Just Need to Vent a Little [Archive]

Kathi49

06-02-2007, 09:58 AM

I'm sorry guys I don't mean to continue to speak of my dog all the time here. I realize there are far, far more important issues going on with all of us. Heck, I don't know what is wrong with me...I guess I am grieving in a sense because I really think he is worse off than they know. I ended up calling the Vet...again yesterday. I wanted to know if I should completely keep him crated and was he allowed to walk at all or do we have to carry him outside? They told me to keep him crated if he was too active but if he was lying down next to us it was fine. And, well, he could go out on his leash. But that is it...nothing else. I had to go out yesterday and I crated both dogs. He seemed fine with that as long as the other one was in hers.

I thought that the antibiotic was working because he really perked up. But when I felt the lymph node yesterday and it seemed much bigger. What started off as a marble sized node is now like a golfball...or so that is how it feels to me. So, on Monday the Vet is going to go ahead and aspirate it; he just wanted me to keep him on the antibiotics a little longer...over the weekend...giving them a chance to kick in and work. But I don't think the med is helping too much.

Anyway, my husband has been working all week of course but as of last night and this morning he even said the dog is really bad off. I told him all I have been doing is babysitting. I know, it sounds weird but really, it is like being around a 2 year old that is sick. And, yes, I know a dog is a dog and definitely not like having your own child to care for. But he is part of the family and I am just sick at heart to watch him suffer. Sometimes I wish he would yelp or cry. But to just see him lay there without complaining is just sad. So, I don't mind hanging out and doing whatever it is that makes him feel comfortable. Yesterday, he just seemed to want to lie on the screened in porch and so, that's what we did. I just sat in the chair and he laid on the floor. But he also wanted me to hold him...a lot! And I have been talking with my niece off and on about all of this. I just want the Vet to do some testing and find out what is REALLY wrong with him.

Okay, sorry, again, I know there are far more important issues at stake on this board. I am just sad this morning. And, well, my back is killing me from bending over so much to tend to him. But I know what is wrong with me. I just don't have all the answers yet for him.

Spiney

06-02-2007, 10:49 AM

You know your dog, just the way a parent knows its child. Trust your instinct. If you know in your gut that something is going on in spite of the fact that the testing hasn't uncovered it yet, insist that the vet keep looking. Again, you aren't a vet but you know your dog.

I went through something like this with our beloved family dog, years ago. She was only five years old and had been the picture of health......well cared for. I found a lession in her mouth which bled off and on and took her to the vet. My imagination was running wild and I was afraid she had cancer. The vet ( a real doll who the pooch adored) said not to worry and put her on a steroid and anti-b. When I took her back in for a follow up, nothing had changed. Her appetite, mood and activity level were fine.

I asked her to take a tissue sample and send it off as I was concerned about cancer. It came back negative. Three days after the results came back, I looked in her mouth and there was now a lump the size of a golf ball. I called the vet and she said to bring her in the next morning for surgery. It was cancer and it was extensive.

Perhaps I shouldn't even be discussing this as your dear pooch may not have something serious but if you believe there is something wrong (regardless of how small it might be) you need to persue it. A good vet knows you know your dog and will keep looking. Best wishes.

suede

06-02-2007, 10:50 AM

Kathi,
My dog is like one of my children and most times much more compassionate, he is my best friend and I understand what your going through so please don't apologize for your feelings and post!
I really can't help you but here is the e-mail Addy of Troy that use to post here a lot he hasn't been on much at all but has said that all are more then welcome to get in touch with him if we need him.
Oh yea Troy is a vet and not only been very helpful here as so but as a very important poster and friend to many..

tjandfon@hotmail.com

I'm sure he will be very helpful if he is available.
Please let us know how your companion is doing.
Linda

Kathi49

06-02-2007, 11:33 AM

Wow, thanks you guys! I felt kind of bad posting all of that here.

Spiney, that is such a sad story and very similar to what I am going through now. And you are right...we definitely know our own dogs just as we do our own kids. And don't apologize for discussing it with me...at all. :) I appreciate any input. I should say the Vet I do have is a good one. I have to smile because my niece is a Vet Tech and is forever saying she would love to work for my Vet. I guess she has been in several seminars where he has spoken and/or she has been in training sessions. So, what I think is happening and according to him the treatment is the same if it is an infection but he WOULD aspirate the lymph node if it had not gone down. What he said was the lymph nodes in the neck are definitely large and infected; SUSPECTED Lyme Disease and DID say...worst case...cancer. He did take xrays of his shoulder and elbow and the bones are fine.

But my niece, and I have to kind of laugh at her (she's young), was all up in it. She was wondering why he didn't do some blood tests anyway. But I told her I think it was because they can come back as false/positive in the early stages. But...knowing her like I do...she was kind of upset. She is supposed to come over next week to work with me on her wedding invitations. So, I will have her take a look at him too. But I AM taking him back on Monday for this aspiration.

Anyway, I thank you because all input is appreciated.

Linda,

I am laughing at you. I KNOW what you mean by the dogs being more compassionate than our own kids. My daughter is a good kid but let's face it she has a busy life of her own. So, my dogs are my buddies. In fact, the female will not leave my side when I am sick...not even to eat. I have to get up and go downstairs with her just to get her to eat. Do you think my daughter hangs around? Not! LOL No, I mean she will if I need help...but everyone has their own schedule. So, usually it is just me and the puppers. And they both have been great little companions.

And thank you for the email address. I may contact him if I have any more questions.

Mark N

06-02-2007, 01:31 PM

Kathi, sorry you are going through this with your dog. We went through it with our Golden Retriever that did everything with us. He went on trips, slept with my daughter, and was always happy being with us. He had cancer and did well for one year but then went down quickly. It was devastating to put him down because he was such a good dog and a great friend.

I hope you get good news from the vet soon and I will be thinking of him and you.

suede

06-02-2007, 01:58 PM

Kathi,
I know what you mean about the Dog not leaving your side, I had a chow before I got my lab, I had to have him put to rest.
Anyway he would not let any one do anything for him but me, not even out his leash on him, I was in the hospital for a extended period of time and he almost grieved himself to death, he would only lay by the door and mourn, it was so sad!!
The one I have now is much the same way just not to the degree my other was.
Anyway I hope your companion is okay and it's something that will just pass soon..
Linda

Kira

06-02-2007, 02:39 PM

Kathi,

I'm sorry your dog is suffering right now. Hopefully it will all get sorted out soon and he will start feeling better. It could still be an infection, in which case draining the lymph nodes and taking antibiotics should help a lot. Kids get infected lymph nodes in their necks every now and then, and they turn into abscesses which can be very painful, but the kids do fine if they drain the abscess and get the right antibiotics.

My dog had an abscess on his lip when he was younger, and it was like it came out of nowhere. One day we were playing with him and he had this golf ball-sized round lump in his upper lip that was definitely not there the day before. We took him to the vet and they aspirated it and put him on antibiotics, and it healed fine and has not come back. It seemed painful if we touched it, though, so I can imagine that it would hurt to have them where your dog does. Hopefully he will feel much better when they are drained and the antibiotics have had a chance to work.

My dog (the puppy in my avatar, who is not such a little puppy anymore... 2 yrs old and 83 lbs and still growing...) lives at my mom's house. When she is gone he won't eat, even if I am staying home with him. When she had her surgery for colon cancer a month and a half ago, he didn't even finish a full bowl of food over the 6 days she was gone, even with me trying to coax him to eat it and putting little treats on the food (a spoonful of yogurt, etc). He also kept checking her room to see if she was home and sleeping, all night long. He would wake up from some stupid noise or from me moving in bed, and he wouldn't go back to sleep until he got up and checked her room to see if she was back. It's weird because he usually sleeps through the night with no problems.

My dog has been great to both my mom and I through our illnesses the past couple of years. She got him when I was first getting sick with my mito stuff and was spending a lot of time at her house trying to get stronger (I was on medical leave that semester). He is goofy and silly and gives so much love. When I cry or my mom cries, he starts trying to get us to be happy the only way he knows... by bringing us what he loves best, a tennis ball, and trying to get us to play with it. At first we just thought he was being a pest but now it is pretty clear that he does it every time, and it's cute and funny and we usually end up laughing, so I guess it does work to cheer us up or at least distract us for a bit. He will put the ball right next to our hand and then keep nudging our hand/arm onto the ball. If we don't pick it up, he'll go get another one and do the same thing. It's so funny, but it's what makes HIM feel better (he is obsessed with fetch and really good at catching tennis balls).

Anyway, I definitely know how dogs become family members and how they are there for you when other people aren't. I hope your dog starts feeling better soon.

Diandra

06-02-2007, 04:36 PM

Kathy,
I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through.
It is so hard to watch our pets suffer. In many cases they are just as important as the rest of our family and as you stated, it is especially hard because we see them suffer and they can't tell us what is wrong. Also, it is very stressful for you and that only increases the pain.

I will say a prayer for you and your dog. I hope things turn around soon.
Don't forget the suggestion of feeding babyfood like turkey or beef or chicken or lamb. When my cat was really sick I had to spoon feed her that way...it was the only way to get food in her.

Best of luck,
Diandra

Kathi49

06-02-2007, 06:57 PM

Thanks to all of you...your posts have definitely lifted my spirits. :)

Mark,

I am sorry about your Golden Retriever. And I thank you for your thoughts. I have not had to put a dog down before. But my husband and I have discussed this IF this little guy does have cancer. I did lose a German Shepherd when I was about 12; one I was extremely close to in a car accident when she was with me one day. Long story but I guess I sort of took the blame for many years. Actually, she was my brother's dog as well as mine (my brother was 11 at the time). And by that I mean she went everywhere with us. He was away at a summer camp and she was with me and a friend of mine. We had all been down to this creek and playing. When walking back home, I called to her over a hill. She just came bounding up over this hill and did not see the car coming and neither did I. Anyway, that whole episode tore me up. And the look of grief on my brother's face when we had to tell him, well, it tore me up even worse. So, it took many years before I got close to another one. And those happen to be the two I have now.

Linda,

That is how my little female is. The one that is sick will hang out with me. But he is my husband's buddy and he will grieve if neither my husband nor the other dog is around; like when I take her to get groomed. And when my husband travels, the male will not eat for a couple of days. It is amazing how attached they and WE really get.

Kira,

I agree about the lymph nodes. Geez, come to think of it, so many things happened when I was aroung age 12 LOL! But I did get a scratch on my ankle from a rose bush. Before too long the node in my groin was infected and the size of an egg. Antibiotics took care of it. BUT that is also when I found out I was allergic to penicillin!

And then my daughter had this happen when she was only about 8 months old. The doc said she had had allergies; that turned into a sinus infection and before too long one node in her neck got really big. It scared us to death but the antibiotics took care of that too. The really big scare was that the pediatrician at Riley Hospital told me that if it did not go down, he too, said Lymphoma was a possibility.

Your dog sounds really cute! Now, when I cry, the female takes off LOL! I just don't think either one of them know what is happening and it must scare them. And, no, I don't get loud and carry on lol. But most of the time and in the past, when the spinal stuff hit, that little gal stayed next to me through thick and thin. She still does. :) I would just tell her I didn't feel good and had to lay down. Of course she probably didn't understand a word I said...but she sensed it. And this is silly but when my legs are hurting or my ankles/muscles, etc....the male will lay his chunky body across them. His weight and body heat feel good! I never want him to get up and leave.

And, yes, they have definitely been there for me to tell my troubles to. :)

Diandra,

What you said is exactly what the Vet said. They just can't tell us where they hurt. I am so darn concerned with him that I accidently put the Sherbet I was eating in the refrigerator yesterday instead of the freezer! DUH! My husband kind of laughed...but my mind is soooo elsewhere! But he understood.

Anyway, I did get the baby food...all kinds of chicken in different forms. He did eat a little. I even bought some chicken in water...you know, like the tuna. He DOES like that when I warm it up a little. And I was just hand feeding him so he would stay interested. And my pain has increased because of the constant bending over. This morning was really bad. I couldn't bend over to pick something up off the floor. So, I told my husband I just cannot lift him. I have to have my husband hoist him up so I can give him his pills. Other than that I have placed a gate by the stairs...so he won't try to follow me up them.

Again, thank you everyone. And I did have one more question. We are noticing he is only chewing on the right side of his mouth. There are 4 infected nodes; the worst one being on the left. The Vet did look at his mouth, gums and teeth and didn't see any infection. So, I am wondering if this badly infected node can cause soreness or a sore throat. I know it can in a person and I would think it could in a dog but I am not a Vet. So, if anyone could answer that one I would appreciate it.

Mark N

06-02-2007, 07:13 PM

Kathi, thanks for this post as I need something to get me away from the methadone post. I know how hard it gets to be with our dogs. I had always seen them as animals until our golden retriever and he became such a part of our family. It isn't easy to deal with putting them down but sometimes it is the kindess thing we can do. I hope your pup gets over this illness and has many more years with you. The other dog would be as lost as you if something happens to the pooch.

jena1225

06-02-2007, 09:22 PM

Kathi, I am sorry about your dog :( I really hope he recovers and lives a long life! I will be pulling for him over on my end!

Hugs girlfriend!

Kathi49

06-02-2007, 11:15 PM

Mark,

Thank you. Yes, I saw that Methadone post and steered clear of it. It was absolutely ridiculous and as Forest Gump said, "...and that's all I have to say about that!" I have never taken Methadone but no one has a right to come down hard on anyone that needs whatever works for them! Ugh, don't get me started! :eek: I already got chewed out once for saying I took Klonopin and I won't go through that crap again. Anyway, it all comes down to responsible use...bottom line. And, yep, she should have been posting elsewhere. But, I am just as bad for posting about my dog. :o

Anyway, yes, if something happens to him, I wonder how the other one will react. Lately, she has been staying very close to him which is unusual for her. She will sleep in her own space and so will he. But during the last few nights she is sleeping next to him. So, she senses something is going on.

Jena,

Thank you too! :) He was perky this evening. But what my husband and I noticed again is that that node feels more like a mass than actually having a "round" feeling to it.

But you all have lifted my spirits today and I am grateful for that. For now, I just really want to get him in on Monday and see if they can't tell me more. So, I am hanging in there but still pretty worried for him.

Lea

06-03-2007, 12:42 AM

Kathi,

I totally understand. My calico cat is as much my baby as my son is. She is a member of my family and sleeps with me every night and is the first one to wake me in the morning. Afterall, I am the keeper of the Friskies pouches!

Our pets help us cope and you know there is scientic proof that loving on your pet helps lower blood pressure, decrease stress, and helps with pain.

Big Hugs!

jena1225

06-03-2007, 12:58 AM

Kathi,

Our pets help us cope and you know there is scientic proof that loving on your pet helps lower blood pressure, decrease stress, and helps with pain.

Big Hugs!

I believe that wholeheartedly Lea :) I find myself constantly snuggling my little Min Pin :p One day I finally figued out it was b/c it was a source of comfort for me, very stress-relieving.

Kathi49

06-03-2007, 09:33 AM

I agree Lea and Jena,

I am forever loving on them both. :) They do help with the stress levels and pain simply by just being there.

And another cute little comment...

They are both Shih Tzus and since they have smashed in noses for lack of a better description, they will get those "backward" sneezes. Every time it happens they run to me because it scares them. I get them calmed down and it stops. When it first happened, I didn't know what the heck it was and rushed the female to the Vet. They just laughed and called it a "backward" sneeze and showed me how to stop it.

BUT...when I cough or something like that they come running to lick my face...I guess their way of trying to calm me down LOL! So, yep, they are my buddies.

Spiney

06-03-2007, 09:58 AM

I am amazed at how intuitive animals are............even my stepson's cold, allufe cat. Several years ago, I was hospitalized with a nasty problem and came home ten days later, weak as the preverbial kitten. That bad boy spent the next four or five days on my lap, loving on me. Just about the time I started feeling stronger and wanted to play with him, he was off on his merry way and never gave me the time of day again. Go figure.

I am praying for your dear pooch. Best wishes.

Kathi49

06-03-2007, 10:55 AM

Spiney,

Aren't they funny? They are VERY intuitive. I guess your cat figured you were much better huh? :) Mine do the same sorts of things. But, oh boy, when my husband comes home from work, the male wants nothing to do with me. I suppose to them, I mean work and pills and grooming and my husband means playtime. I will play with them...but they think he is more fun! I just don't roughouse as much as he does. :D And thank you for your thoughts!

And, again, I thank everyone here. It really does help to boost my spirits.

So, tomorrow I will take him in again and take it from there.

curiousforever

06-03-2007, 01:16 PM

I'm sorry about your dog.

I'm not a dog person myself- got attacked by a rott on our last military installation....

I worry about my oldest cat though - he's definately a momma's boy - 10 yrs old and has a hair ******. Something about my hair and my 2nd boy's hair.

jena1225

06-03-2007, 01:22 PM

Such funny stories! They just make me smile :D The cat thing is sooo true - they are only interested in the "needs for now" and have no time (nose up in the air) for the petty things in life :rolleyes:

My little baby is very protective of me and my kids! One time my DD stepped on his little toe and he yelped ever so loud then jumped at her immediately and bit her on the hand out of instinct. He did so just enough not to break the skin (they just know!). Anyway, she screamed and cried and he just felt aweful! He would not stop jumping up on her, kissing her face and wimpering (and he makes these noises that could win 1st place on AFHV!)

Kathi49

06-04-2007, 05:34 PM

I did take the pooch back to the Vet today. And my Vet Tech niece went with me. She called mainly so that we could work on her wedding invitations; putting them together. But as soon as I told her Chewy was going to the Vet, she wanted to go with me to the Vet and help me out; lifting the dog, talking to the Vet, etc.

When my niece got here, she felt his lymph node and said, "Whoa, that is pretty large." So, she helped me put him in the car so I wouldn't hurt my neck and back, etc.

Anyway, the Vet remembered her and they had a few nice long discussions after he looked Chewy over. He, too, said the node was still large, looked him over some more and said it was time to run some tests. I also told him of all of his newer symptoms. So, he aspirated the lymph node, ran a complete CBC or Super Chemistry or something he called it. I have it written down but it was bloodwork for EVERYTHING! Then the dog stayed at the clinic for most of the day so they could a urine sample. I hated leaving him there but my niece said it was the best thing to do. Let's face it, I am not adept at collecting urine from a male dog LOL! And a little dog at that! So, I just picked him up a little while ago and he is sleeping; rough day for him. I am just leaving him alone to rest. I won't know for another 24-48 hours what may be wrong.

But I did get a little tickled at my niece. Boy, she and the Vet were talking all kinds of technical medical jargon around me. Then when we came back home, she explained it all. But like we are all saying...we just don't know anything yet.

So, we just worked on the invitations; had fun and sure, I am a little sad but trying to be upbeat. My husband gave me a blank check this morning too...so, now all I have to do is to tell him....$300! :eek: And, well, we had another discussion last night on how we will proceed with this if he is very, very sick. As my niece said, it is a very personal decision. But I know one thing, I will not have him suffer. I know I might be jumping the gun here, but maybe not.

suede

06-05-2007, 02:45 AM

Kathi,
I'm glad you took your pooch back to the vet and that your niece was able to help you..
I'll be sending out good thoughts for poochie and you !!

I sure can understand what your going through and I know about the added expense however like you it is just something that we have to accept when we take on a pet and they are a member of the family.
I believe that you are right in thinking over your options and making choices while you can with out added pressure, we'll however pray that it is not a choice you have to make now.

When my chow started getting sick he wasn't quit 6 yrs old, he had suffered all his life with dysplasia of the hip, we were able to keep the pain under control with osteo bi flex though,
it got bad though when his thyroid started acting up and none of the med would help, he was always finicky but never mean then one night my twin granddaughters were visiting and one has mild cerebral palsey and she was trying to walk around him and fell, she didn't land on him but it scared him and he went after her, Thank God I was able to get in between them, anyway after that I had little choice but to put him out of his misery, you could tell it was horrible for him he could never relax, anyway I believe in my heart that it was for the best as my condition got worse I couldn't take care of him as he needed to be and even before he got sick I was the only one he would let do for him.

Anyway, thanks for the update and know your both in my thoughts.
Linda

Kathi49

06-05-2007, 07:43 AM

Thanks Linda,

Wow, you also went through a lot with your dog. :( I am on the lookout for hip problems with my Shih Tzus as well. They are prone to all kinds of things...hip troubles as well.

And, well, I hate to speak of expenses. My husband and I have discussed this as well. They pups are part of the family and we will do what it takes. But there is also a bottom line. I am on a pension and my husband said he went through this once before in Germany. I guess the dog he had at the time was very, very sick with Parvo. And according to him they spent thousands of dollars to get him well but to no avail. Plus, he also mentioned to me that due to my physical limitations, I could get worse taking care of the dog. I am already experiencing that because I have been lifting him due to his lame leg. I am trying to keep him crated. But I can't do that 24/7. He has to come out and go potty and he is getting a clue. It is kind of sad but he will whine for me to carry him up the stairs. I just can't continue to do that. So, my husband was saying if I get any worse, then he will have to take over and he has to work with also having a bad back. I know, I have been stupid for lifting him but I was just putting my pain on the back burner...kind of ignoring it while I tend to him. And right now I would kill for an injection in my back. So...stupid me! :(

Anyway, back to the point. I kind of feel that if the test results come back as bad news, I will closely watch him. By that I mean if he continues to eat and acts alright, we can handle it. But at the first sign of going downwhill fast we will have to put him to sleep. What is really odd is that he seem better WITHOUT the pain med. And he is putting some pressure on his leg and not holding it up. So, my niece says it is okay as long as he is NOT running, yelping, etc. And bless her heart too. I didn't know she strictly does Emergency medicine. Duh, like where have I been! She was laughing at me because I thought she did mostly clinic work. But she doesn't...it is all Emergency and all by herself but with calls to the doctor of course. So, she said she could set up a little hospital at her own home and tend to him for me. I thought it was kind of her to offer but she said she would take him in a heartbeat and nurse him back to health if the news isn't bad. You know what I mean. But she was offering because of my own limitations.

So, it is as my niece said; a personal decision and my husband and I have been having discussions about it. Again, it is hard to take but I will not have him suffer.

And thank you again Linda for the kind thoughts. :) Everyone here has been a great help. I hope to know more today. If I heard right, the tech was saying depending on how fast the labs went out will depend on how soon I hear something. Oh, and I do want to say, no, my husband was not upset about the cost yesterday at all. He was GLAD the Vet ordered everything possible.

curiousforever

06-05-2007, 01:56 PM

I'm sorry - it's so hard to lose a pet.

Definately don't want them to suffer.

Mark N

06-05-2007, 02:42 PM

Kathi, you know my family went through this with our dog and it isn't easy but there will come a point that you can't stand to see them suffer any more. To make things worse, once the family made the decision and got ready to go he perked up but we knew he was looking forward to it being over.

I hope your pooch improves and you don't have to decide on this action but if you do it will get clear at some point and you will know.

PS I may be away from my computer for a few days unless I get hooked up at the hotel.

suede

06-05-2007, 06:26 PM

Kathi,
Hope the test results will prove to be a good outcome!!

Thing is I did a really stupid thing after I had to have my chow put to sleep.
I didn't think I would get another pet at least not for a very long time.
However with DH on the road I was lonely and went in search for a little lap dog to keep me company, well let me tell you I never had many pets and didn't know much about doge, I picked out this really cute little Gray puppy at the pound, what a sweetheart..
DH came home and laughed his *** off as he said and I found to be true, my lap puppy now weighs 90lbs.
He is lab and Aussie shepherd, though he is more mine he does allow others to care for him, thank goodness.
I know I continued to do for my chow even when I knew it was doing me more harm, I would lift him in and out of the tub and take him to the vet and lift him on and off the table and groom, of course this is what we do for our loved ones..
I'll be waiting to hear about the test!!
Linda

Mark, I didn't know you were going away, I hope that it is for a good reason and you get some down time and a chance to enjoy yourself.

Linda

Kathi49

06-05-2007, 10:41 PM

Okay All,

Here is the verdict...so far...

First, just know when the Vet called he was reading the lab reports to me. I don't what it all meant and I HOPE I am saying this right so here goes:

1) Few red blood cells in urine - probably a minor bladder infection. No signs of kidney problems or renal failure.
2) White cells - Are fine; normal.
3) Thyroid Function - Good
4) Calcium Level - A little high; CAN be an indicator of cancer (I hope I understood that part) or a disease process; said something about the bone marrow. Sorry, but I was trying to take it all in and again, not familiar with the medical jargon.

5) Here is where it gets a little strange: Cytology lab recommends either a biopsy OR another aspiration. And this is because the dog's cells are fragile (sounds weird to me). But basically during the aspiration the cells split in half so there were not enough to get a clear picture or not enough whole ones. So, he wants to do another aspiration, large needle this time, and free of charge on Friday. He does not want to do a biopsy at this point which makes sense; until they can see the whole cells.

6) The lame leg is definitely a soft tissue injury. So, the dog must have jumped off the couch or something although I did not see him do it and hurt himself.

So, for now I am to keep him on antibiotics. The poor thing is still not eating and his back hips quiver which is also strange. I forgot to mention his hips when I talked with the Vet. But I am assuming it could be due to pain like my niece said or the med...but it only happens when he is asleep.

All in all the Vet does NOT think it is cancer although not positive yet. He tends to think some kind of infection that overwhelmed the nodes. So, once more I probably won't know anything definite until next week. At least this was good news so far; I just have to wait.

Mark,

Thank you. It is sad about your dog. And mine is doing the same thing(s); sleeps alot and acts mopey and then acts like nothing is bothering him and perks up. And you are right, I will know the right thing to do if and when the time comes. And, I too, am hoping you enjoy some downtime.

Linda,

I think it is neat that you went ahead and got another dog. I would probably feel the same way. But I have two and if something happens to the male, I still have her. My husband did mention getting another sometime down the road if and when they both go. But I told him I wasn't really sure if I would want to do that. I know I would miss them both terribly. But as I get older and with this increased pain, it is getting harder and harder to lift them and that sort of thing. Now she is a tiny flea LOL! I can handle her. But as you well know, to do the right thing by them takes work! But like you said, because you love them you do the best you can for them. Then again, I might jump up someday and want another one. My husband travels alot so, yes, they have made such good companions. :) I am just not sure how I would or will react. And I am telling you...I am paying for it today. I am not complaining really because I want to tend to him. But this left leg was hurting so darn bad it brought me to tears today. I had to take an extra med and lie down for several hours. And that I don't normally do. So, my PM appointment is on Thursday and hopefully he can do something or schedule something. But again, I thank you. For now everything is status quo.

Mark N

06-05-2007, 11:22 PM

Kathi, I hope your pain flare settles down soon or the PM can settle them down on Thursday.

My wife has said no more pets but I am not sure I am going to go along with that. Right now I don't want to have any more but some time down the road Trooper is gone I may need another buddy to keep me company all day and when I am up at night. My wife works and has friends to talk to and do things with but doesn't consider what my daily life is and the need to have a friend around the house to help me get through the day. Our dogs are such special parts of our lives and they give such unconditional love they can deal with us on a bad day better than our families can. My wife claims I talk to trooper too much like a person but I don't have anyone else during the day to talk with.

curiousforever

06-06-2007, 12:57 AM

Wow - sounds really serious. Poor puppy.

I hope you feel better. I go to the er usually if the pain gets out of control...

Kathi49

06-06-2007, 08:43 AM

Mark,

Don't feel bad. I talk to my dogs all day long LOL! And, well, the sick one is talking back to me. But he always has...he is the most vocal dog I have ever seen in my life and he knows he can manipulate me LOL! But I know his signals too. He doesn't really bark at me; he just kind of whines or stares at the door where the treats are. After awhile you just know what they want. :)

Thanks cf,

My PM appointment tomorrow just can't get here quickly enough! Actually, I used heat on my back and ice on my knee last night. So, it is a little better this morning. But you are right...it FELT like an ER day yesterday...that's why I just totally got off of my feet; got the dogs and we ALL slept...for hours!

Mark N

06-06-2007, 10:00 AM

Kathi, glad to hear you and the pooches got some sleep yesterday. I think the vet report was pretty hopeful but I am not a vet. I don't worry about talking to Trooper, at least he doesn't criticize me when I do talk to him. He understands more than my wife thinks and we have had to start talking about going our for a klaw because he is so excited when we talk about a walk:D . He is catching on to the klaw code so we will have to come up with something else.

I hope you and the pooch have a good day today. Take it easy and just do what ever makes your lives easier.

suede

06-06-2007, 10:17 AM

Kathi,
First I'm sorry your that you are having such a flare with pain and hopefully your PM Dr will be able to help get it back under control.
Not only with having to lift your poor pooch you have the added stress which always sets me off.
Let's all keep our fingers crosses(those of us that still can) that everything will be okay and soon pooch will be on the road to recovery..
Linda

curiousforever

06-06-2007, 01:22 PM

I'm glad your appt is today - and you did feel better (at least a little) yesterday. Yep ER is my absolute last resort.

Let us know what he said/did.

jena1225

06-07-2007, 01:16 AM

Kathi, good luck at PM today! And I am really pulling for your pooch to get through this! Let us know how appt goes :)

Kathi49

06-07-2007, 07:05 AM

Thanks Linda, cf and Jena!

The pooch is doing just a LITTLE better; still not eating like he should though. But he was barking at the dogs that live behind us yesterday instead of just lying there. My daughter said, "Mom, sometimes his bark is so high pitched it hurts my ears." Which is true! But I said, "I'd rather hear his high pitched bark than to have him laying on the floor half dead." And she agreed. She wasn't complaining really she was kind of laughing. But it is true sometimes his bark will make your ears ring! So, there is a glimmer of hope. :) And both dogs and myself took a LONG nap yesterday. At least he stays off his leg and I stay off mine!

So, speaking of legs. Somebody help me out here! I am really trying to nail down WHERE the pain might be coming from...again! I guess what I am trying to ask is if it is the facets, where does the pain refer to? If it is piriformis or coccyx pain...same thing; where does it refer pain to? I have seen the charts of the dermatomes and I just can't seem to follow a particular path. Anyway, the pain is in my left hip, my groin and only hurts bad when I sit or drive. Standing and walking helps and so do some hip stretches. But the muscles in my calves are killers. The last time I talked to my PM, and for lack of a better description, it is just slightly left of the tailbone. He says coccyx. And mentioned..."...your pelvis is right there." Ugh, I just don't know precisely where there is coming from. And I would hate to get an injection just anywhere in hopes of hitting the right spot. Oh, boy, I guess I will have to explain ALL of this to him...right along with the pelvic floor problems too. Maybe the nerves from the Rhizotomy are coming back into play. If, I didn't have the pelvic floor problems it would probably be easier to tell...but it is factoring in too. But I will let you guys know what he says or does today!

jena1225

06-07-2007, 10:33 AM

Hey! How long has it been since your rhizotomy? Also, I am having some weird leg pain as well, and this wierd pain on the right side of leg below shin, ever hear of this? Anyway, the injection did NOT work, I can see that clearly now. I wanted to ask you, what do you think would be next for me? My sx's sound so much like yours, I thought you might know.

Kathi49

06-07-2007, 11:42 AM

Jena,

It has been about 6 months since the Rhizotomy. That's another thing I need to ask him. Plus, I just noticed my lumbar MRI is exactly one year old this month. I AM going to ask him about the upright MRI and see what he says...they need to do a pic of my butt LOL!

Okay here's the thing I don't know if:

It is the facets?
Is it that darn disc bulge?
Is it Piriformis?
Is it coming from the coccyx?

Or is it everything combined? I have absolutely NO clue! My outer shins hurt like the devil and yes I know...L5/S1...I think LOL! I just feel like telling any doctor who will listen just slice me right down the middle, ahem, you know where I mean. And get rid of this left leg pain! But he's the doc I will let him tell me what he thinks. He may even want to do another MRI or maybe even another Rhizotomy. But the MRI is definitely old and I think I need a new one.

Furthermore, and this is so bizarre, it gets more complicated because the pelvic floor is weak. God, I hate to be so gross. But I have to HAVE the estrogen cream and I KNOW it can cause leg pain. So, who in the heck knows for sure?! And the other day I read that Nexium can cause muscle pain. Geez, I can't win for losing. I was soooooo tempted to take a Lyrica the other night because it DOES work. But the SE's are such that I don't dare drive. So, I am in a Catch 22.

Anyway, you had the facet injections right? How long has it been? I am sorry I just can't remember. As I said before, sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. I have had it happen both ways. But usually the reason, for me anyway, that they don't work is simply because they are not the pain generator. Maybe, and I could be wrong, you could try them again. But the Rhizotomy did help and for quite awhile. Oh,well, let me see what he says today. I will post back after my appointment.

jena1225

06-07-2007, 11:52 AM

Thankds. Seems as if it worked on left, but NOT right at all. What worries me is that he said something about that if the facet inj did not work, he is thinking it could all just be from the MS. Now, that did worry me that he said that, but I am going to give him another chance tomorrow at appt. If he says it again, my ars will be looking for another PM. There is NO WAY it is from my MS. And from everything I read here, there are many more options, like the canal. So, we'll see. K, I stole your thread right out, didn't I? LOL Sorry!

I REALLY hope you get some answers today. I will be sending mental vibes to your PM!! :D

Spiney

06-07-2007, 01:56 PM

Keeping you and your critter in my prayers. Best wishes.

Kathi49

06-08-2007, 08:50 AM

Jena and Spiney...thanks!

Okay, the Vet called me back yesterday evening (after my PM appointment) and I told him the dog was NOT eating...no matter what I did or tried! We went through everything I have been trying to feed him. And the Vet said, "Kath, you have tried it all!" So, he then recommended Nutrical for dogs and cats and a can of Science Diet A/D. And since the clinic is just right around the corner from my house I did drive over there to pick it up. They gave me that and a syringe to try to feed him; to get something down him.

So, I mixed a little of the Nutrical in with the food and gave him about 25cc's of that. They had told me that the Nutrical is like a thick gel and just to put it on my finger and then on his tongue...that he would love the taste! Yeah right!!! He hated it! But I did manage to get something down him and then had to give him his antibiotic. Later on today he goes back to the Vet for another aspiration! And, well, as the Vet said, you can't force them to eat as in tempting them to and he thinks it is all in how he feels and perhaps the disease process...whatever it may be! Anyway, all I am trying to do for now is to get some kind of nutrients down him....not that much but enough to help him keep his strength up.

Anyway, and Jena, you will like this. I about ripped my husband's head off last night LOL! Here he was all edgy from work and complaining about tiny little scuff marks on the floor. I couldn't believe it! After all I had told him about my tailbone and with the dog being so sick. But I got down and cleaned those marks up. Oh boy, he just kept complaining so I fired up LOL! I told him, "Do you think I give a rats patoot about the stupid floor? I have much more on my mind and on my plate than a damn floor!" And do you think he would have offered to go to the clinic and pick up what the dog needed?! Heck no! All he cared about or wanted to talk about was work! UGH! I could have absolutely killed him. But he chilled out when he finally figured out I was ready to drop! Sorry, just had to vent a little there! :eek: It was just one of those moments where if he had said one more darn thing I believe I would have really gone off!

suede

06-08-2007, 12:55 PM

Kathi,
Sorry that the pooch isn't doing any better.
Linda

jena1225

06-08-2007, 01:42 PM