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.

 

 

[Margaret & Pebbles]

I'm so sorry this is happening to Jack.  Positive thoughts being sent.  I can only imagine how hard this is to see Jack going through this.  Sending both of you hugs.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Margaret. It is hard.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Sherri.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Karen, I'm sorry to hear JD is having so many problems.  If I could take the pain away you and JD are feeling.  I would do it in a heartbeat.  We used something similiar to this for Weiner when he started having problems.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Tina.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Sandy.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Jack buddy, we are keeping you and your mom in our everyday thoughts and prayers. We pray they will figure it out and it's a simple fix so you are not in pain and your mom is not sad. She love's you SO much~you are one great doodle!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, girls!

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Karen, I haven't been on here in awhile and am just catching up with JD's news.  My heart aches for you and I know how you feel... no matter how much you do, you want to do more.  All good vibes are coming your way for JackDoodle's better health, and for an easing of the pressure you must feel.  Biscuit and I send our love!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Michele!

[Kirsy & Jasper]

Just read your post! I so hope the MRI will shed some light and a solution can be found. A big hug to JD from his Australian mate Jasper and Mom Kirsy XX

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you Kirsy!