Kelly_Louise

Hi there!!! So glad to hear that little Rascal is doing so well after his op!!! Haze, I noticed in one of your posts you feel that you did not look after your first dog as well as you would have liked. From what I have seen, you are a very kind owner who loves her dogs very much. And you are interested in learning more and genuinely care for your dogs well being. So in saying that, and also because your last dog got to the great age of 16, I would think that you have done a great job and your dogs have been lucky to have been cared for by you!!! Good luck with little Rascal... by the way I love the photos of him. He is just too adorable!!

New update... went to see surgeon today and have stitches removed. He was really pleased with the way Chloe was going, as was the vet on Friday. It's just the best news ever and we can now get on with her recovery without the terrible strain of constant worry whether we are doing the right thing or not. She is back on Previcox now and it's helping her tremendously. She is just doing so well, and the tension at home has gone because of this great news. Now I guess it gets harder to keep her quiet though!!! But she's trying really hard to be a good girl... The surgeon said that hopefully soon he expects her to be off all anti inflam medication, and only in her older years he may expect her to have to start them again in the colder months to help with arthritis... but otherwise he is fairly sure that she will cope nicely and the arthritis she does have will be manageable without medication for most of her life. I have a feeling, not sure why, but I feel that she may heal quicker this time than last. We can only hope. But her poor other legs are taking another beating... her front legs have started creaking when getting up and down... a bit like my knees do!!! That's telling me something.. must be getting old. :D Love, Kel and her little red angel Chloe

Hi Chloe's Mum, Sorry to hear of the diagnosis, was hoping it was just a strain or something, but at least you know how to best treat her and keep her comfortable now. I fully understand how hard it is to keep a dog quiet and sympathise with you. My girl is recovering from cruciate ligament surgery, and for an 8yo dog who has leg problems it's a constant battle 24/7 to keep her as quiet as possible!!! The more you try the harder they seem to want to play!!! Just now I have been wopped in the head with a squeaky toy that she insists on tossing around (thankfully not chasing) Good luck with your girl and hoping the treatment goes well.

My girl gets washed once or twice a year, and only in very warm weather. Or of course, if she rolls in something rotten or some other miscellaneous accident . Her bedding is washed and aired very regularly, and she does not smell at all.... actually she does, she smells like a lovely warm nacho CC corn chip... TRUE!!!

Hi guys! Corine what a shame about your job also. However, I'm sure that yours was not as intentional as my OH's was on his part, which is why I'm a little at him. It never ends. Went to the hospital today as the worry got the better of me and I wanted SOMEONE to tell me that things would be okay. My surgeon wasn't in, but another (who did some check ups on Chloe last time) had a look at her leg, her walk and her stance. He said considering that the op is only new, Chloe is at the right place in her recovery. He said the leg felt fine, looked fine and the movement was smooth. So other than an xray, it was the closest thing to reassurance for us. She is still limping and bearing very little weight, and the vet said we can start her back on painkillers every second day or so for her comfort. But he said he was pleased with her and not to worry that the recovery was not the same as with the first leg. So, I know that I'll sleep better tonight. She has her stitches out on Monday as well, and also a check up by her own surgeon. Well hopefully Mallee does not have IBS, and something less serious and at least manageable? My sisters dog had a blockage not long ago, but I don't remember her having bloody diarrohea. I do however remember the excitement at Claire having pooed after a few days!!! And seeing that she is not letting it get her down and is still eating well (ie inhaling everything put in front of her!!!) I am hoping this all means that it is nothing too serious. Still it's a worry until you know for sure. I'd be avoiding bones for a while too and maybe that would help. Maybe her tummy is having trouble totally digesting them. OUCH, blood running cold again..... ouch. Poor girl. Here's hoping all the babies are okay... Love, Kel

Ummmm, all i can say is... OUCH. The description of spikeys in her poo.... not very pleasant. It was the same with my old girl Pepper, who could not digest bones properly. We didn't have a problem once we identified what it was and stopped giving her bones. Although I hated the vet that we used to take her to and God only knows what he did to her there. Since having Pepper put to sleep, I've never been back there again, and never will. We still don't really know why she was sick in the end, all I knew was that she was dying and it was the kindest thing as she was in her mid teens by then. Sounds like your local vet is a little scary. Poor baby Mallee. I bet she felt so embarassed weeing herself. Believe me I'm sure that if Chloe wasn't so frozen with fear at any vet/hospital or strange place she would do the same. She usually waits till she's back in the car . Isn't it weird how the hospitals are much more friendly and sympathetic than the local vets? I suppose for the money they charge they should be nicer!!! Anyway, had heaps more to say but OH has just informed me that he no longer has a job. Foking great . If it doesn't rain it pours... Not happy Jan!!! I'm going to go bang my head on the wall... Anyways, hugs to baby Mallee and hoping it can be sorted out quickly for everyone's sake. You're right it's absolutely heartbreaking to get the girl this far only to have this pop up. Love, Kel and the red devil girl

Ah Antoinette, I'm lost for words buddy. What your poor girl has been through, and that you guys have turned yourselves all but inside out to get her well... and now this. Just when you thought the worry was over. I don't know alot about IBS, but it seems strange that she has been so good and to now have a bad attack such as this. Has anything in her diet changed recently? I'd hate to think that this has come about due to the ops she has had, but it seems odd for it to strike at the same times. However it could be a coincidence and may have just struck her when she was recovering and her body was in shock. It's also strange that the vet didn't want to send samples away for testing. Maybe they are trying to rule out simpler things such as infections or the like before testing for the more serious stuff? But I would think that seeing you had the sample it may as well be tested... I can't imagine getting a sample of diarrohea is all that pleasant. I seem to remember Corine mentioning that Duncan was also on the bland old chicken and rice food for a while. Is that to test what foods inflame the tummy troubles? Does she get bones regularly Antoinette? I had a dog that's tummy couldn't digest bone properly and she used to have alot of diahorrea and blood too as the bone pieces were scratching her insides. We then had to stop giving bones altogether (poor thing) and had to have the dentabone things for her teeth etc. Anyway, please let me know if I can help in any way. I know you are probably at work and if you want me to scavenge around for info or something like that let me know. Chloe is not doing as well as she did with the first leg. I think it's got to do with the fact that last time she was on painkillers but we haven 't been giving her any this time (so she doesn't try to do too much). She is limping occassionally and stands with very little pressure on it, if any. I panicked as she was really good at first and the surgeon has advised not to worry too much as this is where she should be at in her recovery. I guess it's hard as I'm comparing to the first leg but the circumstances are so different. But she is being as good as can be expected, and I'm really proud of her. It must be boring being confined to the same area all the time, but she's doing well. Back to the surgeon on Monday to get the stitches out and for a check up to ease my mind (which never stops thinking)!!! Will keep you and Mallee in my thoughts and hoping it's nothing too serious for the poor little bugger. Please keep me updated on her progress. Love, Kel and Chloe (who sends big kisses to you all)

Yes poor little Mallee has had a rough trot in life so far, being only a baby... lucky she has such a loving mum like Antoinette!!! I would hate to think of the strife she would be in had Mallee's problems not been picked up so quickly. Hopefully Quills you will not have to go through the same problems though, but still better to get an early diagnosis. Just a side note, Antoinette what sort/brand of joint supplement are you giving Mallee? Do you find it helps her? Yes more pics please... I'm a sucker for the big 'uns...

Haha, love the latest pic... she's a real cutie!!! Tell me about expensive... the last 2 years have seen me spend well over $10,000 on Chloe's legs alone. If her prob had been detected sooner I may not have had to spend so much to repair the damage (may have got away with only one leg operation and maybe even been able to control without operations), and avoided alot of unnecessary wasted vet visits and xrays... So while all vets = expensive, earlier detection may = NOT AS expensive and a happier pooch!!! ;) PS. My girl is a littlie compared to yours, but seeing she's a nutter she usually has to be knocked out too... (and while she's under, trim the nails she won't let us touch, check up on this or that... )

I am sure your lovely Rascal will be fine. Just remember that you are doing the best thing for his wellbeing, and he will recover in no time. I am sure the vet would not perform the surgery if he thought that Rascal was in any danger. I always hate when my little girl has her operations (one major one last week), but I keep reminding myself that I am doing it to make her life better and the rewards when she has recovered let me know that I have done the right thing!!! Big hugs to little Rascal and hoping all goes well on Friday.

Hello! I would take your lovely girl to a vet as soon as possible. We were also of the opinion that our girl (then 6) was suffering from mild arthritis. She would have good days, and bad days... but mostly good. On her very bad days we would take her to our vet but they did not think it was anything serious. A year and a half later of our girl being in pain (and on pain killers for bad days), it was discovered that she had ruptured her cruciate ligament in her right knee, and the pressure from this had caused the other leg to follow suit. At the time, I knew nothing about this type of problem or that it could even occur. She has now just had her second operation (and hopefully the last) and recovery has been slow and stressful, and the ops expensive. However, by the time we were referred to a specialist surgeon and were aware of her problem, the damage was quite severe. I hate to think that she had been in such discomfort for so long... but our initial vet did not seem concerned at all at first and we thought we were doing everything we possibly could for her at the time (Cartrophen injections, anti inflams, Sasha's Blend, weight management etc). There could be many explanations for your girls limping, but even though it's only been occuring for a week, my advice is to get her to her vet to rule out anything serious for your peace of mind and for your girls comfort. It's something that I will never be relaxed about again after what my girls been through and the serious nature of the problem, as she too didn't seem too bad at the time and would only limp on and off occasionally. But it soon became progressively worse and the symptoms more severe and unmanageable. Good luck and hoping that it's nothing serious.

Thanks for the support Antoinette... I really need it at the moment. My mum is being no help or support at all at the moment, and it's making things really hard for Dad and i. Thank goodness I have 2 weeks holiday.. I just wish I could take Chloe away somewhere quiet, just me and her (and dad, he is so good and gives me breaks). I know that I'd worry alot less. I wish I could fast forward a month or so. I'm so worried I could vomit, but trying to stay positive. If she is not better by Wednesday, she is going back as per the surgeon. At least that way I can know for sure. It's so hard to tell if Chloe is in pain. She has lived with the pain in her legs so she's not like other dogs and is fairly immune to pain. Believe me my indigestion and stomach probs are getting a work out now. And you're right, you do have to be insane to get through this. I doubt a saner person would have done it all over again!!!! Okay, that's my whinge and tomorrow is another (hopefully brighter) day. I'm so glad that things are going so well for Mallee. You guys have been through alot, so now it's time for the rewards!!! No news is indeed GOOD news... Hopefully we won't be too far behind you now!!! Thanks Antoinette! Love, Kel & Chlo

Wow I'd forgotten what a roller coaster ride post op can be... :D After an absolute fabulous weekend with Chloe, she was so behaved, quiet and walking soooo well that it was hard to tell she had had an operation. Well today is a different story. She is tentative on the leg, and limping. I rang the surgeon who advised to just keep an eye on her for the next 24 hours as she may have just banged it over night or something and it may subside, if not bring her back. She is very quiet today, although apart from her hesitation on the leg does not show any signs of problems. She is still eating with gusto, nose is cold, does not look distressed, no apparent swelling and wound looks good etc. So fingers crossed she has just jarred it a little. I think the worry of it all may kill me ... Please think healing thoughts for my girl, and that I will make it through her recovery and come out sane (hopefully not too late!!)!!! Love, Kel and Chloe

I've never actually got close, as Chloe won't let us near them!!! We have to have them done by the vets. Generally when she is under anaesthetic for xrays etc, or just for a check up. I think she trusts them more than her family!!! Good luck!!

GUESS WHO'S COMING HOME TONIGHT!!! HOORAY!!! Spoke to the surgeon and she is apparently very well and bearing SOME weight on her leg. He doesn't expect her to have any problems, provided she is of course kept quiet (easy said!!). I can't wait guys... missing her like crazy. Let the stress and healing begin!!!

I have two suggestions, not sure if they will be helpful... First one is to wrap the tablets in some food... eg, in a piece of cheese, chicken etc. But make sure it's wrapped securely or the little buggers will spit it out!!! If that doesn't work, have a treat on hand, open jaws with head tilted back, put tablet on tongue as far back as possible (without choking) then immediately close jaws and hold until you think they have swallowed. Follow with that treat!!! Good luck, Kelly

Wow great news Koza!!! She must have healed well. It's weird that she stands on 3 legs only but will use all 4.... but they are funny creatures I suppose. I would be way too scared to put Chloe into Agility after her ops... that would be a funny sight with her little tubby belly!!! But as long as she takes it slowly I'm sure she will be fine. Hooray for Stella, and thank goodness she can get back to her normal doggy life!!! Just one leg to get through now with Chloe and she will join the ranks of the able dogs again!!! Thanks for the update Koza... maybe when Stella gets back into the swing of things you could post some action shots!!! Love to see them. Hugs to Stella for being a clever girl!!! Love, Kel

Thanks Antoinette!!! I just spoke to the vet nurse and she said that Chloe is doing well and being a good girl (not sure if I believe that one!!). She said that she is putting her leg on the ground and not holding it up, which she said they are very pleased with. They are not sure if she is using it to walk and putting a lot of pressure on it, but she is putting small amounts on when she has it on the ground which is good news. I have ordered some Robert McDowells herbal treatments to help her along... some post operative mix and bone healing treatment. I'm not convinced herbal remedies work, but it's worth a shot if it will help her in any way. Love, Kel

Thanks Corine, yes I am going to try to be even more careful this time if it's even possible... we are almost there, so no risks. Corine, does Duncan do all the normal doggy things now? I mean play rough and tumble, jump and run around maniacally like a normal dog now? No restrictions whatsoever etc? I guess I'm thinking way in advance here... but just want to prepare my family for when she is healed and the level of activity that I would like Chloe to have. I probably will not have her playing rough games again (although at her age she does not play so rough anymore - grown out of puppy stage), and perhaps no vigorous jumping games with balls etc, but otherwise fairly normal. I guess this is a silly thought, considering that she is not a puppy anymore and doesn't go mad (save for the exceptional zoomies)... I just like to be prepared I guess. I suspect that Antoinette is also playing it a little on the safe side and will probably for a while with little Mallee, especially seeing she had such a huge operation. But Antoinette, what level of activity are you expecting Mallee to have in the future... say in a year or so? I'm just curious I suppose. Well I spoke to vets last night and they said Chloe was doing well in recovery and was fast asleep. May have been just to palm me off, but it sure helped me sleep better to believe it!!! She was probably screaming the house down... :rolleyes: Hehehehe!! Love, Kel

Hello... well surgery has been done, no going back now!!! Apparently she came through well and the operation went well. The surgeon scared me with lots of scary theoreticals on what could happen should she not be kept quiet etc, which he didn't do last time so it has really scared the hell out of me. Hopefully she will behave better this time since she has been through it all before. I feel happy that she has come through it, sad that I have done it to her, guilty and also hopeful that it will help her. Also worried that we will get her through it all over again. The surgeon did mention that she had some arthritic change in her leg, but nothing much more significant than her other leg and he said it should be manageable. He had to trim and remove the meniscus again in this leg as it was totally ruptured and damaged, which is no surprise as it was this right leg that went first... but her left leg got operated on first because it was thought to be causing more pain at the time. So guys, I'm really nervous... but through my tears this morning dad told me that I was doing the right thing and that she would be running around like a greyhound one day!!! Something to give me hope to look forward too!! Love, Kel and poor little Chloe :rolleyes:

Oops double post...

Yes I have been very interested to hear feedback on Joint Guard. I am considering giving it a try.

I have my girl on Sasha's Blend, and along with the cartrophen injections it seemed to do her the world of good. Hard to tell now that she has had operations on her leg, but it does seem to help. At the moment though I am looking for another supplement that may be more concentrated than Sasha's. I would really prefer a tablet form so that I know she's getting the right dosage.

I seem to recall the injections costing around the $16 or so dollar mark, however I can't remember if a consult fee was charged each time. However, I found the Cartrophen injections to be a godsend, and got my little girl through many a month before she was diagnosed with ligament problems. I hope your girl will continue to improve with these shots!!! And no, you shouldn't have to rob a bank for these shots!!!

Thank you very much for your well wishes Corine ! I feel a bit better today, but the guilts still hit every now and then, especially when i see her bounding about outside!!! Yes you are lucky to have only gone through it once... although Duncan is young, but with Chloe being a little older I feel bad putting her through it again. I have weighed the odds though and think it's for the best. I think of her as my old girl but she is only 8 (just) so she could have another 8 years left in her yet... and I certainly wouldn't want her to suffer that whole time. So trying to remain optimistic... another tough few months ahead, but we'll get there. Thanks again, I will keep updating on her progress. I had to back out of a huge work function on Thursday because I know she will be coming out of hospital then, and I have my priorities... and I know I will be missing her like crazy by then!!!! Work won't be impressed though... oh well, the bill will have been paid by then!!! Give little (big) Duncan a big hug from me, just cause he's so adorable!!! Love, Kel