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.

 

 

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Hey, JD - do you like swimming? When our cousin, Marty Schnoodle, broke his leg my Mom took him to an orthopedic doctor. They had something called aquatherapy.  It looked like it was a fun way to exercise without running. Tell your Mom to talk to your doctor about that too. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I do not like to swim, but we are going to talk about physical therapy after we see how the new pills work, and the physical therapy department at the clinic has a hydrotherapy pool with underwater treadmills. Maybe if my mom goes in with me, I would be willing to try it.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

JD, I am sorry you have to take so many pills, but am hoping they all help you and you feel better soon. We are sending lots of hugs your way and keeping all fingers and paws crossed that the new medicine does the trick.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, guys! Hugs back atcha!

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

Jackdoodle-my mommy shudders to think what would have happened if your mommy hadn't come along and adopted you.  I know you have not had it very easy but I also know your mom would not trade you for anything in the whole wide world.  Give her extra licks and kisses cause she is the best mommy ever.  My mommy said that she would be praying for both of you. Especially JD that you would be free of pain and for your mom some extra provision in the financial area in the days ahead and for the doctors wisdom and knowledge so they will know how best to treat you:)

Take care...you friend Jake and new friend Baxter!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jake and Baxter! My mom told me you both got pretty lucky in the mom department, too. And you are right, she tells me all the time that she doesn't know what she would do without me!

She also appreciates any divine intervention in the health department, both physical and financial. Whatever that means. :)

Luv,

JD

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

So sorry to hear this news..I know you can buy a ramp from amazon...and its also nice b/c you can read the reviews.  Spondylosis is basically sciatica..so hopefully the pills and taking it easy for a few weeks will do the trick..best of luck to you both.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jill!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

JD -

Hugs,

 

Boomer, Shayna and Mariner

 

(hope that helps you feel better)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It does, guys. Hugs back atcha!

Luv,

JD

[Carol and Banjo]

Awwww...JD...we're so hoping that you get relief from your discomfort.  I know your Mom just hates to even think that you may be in pain.    Our fingers and toes and paws are all crossed that the medicine and taking it easy for a while will bring you back to your strong, healthy state.    BIG Doodle hugs to you and your Mom!!!!!!!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Carol & Banjo! Big doodle hugs to you, too!

Luv, JD