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]

Thanks Ricki.  You guys are really helping :) It's been a tough day.  I'm going to go read these to Finn now...who is blissfully asleep because...he's in the moment :)

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Cheryl - just read this about Finn and want you to know that we'll add him and you to our list of those in need of prayers.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Thank you Jane :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Cheryl, I'm so sorry to hear this.  It is at least good news that this medication is helping him and he isn't in pain.  Try your best to stay positive....somehow I really think that helps and I believe our dogs can sense and react to our feelings.  Sending prayers and lots of "good thoughts" to you and Finnegan.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Thank you Jane.  So true :)  Finney is the first one to mirror my feelings.  I'm feeling more positive & determined this AM :) Moving out of denial.  I don't want to take Karen's important updates on JD "off-course" so I'll post a separate update.  JD and Gracie are most in need of immediate answers.  Going to look for those Nature Made Omegas today  - thank you Karen.  Positive thoughts and hugs to all for a great day! 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Cheryl, here's a link to the fish oil caps: http://www.naturemade.com/products/supplements/ultra-omega-3-mini-f...

Hang in there. <3

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Gracie and JD have two different versions of the same disease; in Gracie's case, her immune system is attacking  her jaw muscles and in JD's case, his immune system is attacking his GI lining. These immune-mediated diseases strike without warning and without any apparent cause, and all you can do is keep them at bay, you cannot cure them. It is crazy.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Thanks so much sweet Hattie Bear and Sandy!  Bear hugs to you both!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Some of the best Doodle Moms and Dads are right here in this discussion. You all love and care for the way it should be done. I am just sorry any of you have to go through this.

I hope every doodle gets good answers and are all better soon.

[Martha & Cooper]

Hey Karen and JackDoodle, just checking in to see how you are both doing.   You know we wish you the best and you are in our thoughts.    Martha and Cooper B Doodle  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We are so sorry you are dealing with your own heartaches with Cooper, Martha, and we're thinking of you, too. How's he feeling?

[Sue & Lily Grace]

My very best to all the Doodles that are not feeling well today. My Doodle prayer list started with Hurley when I first found DK. Prayers are added daily to all my other new friends and their wonderful doodles. God Bless.