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I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

Last post 06-26-2008 11:48 PM by spiritdogs. 66 replies.
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  • 06-16-2008 12:21 AM In reply to TAOofGoldyShep

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

    Robin, I emailed you.  Thanks so much for the offer.  I ordered the dvd too.  (I have anatomy charts already.)

    I was surprised to see how much differently the massage therapist dealt with Bev, compared to how I deal with him.  He has already lost a substantial amount of muscle, & with 3 weeks of confinement left to go, I am worried about how he much muscle mass he will end up losing.  He liked the therapist, so I think that it makes much more sense to have her come 3 times a week for the time being.

    I'm thankful that DH has time to help out. (He's teaching internet classes so he can work from home.)  Between vet visits, accupuncture visits, & now massage therapy visits, he & Bev have a busy schedule.  I will be out of town on a business trip for the next few days, so DH will be responsible for Bev's care.  I'm a little nervous about it, but I know that they will be fine. 

    Amanda

    "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, throughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming --- ' WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!!! ' " - Author Unknown



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  • 06-16-2008 12:43 AM In reply to BEVOLASVEGAS

    • tacran
    • Top 150 Contributor
    • Joined on 09-10-2007
    • The Willamette Valley, Oregon
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    • Points 150

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

    Amanda, I'm very late seeing this thread on your beautiful boy (and yes, he's stunning in the photo wearing his collar!).  I can only imagine the emotions you've been experiencing since getting that diagnosis (never mind the horrible scare from his initial injury during your honeymoon - OMG, how frightening!).

    I don't have any experience with Wobbler's, so I can't offer any advice, but I'm sending a big supply of good vibes to ALL of you as you manage your way through this whole thing and all that it involves with changing your care for Bevo.  And it's very clear that he couldn't be a luckier dog to have such a dedicated Mom who's sparing no expense or effort to do what it takes to optimize his recovery and quality of life. 

    We have good friends who had a dog with a congenital spinal issue that required major surgery and a subsequent activity level change that was very difficult to monitor unless you were watching her 100% of the time.  They felt terrible crating her when they went to work, but the risk of injury if she were to jump on/off something or take a stair wrong was too high.  We dog-sat for her, so I know how difficult it can be to adjust to such things, but when you want the best for your baby, you manage, and I know Bevo is in excellent hands.  Give him a gentle hug from me!

    Tracy
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  • 06-16-2008 3:19 AM In reply to BEVOLASVEGAS

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

    BEVOLASVEGAS:
    He has already lost a substantial amount of muscle

    Both of these amino acids are helpful for muscle atrophy problems:

    L-Carnitine:
    http://www.b-naturals.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=20

    L-Glutamine:
    http://www.b-naturals.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=105

    ETA:  Those sites have the doggie dosages.

    Filed under:
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  • 06-16-2008 12:44 PM In reply to BEVOLASVEGAS

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

    Got your email and responded.

    BEVOLASVEGAS:
    He liked the therapist, so I think that it makes much more sense to have her come 3 times a week for the time being.
    Yay, he liked the therapist, that's great! ...and I agree with more sessions initially. Also, the regular massage sessions will help with muscle atrophy, as massage works much like exercise in the "active" sense of increasing blood flow and all that the blood brings (oxygen, nutrients, etc), release of endorphins (natural pain reliever & mood enhancer), as well as, increasing lymphatic flow and moving out swelling & waste (lactic acid) - which the body naturally does on its own, the act of massage therapy just aids it. As injury prevention and health maintenance, received massage benefits really do their best work when the body is "passive" and at rest.
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  • 06-16-2008 9:39 PM In reply to TAOofGoldyShep

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

    Just checking in -- glad the massage therapy went well.  A good massage therapist is GOLDEN!!! 


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  • 06-16-2008 10:51 PM In reply to BEVOLASVEGAS

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

    Saying prayers for you and Bevo! I know he will get the best care possible!

    I don't know if you have ever checked out k-9orthotics.com and the braces they offer. They have one specifically for Wobbler's. Maybe it will be something to consider if you need it. Best wishes to you and Bevo!

    http://www.k-9orthotics.com/products/orthotics.htm#CervicalOrthosis

    Cervical Orthosis

    Helpful for: wobbler’s disease or other debilitating neck injuries

    Objective is to provide physical support for the neck and head. This is achieved through a rigid bivalve orthosis design. Postoperative treatment with a cervical orthosis gives more assurance for a comfortable and safer recovery time, especially for the larger canines. Canines recovering from wobblers and are experiencing weak muscles that allow a bobbing motion of the head and neck, which in turn can create more stress on the incision site, would benefit from a cervical orthosis to support and control head and neck movement. The orthosis is accommodating for long-term chronic use for those who are not able to have surgery.

    Amy, Jezebelle and Keela
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  • 06-17-2008 1:45 AM In reply to stardancnminpin

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

    Amy, what an interesting site!  Sadly, I saw at least one Dobe as model for an orthotic.

    Hope Bevo is continuing to improve w/your DH, vet, therapist care while you're gone.  Continued good thoughts from AZ.


    Gracie - 5yr old Doberman, Jada - 4?yr old APBT, Achilles - 4yr old ACD
    Fight for your opinions, but do not believe that they contain the whole truth, or the only truth. ~W. Hamilton
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  • 06-18-2008 11:19 PM In reply to miranadobe

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

    What a difference a few days makes! 

     

    When I got home this morning, Bevo was thrilled to see me.  He is getting around really well, even with the reduced dose of prednisone!  His foot placement is near perfect, & his coordination is very close to what it was before the accident. 

     

    We did have one slip this morning, but it was totally my fault.  We have tile in the foyer, and I had forgotten to put a rug down.  He slipped a little on the tile, but between him trying to steady himself, & me grabbing his harness, he stayed upright & doesn’t appear to be any worse for wear.  We’ve added, yet another rug to cover this tile. 

     

    I got to watch & learn a little from the massage therapist today.  Bev absolutely LOVES her.  He met her at the door smiling, & wagging his nub at her. 

     

    Generally, he smiles only for me, & nub wags are reserved for me or our trainer, Cara.  I was shocked & thrilled to see how excited he was to see her.

     

    He is starting to want to get more active, so I’m not sure how much longer we will be able to calmly confine him without the use of chemical aides.  He has also realized that he can get away with a little more than normal, because I feel sorry for him, so he’s been testing boundaries with me today.  (He constantly pushes DH, because DH won’t make him stop, but he is usually very respectful towards me.)  

     

    He is having some issues adjusting to the diet change, but I’m in hopes that this will straighten out soon. 

     

    Luckily, if all continues to go well, he will be starting physical therapy on Friday.  I’m in hopes that physical therapy will tire him out a bit, and make him a bit easier to handle. 

     

    Amanda

    "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, throughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming --- ' WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!!! ' " - Author Unknown



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  • 06-19-2008 12:02 PM In reply to BEVOLASVEGAS

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

    This is all good news -- particularly that he's feeling good enough to be a tad naughty!  Shoot, I remember almost 50 years ago when my mother used to say 'hmmm, you're feeling better today -- YOU are a pistol!  Back to school for you TOMORROW!'

    Same deal -- feeling good enough to push your limits and strategize!!  Way to go Bevo!!


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  • 06-25-2008 12:54 AM In reply to calliecritturs

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

    Hey Amanda- how is Bevo doing this week?  Or should I ask, how are you holding up to his Dober-demands energy outlets?  Hope you're both doing well.


    Gracie - 5yr old Doberman, Jada - 4?yr old APBT, Achilles - 4yr old ACD
    Fight for your opinions, but do not believe that they contain the whole truth, or the only truth. ~W. Hamilton
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  • 06-25-2008 9:15 PM In reply to miranadobe

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

    Bevo is doing well. He is trying my patience at every turn, but I'm thrilled to have him back to his normal, pushy, energetic self. 

    He went to the vet yesterday for x-rays to see how his shoulder, & rib were doing.  To our surprise, & delight, four & a half weeks in, his shoulder & rib have healed well.  The bone chip seems stable, & not causing problems.  The vet recommended letting Bev exercise as he sees fit.  He did warn against rough play, tug, & fetch as to not flare up his neck issue.  His return to exercising terrifies me, but I know that he will be much happier.  Today he went out in the yard sans leash.  He happily trotted around the yard, coming back to check in frequently.  After about 20 minutes of trottting & checking in, he sprawled out in the shade.

    He has been very steady on his feet as of late.  He isn't knuckling over anymore, & he's bearing equal weight on all four feet.  We are starting physical therapy tomorrow.  We are going to learn how to swim him so that he can build back up with a little less wear & tear on his joints. 

    We are having a huge issue with his weight.  Even with very little exercise, he has lost 9 pounds.  He's down to 64 pounds at the moment.  We usually keep him very lean, but currently he looks like a walking skeleton.  The vet pulled blood to do a cbc, sma, electrolytes, & a T4.  I am hopeful that his thyroid meds need to be readjusted.  If not, I suppose we will be trying to figure out what is causing the weight loss.

    Amanda

    "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, throughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming --- ' WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!!! ' " - Author Unknown



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  • 06-25-2008 10:01 PM In reply to BEVOLASVEGAS

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

     

    BEVOLASVEGAS:

    He went to the vet yesterday for x-rays to see how his shoulder, & rib were doing.  To our surprise, & delight, four & a half weeks in, his shoulder & rib have healed well.  The bone chip seems stable, & not causing problems.  The vet recommended letting Bev exercise as he sees fit.  He did warn against rough play, tug, & fetch as to not flare up his neck issue.  His return to exercising terrifies me, but I know that he will be much happier.  Today he went out in the yard sans leash.  He happily trotted around the yard, coming back to check in frequently.  After about 20 minutes of trottting & checking in, he sprawled out in the shade.

    He has been very steady on his feet as of late.  He isn't knuckling over anymore, & he's bearing equal weight on all four feet. 

      That is wonderful news. About his weight; could it be the change to a lower protein diet; maybe he's losing muscle mass.
     

    Life isn't about waiting through the storm; it's about learning to dance in the rain.

    Janice
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  • 06-25-2008 10:37 PM In reply to jessies_mom

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

    It may be. 

    He's usually  a prey model dog.  I pulled him off this because I wanted to research the protien levels that he was taking in before making a decision as to what he would be eating from here on out.  He's also on pred, and I don't feel comfortable feeding him raw while he's on steroids. 

    In the past, he did well on EVO, and CORE but with their protein levels, they are no longer an option.  We started feeding Wellness, but even while eating 8 cups a day, he's lost weight.  We have switched to Innova Adult, & I'm hoping that it will help.

    Amanda

    "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, throughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming --- ' WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!!! ' " - Author Unknown



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  • 06-26-2008 8:13 AM In reply to BEVOLASVEGAS

    • kpwlee
    • Top 50 Contributor
    • Joined on 06-17-2006
    • North Carolina
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    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

     First and foremost YAY BEVO!!!!

    I am so very happy to hear that he was trotting around the yard and wants to be active and is so much more stable.  Breathing a sigh of relief - amazing how attached we can get to dogs we'll never meet Geeked

    Wow the weight loss and food issues - I hope that adjusting his thyroid med helps, however I wonder if he is similar to Bugs in that protein is what keeps the weight on.......

    I hope the Innova works better 

    Keep on keepin' on Bevo!


    "I think Karen should get a BC next time because she deserves a more mellow laid back dog! Or a Maremma because she needs a more clingy, biddable, easily trained dog." Brookcove 2008
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  • 06-26-2008 9:09 PM In reply to kpwlee

    Re: I have a "Wobbler" looking for input (Bevolasvegas)

     I know this is simple and silly, but is he on any digestive enzymes? Poor little guy! Emma drops weight like crazy if she doesn't get enough exersize. Hopefully, with PT, he'll bulk up some and start to look more normal.

    Mischeif N Miracles, CGC, RE (PRT, 10/13/2003)
    Libby's Monkey N The Middle (Chinese Crested, 1/26/2008)
    Teenie Weenie at the Bridge (Dachshund, ???-12/28/2007)
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