OK, cryosurgery in veterinary medicine isn't exactly new. Dr. Goldstein talks about using cryosurgery on cancerous growths in The Nature of Animal Healing, which he wrote in 1999. We were offered a choice of laser or cryosurgery for Jasmine's trichiasis over five years ago now.
Liquid air has been used to treat skin conditions for more than 100 years.
The idea might be old, but the technology is evolving.
Cryosurgery is a virtually painless, and bloodless procedure.
The modern cryosurgery technology uses high pressure liquid nitrous oxide, delivered from a handheld device. This allows precision which was not possible with the older methods.
With high precision, a wart, skin tag, or even acancerous growth can be targeted and killed quickly, while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.
There are limitations to what can be treated with cryosurgery, but another upside is that these procedures often don't require anesthesia. The modern devices are portable and can be even use during a house call visit.
Source article:
Cryosurgery – Icy Cold Handiwork!
Kamis, 17 Januari 2013
Rabu, 16 Januari 2013
15 Tell-Tale Signs Of Pain
by Dr. Greg Magnusson, DVM
Our pets are communicating with us all the time, we just need to know what to listen for.
1. LIMPING
2. INVISIBLY LICKING
3. VISIBLY LICKING
4. FAILING TO JUMP
5. GETTING UP SLOWER
6. ABNORMAL POSTURE
7. CRYING OUT
8. ROUGH LOOKING HAIR COAT
9. CHANGE IN PERSONALITY
10. PEEING ON YOUR STUFF
11. RELUCTANCE TO MOVE
12. LOSS OF APPETITE
13. PANTING
14. SHIVERING
15. DROOLING
Pretty much any time your pet does something unusual, or differently than in years past, you should connect with your family veterinarian and discuss the change.
Reprinted with permission from Leo's Pet Care, 10598 N College Ave # 200, Indianapolis, IN 46280 | www.leospetcare.com | indianapolisvet@gmail.com
***
Greg Magnusson, DVM describes himself as Leo's daddy. Public educator, mender of wounded bodies, healer of troubled souls, veterinarian in Indianapolis at Leo's Pet Care - out to change the world for one little boy...
Contact Dr. Magnusson via his Leo's Pet Care Facebook Fan Page or @IndianapolisVet on twitter.
Articles by Dr. Magnusson:
What's In The Blood? Blood Testing And Interpretation
Everything You Never Wanted To Know About Anal Glands
What Causes Bladder Infections in Dogs?
Our pets are communicating with us all the time, we just need to know what to listen for.
1. LIMPING
Let’s think about this one for a moment. Say you’re a dog a thousand years ago, and you’re living in the wild somewhere. You know, instinctively, that if you are visibly injured, some giant creature somewhere will probably chase you down and eat you. So you do your best to NEVER. SHOW. PAIN.
Fast-forward to that little furball sitting beside you on the couch. Do you REALLY think your dog understands that if she shows you pain, you’ll do something to fix it? Nope, cats and dogs have no concept of hospitals, and in their long history, showing pain usually gets you beat up or worse. WHICH MEANS… if your cat or dog is VISIBLY limping, they’re in greater pain than their self-preservation instinct to hide pain, can cover up.
2. INVISIBLY LICKING
On the other hand, that same self-preservation instinct also forces your dog to clean their wounds, at least in private. I can’t even tell you how many times a day I hear a dog or cat owner say “but I never see him licking at that spot!” Well no, you won’t. She’s going to pretend everything is fine while you’re watching her, wait until everybody is asleep, or at work, or at least in the next room, then she’s gonna go to town on that spot until it’s healed. Bottom line, if your veterinarian tells you that your pet has been licking at something, believe us.
3. VISIBLY LICKING
The wound is so bad, the itch so constant, that your dog makes it their life’s work to lick it until it goes away. This is what makes allergies so frustrating, because our bizarre human instinct is to tell our dogs to “quit licking yourself!” like they’re doing something wrong, when in reality, they’re doing exactly what they’re programmed to do. Again, since dogs have no concept of medicine, the ONLY TIME you’re allowed to put a pet in an Elizabethan Collar is when your veterinarian has prescribed something that will heal the hurt better than saliva will.
4. FAILING TO JUMP
Remember when she was a kitten, and Fluffy would jump up on the top of your fridge? Notice how she hasn’t done that for the last few years? It’s not because she’s lazy, it’s because she physically can’t. Failing to do the things that she once did is the most common sign of chronic pain in pets.
5. GETTING UP SLOWER
You’re noticing Fido takes a second or two to raise his butt up to standing, when he used to pop up like a spring. That’s because it hurts to stand up quickly. This is a very common sign of hip arthritis in dogs.
6. ABNORMAL POSTURE
You’ve noticed that your dog sits crooked now, with the same leg sticking out all the time. This is because that leg hurts, either from injury or from arthritis.
7. CRYING OUT
The most obvious sign of pain, but notice there’s 12 other things on this list. Just because your dog isn’t screaming every time she moves doesn’t mean she’s free of pain.
8. ROUGH LOOKING HAIR COAT
Cats are meticulously clean animals. When your cat becomes less meticulous, it’s not because she’s lazy, it’s because it hurts to clean herself. This could be from the reduced flexibility associated with arthritis, or pain in the mouth.
9. CHANGE IN PERSONALITY
Dog suddenly snapping at people? Cat pushing vases off shelves? Many abrupt behavioral changes can be explained by physical discomfort.
10. PEEING ON YOUR STUFF
This one is counter-intuitive. If a person pees on something, it’s often a sign of disrespect. If your cat pees on something, it’s because he hurts or he’s scared.
11. RELUCTANCE TO MOVE
Here’s the funny thing about dogs. I think most dog brains stop developing when they’re about two years old, and they honestly think they’re two for the rest of their little lives. Which means, if that two year old brain is driving a ten year old body and that body isn’t playing along, it’s not because the dog is lazy, but because the brain can’t make the body do what the brain wants.
12. LOSS OF APPETITE
Dogs and cats are programmed to pack on pounds in case food becomes scarce. When your pet stops eating, it’s not because they’ve suddenly decided to go on a holiday diet, it’s because something inside them is preventing them from preserving themselves. Your pet knows very well not eating will lead to death. They’re trying to eat, they want to eat, they just can’t.
13. PANTING
Dogs and cats pant for one of three reasons – either they’re hot, they’re scared, or they’re hurt.
14. SHIVERING
Usually just a sign of nerves (or a totally normal little dog that just shivers because it’s little) sometimes shivering can indicate pain.
15. DROOLING
Can mean either abdominal pain and nausea, or mouth pain.
Pretty much any time your pet does something unusual, or differently than in years past, you should connect with your family veterinarian and discuss the change.
Reprinted with permission from Leo's Pet Care, 10598 N College Ave # 200, Indianapolis, IN 46280 | www.leospetcare.com | indianapolisvet@gmail.com
***
Contact Dr. Magnusson via his Leo's Pet Care Facebook Fan Page or @IndianapolisVet on twitter.
Articles by Dr. Magnusson:
What's In The Blood? Blood Testing And Interpretation
Everything You Never Wanted To Know About Anal Glands
What Causes Bladder Infections in Dogs?
Selasa, 15 Januari 2013
Tackling The Veterinary Terminology: Suffixes (-rrhea)
Remember the Spelling Bee? Big words are easier to tackle when you understand how they're put together. Veterinary terms are composed in the same way. Just like with other words, the main parts of a veterinary term are a prefix, a root, and a suffix. The difference is that they typically come more directly from Greek or Latin.
The suffix is the bit that will tell you about what procedure, condition, disease or disorder you're dealing with.
-rrhea [rē′ə] from Greek - flow, discharge
(also -rrhoea) I bet you wouldn't have pegged this one for a suffix! But is is.
The most common example? Of course! Diarrhea.
Dr. Laci wrote a wonderful guest series on the subject. So what does the word diarrhea really stand for? Rapid flow of fecal matter. I think that every dog owner's carpet could tell stories about that.
Poop is not the only thing that flows.
Seborrhea is another one many dog owners have heard at one time or another. Seborrhea is an excessive discharge from sebaceous glands of the skin. Ha! How come, then, that the condition often comes with dry flaky skin? Turns out that while the word definition itself stands for excessive discharge, the term includes different types of the condition. Dry seborrhea, similar to heavy dandruff, oily seborrhea, that comes with flaky AND greasy skin, and seborrheic dermatitis, greasy and flaky skin. It's not a perfect world...
For something more exotic you will likely never hear, try otorrhea, discharge from the ear or pyorrhea, the third stage of gum disease characterized by pus discharge.
There are more examples in human medicine; I guess we leak more...
***
Related articles:
A Tale of Many Tails—and What Came Out From Underneath Stories from My Diary-rrhea (part I)
Acute Small Intestinal Diarrhea
Acute Large Intestinal Diarrhea (Acute Colitis)
hronic Large Intestinal Diarrhea
Chronic Small Intestinal Diarrhea
Veterinary Suffixes (-itis)
Veterinary Suffixes (-oma)
Veterinary Suffixes (-pathy)
Veterinary Suffixes (-osis)
Veterinary Suffixes (-iasis)
Veterinary Suffixes (-tomy)
Veterinary Suffixes (-ectomy)
Veterinary Suffixes (-scopy)
Veterinary Suffixes (-emia)
Veterinary Suffixes (-penia)
The suffix is the bit that will tell you about what procedure, condition, disease or disorder you're dealing with.
(also -rrhoea) I bet you wouldn't have pegged this one for a suffix! But is is.
The most common example? Of course! Diarrhea.
Dr. Laci wrote a wonderful guest series on the subject. So what does the word diarrhea really stand for? Rapid flow of fecal matter. I think that every dog owner's carpet could tell stories about that.
Poop is not the only thing that flows.
Seborrhea is another one many dog owners have heard at one time or another. Seborrhea is an excessive discharge from sebaceous glands of the skin. Ha! How come, then, that the condition often comes with dry flaky skin? Turns out that while the word definition itself stands for excessive discharge, the term includes different types of the condition. Dry seborrhea, similar to heavy dandruff, oily seborrhea, that comes with flaky AND greasy skin, and seborrheic dermatitis, greasy and flaky skin. It's not a perfect world...
For something more exotic you will likely never hear, try otorrhea, discharge from the ear or pyorrhea, the third stage of gum disease characterized by pus discharge.
There are more examples in human medicine; I guess we leak more...
***
Related articles:
A Tale of Many Tails—and What Came Out From Underneath Stories from My Diary-rrhea (part I)
Acute Small Intestinal Diarrhea
Acute Large Intestinal Diarrhea (Acute Colitis)
hronic Large Intestinal Diarrhea
Chronic Small Intestinal Diarrhea
Veterinary Suffixes (-itis)
Veterinary Suffixes (-oma)
Veterinary Suffixes (-pathy)
Veterinary Suffixes (-osis)
Veterinary Suffixes (-iasis)
Veterinary Suffixes (-tomy)
Veterinary Suffixes (-ectomy)
Veterinary Suffixes (-scopy)
Veterinary Suffixes (-emia)
Veterinary Suffixes (-penia)
Senin, 14 Januari 2013
Trusting Your Instincts May Save Your Dog’s Life: Brandy's Story
by Carol Bryant
I feel a connection to Jana Rade and her dog, Jasmine, although we’ve yet formally meet. Dogs often bring people together, and that is certainly the case for me: The majority of my friends and connections (both online and off) are “dog people.”
A fan of Jana’s Facebook group and her blog, I also find that our dogs have something in common:
Until they found the right veterinarian, things were really screwed up.
This is a story of two “tails:”
This is my calling, working for and with dogs, and doing something to make a difference.
Pet bloggers/writers have the power to make a difference, but the same holds true for pet parents in general.
If we know more, we can do more and do better at that.
It took me about a month to muster up the courage to write this piece. It has been ages since something caused such a mental roadblock in me, but here I sit, tears streaming but attempting to impart my experience to save another.
On May 22, 1998, my Cocker Spaniel, Brandy Noel, jumped from the bed to chase a tennis ball and upon landing, developed an extreme hobbling.
I did what any diligent pet parent would do: Called the emergency veterinary clinic in the area, alerted them we were coming, and drove my wailing dog to the clinic in the wee hours of the morning.
Emergency rooms for both people and pets are much akin to a like from Forrest Gump, “you never know what you’re gonna’ get.”
After an examination, series of x-rays and probable diagnosis of a torn anterior cruciate ligament, my dog was given an injection of a “pain medicine,” a take-home prescription, and orders to have our regular veterinarian check her for further care.
We brought her home and the madness ensued.
She developed rapid breathing, had an insatiable thirst, and was very fidgety. I stayed awake all night, soothing my little girl to the best of my ability. In my gut, I knew something was not right.
Two hours later, I called the emergency clinic and found out she was administered a steroid for any inflammation, which I was told causes these side effects.
The side effects did not subside. I saw our regular vet locally, and he was perplexed but attributed the symptoms to steroids. He told me “not to worry” about the leg until the side effects subsided. Like any good pet parent, I did what the vet told me, but that gut “twinge” would not go away.
Cutting to the chase: We took Brandy to a university animal hospital out of the area where indeed the leg was of concern, but secondary to the symptoms that would not subside close to a week later.
Only after repeated phone calls to the original emergency clinic did I find out the veterinarian on call had never worked there before, worked in aviary medicine, and he injected Brandy with a steroid dosage suitable for a dog 4 times her weight!
The university told me I had a very sick girl on my hands.
After IV treatment, two nights of intensive monitoring and watching her closely at the university, the symptoms began to digress. I was never so grateful in my entire life to see that little nubbie wagging when she saw me. The leg injury ended up being a patellar luxation and surgery was required since it was so severe. I slept on a mattress in the living room for 6 weeks while my dog recovered and to prevent her from jumping from the bed again. I look back and it seems like a lifetime ago. Some wounds run deep.
In the months that followed, I pursued what had happened.
Dogs are property, I learned—the same as if someone damaged my kitchen table, someone had “damaged” my dog.
I asked the clinic to take responsibility for their actions—they declined.
So I did what any diligent dog mom would do: I got a pro bono dog-loving lawyer to take the case and sue for damaged property. They would not admit they gave her too much medicine and almost killed her.
The case was taken to magistrate’s court, and I received $1,000 towards the damages to my “property.” Brandy received some vindication.
Most regrettably, I was informed, in court, by the clinic manager that if I were a good pet owner, my dog would not have been at the clinic after midnight!?!
Boiling mad would be an understatement. Coupled with his ignorance and my proof, the case was closed.
I just wanted this clinic and the veterinarian who nearly killed her to know it is unacceptable to lie about the dosage of any medications administered.
The dosage was written on the records, yet was denied by the veterinarian on call.
Had I not requested records of the dosage dispensed, I may have never known.
Fast Forward: I lost Brandy to complications of irritable bowel syndrome on October 11, 2008, a week before her 15th birthday. With her, she took a huge piece of my heart. We have since found a new veterinarian who is located close to two hours from my home, but whom we adore. We have an emergency clinic in the area but I hesitate to use it unless life and death depends upon it.
Like any good dog mom, I would do whatever it takes for my dog.
The moral of my story is two-fold: Always go with your gut and always ask questions. Your dog’s life may depend on it.
***
About author Carol Bryant: “A dog lover of the highest order,” is how Gayle King introduced Carol Bryant when she and her Cocker Spaniel appeared on Oprah Radio’s Gayle King show to dish dogs. A frequent media contributor, Carol has appeared on television, radio, and in print.
As guest speaker at conferences and seminars about dog products and travel, she also has a passion for growing social media and helped one client land the “best dog blog” honor. A repeat nominee from the Dog Writers Association of America and writer for Dogster, she also works with BlogPaws pet blogger social media community and conferences and is founder of her own canine-centric magazine-style dog blog, Fidose of Reality.
Related articles:
A Word On Second Opinions
Our Own Emergency Vet Horror (Part I)
Our Own Emergency Vet Horror (Part II)
Really Angry Vet: Winston's First Seizure
Bulging Disc and The Importance Of A Second Opinion
Misdiagnosis: Spinal Cord Injury
Suki Doesn't Have A Tumor And She Doesn't Have Cushing's: Suki's Story
Trust Your Gut! The Story Of Blind Maximus
Puppies Pee, Huh? Koda's Story
I feel a connection to Jana Rade and her dog, Jasmine, although we’ve yet formally meet. Dogs often bring people together, and that is certainly the case for me: The majority of my friends and connections (both online and off) are “dog people.”
A fan of Jana’s Facebook group and her blog, I also find that our dogs have something in common:
Until they found the right veterinarian, things were really screwed up.
This is a story of two “tails:”
- Find the right veterinarian and never give up until you do;
- Always trust your instincts – your dog relies on them;
This is my calling, working for and with dogs, and doing something to make a difference.
Pet bloggers/writers have the power to make a difference, but the same holds true for pet parents in general.
If we know more, we can do more and do better at that.
It took me about a month to muster up the courage to write this piece. It has been ages since something caused such a mental roadblock in me, but here I sit, tears streaming but attempting to impart my experience to save another.
On May 22, 1998, my Cocker Spaniel, Brandy Noel, jumped from the bed to chase a tennis ball and upon landing, developed an extreme hobbling.
I did what any diligent pet parent would do: Called the emergency veterinary clinic in the area, alerted them we were coming, and drove my wailing dog to the clinic in the wee hours of the morning.
Emergency rooms for both people and pets are much akin to a like from Forrest Gump, “you never know what you’re gonna’ get.”
After an examination, series of x-rays and probable diagnosis of a torn anterior cruciate ligament, my dog was given an injection of a “pain medicine,” a take-home prescription, and orders to have our regular veterinarian check her for further care.
We brought her home and the madness ensued.
She developed rapid breathing, had an insatiable thirst, and was very fidgety. I stayed awake all night, soothing my little girl to the best of my ability. In my gut, I knew something was not right.
Two hours later, I called the emergency clinic and found out she was administered a steroid for any inflammation, which I was told causes these side effects.
The side effects did not subside. I saw our regular vet locally, and he was perplexed but attributed the symptoms to steroids. He told me “not to worry” about the leg until the side effects subsided. Like any good pet parent, I did what the vet told me, but that gut “twinge” would not go away.
Cutting to the chase: We took Brandy to a university animal hospital out of the area where indeed the leg was of concern, but secondary to the symptoms that would not subside close to a week later.
Only after repeated phone calls to the original emergency clinic did I find out the veterinarian on call had never worked there before, worked in aviary medicine, and he injected Brandy with a steroid dosage suitable for a dog 4 times her weight! The university told me I had a very sick girl on my hands.
After IV treatment, two nights of intensive monitoring and watching her closely at the university, the symptoms began to digress. I was never so grateful in my entire life to see that little nubbie wagging when she saw me. The leg injury ended up being a patellar luxation and surgery was required since it was so severe. I slept on a mattress in the living room for 6 weeks while my dog recovered and to prevent her from jumping from the bed again. I look back and it seems like a lifetime ago. Some wounds run deep.
In the months that followed, I pursued what had happened.
Dogs are property, I learned—the same as if someone damaged my kitchen table, someone had “damaged” my dog.
I asked the clinic to take responsibility for their actions—they declined.
So I did what any diligent dog mom would do: I got a pro bono dog-loving lawyer to take the case and sue for damaged property. They would not admit they gave her too much medicine and almost killed her.
The case was taken to magistrate’s court, and I received $1,000 towards the damages to my “property.” Brandy received some vindication.
Most regrettably, I was informed, in court, by the clinic manager that if I were a good pet owner, my dog would not have been at the clinic after midnight!?!
Boiling mad would be an understatement. Coupled with his ignorance and my proof, the case was closed.
I just wanted this clinic and the veterinarian who nearly killed her to know it is unacceptable to lie about the dosage of any medications administered.
The dosage was written on the records, yet was denied by the veterinarian on call.
Had I not requested records of the dosage dispensed, I may have never known.
Fast Forward: I lost Brandy to complications of irritable bowel syndrome on October 11, 2008, a week before her 15th birthday. With her, she took a huge piece of my heart. We have since found a new veterinarian who is located close to two hours from my home, but whom we adore. We have an emergency clinic in the area but I hesitate to use it unless life and death depends upon it.
Like any good dog mom, I would do whatever it takes for my dog.
The moral of my story is two-fold: Always go with your gut and always ask questions. Your dog’s life may depend on it.
***
As guest speaker at conferences and seminars about dog products and travel, she also has a passion for growing social media and helped one client land the “best dog blog” honor. A repeat nominee from the Dog Writers Association of America and writer for Dogster, she also works with BlogPaws pet blogger social media community and conferences and is founder of her own canine-centric magazine-style dog blog, Fidose of Reality.
Related articles:
A Word On Second Opinions
Our Own Emergency Vet Horror (Part I)
Our Own Emergency Vet Horror (Part II)
Really Angry Vet: Winston's First Seizure
Bulging Disc and The Importance Of A Second Opinion
Misdiagnosis: Spinal Cord Injury
Suki Doesn't Have A Tumor And She Doesn't Have Cushing's: Suki's Story
Trust Your Gut! The Story Of Blind Maximus
Puppies Pee, Huh? Koda's Story
Minggu, 13 Januari 2013
Adoption Monday: Peggy Sue, Shepherd Mix: Fowler, CA
Peggy Sue is around 10 years old Shepherd/Australian Shepperd mix. She's black with touches of brindle.
Peggy Sue is large in size and in heart. She's a very loving girl.
She gets along w/all other dogs.
Peggy Sue was neglected by her owners. She had a big raw slit in her neck from being tied with a collar too tight. This sweet girl is looking to find a loving home.
Peggy Sue is spayed and up-to-date with routine shots.
***
Email PAWS Precious Animals Worth Saving
See more pets from PAWS Precious Animals Worth Saving
For more information, visit PAWS Precious Animals Worth Saving's Web site.
Peggy Sue is large in size and in heart. She's a very loving girl.
She gets along w/all other dogs.
Peggy Sue was neglected by her owners. She had a big raw slit in her neck from being tied with a collar too tight. This sweet girl is looking to find a loving home.
Peggy Sue is spayed and up-to-date with routine shots.
***
Email PAWS Precious Animals Worth Saving
See more pets from PAWS Precious Animals Worth Saving
For more information, visit PAWS Precious Animals Worth Saving's Web site.
Sabtu, 12 Januari 2013
Back To Where We Were Last May? Why Do These Things Keep Happening To Jasmine?
Now we have acute severe lameness on front left again.
Seems to be exactly the same as we had last spring.
Including NOTHING crazy happening prior the incident.
Regular leash walk, nothing wild. What makes it even more confusing; couple times on the way back she stopped to lick her front foot. Walked fine, though. Then, in a curve in the path, she stopped and moved to the right, just a step off the path, to sniff something. Nothing crazy, nothing wild or violent; just tiny little movement. Pretty even terrain too.
Immediately, she lifted her front left paw and didn't want to put weight on the leg.
We checked the paw thoroughly, particularly since she was paying attention to the foot earlier. Found nothing which could explain the reaction.
Quickly, Jasmine seemed to have walked out of it and her gait appeared normal again (we were quite close to the bus at that time). All seemed good until she stopped at a corner, again, making every so small move to the right to sniff something, and the lameness immediately returned. The terrain was perfectly even at that spot. No ice, either.
We barely got her home! Thank God for the ramp.
As soon as we came home we gave her Tramadol, checked the foot and leg again, rinsed the foot in case there was a rock between the feet or something like that.
Then, a little while later, the lameness seemed to have resolved once again; just to return and now remains very lame so far. No relief from the Tramadol apparent.
Appetite is normal (the day of the disc injury she didn't want to eat) and her neck seems to be moving normally and no indicators of neck pain are apparent. Seems quite comfortable as long as she doesn't need to use the leg.
We're hoping the neck is not involved here, and remains fine in spite of the horrible limping.
We really wanted to believe it was something wrong with the foot but as the time progressed, that doesn't seem to be the case. What does seem to be the case is a repeat of the situation we had in May of the last year.
When it first happened that time, she just SLOWLY walked into the office and came back not putting her front left foot down. No running, no jumping, no silly stuff. This seems to have happened exactly the same way, except outside this time.
Front leg lameness truly is way worse than rear leg lameness.
When her hind leg is sore, the rest of her body can compensate fairly well and she gets around without too much difficulty. With the front leg out of commission, the limping looks horrible, looks as if she was lame on all four legs.
She saw her chiropractor and physical therapist on Tuesday, there was nothing wrong with her legs or any of the joints then!
I was standing right beside her when it happened. All she did was step to the side. No jumping, no pulling, no nothing.
I don't understand how these things keep happening to her.
We work so hard on keeping her body in usable condition for her and it feels like it's all in vain. I swear I feel like Sisyphus! But, I guess, we don't know what would happen if we did not ...
Update
Sunday, January 13th
Because one problem to deal with is never enough, on top of being so lame, to make things more interesting, Jasmine decided it was a good time to have one of her episodes as well.
Instead of resting her sore leg, she spent the whole night hobbling back and forth.
I tried all kinds of things, but when the episode gets that bad, there is nothing one can do than just let it run its course. This lasted from about 2AM to 1PM.
The entire time, Jasmine wanted to get on the couch. I was afraid to let her; getting up isn't that difficult with her size, but a jump down is still needed to get off it. I did not want her to jump down and I could not carry her off. This took several hours of her trying to get up there and looking all sad. Eventually I came up with an idea. We still had a spare large foam mattress in the basement. I figured, if I put it in front of the couch, it will create a platform to which Jasmine could just stepped down, then stepped down off it and it would solve our couch dilemma. It worked! Jasmine now can get on and off the couch as she pleases; relatively safely, since the height difference between the couch and the mattress is the same as between her existing bed and the floor. So at least that got sorted out and she could have her cake and eat it too.
Last night I also email her acupuncture vet, to see when is the soonest she could come see Jasmine.
She came over today (Sunday) around noon! She was really concerned about Jasmine and wanted to see her and help as soon as possible. I really love the level of concern the vet has for Jasmine!
Whether because of all the pacing around or in spite of it, or whether because of all the things I tried (anti-inflammatory enzymes, Tramadol, and the DMSO topical concoction) Jasmine's leg looked way better than it did last night. The vet checked the paw thoroughly and, as I figured, the paw is not the issue.
The acupuncture vet also concluded that the problem is the elbow, yet again.
She also detected some swelling on the elbow; soft, as in fluid accumulation, thankfully. She also doesn't feel that the neck is involved this time, so we're thankful for that and hoping the problem will remain isolated to the elbow only.
Jasmine got her acupuncture treatment, and also finally settled down to sleep after that.
The best idea I can come up to deal with this tricky elbow long term, is an elbow brace.
I'm leaning toward OrthoPets. I researched braces extensively when we were evaluating all options for Jasmine's cruciate injury, talked to the founder and was very impressed with the way they do things. There is a company down in Toronto who now seems to be doing a similar thing, but OrthoPets still seem to have a superior product.
One thing the OrthoPets braces have which the domestic variety doesn't seem to, is diabetic foam lining.
I know, sounds odd, why diabetic foam for brace lining? It's actually very thoughtful and Jasmine's acupuncture vet was quite impressed with the concept.
Even though the braces are built based on an exact mold, the mold is done on a stationary dog. In real life, though, a dog does not remain stationary. They move. They also sit or lay down in certain individual ways.
While the brace knows how to accommodate typical movement of the limb, it cannot know how an individual dog likes to do things. This can result in areas of pressure. That's where the diabetic foam comes in. It will SHOW what the pressure points are. The foam will change color at pressure points, which then can be used as a guide to make fine adjustments to the device. The device should then truly fit like a glove. Cool, isn't it?
I will talk to Jasmine's primary vet about the idea and then talk to both OrthoPets and the local place.
I am also thinking at least IV stem cell treatment, for the elbow AND perhaps for the neck, but that cannot be done until Jasmine is well off the steroids.
This event also showed, that for the future, we also need to think about potentially having to carry Jasmine home from a walk.
This time, we were fairly close to the bus. I am not sure how it would have played out if we weren't, though. Jasmine is a big girl and carrying her for a long distance would not be safe for either her, or hubby. I'm quite sure she would hate anything along the lines of a stretcher and could wrestle her way off it, so that is not safe either. I think we need something that would go under the entire surface of her chest and belly, and the up to something we can hold on to. It needs to be very wide and very sturdy. It also needs to be "wiggle safe". So we have to brainstorm about that.
If you have any ideas, or things you've successfully used, please, let me know.
***
Related articles:
OK, I Am A Sucker: We're Going Through With The SLIT
Jasmine's Episodes: Back To The Allergies Dilemma
This Is What Jasmine's Episode Looks Like
Gotta Try Everything Once (Or Twice): On The Quest To Figure Out Jasmine's Episodes
Thundershirt vs. Jasmine's Episodes
Jasmine's Mysterious Swelling And Another Experience With VetLiveThe Diagnosis Is In: Jasmine Has An Interdigital Cyst
Jasmine's Mysterious Swelling And Interdigital Cyst Update
Is Crawling Under Things Some Kind Of Secret Physical Therapy?
Is There No Place Safe? Jasmine's Acupuncture Session
Senior Sensory Systems Function: Zero Defects
It Looks Like A Keeper: Jasmine's New Integrative Vet
Jasmine's Acute Lameness
Jasmine Doesn't Like "Doing Time"
Our Of Jail Free Pass
When It's Looks Too Good To Be True … The Lameness Returns
The Day Of The Treatment
First Time For Everything: A Healing Crisis(?)
From Zero To Sixty In Four Days: Stem Cells At Work
The Calm After The Storm
If It Was Easy, It Wouldn't Be Jasmine
Practicing What I Preach: Jasmine's Semi Annual Wellness Exam
No Skimping On Oral Care
Our Own Emergency Vet Horror (Part I)
Our Own Emergency Vet Horror (Part II)
Meet Jasmine
I'm Still Standing! (Happy Birthday, Jasmine)
How Dogs Think (Well, Jasmine Anyway)
How The Oddysey Started: Jasmine's ACL Injury
Jasmine is Vet-Stem's poster child!
Rant About Quality Of Life Versus Quantity, And Differential Diagnoses
Jasmine Is Headed For Her Next Stem Cell Treatment
Jasmine's Stem Cells Are In
Arthritis? What Arthritis?
Guess Who Is An Ever-Ready Bunny And Really Liking The Bit Of Snow We Got?
Don't Knock It Until You Tried It: Animal Chiropractic
Jasmine's Fur Analysis
Back At Chiropractic Care
A Time Bomb Ought To Go Off At Some Point, I Guess: Jasmine's Neck
Jasmine's Disc Injury(?) Day Two
Jasmine's Disc Injury(?) Day Three
Jasmine's Disc Injury: Mom, Why Can't I Go For A Walk?
Jasmine's Disc Injury: The Parole Hearing
Jasmine's Disc Injury: Spanking New Ramp
Seems to be exactly the same as we had last spring.
Including NOTHING crazy happening prior the incident.
Regular leash walk, nothing wild. What makes it even more confusing; couple times on the way back she stopped to lick her front foot. Walked fine, though. Then, in a curve in the path, she stopped and moved to the right, just a step off the path, to sniff something. Nothing crazy, nothing wild or violent; just tiny little movement. Pretty even terrain too.
Immediately, she lifted her front left paw and didn't want to put weight on the leg.
We checked the paw thoroughly, particularly since she was paying attention to the foot earlier. Found nothing which could explain the reaction.
Quickly, Jasmine seemed to have walked out of it and her gait appeared normal again (we were quite close to the bus at that time). All seemed good until she stopped at a corner, again, making every so small move to the right to sniff something, and the lameness immediately returned. The terrain was perfectly even at that spot. No ice, either.
We barely got her home! Thank God for the ramp.
As soon as we came home we gave her Tramadol, checked the foot and leg again, rinsed the foot in case there was a rock between the feet or something like that.
Appetite is normal (the day of the disc injury she didn't want to eat) and her neck seems to be moving normally and no indicators of neck pain are apparent. Seems quite comfortable as long as she doesn't need to use the leg.
We're hoping the neck is not involved here, and remains fine in spite of the horrible limping.
We really wanted to believe it was something wrong with the foot but as the time progressed, that doesn't seem to be the case. What does seem to be the case is a repeat of the situation we had in May of the last year.
When it first happened that time, she just SLOWLY walked into the office and came back not putting her front left foot down. No running, no jumping, no silly stuff. This seems to have happened exactly the same way, except outside this time.
Front leg lameness truly is way worse than rear leg lameness.
When her hind leg is sore, the rest of her body can compensate fairly well and she gets around without too much difficulty. With the front leg out of commission, the limping looks horrible, looks as if she was lame on all four legs.
She saw her chiropractor and physical therapist on Tuesday, there was nothing wrong with her legs or any of the joints then!
I was standing right beside her when it happened. All she did was step to the side. No jumping, no pulling, no nothing.
I don't understand how these things keep happening to her.
We work so hard on keeping her body in usable condition for her and it feels like it's all in vain. I swear I feel like Sisyphus! But, I guess, we don't know what would happen if we did not ...
Update
Sunday, January 13th
Because one problem to deal with is never enough, on top of being so lame, to make things more interesting, Jasmine decided it was a good time to have one of her episodes as well.
Instead of resting her sore leg, she spent the whole night hobbling back and forth.
I tried all kinds of things, but when the episode gets that bad, there is nothing one can do than just let it run its course. This lasted from about 2AM to 1PM.
The entire time, Jasmine wanted to get on the couch. I was afraid to let her; getting up isn't that difficult with her size, but a jump down is still needed to get off it. I did not want her to jump down and I could not carry her off. This took several hours of her trying to get up there and looking all sad. Eventually I came up with an idea. We still had a spare large foam mattress in the basement. I figured, if I put it in front of the couch, it will create a platform to which Jasmine could just stepped down, then stepped down off it and it would solve our couch dilemma. It worked! Jasmine now can get on and off the couch as she pleases; relatively safely, since the height difference between the couch and the mattress is the same as between her existing bed and the floor. So at least that got sorted out and she could have her cake and eat it too.
Last night I also email her acupuncture vet, to see when is the soonest she could come see Jasmine.
She came over today (Sunday) around noon! She was really concerned about Jasmine and wanted to see her and help as soon as possible. I really love the level of concern the vet has for Jasmine!
Whether because of all the pacing around or in spite of it, or whether because of all the things I tried (anti-inflammatory enzymes, Tramadol, and the DMSO topical concoction) Jasmine's leg looked way better than it did last night. The vet checked the paw thoroughly and, as I figured, the paw is not the issue.
The acupuncture vet also concluded that the problem is the elbow, yet again.
She also detected some swelling on the elbow; soft, as in fluid accumulation, thankfully. She also doesn't feel that the neck is involved this time, so we're thankful for that and hoping the problem will remain isolated to the elbow only.
Jasmine got her acupuncture treatment, and also finally settled down to sleep after that.
The best idea I can come up to deal with this tricky elbow long term, is an elbow brace.
I'm leaning toward OrthoPets. I researched braces extensively when we were evaluating all options for Jasmine's cruciate injury, talked to the founder and was very impressed with the way they do things. There is a company down in Toronto who now seems to be doing a similar thing, but OrthoPets still seem to have a superior product.
One thing the OrthoPets braces have which the domestic variety doesn't seem to, is diabetic foam lining.
I know, sounds odd, why diabetic foam for brace lining? It's actually very thoughtful and Jasmine's acupuncture vet was quite impressed with the concept.
Even though the braces are built based on an exact mold, the mold is done on a stationary dog. In real life, though, a dog does not remain stationary. They move. They also sit or lay down in certain individual ways.
While the brace knows how to accommodate typical movement of the limb, it cannot know how an individual dog likes to do things. This can result in areas of pressure. That's where the diabetic foam comes in. It will SHOW what the pressure points are. The foam will change color at pressure points, which then can be used as a guide to make fine adjustments to the device. The device should then truly fit like a glove. Cool, isn't it?
I will talk to Jasmine's primary vet about the idea and then talk to both OrthoPets and the local place.
I am also thinking at least IV stem cell treatment, for the elbow AND perhaps for the neck, but that cannot be done until Jasmine is well off the steroids.
This event also showed, that for the future, we also need to think about potentially having to carry Jasmine home from a walk.
This time, we were fairly close to the bus. I am not sure how it would have played out if we weren't, though. Jasmine is a big girl and carrying her for a long distance would not be safe for either her, or hubby. I'm quite sure she would hate anything along the lines of a stretcher and could wrestle her way off it, so that is not safe either. I think we need something that would go under the entire surface of her chest and belly, and the up to something we can hold on to. It needs to be very wide and very sturdy. It also needs to be "wiggle safe". So we have to brainstorm about that.
If you have any ideas, or things you've successfully used, please, let me know.
***
Related articles:
OK, I Am A Sucker: We're Going Through With The SLIT
Jasmine's Episodes: Back To The Allergies Dilemma
This Is What Jasmine's Episode Looks Like
Gotta Try Everything Once (Or Twice): On The Quest To Figure Out Jasmine's Episodes
Thundershirt vs. Jasmine's Episodes
Jasmine's Mysterious Swelling And Another Experience With VetLiveThe Diagnosis Is In: Jasmine Has An Interdigital Cyst
Jasmine's Mysterious Swelling And Interdigital Cyst Update
Is Crawling Under Things Some Kind Of Secret Physical Therapy?
Is There No Place Safe? Jasmine's Acupuncture Session
Senior Sensory Systems Function: Zero Defects
It Looks Like A Keeper: Jasmine's New Integrative Vet
Jasmine's Acute Lameness
Jasmine Doesn't Like "Doing Time"
Our Of Jail Free Pass
When It's Looks Too Good To Be True … The Lameness Returns
The Day Of The Treatment
First Time For Everything: A Healing Crisis(?)
From Zero To Sixty In Four Days: Stem Cells At Work
The Calm After The Storm
If It Was Easy, It Wouldn't Be Jasmine
Practicing What I Preach: Jasmine's Semi Annual Wellness Exam
No Skimping On Oral Care
Our Own Emergency Vet Horror (Part I)
Our Own Emergency Vet Horror (Part II)
Meet Jasmine
I'm Still Standing! (Happy Birthday, Jasmine)
How Dogs Think (Well, Jasmine Anyway)
How The Oddysey Started: Jasmine's ACL Injury
Jasmine is Vet-Stem's poster child!
Rant About Quality Of Life Versus Quantity, And Differential Diagnoses
Jasmine Is Headed For Her Next Stem Cell Treatment
Jasmine's Stem Cells Are In
Arthritis? What Arthritis?
Guess Who Is An Ever-Ready Bunny And Really Liking The Bit Of Snow We Got?
Don't Knock It Until You Tried It: Animal Chiropractic
Jasmine's Fur Analysis
Back At Chiropractic Care
A Time Bomb Ought To Go Off At Some Point, I Guess: Jasmine's Neck
Jasmine's Disc Injury(?) Day Two
Jasmine's Disc Injury(?) Day Three
Jasmine's Disc Injury: Mom, Why Can't I Go For A Walk?
Jasmine's Disc Injury: The Parole Hearing
Jasmine's Disc Injury: Spanking New Ramp
Jumat, 11 Januari 2013
Show Off Your Dog's Waistline: Cardiff
Cardiff is a Welsh Terrier, who belongs to Dr. Patrick Mahaney, a holistic veterinarian, and animal health advocate.
No wonder he's in great shape!
Veterinarians are well aware of the health implications associated with pet obesity.
Cardiff typically has long and coarse hair, it is often hard to catch his appearance of slim waist. That doesn't mean it's not there. Look at the tucked tummy!
Cardiff gets wholesome, human grade, natural diet and lots and lots of fun. That's right, keeping fit doesn't have to be a drag. Dogs don't need to go to the gym. They typically know very well how to have all kinds of fun. All they need is an opportunity.
If you have a dog who's hair makes it hard to see the waistline, don't despair. You still should be to able to feel it, as well as you should be able to easily feel their ribs.
I am still hoping Dr. Patrick will have time to write up a little article to go with the photos, but if not, I wanted to share at least those.
Now it's your turn!
Take a photo of your dog's waistline, and share your story about how you're keeping them fit. If you have a blog, blog it. If not, email me and get your dog's photo and story featured on Dawg Business.
Join the Show Off Your Dog's Waistline Campaign.
No wonder he's in great shape!
Veterinarians are well aware of the health implications associated with pet obesity.
Cardiff typically has long and coarse hair, it is often hard to catch his appearance of slim waist. That doesn't mean it's not there. Look at the tucked tummy!
Cardiff gets wholesome, human grade, natural diet and lots and lots of fun. That's right, keeping fit doesn't have to be a drag. Dogs don't need to go to the gym. They typically know very well how to have all kinds of fun. All they need is an opportunity.
If you have a dog who's hair makes it hard to see the waistline, don't despair. You still should be to able to feel it, as well as you should be able to easily feel their ribs.
I am still hoping Dr. Patrick will have time to write up a little article to go with the photos, but if not, I wanted to share at least those.
Now it's your turn!
Take a photo of your dog's waistline, and share your story about how you're keeping them fit. If you have a blog, blog it. If not, email me and get your dog's photo and story featured on Dawg Business.
Join the Show Off Your Dog's Waistline Campaign.
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