APRIL - update and a beware!

It's too bad you aren't closer to me. The place where I work offers an "express groom" where the dog is groomed straight through, and you can watch through the windows. You could even bring her in freshly bathed and dried, and have her groomed in about 30 minutes, while you peeked around the corner.
 

Now, if they knew something was wrong and didn't tell you... that's a big deal. Pet owners should ALWAYS be told if something seems off about their pets. 

auburn2932

I am a bit ticked because I know darn well that did not happen the minute I went to pick her up and before they always walked her out to me on her least, this time they handed her to me, so I'm sure they were aware that something was wrong that is my only complaint with them.

You're too nice - I'd be WAY more then "ticked". 

My heart really goes out to the two of you, but I know you'll take excellent care of April and that you're her wonderful guardian angel.

 I doubt that your groomer did anything out of the ordinary, but I would be angry if they knew that something had gone wrong and didn't tell you.  Also, this should be a learning experience for everyone on the board to teach their dogs to "stand" on command, and "stay".  Also, make going to the groomer a pleasant experience by getting them used to the sound of a hair dryer, clippers, etc. while they are still puppies.  I feed my dogs squeeze cheese while I run the clippers in the distance (if the dog is scared at first, I have my BF hold the clippers enough distance away that it causes no reaction, and while I feed the dog, he gets a bit closer if he can).  If you Google on "clicker & nail trim" there's a video that tells you how to clicker train your dog to stand still for the groomer to cut his nails.  This is all part of teaching a behaviorally healthy dog, and can save you a lot of grief.  Not saying that April's mom did anything wrong, but especially if you have a dog that has an ailment, this training is essential. 

BTW, for our OP, there are books on the market that teach you how to groom your own dog.  Maybe a sympathetic groomer in your area could coach you how to do the face - that's usually the hardest to learn.  Then you could do her at home.

I agree. I'm thinking there's at least one groomer who'd be willing to help out someone who is having a problem with their baby. I know I'll gladly show someone how to do simple things like cleaning ears and trimming nails. If someone asked me to show them how to do the face, I'd gladly do it. I'd show them the equipment they needed, too. 

And I also agree that standing still on a table is a very valuable skill for ANY dog.  

I will say, again, I do groom her at home, bathe her and run the clippers over her fur with abosolutely no problem at all she stands right still, her only problem is the face area, then she switches her head back and forth to get away from the scissors, other than that she is no trouble at all.

She seems better today, walking better, and brighter, she sat and looked out the window for a few minutes also today.  One thing, she is eating well and drinking good.  She now can lift up her head as of this morning too.

My thoughts are with you.  At least you know you are doing all you can and giving her the best chance of recovery.

Hooray for April !  Forward progress - that's wonderful.  I'm hoping and praying that each days gets better and better.

auburn2932

She seems better today, walking better, and brighter, she sat and looked out the window for a few minutes also today.  One thing, she is eating well and drinking good.  She now can lift up her head as of this morning too.

So good to hear that....I hope she is not in pain and will recover as soon as possible......healing vibes from the gang and I.......

OMG!  Auburn, how scary for you, April & DH.  Have you thought of going to U of Penn Vet school for a 2nd opinion?  If you need/want, I'd be so very glad to come with you.  I'm only about an hour or so from you & I'd be glad to be moral support for you & sweet Miss April.  Please let me know.  I'd be there in a flash.

Please give April some skritches from me & you take care of yourself too.  (((HUGS)))

We'll be keeping our paws and fingers crossed for a steady recovery for April. I so much hope that the medicines will be able to help her a lot and that she will continue to make good progress. Comforting thoughts and hugs going to you too.

So sorry you and April have been through this, Auburn!  I know she means the world to you.

Warm thoughts that she will continue to improve and feel right as rain again!

I'm glad to hear that April is doing better, she is such a cutie. 

 I'm glad things are looking up a bit.  I was worried about her and you when you didn't report back after her appointment.  Now I know why.  I'm sorry you had to go through all of that.  She's such a pretty little girl, I'm sure she won't even miss the trips to the groomer.  Good luck and I hope things continue to look sunny.

I am glad that April is feeling better.  Sure hope she doesn't need surgery!!

-----Supplement suggestions
plain Knox Nutra Joint - grocery store (Jello isle)
Flexicose - cheapest on eBay?
HyaFlex(link)
MicroLactin(link) 
salmon oil
HerbPharm milk thistle(link) tincture - liver support while on meds

-----Handicapped Pet Products
http://www.handicappedpets.com

-----Particularly good arthritis/pain sites are:
http://www.dogaware.com/arthritis.html
http://www.dogaware.com/misc.html#opcare   (surgery) 
 
-----Canine Intervertebral Disk Disease
http://bajaokla.com/dachback
http://www.dachshund-dca.org/discbook.html
http://www.dodgerslist.com
http://www.vet.purdue.edu/cpr/IVDD.html

-----Related Yahoo groups:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/orthodogs
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/K9-Arthritis 

-----Rehab ideas:
acupuncture
massage
water exercise 

-----Massage

Fox, Michael, The Healing Touch for Dogs: The Proven Massage Program for Dogs, Revised Edition, 4/2004
http://tinyurl.com/725p4

Hourdebaigt, Jean-Pierre, Canine Massage: A Complete Reference Manual, 2nd ed, 2/2003
http://tinyurl.com/3ddymx

Vaughn, Lynn, Bodywork for Dogs, 2000, DVD
http://tinyurl.com/2yd62s

Whalen-Shaw, Patricia & Whalen-Shaw, Jennifer, Canine Massage, 10/1999, VHS
http://tinyurl.com/35zky5

Whalen-Shaw, Patricia & Young, Mickey, Canine Massage: The Workbook, 2/2000
http://tinyurl.com/2vwr4k

-----Chiropractic & Acupressure

Kamen, Daniel R., The Well Adjusted Dog: Canine Chiropractic Methods You Can Do, 4/1997
http://tinyurl.com/2csm7d

Snow, Amy, The Well-Connected Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure, 10/1999
http://tinyurl.com/24vtg2