Dog Community

Posted : 6/5/2012 7:13:03 PM

He does get embarassed when he realizes what's happened. So we just pat him on the head and put him outside before we clean it up. The earliest appointment I could get is thursday morning but I've already broached the subject of him passing with his owner and we've got a game plan for when the time comes. But for now we'll get this checked out. He does have arthritis in his hips so I guess it could have progressed to his tail..

calliecritturs

Posted : 6/5/2012 11:36:35 PM

oranges81
He does have arthritis in his hips so I guess it could have progressed to his tail..

If he's got dysplastic hips it's likely also in his lower spine (and the tail is just the "tail end" of the spine). It's all kinda connected -- and when the hips are having a tough time holding in the hip socket that puts more stress and pressure on the lower spine. The muscles have to work SO hard to try to keep the hip joints seated, that it just keeps tension on everything back there. Not sure if that helps make it make more sense or not ...

oranges81

Posted : 6/6/2012 12:57:09 AM

Actually that makes a lot of sense.. Also shows that I never paid attention to biology in school. LMAO! He gets nightly massages on his hips and lower back, I'm hoping this helps. He seems more comfy afterwards.

FrisbyPI

Posted : 6/7/2012 8:40:05 PM

Stopping by to see how everything's going with Dipstick.

oranges81

Posted : 6/7/2012 9:13:49 PM

Went to the vet today and it turns out he has major arthritis in his spine. He's going to be put on some anti-inflammatory/pain killers but we did some blood work first to make sure every thing is ok. For now he gets 2 extra strength aspirin a day. Besides that, he seems to be in good health and nice muscle tone. Apparently the vet (who's new) was surprised when I mentioned we still play ball cuz he has such low range of motion in his right hip. I told her we alter it so he doesn't hurt.

He started Metacam today at 20ml every 24 hours. We'll do this for 7 days and go from there. Also his blood work came back all clean!!

Freedom

Posted : 6/8/2012 10:46:44 PM

oranges81
Also his blood work came back all clean!!

Atta boy, Dipstick! Ouch he must be in some pain for all this. Prayers the meds kick in quickly with no side effects, and he is back to his usual self fast.

calliecritturs

Posted : 6/8/2012 11:20:29 PM

oranges81
He started Metacam today at 20ml every 24 hours. We'll do this for 7 days and go from there. Also his blood work came back all clean!!

For a dog his age that will help a lot -- you'll probably want to give him milk thistle along with that to protect the liver (and it actually helps the liver process it better). A friend of mine is in Canada and I'll email you where she gets it from - she gets it bulk which is MUCH cheaper than the capsules.

FrisbyPI

Posted : 6/9/2012 6:54:13 AM

Glad you were able to figure out what's going on and that you have a plan for Dipstick! His bloodwork sounds great--wow! An extra belly rub from me.

oranges81

Posted : 6/9/2012 12:43:45 PM

I was on pins and needles all day yesterday waiting for the call.. I was worried that they'd find some underlying problem. Dipstick sez Fanks for all the pets! And the new meds taste like HONEY!

Callie, I got your email and was gonna ask if Metacam is hard on the liver. I'll get some milk thistle for him as soon as I can.

calliecritturs

Posted : 6/9/2012 1:25:40 PM

oranges81
was gonna ask if Metacam is hard on the liver. I'll get some milk thistle for him as soon as I can.

It is -- any NSAID is hard on the stomach (ask your vet if you can even use Pepcid or Tagamet along with the high dose of aspirin) and Metacam is up there high with how hard it is on the liver. Most any NSAID is ... but protecting the liver will help a good deal.

oranges81

Posted : 6/9/2012 4:43:51 PM

We're not doing the aspirin anymore. It was just a filler until we got the bloodwork back. I'll call the vet on Monday and ask about pepcid. He's already feeling better after one dose of Metacam Big Smile

Freedom

Posted : 6/9/2012 4:57:51 PM

"he's already feeling better with one dose" Excellent!

calliecritturs

Posted : 6/9/2012 10:08:05 PM

Metacam can be hard on the stomach tho -- so ask - it won't hurt to ask.

oranges81

Posted : 6/12/2012 3:44:53 PM

He had an accident yesterday... First one since Friday..

FrisbyPI

Posted : 6/16/2012 8:56:33 PM

Just stopping by to see how Dipstick is doing. I think of you guys often.

Possible loss of feeling in the back end