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.

 

 

[Pat and Traveler]

Hi, JD--Trav here.  Sorry to hear about your back, buddy.  You're my hero, because you like to chase balls and you can eat 14 pills every day!  Awesome, dood!  And I know you love to jump and run and would be doing it if you could.  You're one tough and handsome guy, and you sure have a great mom.  My mom worries about you and gets teary, but I know you just carry on and enjoy all the good stuff in every day.  Hope you'll be back to running and jumping very soon.  Your pal, Trav

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Trav. Please kiss your mom a big kiss for me!

Luv, JD

[Stella]

Oh Karen, so sorry to read that you and Jack have one more thing to deal with.  You guys have had such a rough go of it lately.  Hopefully the meds help with his discomfort.  Acupuncture is usually really effective for pain control in dogs, and may be a non-pharmacological option given how many medications he is already on.  Physio, especially exercise in the hydrotherapy pool would be excellent for him -  a good way of exercising him without stressing his back - and he could swim towards his beloved tennis ball!!  Thinking about you both and sending love and hugs.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Stella! I would love a non-pharmacological option! He's very good with needles, he has to get an allergy shot and/or a B12 shot just about every week, but I think getting him into the pool is going to be challenging. We will see. ;)

[Stella]

Most pools that are purpose built for canine rehab have a ramp down into the pool.  The dog usually also wears a lifejacket and there should be someone in the pool with him - physio/ rehab tech.  Some places have an underwater treadmill where the dog walks in level with the treadmill, then they close a gate and fill the pool from below - treatment options in this type of pool are usually limited to just walking on the treadmill though.  I think a pool they can acually swim in is better because then they can work on specific exercises with the therapist in the water.  So he shouldn't have to go down steps or be lifted in!!!  If you have insurance, they might cover physio treatment and / or acupuncture.  I'm hoping to hear good news from you guys soon!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Stella. No insurance, but he still gets everything he needs, and if he needs this, he'll get it. I know the rehab facility does have underwater treadmills, not sure about an actual swimming pool.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Hey JD,

I'm kind of the new guy here but my mom showed me your post and I just wanted to tell you to hang in there big guy!

I've had some trouble myself getting around lately and so mom took me to the doc.  That doc stretched me in all sorts of directions.  I thought I did swell (and so did the doc) but then they took some pictures of me in more silly positions.  Mom and the doc sure talked a lot about my hips.  Mom was crying and I hate that. Now mom says we're getting a second opinion and we'll know more soon.  I've been feeling better though and I hope you do too...really really soon!   Too bad we can't swim together!  Mom says maybe a local metal worker could build a slide in ramp for your mom's suv for not too much $.  She had 2 guys build one for a trailer and yours would be smaller. 

I have no idea what she's talking about but just thought I'd pass it on. Feel better buddy.

Finnegan and Cheryl 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Finn, and I hope you feel better soon, too. I hope you get a good report from the second opinion, we will keep our fingers and paws crossed here for you!

Luv, JD

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I wish we were there.  F. J. built many ramps to help my old dog Pete.  Blind, old, and just OLD hips.  The ramps were wonderful and helped so so much.

Busy right now but I'll be back. Just wanted to respond.  I'll look for some pictures of what we did to help Pete

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Joanne. I wish you were here, too. :)

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Oh, JD - we are so sorry to hear that you are not feeling well and that you have to add more pills to your cocktail. You are our hero because we run and hide whenever we have to take any medicine!  It makes DM crazy that we are not as brave as you!

Did this doctor talk to your Mom about acupuncture?My older 2 legged sister had to have that and she said she didn't love it but it did make her feel better.  

Our neighbors Bernese Mountain dog had knee surgery and she used a sling around her belly to walk. Her Mom said it was easiest on everyone. 

Charli and I truly hope you feel better with these new meds!

Love,

Sammie

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Sammie. I used to try to hide when I heard a pill bottle being opened, but we have a small house and I'm pretty big, so my mom always found me. Now I try to scrunch down in a corner of the sofa and blend in with the throw pillows, but it usually doesn't fool my mom.

We are going to try the pills for two weeks and then talk to the doctor. My mom is going to ask him about acupuncture. I think she is also going to see if she can make some kind of sling.

Luv, JD