Kelly_Louise

Thank you Mooper and Jack

Thanks so much WSM... it's very sad when the will and mind are still happy and healthy, but the body just can't keep up - and there's just no much you can do about it, you feel so helpless. God love her, she still keeps going though - loves a game of ball, loves her walks, loves to visit her doggy friends. My last wishes for her now, is that when her time does come - and hoping that will be in another couple of years - that she passes quickly, quietly and unexpectedly in her sleep one day. To me, that would be the perfect ending to her life - and certainly what she deserves... however, regardless how the time comes, we will be with her letting her know how much she is always loved, and will always be a part of us. Okay, enough of the morbidity.... she is still with us, and we are lucky to get to enjoy her being a part of our family. That is enough for now. She had a good day yesterday, didn't drink TOO much and was full of energy and ate all her dinner... so hopefully her Cushings is still holding back for a while. Still waiting for her new prescription diet to arrive... fingers crossed the stubborn old bugger eats it. Keeping fingers crossed!!

Awwwwwwww, God bless her!!! She is just TOO divine!!! But one pic is never enough!!!

My Chloe (now 13yo) had a tibial wedge osteotomy done on both her knees (at age 8). It was a fantastic success. The aftercare was difficult at times and time consuming - but if I had to do it again, I certainly would. The results were amazing and gave her back her quality of life. Five years on, apart from arthritis, she gets around pretty good for an old girl and can outrun a younger dog if there is some incentive involved Being a heavier/larger dog, I would opt for the osteotomy type surgeries - they are more stable and suited to larger breed dogs, and I believe the success rate is alot higher for larger breeds. Please be aware that the after care is every bit as crucial to the success, as the operations themselves. Best of luck!

The only contraindication of relevance that I'm aware of is that pentosan polysulfate can affect coagulation times in some animals, so it is not recommended that they are used at the time of surgery. Aside from this they are considered to be very safe. Prudent use (lower than recommended doses, lowest frequency of administration) of NSAIDs like Previcox is acceptable if the benefit they give outweighs the potential negative effects. With progression of renal failure, other drugs like gabapentin and tramadol can be useful for managing pain without having significant effects on the kidneys. Thanks so much for that info Rappie - very handy to know. We shall give Cartrophen a try, see if it will assist in anyway (can't harm). Thank you also for the pain relief med info, I will definitely speak to her specialist about perhaps changing over should it be required. As it is, she is only taking it sparingly... but still, if there is something better we can be using it's good to be able to investigate it. I love DOL, always a place for useful, reassuring info. What would I do without it?

dancinbcs - thanks for your honest input... I guess that's exactly why I feel so sad. Everything we've had to battle with Chloe has always had a management side, and altho CKD can be slowed - it does mean the clock is now ticking. This is the reason that although her Cushings levels are a little on the high side (but still relatively normal), she is not being put back on meds. She isn't showing symptoms or discomfort, so at the moment, we are keeping her off meds for as long as possible (the remission came at a good time). The only meds she is on at the moment is Previcox, which I know is bad for kidneys - but she is given a very small dosage only when absolutely necessary (on days her legs are really playing up) and a course of 10 tablets can last quite a few months. I'm also thinking of re-trying her on cartrophen injections - not sure if it will be as effective now that her arthritis has worsened, but I guess it's worth a shot if it means even less Previcox. Not sure if Cartrophen would have any negative effects on the kidneys either - would anyone be able to confirm that please? I will never allow Chloe to suffer, it is one thing I have promised her, myself and my Mum. She has been through so much, it would be utterly selfish of us to keep her going - even though I will never be ready to let Chloe go. I'm sure she is tired from fighting these battles... but she is still happy, she still bounces around and LOVES to go for walks. While this is the case, we will do what we can to make things as easy as possible for her. Erny - you have touched my heart, and in doing so, have made the reality of the situation that much easier to bear. It's lovely to have our efforts acknowledge from someone so knowledgeable, and who I know also goes above and beyond to give their dogs the quality of life they deserve - even if they aren't well. I remember when her health issues all started, I used to pray to God to keep her well - and to give us more time with her. I think about how unfair it is that this has happened, but have to remember that God did answer our prayers and has given her many more good years with the ones she loves than anyone expected. We have been more than fortunate, even if hasn't always appeared that way. I feel selfish to ask for more than that, but still, you always have to have a little hope don't you?

Oh Erny, you have no idea how much it means for you to say that, it actually brought some tears. We've been through the wars, Chloe and I, but we've always come out the other side. It's been a full on emotional roller coaster ride for the last 5 years... but as long as she continues to love life, be happy and is comfortable - I will continue to give her every chance. She certainly deserves it. One of the bravest dogs I've ever known. I'm trying to tell myself to just do what we can to help her along - and until her time comes (hopefully not for a couple of years yet??) enjoy every single day we are blessed with her. And she is a blessing. Have found a copy of the diet book Staranais just in the process of ordering it - so hopefully will find lots more info to help ChloBo. Thanks for the tip

I feed Sasha on canned food + dry because her stomach can't handle raw meat (I have no idea why). I use Advance canned and dry, and she has been happy and healthy ever since... has put on weight, no stomach problems, her appetite has returned and she enjoys eating it. Not ideal cause it costs me a fortune, but it's what she does best on.

Thanks so much Staranais - that's an awesome help Will start the hunt for them!!

Thanks so much guys... I've purchased some Hills K/D wet and dry food to give a try. Hopefully she will take to it. She goes on and off foods all the time though, doesn't help that Mum panders to it. Maybe if we mix in a little fresh meat she will be more inclined to eat it. I read some reviews on the Hill KD and they seem to be promising, and fairly palatable to dogs.

Thanks Staranais... I feel so teary. We've put so much effort into her health and it's been an ongoing battle since she was 8years old... and I knew this day would come, but you never really feel ready for it do you? I spoke to the vet about a commercial diet for CKD, however with her tendency for tummy upsets he thinks she is better off to stay on a senior formulation for the time being. But I think we should give it a try. She's such a fussy eater though. But anything we can do to help slow it, the better. Does anyone know about which meats/raw food might be best for this kind of thing? She eats alot of chicken and beef (cooked, not raw) with vegies - but not sure if this is okay or if there is any kind of meat/vegies that may be better than others? Good news is her phosphorous and sodium levels were good. Her elevated kidney enzymes hadn't changed since late November/early December so that is also a good sign I guess.

He is gorgeous... i LOVE pic number 2

I feel quite sad... my old girl is, well, getting old. She had her ACTH stim test this week for her Cushings, which is a little high, but she is not going back on meds at this stage. Reason for this is that she is showing signs of chronic kidney disease / kidney failure (her kidney enzymes were elevated a little, but all other levels were fine), and a symptom of Cushings is increased drinking, which actually helps flush out the kidneys of toxins. So, I just want to know as much as I can about chronic kidney disease / kidney failure. How long does it take to become fatal, what we need to look out for, how we can help? What kind of foods are good to assist with the slowing of this disease? I know we are on borrowed time with Chloe, and at 13yo I appreciate every day. I still feel sad she may not be with us for a long time now though... Thanks for any advice/info given.

Great news... pity about your own vet not being flexible enough to accept that either - leaves customers with very little options doesn't it? But at least in this emergency she can be seen to quickly. PS. I'm touching wood too

I think it's just via air freight you can't send it. I'm pretty sure road is fine.

Honestly, I wouldn't leave an ear issue that long - but you know your dog best. It may not be a problem now, but having ear issues myself - and also a dog that just had them too - they can become extremely painful and problematic very quickly (mine went from nothing to excruciating pain within a day), and could cause more damage. Could you perhaps talk to the school to delay the payment for the camp (maybe if you explain it's an emergency they may be okay to let you pay expense off)? Borrow off friends/family/dog lovers you know? Perhaps apply for a credit card quickly (not sure how long they take) and that way you can bring the appt forward a bit? Or yes, pawn something temporarily? Maybe talk to the bank to see if they can help in anyway (ie maybe overdraw your account or something)? I do understand that it can be difficult - especially for emergency type cases where the costs are higher and people need to come up with the money otherwise their pets can't be treated. That's the main reason I got a credit card (and I didn't have one until I was almost 30) - for emergencies only if I didn't have the upfront cash. And goodness knows my dogs suck my finances dry... ETA - so many posts with better info in the time it took me to type mine... SORRY!!!

I see your point and acknowledge it. I wouldn't class this incident as abuse in any way, but I do find it is a lack of caring. Everyone is different, and I do expect my dogs to be treated a certain way (not mollycoddled, and not to put the professionals in danger). As I mentioned, when I took my elderly dog in for a blood test, and had her come out extremely lame because of their lack of care in handling her (and she is a regular so is very compliant, doesn't bite etc) I was extremely upset - but that is from my own experience and has probably influenced my views pretty strongly. I also try to prepare my dogs as much as I can and agree that owners should all do this. With my rescue dog who has a massive fear of vets, it's been a long, hard road - but we have made so much progress now we have found the right vet for her that will handle her in a caring way and be flexible (allows me to move her around or adjust her or hold her in a certain position if she needs to be - because I agree that they shouldn't have to do all these things themselves). Sometimes a little understanding and patience can make a big difference to a dog (and to an owner who is trying their best). There are so many vets who will be understanding and caring, and suit both dog and owner needs better. I've found the hard way that not all vets suit all patients. I have found though, that most vets will work with you if you talk to them about any issues and offer to be actively involved in the case of difficult dogs (or discuss options if the owner is not able to undertake some actions). For people who hand over a not so happy or co-operative dog and expect a vet to handle and treat them without a second thought, well, that's a different story... because yes, they are there to do a specific job and shouldn't have to be put in danger to do it.

While that's a good point, and while it may not have physically harmed the dog - I'd probably punch someone if I saw them drag and lift my dog up from the neck by the lead... vet or not, especially when they haven't tried other options or asked me to try to get them to on the scales myself. It's just not what I consider the right thing to do, and not the kind of care that I expect to be given to my dogs. I may not appreciate it but I'd not punch a professional for 'direct' handling. I'm at the stage where my vet allows me to handle my dogs for just about anything. They don't need to be 'taken out the back' and held by a nurse because I might be squeamish about what's about to happen or fail to get a good solid hold on the front end of a dog that's about to object with its teeth to having a procedure done. Maybe its my horse background. You don't pussy foot around with big animals that don't want to do something. I'm sure most animals lovers would be horrified by their first sight of the use of a gag on a horse for dental work. But big animals need to be handled carefully and quickly to avoid injury to those around them. A struggling 30kg Goldie is big enough to put a back out and a vet off work for weeks. I'd not have picked the dog up either. Oh I totally agree especially when you are talking larger animals - but the query is whether the dog was actually struggling/snapping or not, or whether a different method could have been used. When this type of behaviour becomes the norm, rather than something that is used sparingly for excessively difficult or dangerous dogs - that's when I'd be cutting my losses and looking elsewhere. I also think that when the owner is there and quite capable of assisting, it was such a small thing as weighing the dog, and he still chose to move the dog in such a way - is quite telling. My other issue is this... you may work with your dog about accepting a vet examining them/working with them etc. But what if the treatment provided by a vet with the same kind of attitude as this guy, traumatises/scares them (especially if they are not used to being treated so roughly)? I can understand some points of view, but I certainly wouldn't be tolerating this kind of treatment. Okay maybe I wouldn't punch them (but it would cross my mind), but they'd certainly get an earful and I'd take it as far as I had to, to ensure my dogs get the kind of treatment they deserve. It doesn't have to be the only way.

While that's a good point, and while it may not have physically harmed the dog - I'd probably punch someone if I saw them drag and lift my dog up from the neck by the lead... vet or not, especially when they haven't tried other options or asked me to try to get them to on the scales myself. It's just not what I consider the right thing to do, and not the kind of care that I expect to be given to my dogs.

Especially when you watch those medical shows on TV and see how doctors treat humans when they're under GA No wonder they wake up bruised and sore!!!

I also hope someone kind and caring like you finds my girls if they ever get out! I'm sure the old boy was very grateful - good on you

If I saw my dog get treated like that - I would never go back. I've had to handle my own dogs when they've been groggy, but I can still treat them with care and respect and don't need to drag them or pull their skin to lift them up. I look after my dogs with the utmost care, and expect someone I am paying alot of money to provide a service, to do the same. I would not only feel that my dog is being disrespected, but also that they were disrespecting me by treating my dog like that. I understand that most owners are softer with their own animals, and that people that work with animals have a job to do and usually have a need to approach it in a no-nonsense way... but there is a line, and this behaviour to me, would have crossed it. I have an old dog that has bad legs, I know what it takes for her to become seriously lame with them - so when she came back from the specialist once with a shaved patch on her back leg, and barely able to walk on them - I knew she had not been treated the way I would expect (and the way her normal specialist would have treated her). I rang and complained, and asked questions of the interns until I kind of figured out what happened (they had tried to take blood from her back leg and had been pulling/twisting it without consideration of her previous leg treatments/issues) - and I spoke to them about how to avoid this in the future, and what kind of treatment and considerations I expected when she was in their care. We haven't had that problem since. With my other dog, who is afraid of vets - I went through numerous ones and would not bother with any who could not understand and try to be patient with her. I went from one vet who forced things and told me that if she had to stay she would be handled with those poles with the ropes on the ends (sorry don't know the name) - to finding a vet who actually had some patience and knowledge on how to approach her, is kind and caring with her and she now can be handled by him with very little fuss (and he can do that still within our alloted appt space). If a vet is giving up personal care and respect, or is too pressed for time to give it - I wouldn't go there anymore, because that is what I expect for my dogs.

Sasha gets a few: Mashy, Mashykins, Sashykins, Puppia, PupPup, Precious, Cherub, Shishy, ShishyPants, Chibby, ChibChib, Chibblesticks, Bubba, Bubby, Sashy She responds mostly to Bubba and Bubby (moreso than her own name).

My Sasha won't eat the Advance for Large breed dogs either for the same reason - she doesn't like the big kibble pieces. So I have her on the Adult All Breed, and she wolfs it down. Can't put big kibble in that dainty mouth now can we? I'm interested to change to Black Hawk for Sasha myself - but am hesitant as it took so long to find something that agreed with her...

Indigirl, I remember reading the post about you taking him on so long ago in rescue forums. I'm so sorry for your loss, it usually is the slightly odd, quirky ones that really dig into your heart. Bless you for taking on this old soul, and making his last few years happy, loved ones. I hope karma pays you back tenfold. RIP Wally.