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.

 

 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

thanks JD!

[Gail and Bailey]

Sorry to hear you are not feeling well, JD!  I hope your mom and the docs can get you back to feeling like the big, buff,  muscular boy that you are!  Love, Bailey

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Bailey!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Jackdoodle,

Thank you for letting me and my Mom know how you are.  We know that your Mom take the very best care of you and that you have to take lots of meds but are always cheerful and happy.  We are sorry to hear that your back is giving you trouble.  We think a ramp will be brilliant for you and that it will help you getting in and out of the car and of course onto your (Mom's) bed and off it without you having any pain. We hope that you don't have to be put to sleep for an MRI (whatever that is) and that you are better very soon,

With best love and lots of doodle kisses,

Riley & Nicky

[Sue and Buddy]

I used a Solvit telescoping ramp with my sweet Cody. It wasn't too heavy and worked great once he got used to it. I first put it flat on the ground for him to walk on and then gradually increased the height. It was bouncy and kind of scared him at first. Then I saw the Pet Loader and would try that should I ever need something like that again.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Sue, I'll take a look.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Riley, and give your mom a kiss for me!

[Pam & Trixie]

Im sorry to hear about your back JD, I hope the pain pills help alot!

The ramp does sound kind of scary.  Id want to try the hip lifter first I think.

I hope you feel lots better very soon JD!

Trixie

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Trixie!

[Jennifer and Jack]

Jack Doodle I adore you.......you are an amazing dog and your life with your mom has taught me so any lessons! I don't know a thing about ramps, I do now Pet Smart has sling lifts.

I have nothing but love and respect for both you and your mom! Keep your eye on the tennis ball baby !

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Jen! That's it exactly, eyes on the prize!

[Donna K & Quincy]

http://www.thedogoutdoors.com/lightweight-dog-ramp.html 

This ramp is 16 ins wide so it make work for a door opening as well. It also only weighs 10 lbs so it would be easier on you.

 I'm so sorry that JD is having pain and isn't able to enjoy chasing those tennis balls. I really hope the meds help and he can get back to playing soon.