Kelly_Louise

What's the latest news today? Is he coming home? Is he doing okay?

Thanks mate... unfortunately she's not 100% today - not the canine cough though, that seems to be improving... but runny poos and upset tummy. I had started her very slowly on some chicken necks - but she's back where she was before so I've taken the raw off her again :D I want to feed her a raw diet, but she just seems to get consistent upset tummy and diahorrea. The only thing left for me to try is pet mince - but I don't hold much hope for that. So we are back to canned and dry food - not happy to be feeding her that, but what else can I do? It's the only thing that doesn't upset her tummy and keeps her poos nice and firm - and it is both Advance canned and dry so it's not a crappy quality or anything. I think it's more important that she is well and not feeling sick all the time I guess.

Thanks Cazstaff - your recommendation is good enough for me!! Honey has arrived too, so hopefully she will be on the mend and her immune system strong again soon.

Chloe used hers straight away - however I'm assuming it would have been tentatively. But it's exactly what I'd expect of that tough little girl. I think maybe her condition at any given time was worded 'fluffily' so that I wouldn't turn into a bumbling mess Chloe had Rimadyl post op for a week (from memory) and then we were given Previcox (which is much better and safer long term) to use if she was having a bad day after that or if she was particularly sore. It does kinda make my heart melt to hear that he is howling. Poor baby boy. I remember going to visit Chloe at the vet when she was in recovery (but we couldn't take her home just yet)... I'd never do it again and it scarred me. She was frantic and just wanted out to come home with us. Chloe is a real trooper, very brave - so to see her like this was devastating. So try not to think about it, he's out of it anyway - just groggy, feels some pain, and in a strange place - but it's not forever, he'll be home and spoilt soon enough and it will be a long distant memory. And you should take credit... you play a massive part in all this so it is your triumph too.

Yaay Go Asher! Well it's a good sign that there hasn't been too much degeneration of the joint, and that the meniscus is still intact - here's hoping for a successful recovery that will see him zooming like any other dog again. Chloe had both her meniscus removed and it can cause arthritis to set in faster . The meniscus can still be damaged after surgery though (and sometimes requires another op to remove later on down the track) - but seeing that Asher's is not damaged at all due to there being a small tear only, hopefully this will hold him in good stead of avoiding future meniscus problems. First step conquered, now you're at the top of the roller coaster peak, looking down at all the ups and down, twists and turns... waiting for the descent... But seriously, yes it is a huge relief that the surgery went well, and he's coming out of it okay. What a brave little lad Asher is, he will be sore and sorry for himself for a while. It will be interesting to see if/how he uses the leg initially. Well done.

My pleasure HH - here for the long haul with you Don't feel bad - I shed many tears when I left Chloe for her ops (and the vet and everyone else did see it )... and many tears throughout the days when she was in recovery at the vet too - damn I missed her and worried so much. Lucky my dad was with me to keep reminding me that she would be okay, and that she'd be racing like a greyhound one day (or at the very least racing like a fat old cattle dog ). They are much more resilient than we give them credit for - and I will tell you too, that he will be fine. Don't feel too sorry for him, when he gets home he'll try to milk it every inch I'm sure But big hugs coming your way, I know how emotionally tough it is and how daunting it seems right now...

Best of luck HH will have all fingers, paws and bionic paws crossed, hope Asher pulls through like a star. Strap yourself in for the roller coaster!! You won't be able to think of anything else today until you hear that it's all gone well - and still, then you'll just miss him Don't be surprised if they ask to keep him in for longer than a day... some places do. Chloe stayed in at the vets about 3 days (2 nights) after each op. Will be thinking of you both, and sending lots of good vibes for a good result - which I'm sure you will get. Very much looking forward to the updates and the progress Asher makes.

Personally I don't think it's wrong - Chloe went under many times at 8+ for her 2 leg ops, xrays etc and had no problems at all. In saying that, I wouldn't do it without a good reason - doesn't necessarily have to be life threatening, but if it's for better quality of life in anyway then that's good enough for me. Nine is still young, after about 13 or so I would start to think twice. But that's just my opinion. Just follow the advice of the vet, shouldn't be too big a deal.

Hi Erny, I understand what you are saying, I'm not a great fan of giving antibiotics myself - and I thought long and hard before giving them to her and mostly because she seemed to get worse and went off her food. I like to think a young healthy dog can get over these things themselves with their own immune system fighting it. However, I'm actually just a bit concerned about her having it for a second time so closely (she did not have meds last time)... and basically just wanted a good clean out for her so we can start from a clean slate and see how her health is from there - I feel that something is amiss with her, not sure, it's just something I feel in my gut (nothing serious) and her trainer did say she looked as though she has suffered some malnutrition at some point due to the way her muscles have formed and how she is now filling out. It's difficult because of the problems I have with her at the vet, it's hard for them to get near her to check her out and just go from my description of her symptoms. I put her in the car yesterday (got her in after about 5 minutes of coaxing) to get her used to travelling etc - just want to do a few trips to fun places, or just drive and then come home... the poor bugger was so terrified and all her legs shook so hard she could barely keep herself up. It makes me want to cry for her, honestly breaks my heart - but I know we must persist. I know it will be a long journey, lucky I adore her and am there for the long haul with her. The vet also gave me some sedatives to calm her in case we need to get her to the vets quickly - which has taken a little bit of worry off me (if they work) as I want her to be able to be treated without too much trauma if she needs treatment. So I see what you are saying Erny, and am trying to now boost her immune system and overall health all naturally as I really don't like medications. I bought some apple cider vinegar the other day as I also heard that was good - AMH is on it's way (gee it's hard to find - lots of places sold out too) and I'm trying to re-introduce raw into her diet slowly however I don't want to go back to inconsistent poos and upset belly again so we are being very careful and taking baby steps there. Will also look into supplements to promote overall health - just finding one that I feel confident with is the challenge. Thanks for your advice Erny, as always.

Thanks! No I hadn't tried that although I have looked on Robert McDowells website for some ideas (as well as other websites I've googled). I have a number of Robert McDowells remedies and quite like them.

Actually that's not a bad suggestion HuskyHeaven... turf both OH and Sasha out a few kilometres before we get there Seeing that the vet is just about 1km too far for her (car?) sickness, it would actually solve a couple of problems. I do have many options and things to try to get Sasha over it (including having her behaviourist come with us), and I do believe that over time she can improve greatly... but I'm a bit scared to be honest. Going to the vet with her is like running a massive marathon - by the time it's over I'm mentally and physically exhausted. But for her health it has to be done. At the moment, it's taking both OH and I and a muzzle to physically restrain her, and even then we can manage for not even a minute to hold her still. It's very traumatising for her - and as you can imagine, it's horrifying for me to watch - I feel so bad for her, but I know it has to be done - to see your dog with such terror and feel responsible for it I can only pray we have a happy ending one day at the vet. I am thinking perhaps buying KC Defense for future use (as it would probably arrive too late for this bout of CC). I think things like this are worth a try at least.

You are so very sweet Huskyheaven, thank you for those links I was particularly interested in the KC Defence - however i don't think that it is available in Australia. I've read many herbal remedies that can be good for this type of thing... has anyone actually tried any kind of CC herbal remedy that they could recommend? I use Active Manuka Honey... but have run out at the moment and waiting on a shipment. Until then I will use regular honey... The good news (well maybe not 'good' but is a relief) is that the vet has agreed to give Sasha antibiotics without bringing her into the surgery this time. I think I might talk to them about a kind of sedative as well for the next time she needs to visit the vet and also to help with her anxiety getting into the car (not sure if it's motion sickness or just high anxiety that makes her vomit in the car). Just so we can get her used to going to the vet. HH, interesting you mention exercising them before going to the vet - it's the exact same thing the behaviourist said too. I've had to go to a vet some distance away, because it is the only one with big examination rooms that makes Sasha feel a little bit less frightened, so I couldn't walk her there but he did suggest a good romp before we were to go to burn off the nervous energy. I think part of her problem may also be me... Because I know how she is when she gets to the vet, I get very anxious too. I work on trying not to get anxious in certain situations and it is working, but we have not worked on going to the vet enough for it to have been successful yet. My angel at home, turns into a thrashing psycho at the vet (only when he tries to touch her or DO anything - which is kinda the whole point ). So I guess thats why I'm so interested in herbal remedies and vitamins to help keep her health in top shape

Thank you very much Huskyheaven - she seems to pick up everything that's even remotely in our area I hate when she is sick, it means a vet trip which is a whole new problem in itself (unless she is sedated)... if only she wasn't so afraid that the vet is going to hurt her. How's your boy doing?

I was thinking this? To ensure she is getting what she needs? http://vetnpetdirect.com.au/product.php?pr...=305&page=3

Yes, she's coughing and gagging again... I suspected as much when she had a gunky eye the other day, and she gets a bit of build up in the corner of her nose. Wouldn't say it's running persay, just a bit of gunk build up. It's not yellow or anything. I was wondering if perhaps her immune system might be low, and that's why she's got it again? Or do they just get it if it's going around regardless? What is a good idea to help her build her immune system? I've been thinking of giving her vitamin supplement (general vitamins), would this be a good idea - or should I try something else? Thank you!

We are terribly sorry you are losing your lovely boy. Knowing it's coming doesn't make it any easier - it's truly heartbreaking. He is so lucky that he has had such a long, loved life with you. Don't ever forget that, it's all we can really give our buddies in return for what they give us. So many other dogs don't get half the life he's had or half the love he's received, so he is one truly lucky boy and I have no doubt he knows this. May he pass peacefully over to the bridge to meet his friends, as such a grand old man deserves. Our thoughts go out to you and your family. :rolleyes:

Oh it's my pleasure - I remember how scary it was for me (btw - rescue remedy may come in handy for you too one drop for Asher, one drop for you...) I was lucky I could also come here and get advice from the knowledgable people that went there before me... it was great for reassurance, and quite frankly, just a vent when I was frustrated and worried as hell, tired, and my family were fighting me... As for the stairs... for the first month or so, when he comes out of his confinement area for toilet breaks etc, keep him on lead only and walk him very slowly down the stairs if it's unavoidable. Otherwise, you might want to look at getting a ramp, or making one out of something you have at home. I bought Chloe a PetStep2 ramp (for after her surgery) but she would sit at the bottom watching me show her how it was done, then run off almost laughing at me Never got the hang of it, but thankfully she never needed to use it after her recovery and we kept her off all stairs during her recovery. But some kind of stable ramp might be the way to go. You also need to think about how you are going to get him in and out of the car to and from surgery, follow up consults etc - cause you don't want him jumping. A ramp might also help then (not sure if you can lift him or not) so it might be worth looking at and investing in a good quality one. Cheap rugs are definitely the way to go... yeah it will look chaotic, but that will be the least of your worries I'm sure!! Goodness you sound just like me when I was going through it!!! You will have so many things prepared and maybe not even use half of them!! But better to be prepared than not, and Asher will benefit from it. ETA - thanks for the walking clarification - I understand there is a million things going on in your head - so much info and preparation. Don't envy you right now, but believe me, just keep the end game in mind - cause it will be worth every ounce of sweat.

I agree and think your choice of operation is a good one for Asher's size, with many good results. It's fairly similar to the op Chloe had, and the stats are good, so you can't go too far wrong. I'm surprised they wanted to go to surgery - but yes, being young and active he is most likely going to injure it further. And if arthritis is already setting in then it's best to move fast than leave it too long I guess. Sounds like you are very comfortable with the surgeon and the clinic - which will come in handy for your stress levels and give you something a bit less to worry over. You seem to have most things ready and organised which is fantastic. I guess you just need to think about your day, and what he will need when he's in recovery and figure a routine that will suit you all and overcome any obstacles that you might face (ie, if he needs to use stairs or slippery floors to go out and toilet then you might want to think how you can safely get him through that and practice it beforehand). Try to keep him off anything slippery or use something to give him stability and try to avoid any stairs if possible. Formulating a safe routine will help and once he recognises what it is he might feel better about being confined as he will be confused with this confinement. Drop his food back and perhaps give it to him over the day... or give it once and maybe give him one of those big bones that they chew away on and never really get far to occupy him. Not sure on the amount of food - but you know him best and can gauge how he's looking. I'm surprised about the advice given on walks... although perhaps things have changed. I would most likely not take him too far out of your yard/street to stimulate him too much. I would probably start off with very calm slow walks in your back yard. We were advised not to go on a 'walk' for any amount of time, for quite a few weeks after Chloe's ops. But again, your specialists know best. Give the bones time to heal properly, otherwise they will take longer to mend - try not to rush into hydro too quickly. It will be fantastic for his rehab, but do give his bones time to heal properly. You might also want to look at some natural remedies that may assist in his recovery. I used some of Robert McDowells remedies like his post operative mix, something to do with bone healing, and rescue remedy to try and keep Chloe calm. I know these kind of things aren't 'proven' to work, but if you feel they may assist in some way you might like to explore it if you know of someone you feel can provide you with some good quality natural remedies. Sorry, Im just trying to think of all the things we went through so if it's jumbled that's why But I guess the best advice is to practice what it will be like so he gets used to it, get him into a routine now as best you can seeing that you have a bit of time to play with. Your specialist will be your best friend so as long as you follow the after care instructions they give you, Asher will be fine. You've done great work so far and are very prepared - so things will work out fine, don't worry too much. ETA: some things went wrong for us in Chloe's recovery no matter how careful we were... her escape attempt, her massive fall at the vets office when she went for follow up xrays, sometimes she jumped up if visitors came (I used to yell at my family to have no visitors so as not to over-stimulate her but they thought I was too obsessive ) etc... and still Chloe came through fine. Asher is young and strong and his bones should heal quickly, then it's a matter of building back up the lost muscle tone.

I gave Active Manuka Honey and it worked a treat - plus no concerns about medications and dosage. I kept Sasha away from other dogs... I did take her for short walks just to give her a little bit of different environment and exercise - but I stayed away from parks or where other dogs are and walked her on quiet back streets. I did this for about a month or so.

No problems - hopefully you will get some good news and guidance on Friday. I do know with hydrotherapy during rehab after surgery they will usually wait until the leg has healed sufficiently and then start building back up the muscles etc - that was just my concern when you mentioned it. Although it is low impact etc, if he still has a tear you don't want to risk it by doing too much too soon. But again, the vet is your best guide - these are just my own thoughts from my own experience, so if they say it's a good time to start asap - well they're the experts. It's always a difficult thing to manage... I can't imagine having to do it with a young dog and I always thank God that Chloe was so adaptable and did what we asked of her (most of the time). We were really lucky with her. You're doing a good job, and heading in the right direction with him so hopefully he heals naturally without the need for surgery. ETA - if he does need to be rested, instead of doing a 45 minute slow walk, I would break it up to maybe 3 x 15 minute short slow walks throughtout the day instead. 45 minutes at a slow pace can still be strenuous so perhaps more frequent but shorter outings might be better? Just a thought.

And my favourite of me and Sashy

My favourite of Chloe and I

I use Sasha's Blend only - however there are also other brands that include glucosamine as well, or you can supplement it separately. Another one I have used and liked is Joint Guard, however I always go back to Sasha's Blend for palatability. I don't think you need to cut the short walk. As long as it continues to be slow, short, on lead and sedate it can't hurt too much. If your vet thinks it's okay then do so, but always continue to be on the cautious side as he will try to get away with as much as he can. I understand what you mean about seeing them looking good and walking better. We did the same thing with Chloe. She had been rested a bit and seemed to be fine - we let her play with my sisters dog, just a bit of running and chasing, and after that she could barely walk and got worse and worse as the adrenalin wore off. I guess it's like us with a muscle or ligament tear - if we continue to keep pushing ourselves and exercising then chances are that tear will get worse. Asher won't show his true pain, and when he does it's because it's quite significant. So he can appear fine but still be in some discomfort due to the small tear. Did the vet say it was okay to do hydrotherapy at this stage? I"ve not done hydrotherapy before - but personally I would wait until he has been rested a few weeks and hopefully the tear is healed - and then do the hydro to build up strength and support. But again, as I've not done hydrotherapy before it might be perfectly fine - I know of many people that have used it with their dogs in rehabilitation.

Just as in a daily vitamin supplement? Sasha is a very picky, sometimes poor, eater... but she is getting much better. I'd like to ensure her immune system is strong and she is getting all the vitamins she needs to stay healthy and grow strong. She is gaining better muscle tone from her life prior to coming to us and she is filling out nicely, and when she seems a bit low I give her active manuka honey... but just wondering if anyone would recommend a daily supplement to ensure her joints, muscles, immune system etc are all as strong as they can be... I was thinking something along the lines of this one: http://vetnpetdirect.com.au/product.php?pr...=305&page=3 Just looking for some opinions please - maybe I just worry to much Thanks!!

He really should be kept very quiet at the moment - kind of like he is in recovery from surgery if he has a chance to heal completely. I know it would be very difficult with two dogs (and being a young dog) - but they do not have the same rationality as us and will just keep pushing through pain to run and do normal dog things. All it can take is one wrong landing, one wrong turn and that cruciate could blow. Hope all goes well with the 2nd and 3rd opinions - and you find someone you feel confident dealing with. Let us know how you go. Surgery isn't something you want to rush into unless it is required for best quality of life in the long term - or if the cruciate problems are due to poor knee confirmation etc. Be very vigilant and strict with him now - blown cruciates is a very common problem and happen quite easily. To avoid surgery he needs to heal extremely well now while it's still partial and vulnerable.