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.

 

 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Karen, I'm not going to focus on the worst case scenarios either because they will probably never materialize.  My heart goes out to you because not knowing is the worst.  Just focus on what you know now and the next step. You're doing an awesome job. We'll keep praying for you and Jack every day - that the flare stays manageable and no surgery.  Stay strong girl!

And keep reminding JD how lucky he is to have you by his side. We heart you both! 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am so sorry about they way they schedule those MRI's and they won't make an exception for JD. Makes no sense to me. I will be praying for both of you and hoping for the best. Hugs coming your way!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

They SHOULD make an exception for JD!! Now that we know the power of DK maybe we should all show up at the scheduler's desk and see if we can change her mind!!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Wow, and just how many balls can you keep in the air at one time?? Geez!! Heavy duty prayers are on the way. Let's keep the good momentum started here on DK this week rolling forward for Jack!

One beer day at a time...:)

[Jennifer and Jack]

Karen you have my prayers and so does Jack Doodle. I don't know if you realize how many lives you and JD have impacted, Of course it goes without say, all of our dogs are eating healthier and are better off nutritionally speaking because of you ..but this goes beyond that for me..

I think about you all throughout the day and say prayers.... I pray for JD. I can't figure out how to say what I want to say but I will say. My heart really hurts for you and JD... I wish I could make you both better...
 and I have nothing I can say.. just asking God to make things better.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Praying for your peace and Jack's healing! I'm so sorry you are both going through this!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

And thank goodness he has such wonderful and accomplished Vets, Specialists and most importantly Mom.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Sounds like mama is needing those lime tootsie rolls and/or wine. One suggestion I did have was the need to look at renting medical equipment to lift him and carry him to and fro. Thinking for humans but vets might know of this, especially at a surgicenter for dogs. It's not like they all just prance out and jump in the back seat. That is IF he needs surgery. But it gives you a week to look into it and have it all in place in case. You probably already have thought of this. So sorry to hear. Yes, it's so complicated. Sorry.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jack's Lab girlfriend had a ruptured lumbar disc removed two years ago by this same doctor. All they had was a sling. :(

And I am having a beer, lol.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Have a few beers.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Slings work well.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I wonder if you can rent a Hoyer Lift (sp) from a Home Health store?