until it snaps....my very untechnogolical explanation and luckily I have managed to avoid this one in the 9 year life I have responsible for. To ease the situation it may help to see a chiro to make sure everything is in alignment and this is not the case...I've heard if it is then after being put right there is often no need for the op if you get it early enough and the symptoms subside instantly. The cracker I know people rave about is George Schofield in Melbourne, somewhere near the airport. Good luck hey

Wow, I'm so glad your baby has got you - someone with the heart and love enough to do all that possibly can be done when so many wouldnt...and thanks for sharing your story so other people can also learn and not give up during the tough times. I wanted to give you some advice that I learnt when it was almost too late and I am eternally grateful for. I have a 9yr old rotti x who has severe elbow displaysia and bad hip scores too. After years of regular xrays and vets not being "too concerned" as I travelled the country with work it was all too late when I got one who was more thorough when paralysis set in. By this stage bones were too bad to be able to operate and joint replacement was out of the question as was the success rate and rehab for him etc. My vet suggested I try acupuncture for pain relief which showed a little improvement in movement and therefore no doubt pain with his condition. I was then told of an animal chiropractor doing mobile service in Brisbane who used to work on the police dogs so was very experienced with large grumpy breeds! My dog is now on no medication and shows no symptoms apart from being like a puppy again....seems it was pinched nerves in his back causing the symptoms not the actual displaysia at that time and I am just so glad. I will make sure any new dog I get goes to Dr Jamie son from a young puppy to keep them on track for life. Good luck and big pats on the back for you!

Thanks for the advice so far. He's on Hill Science Diet Active...has been for some time. I mix his dry with water too. He has a brisket bone or marrow bone once or twice a week - no changes with food at all. The only other thing I have noticed, but I'm not sure if I'm being paranoid, is even when he hasnt eaten (eg first thing in the morning) when he's lying down his stomach bulges out a little bit or feels harder than I think it should. The Vet did a prod around and didnt feel any liver over-extension (?) but did suggest if the blood tests are not conclusive because of the stomach an ultrasound would be a good idea. Money is no object when it comes to my boy, he's my life, my everything. I'd give up everything I have to improve his quality of life if I need to and do anything I can but his happiness and wellbeing is always my priority. I wont put him through anything purely for my own benefit or to keep him alive if the verdict is bad and his health deteriorates to that point but staying positive and keeping all fingers and toes crossed that its nothing horrible.... I hate waiting....

I have recently heard of "MMS" which is a natural product which has been around for years used by humans often by cancer patients and people suffering from viruses/skin problems/allergies/other ailments. I couple of people have told me they've given it to their pets who have had cancer. Just wondering if anyone else had heard of it or used it. If you have used it can you please tell me what you were using it for and what dose you gave for what size dog...also what affect did it have?? Was wondering whether it was safe to use or worthwhile for a natural detox/cleansing for my 9yr old Rotti - I want him to live forever!! Any info would be greatly appreciated...even if you have heard of other similar products and had positive results!

I hope you had some luck with the tea drinking from T2! Off the topic from tea but helpful in relation to cancer is a product called MMS - Miracle Mineral Solution. This is used by humans with cancer and is a natural product which clears the blood/body of toxins. Have heard of it being used on pets as well so could be worth looking into... good luck!

Does anyone have any experience with this.... My Rotti is turning 9 next month. He has begun drinking water excessively - not just as it has become hot in the last week or so though so its given me reason for concern. He is eating, weeing, pooing and moving normally and is as happy as ever not appearing uncomfortable when he pees or at any other time. I am waiting for a day when I am home all day to only give him one water container so I can measure how much he actually consumes.....i dont want to do that when I am not home in case he knocks it over and needs water in the heat and I'm not there to fix the problem! I took a urine sample to the vet from the first stream of the morning and the results were that his urine was diluted. Blood test results wont be in until Tuesday (2 more sleepless nights to go). Diluted obviously as a result of drinking lots of water....but why? I've heard of dogs having diabetes but that seems to normally be diagnosed from urine tests from what I understand so mustn't be that. Cancer is what worries me....or is it some type of bladder infection or kidney issue? Just wanting to find out as much information as I can...hating the wait :+(

Doc Jamieson - mobile, will come to your house! Great for not having to bundle the kids in and out of the car and undo any of the work done or cause more problems with incorrect lifting or jumping in and out of the car after a treatment. Also gives good advice as to what you can change in your home environment which may have caused the pinched nerves in the first place and gives you ideas as to what you could change to stop them going out of alignment as easily again especially if your dog has muscle wastage from being out of alignment for a long time like my dog was and therefore didnt have the muscle build up to hold his bones in place until he was properly sorted out! Good luck

Hi - good luck with your boy, I hope he returns to his old self soon. My boy is about to turn 9. He was diagnosed with severe elbow displaysia a few years ago and put on Metacam however the bad limping returned a couple of months after starting him on that daily dose. Operating was out of the question for him due to the xrays showing how bad his bones/joints are. Two other pain killers were added to his daily medication which worked ok however i didnt like having to give him too much medication (Gabapentin & Neurontin). My vet suggested I try accupuncture for pain relief however after finding a vet in Indooroopilly who did that there wasnt a whole lot of difference to him. My hydrobath lady then told me of an animal chiropractor who used to work on the police dogs. After a series of treatments I was able to reduce his medication and he has been on no medication or supplements for nearly a year now. He doesnt limp or struggle to get up. There's absolutely no doubt he has the displaysia and arthritis given the xrays show it however he was limping moreso because of pinched nerves in his back and shoulder. He now runs around like a puppy and everyday is a pleasure to watch him move better than he has in years. I am so so lucky and I truly hope you find a similar result for Hugo!

Hi there, Just another suggestion to match the many that you've had. My boy was diagnosed with severe elbow displaysia at 8yrs old. No choice of operating due to bad bones, severe arthritis came with it. He was put on 3 different pain killers also perscribed to human cancer patients to attack the pain receptors at the joint, the spine and in the brain - new treatment combination out of the uk by my vet. The vet suggested I try acupuncture for pain relief. The only option left when the medication wore off was to have steriod injections into the joints and then the green dream after that. Devastated I ended up asking my hydrobath lady of similar cases she knew of and she said to try a guy who used to work on the police dogs Doc J amieson. After chiro treatments (my boy was found to be way out of alignment) the limping stopped instantly because it was instant pain relief once pinched nerves were released and after keeping him in alignment I could see as he started walking normally again his muscles built up which has kept him in alignment. He's on no pain killers now and the vets are amazed at his composition and change in behaviour and now refer other patients to the same chiro. Worth trying different avenues even if surgery is an option. Good luck hey

Hi there, I would definitely try something which I have heard and witnessed others using with great results and in some cases complete success. Its a natural product humans use called MMS Miracle Mineral Solution. Tastes horrible when mixed with water but you can get a purified grape juice from health food shop with no added citric acid which will help when you syringe it to your dog, tastes much better! Google The MMS Experience - there's a distributor at lutwyche in brisbane or you can buy it online or at some health food shops - lots to read about it on the internet. Good luck!

Good luck - I created a digging corner of my yard which I didnt mind being destroyed and I only let my boy near the vegie patch when I was in the viccinity to watch and correct his behaviour at the time of his digging. It took a little while but I made the appropriate digging area irristable and went and played with him so eventually it worked. I would go to the vegie patch, correct him verbally then take him strictly straight over to the play corner I had created for him and I switch to fun happy mum encouraging him to find his buried toys and snacks and we havent looked back! Not to mention I had fun playing as well...

Well done for not sticking your head in the sand and just hoping it will go away like some people do. My boy wasnt socialised at all when he was young so I still have to be careful but I have been able to short him out but it took time and alot of awareness and getting other opinions and having someone watch me with him in public. I didnt realise that when I saw another dog offlead or a person approaching I immediately tensed up and his increase in intensity and aggression/guarding of me was stemming largely from my actions and change in behaviour. Its hard at first but when I hand him over to someone else who relaxes so does he but only do this in a controlled environment with another dog that you know is submissive - get expert help, I did and the results have been wonderful and now I've learnt to relax once it was pointed out to me and I saw the big difference it made! Good luck

Hi there I've learnt recently from personal experience although not with the same breed that bunny hopping could be caused by a pinched nerve in the back leading to referral pain and therefore legs not having the drive or extension they should have. I paid for xrays but unfortunately xrays dont show nerves, althought it was good to know my boy had no other problems through them. I found a brilliant canine chiropractor in Brisbane who sorted mine out and all is perfect again. Good luck, fanstastic looking little one!

Tips for all paralysis - keep off stairs, keep off slippery floors, keep away from other dogs knocking around....until properly fixed by a canine chiropractor

I've managed to find Leo's ear cleaner at some vets, worked well for my rotti and lab. Let us know how you go!

Hi there, I hope you have had some luck with your situation - wouldnt hurt to try seeing an animal chiropractor for a different view on things. If there is a pinched nerve I dont think it shows up on xrays and if there's a way to avoid operating anything is worth it! Worked for me...

I know it is a little further out than you may be after but the Brighton Vet Surgery are a great friendly caring bunch of people, I've had lots of help from them at the drop of a hat!

As per previous post - definitely try and find out what is causing the lameness, pinched nerve might be the case, who knows but dig a little deeper. While supplements might appear to help now they will only mask the pain and therefore possibly lead to an increase in movement but down the track the problem will still be there, only worse and be harder to deal with. I learnt the hard way but now swear by seeing my animal chiropractor in Brisbane regularily from 8 wks of age! Good luck!!