Kelly_Louise

Hi Man - wow that's absolutely fantastic news about Dida! I'm so pleased that she is doing so well... no doubt due to the great care that she has received from ARH, and also from yourself! Really happy things are going so well, and we hope that they continue that way for many,many years

Oh goodness, doesn't sound good but I'm pleased that he is having fun and improving a little. Do I know a good specialist? Well I certainly do! Well, I know of Chloe's specialists, who I have utmost faith in and have been really good to us. They are called the Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) and generally you will need your vet to refer you. There is one at Strathfield and one at Baulkham Hills - we go to the one at Strathfield. There are a number of good specialists there - I would trust any of them, but Chloe's is Dr John Angles. Here is their website for you to browse: www.arhvets.com The staff there are so friendly and really seem to care for the animals, which I love. Anyway, have a look at their site - give them a call and talk to them if it will help you. They may not be what you are looking for, but they have been a Godsend to me (x2) once for Chloe's leg operations, and again for her Cushings. You two take care... give Diesel lots of hugs and love from us, okay? Keep us updated, and thanks for checking in!

Fantastic news! Very pleased for you - the wait and worry is just awful... Hope he gets well soon and remains cancer free!

GOOD GOOD GOOD!! Sounds all on track... and hopeful news that he's putting a bit of weight on it!! WOOHOO!!

My dogs are packing up and coming to live at your house in luxury Dogmad LOL!!

Unfortunately, yes she does... but the body of an old creaky 18 year old... Her legs are progressively getting worse though - not from the actual operation, but just from arthritis and wear and tear I think you have to let them know their limitations... I have a friend who's pup had ops on it's elbows and hips and she is now about 2 or 3 years old and she limits the impact on the joints (ie, puts a limit on rough play/jumping etc) so that her dog doesn't overdo it or damage the joints too much too quickly. Anyway, you guys will be fine - sounds like it's all under control

Deja vu alright!!! But at least you both know the drill... So they didn't remove the whole meniscus... just a piece of it? It's amazing that such an insignificant part of the knee can cause the most pain and discomfort. But it's gone now, so hopefully you will now see the improvement you EXPECTED from the last operation, but didn't get. Is he using his leg at all yet? Poor boy, must be really traumatic... at least Chloe's ops were months apart, his first one must still be fresh in his mind... and all he knows is that he comes out in pain. He'll get better though, and hopefully it will then be a long forgotten memory - whilst he's racing like a greyhound. Thinking of that, the first time I had to leave Chloe for her first leg op - I left the vet in tears (afraid that it wouldn't work, afraid of how she'd cope etc) - and my dad, bless him, said to me don't you worry Kel, she'll be racing around like a greyhound one day. And true to his word, she was (albeit an arthritic greyhound LOL). She did almost catch a cat that dared come into her yard the other day - so that's a damn good effort for and almost 12yo bionic dog with Cushings!! Asher will probably get used to this life of luxury and having people fuss over him!! Anyway, chin up and keep going a few more weeks... the end really is in sight this time. Hugs to you all - and updates please... I hope he'll be using his leg soon if he hasn't already (although it would be rather tender just now I'd say).

We have everything crossed here too that the surgery goes well and the poor tacker doesn't have to suffer too much more. Sounds like it won't be as bad as the last surgery... so I'm guessing to yeah, take it easy - but the actual first surgery should have healed by now I'm assuming. Goodness having to go through it all again... poor boy. Poor you too LOL. But it will be worth it in the end hopefully. Let us know how he goes... brave little boy he is. I'm surprised this has happened though... the original injury must have been worse than first thought for it to mess up the meniscus. Although I don't know much about how it gets injured and even a small injury might trigger it off... Anyway, best of luck to you all and hopefully this will be the LAST time and you will see a big improvement in him soon. With the meniscus being removed, joint supplements are a must now - as eventually he will get arthritis earlier than other dogs (as I'm sure you know). I think you're already giving them to him now anyhow, but just wanted to remind you that they'll be very important now. Hugs to the lovely Asher.

It is extreme, that's what makes me so angry. It's not necessary... yep she's a big sook, and what people don't know is she is MUCH more afraid of them than they could ever be of her. But they don't give her a chance- - they see a big dog and assume she is ready to attack. I have seen people who are afraid of big dogs around her. I encourage them, but don't push them. I am very respectful of people who may be afraid and go out of my way to ensure that they do not feel uncomfortable or that Sasha can not scare them in anyway. However, when I get silly reactions like that when my dog isn't even looking at them - I just can't stand it. Big dogs are stereotyped, and it's very frustrating. The other day, we were walking past the shops. A maltese and JRT were tied up out the front of the shops. As we walked by, both dogs barked, growled and lunged at Sasha (who tucked tail and tried to get away quickly). The owners coming out laughed. I said, would you think it funny if my dog did that to yours? And they said, but ours are only little... and i said, doesn't give you any right not to teach them manners... they give ALL dogs a bad name (and why you would tie aggressive dogs up in a public place and leave them unsupervised is BEYOND me). So it's generally okay for a little dog to carry on, but if a big dog did it (or even just growled slightly) I'd probably have the ranger knocking at my door. Fortunately, Sasha just looks at me to make sure she is behaving correctly and to guide her through the problem - but I can see the 'why are they allowed to do it?' question on her face. Most big dogs are just gentle giants... please give them a chance and don't stereotype them!

I get the same thing, with people of various nationalities... It makes me angry as I make a concious effort to ensure Sasha is well behaved and does not invade people's space. We keep to ourselves and I keep her away from people unless they ask for a pat or show interest in her. The other day, Sasha was trotting at my left side, right at my leg. A man ran around a bend past her and was on my right side about a metre away when he yelled out 'WILL HE BITE ME?'. Apart from the fact he had run in front of her, around her, around me and she hadn't even looked in his direction, wasn't pulling on the lead, not even lifted her ears in interest, hadn't even turned her head... and he was past me by the time he'd finished yelling... I just wanted to stop him and ask him 'ARE YOU SERIOUS?' - she's not even LOOKING AT YOU let alone showing any signs of wanting to BITE YOU. I find these people infuriating. I respect that people don't all like dogs and ensure we keep respectable distance and mind our own business... but EXPECT people who don't like dogs to give me the same respect and leave me and my dog alone when we are not concerned with other people. Yelling like that not only scares a dog, but it makes people believe she has done something to arouse such a reaction. I have people actually move their legs up onto the seat and cringe into their partners when we are walking past - again, Sasha hasn't paid them the slightest bit of attention... and I give them dirty looks for reacting so silly. I'd understand if Sasha was approaching them or paying them attention in any way, but otherwise it's just ridiculous and makes it uncomfortable for responsible dog owners. I understand not everyone likes dogs, and that some people are afraid. But when someone is abiding by the laws and has good control of their dog, and the dog is not showing any interest in the people going by - then they should respect my right as a dog lover to have a dog and walk it in peace. One day, with the ridiculous reactions I will have my say. I'm tired of it for no reason...

There's a cheap copy???? OMG, I could have saved $110??? LOL

I just bought a furminator for my cattle dog and O.M.G. is it the BEST or what???? Love it!!! Getting her layers and layers of undercoat out so easily (well, when she's behaving herself that is... she doesn't like being brushed, especially with this so I don't use pressure at all...) The lady in at Petbarn did say she used it successfully on her Ridgeback, with no issues. Haven't tried it on Sash yet, although she doesn't really need it.

I haven't read all the replies, but I used to have the same problem with Sasha. Her poos were more consistently on the sloppy (sorry)/runnier side. She has a sensitive tummy and we have a hard time finding what does and doesn't agree with her. Unfortunately, I think I've discovered that raw food gives her runnier poos - so she is back on canned and dry food. Not ideal and very expensive - but her poos are nice and firm and she rarely has any off days where she has an upset tummy or goes off her food. She looks much better too. She gets a small meaty bone once a week, and I find if it's only small it might turn her poos a bit softer, but she loves them so much and it doesn't seem to affect her negatively. Anything more, and she's off. I've tried both chicken and beef meats - same effect. The only time I know she is consistently well is if I feed her Advance dry food (and I also feed her Advance canned food too). If I run out of Advance I will use Optimum and this doesn't affect her at all either - she could quite happily live on either with no ill effects. So Advance gets the thumbs up here for a dog with a sensitive and unpredictable tummy!!

I'm not sure of the side effects of radiation - but I believe the effects are not the same as in humans (the effects appear to be less). I would give that a go seeing that he has started having seizures, but best to discuss any effects with your vet. I agree that surgery wouldn't be best... but to keep him comfortable and symptom free I would consider soemthing less drastic like radiation in an attempt to shrink it and hopefully give him good quality of life for a number of years.

Could be a symptom of Iatrogenic Cushings disease... this is reversible upon ceasing medication (unless they have Cushings disease from another source). Chloe had the same symptoms when she was on cortisone for an allergic reaction... she was so restless when we got up she had knocked things over etc - it was a mess. Panting, hungry constantly, belly swollen and eventually her coat went to pack. However hers was not Iatrogenic Cushings - she actually has a pituitary tumour that is causing her Cushings... but the cortisone on top of that just sent her symptom out of whack. I would speak to the vet if your dog is showing signs of discomfort to see if there is something else that can be given. Depending what it's for, but there are a range of treatments that do not include cortisone (for Cushinoid dogs as they can not tolerate excess cortisol) - and these might help.

Is that the meniscus? Well I guess it can't be helped... still to have to have you go through it all again is a nightmare. Is the post op routine the same (ie, confinement, on lead movement/toileting only)? Not good news, but hopefully this time he will be good as new again If she felt so bad she should do the op for free LOL!!! Best of luck, will check in for updates.

Personally I'd give radiation and natural a try... my girl also has a tumour ON her pituitary gland - however seems it's not big enough to be causing any problems so it hasn't been treated (only the symptoms that it is causing ie Cushings disease). Is the tumour hindering the dog? If not, I probably wouldn't do anything other than natural (again this is personally) - as these kind of tumours are slow growing etc (again your vet is your best bet for advice there). If it is impacting on the dog though, I'd probably go with radiation. I believe the cancer treatment mentioned is only for lumps etc that can be reached via needle etc - not sure if it would be suitable for non cancerous brain tumours - but you never know so is something to also consider. Poor bugger, what a trooper he is :rolleyes: Hoping he gets well soon.

I agree with Loraine... at 13.5 years of age I would be considering medication to treat the symptoms over surgery. Will give him good quality of life. Once on medication the symptoms should resolve very quickly (the coat may take a bit longer to recover). My girl has pituitary dependant Cushings, has been on meds for 2 years now and when on the correct dosage she is a happy and well dog. But regardless of which way you go, I would definitely treat. The symptoms will get worse over time and put pressure on other organs - eventually over time becoming fatal, in the meantime the pet is uncomfortable. Discuss the alternatives and your concerns about surgery with your vet, medications etc... there may be a reason that the surgery was thought the best treatment? Otherwise, they have some great specialists at The Animal Referral Hospital in Strathfield - they look after my baby and do a fabulous job... I trust them 100% with her life and care.

Will keep fingers crossed for a miracle until then.. but you're old hat at all this now, could do it again with your eyes closed couldn't you?

It's awful to know they must be in comfort - and yet you're doing all you think you can... and yet they still want to act like a puppy. Tough love yes, but to an extent. If he wants to run with the others he should be allowed in moderation (if possible). He needs quality of life too I say If only there was something to stop them ageing... he sounds like he's in good hands though. Hope he improves and is comfortable and happy. GIve him a hug from all of us here! We love the oldies!

Sasha does this after licking her... ummm... privates... Only sometimes though.

We use a medication called Previcox for Chloe's bad days. It is apparently safer than some of the other drugs and doesn't have (as many) side effects (I say 'as many' but I've not seen any). It is fast working and effective. We only give them to Chloe on her bad days at the moment, or if she has a couple of bad days running. But hopefully your vet can advise you, if Cartrophen is effective perhaps more frequent shots are needed? I also find that we need to help them cut back on rigorous activity (because we know they will try) and try to get them sticking to light, lower impact activity to stress the joints less. And the rest as in keep them warm etc - but you would already know that I"m sure!! I find that Chloe struggles right before Summer comes on (more so than the onset of Winter). Not sure why... I have strange dogs LOL!

Oh HH, how disappointing... but hang in there. No point getting frustrated, just take it a day as it comes. Asher only had minor damage... so they would not have removed the meniscus. From my knowledge, they don't remove it unless it is already damaged. And seeing that the actual ligament damage was caught early and wasn't too bad I wouldn't think they would have removed it. The meniscus frequently does get damaged after these surgeries - but I was under the impression is was some time after (as in with due wear and tear after surgery and normal life). I have been told though, the a damaged meniscus (esp if it is flopping around and getting caught up etc) can be MUCH more painful than a blown cruciate ligament. So it is possible what is causing it. Not sure what they need to go through to remove it though, both of Chlo's were done during surgery. I think it's best that you go back and see the specialist so they can identify exactly what is going on. It is not normal for him to be not using it this long after surgery... I would be suspect if he wasn't using it after a couple of days (in hindsight now after all we've been through LOL). I hope it's nothing too serious. I was hoping he was just a big sook... but looks like he may have genuine reason to be Poor boy. Don't worry, you will figure it out and it WILL be over one day. He's young and got plenty of time to make up for this lost time later. Best of luck and let us know how he goes. But I feel your disappointment, truly. We had setbacks with Chloe's first op - nothing big, the bone break was just slow to heal and couldn't be declared a success until it did. It was very frustrating, so I can only imagine how you must be feeling. You'll get there, trust me.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh, TOO CUTE TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!

What lovely little dogs They look very loved, and very happy... so you must give them back as much as they give you too! Thanks for sharing your crew with us and thank you for rescuing your babies!