Good News and Not-So-Good News by Jackdoodle

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi, DK friends! I just wanted to say hi and tell you what's been going on with me lately.

Some of you know that recently I have been having a problem running and jumping. I was trying very hard not to let my mom know about it, because I hate to worry her, and I do have my tough guy image to maintain. But my mom figured out that I wasn't running or getting up on her bed because I couldn't, and not because I didn't want to. These smart moms can be very difficult to manage sometimes.

Today I went to see a new kind of special doctor who knows about bones and nerves and things like that.

He was very nice. He examined me and took some Xrays.

The good news is, I have a lot of very good muscle, and very good muscle tone. I am also very strong. (Gee, I didn't need a doctor to tell me that!) The vet says I do not have hip dysplasia or anything wrong with my legs or my hips. My regular vet thought I had arthritis, but this new doctor does not think I do. That's the good news!

What he does think is that there is something wrong with the lower part of my spine. The Xrays showed something there. It might be something called spondylosis, or it might be something called a herniated disc. They cannot tell exactly what it is without doing a special test called an MRI. The new vet does not think we need to do that yet, and I am glad, because I would have to be asleep for it, and that is kind of scary. The doctor and my mom decided that first we will try a new medicine for two weeks and see if that helps me. The new medicine is for pain. So I have to take two more pills every day, which brings the total number to 14. That's the not-so-good news.

My mom also wanted me to ask you if any of you have used a ramp for your dogs to help them get in and out of the car. I can get out just fine, but I am having some trouble getting in. Today Cassie, my vet tech, had to help lift my butt to help me get in, and I felt so embarrassed about it, I couldn't help crying out loud, which made my mom very sad. So she is looking into getting me something called a ramp so I can get into the car (my mom said tell you it's an SUV) easier. We would be grateful for any recommendations or advice.  

Anyway, that's about all for now. I hope you are all having a good summer.

Your friend,

Jackdoodle

UPDATE BY JD'S MOM:

The new medication does not seem to be helping, in fact, it may be making things worse. It's a human anti-seizure drug, Gabapentin. Over the last ten days, he's been experiencing a kind of collapsing of his hind end. It happens randomly when he is just walking, his back legs kind of bow out and his rear end goes down as if he's about to poop, but it's really that his back end just kind of collapses. It only lasts seconds and then he can walk again, but it'a very disturbing and scary. It may not happen for several days and then it will happen repeatedly on a single day. He's also displaying some spatial confusion. So we are discontinuing the meds, and it looks like an MRI will be the next step. I'm going to wait a few days and see how he does without the meds.

 

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Acupuncture was suggested by a few people and I may look into that.

In my own personal & professional life, I have had a number of relatives and clients who had horrendous, even disastrous experiences with chiropractors. I'm not a fan, but i do appreciate the suggestions. :)

[Janice Hammond]

It is not traditional chiropratic adjustment.No tugging and pulling.It is all pressure.It is done by an holistic vet as is the Accupuncture.

 

The dogs often fall asleep during the treatments very gentle but effective.

 

Persona;ly I would never go to a chiropractor.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Oh JD I hope you are feeling better soon with your meds.  Unfortunately I do not know about any ramps because my two doodles just jump into my SUV (for now).  I hope you feel better soon good boy !!!!  Sending doodles hugs your way !!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Barbara!

 

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Hi Jackdoodle!

I am so sorry that you are having a hard time running and jumping. I guess that cuts down on some playtime and that's a bummer! I'm so sorry you had to go and see a doctor, I don't particularly like to go to those doctors, but if they gave you pills so that you can run again, I guess it's all worth it. I hope they help and that you are running with all your might soon!

We don't have a ramp so I don't know what to say about that. When I get in the car, I put my front paws up on the seat and turn around to look at my Mom. The look always works and she'll pick up my back end to get the rest of me in the car. I'm only 32 lbs. though so it's no problem. I think your Mom might get a wide board and staple plush carpeting on it and place your treats up along the way. You can find the treats on the way into the car and wiggle your toes in the carpeting as you go! I think that's perfect! 

I hope you are feeling better JD! We all hope so! I wish we could play!

Love, your friend,

Jack

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jack. I got hurt again today trying to get into the car, so I am really hoping these pills help soon! I don't like it when anyone tries to help me, but my mom says I am going to have to get over that. We'll see. ;)

Luv, JD

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I'm sorry JD! Be careful buddy! I hope you feel better soon!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Winston. It was my mom's fault and the groomer's! I would have made it easy if they didn't try to help me! Women!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh dog poop! I hate that you got hurt again. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It was the worst thing, he cried so pitifully. I will never get over it. He's right, he would have made it on his own if we hadn't tried to help him, we just made it worse.

[Carol and Banjo]

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[Donna K & Quincy]

JD it hurts my heart to know that you are hurting. Hugs to you and your mom. I hope you feel better really soon.