Infection, disease and allergies? Crying...help!

[Emily]

My doodle is a mess. 104 fever. Diagnosed with left side hip displasia, allergies, and a infection around her urethera. Just had xrays under general anesthesia, three medications, a joint suplemnent for her pain, a consult with a orthopedic vet this week with possible surgery. Vet said to discontinue Taste of the Wild immediatley and switch to a brand that is 80$ a bag! (CA Natural). My dog hasn't moved in three days and wont evenplay ball. That is how bad she is hurting. I want to cry. She is only one yr old! $600 vet bill. Plus lifetime monthly medication for almost a hundred a month plus that special food? Please, start throwing out opinions... I need some hope.

[Emily]

THANKS, I think that's what I'm gonna try! I feel pretty good right now. Thanks for helping spread a little cheer.

[Emily]

I agree,  I don't think it's "really bad either"! They made me feel like I was feeding my dog poison.

we did use the bison but switched to the fish one 2 months ago when she stopped eating the bison.. so you have a  very valid point. :) 

I think the vet is thinking IF it's a food allergy TOTW has a few different proteins in each colored bag and high amounts  plus extra fruits and veggies so they are thinking red flag with all the ingredients but like many people say, the % of  food allergies is so low so to be that extreme is a little overkill.  I'm with ya. Will ask about the duck LID formula for Nat Bal. THANKS! I appreciate the food for thought. lol

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I'm so sorry that your dog is experiencing multiple challenges and it's understandable that you're upset and worried.  The infection should clear up with antibiotics, which will also bring down her fever.  I'm not sure if this will help you feel any better, but Wally has hip dysplasia, which so far is under control (There is often a lot that can be done without surgical intervention.), and he has allergies, too.  I suggest that you take a deep breath, find specialists, and address one issue at a time.  Hopefully, all of these seemingly insurmountable difficulties will become manageable.  

[Emily]

How do you not let your dog run? It breaks my heart. All she wants to do is fetch a ball and chase the kids...She's so young.. Wasn't that hard for you?

[BG and Gavin]

Oh dear!  You must be so overwhelmed.  You have gotten excellent advice here from some very knowledgeable people.  Take it step at a time.  The infection is causing the high temp and the anti-biotics will take care of that right away, so cross that off the list.  The food change is simple and Karen and Kaitlyn gave you some great options.  I would get the hips looked at by the specialist so you know what you are dealing with.  No need for decisions on that yet.  See what happens with the food before tackling the other allergies.  You sound like you are in good hands.  Just try and breath.  I am sorry that your husband sees things differently than you.  I would look him straight in the eye and say in your most serious voice "you really need to support me with this." And say nothing more.  If he starts to say something about the $ or whatever, just give him the look.  Good luck, please keep us updated.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good advice!

[Joy Williams]

I love that -  "just give him the look"  !! Great advice!

[F, Calla & Luca]

When things settle down you could consider grooming your doodle yourself so you will save money that way. More importantly you will avoid the all too frequent complications that grooming leads to. There is a ton of information in the grooming group.

[Emily]

I do groom her myself but the vet tech did the sani clip prior to the xrays...if Mabel hadn't gone in to get the xrays things would have gotten worse before they got better. The clip made things worse and exaggerated so it's a good thing but not.. I'm getting good at grooming her, I just need to figure out how to do her feet pads..she does NOT like that at all. Groomers in our area do not like to share their talent...I need to find someone in my area who can give me some tips or show me how to do the feet. Funny how they have so much hair in their pads!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry your doodle is having such health issues.  I don't have experience to give you any advice, but just know that I care and send my support.

[Emily]

Thanks!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I read your post this morning and was very upset for you but I knew that there are many people here who have tremendous advice and experience. True to form they are all here now with lots of interesting and useful information.  It seems like you are dealing with so much.  I think that by concentrating on one thing at a time and going back to your vet fully armed with the right questions and a few prayers thrown into the mix that things will  get better. I especially like BruceGirls advice re your DH !! : )  I'm wishing you good luck and sending as much positivity and love as I can.