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]

Thanks, Albus! Catch a few fly balls for me!

[Charlotte and Bo]

Hi JD. My name is Bo and I think you are very brave.  My mom gives me pills everyday for my anxiety but she puts them in cream cheese.  I'm thinking I could get a lot more of that great tasting cream cheese If I had to take as many pills as you do.  I don't know what a ramp is but I'll bet it is scarey at first.  I might take awhile to get used it.  Maybe if those pills work you won't need to find out.  Hope you feel better soon:-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Bo. I have to take my pills in mashed sweet potatoes because I am not allowed to have anything except chicken and sweet potatoes. I just swallow them so my mom won't get upset, and then I get some food or a piece of chicken, so it's not that bad. But you don't want to have to take more pills, trust me. ;)

Your friend, JD

[Christine & Camus]

Ah, JD I think I'm going to cry - but no that wouldn't cheer up your mom!  Instead, Hugs and sloppy doodle kisses from me and Camus. 

Can't help much with the ramp, I did try one for Einstein when he reached a point of having problems getting into the car, but my car door did not open wide enough to accommodate the ramp. So I devised a way that worked by having him put his front paws on the car seat and then I lifted his hind quarters, but he only  weighed 65 lbs. 

Be good, take your pills, and feel better - please.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Christine. We would much rather have hugs and kisses than crying, lol.

I'm not sure I can get him to put his paws up on the seat, he never puts his paws up on anything, which is a very good thing when it comes to things like counter surfing but not so good when it comes to a small lady trying to get an 85 lb dog into a car, lol. Hoping the pills help enough that it won't be a problem any more.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

So sorry to hear about these troubles JD! I'm hoping that you feel better very  very soon and I'm sure you will with all the good care your mommy is getting and giving you!  You must be a REALLY good boy to take so many pills a day! WoW! I'm not sure I could manage it even though I try really hard to make my mom happy just like you! :)  If you are good with obedience then obey this command: Get Better!! :) xoxo TaraBear

This is Tara's mom and I have used a ramp in the past and still have it. Right now it is being used by the neighbors to help their little dachshund get up on their deck. When I used it I found that it was very cumbersome and heavy and basically a PIA to deal with. Ebony used it but never liked it and it made him very nervous. It  didn't really fit well into the car door opening. Also, although it was ridged for traction it didn't provide enough traction for him to feel like he was secure on it. So I would advise to  have your mom be aware of not only the measurements of her car door but also the angles of it (if she has an SUV this isn't an issue). If you would use it in the back of an SUV be aware of the angle of incline. Too steep makes it scary too.  And traction is a very important issue.  We are keeping you in prayers for a speedy recovery JD!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Tara! I will do my best to obey your command!

Luv, JD

Ricki, I'm thinking the ramp may not be the best idea at this point. JD is just the kind of dog who would be afraid and refuse to use it, and the better ones do seem to be very bulky and heavy, not to mention expensive. With this new $60/month expense for this one new drug, I'm thinking I'm going to try the sling idea first. Thank you!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

That sounds good. The ramps really look good in theory but in practice-not so much!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Jackdoodle, you are the bravest dood ever. I know it's our responsibility to put up a brave front for our Mom's, but I'm really glad you found this new doctor. I think you are in good hands and am hoping for a great result with the new meds. I'm really hoping the meds are easy on your stomach, too.

We haven't tried a ramp at our house so we are no help to you about that. BTW my sister has had to have physical therapy. She says it's hard but that she really likes it. Maybe you will like it, too.

Just want you to know that my mom is praying for you and that Owen and I have crossed paws that it all works out well.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Kona! Please tell Owen thanks, too, and give your mom a big kiss from me!

Luv, JD

[Bonnie and Kona]

Big sloppy kisses from me... and my mom gives great hugs. We all love you Jack and Karen!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And we love you, too!