Cinder needs Prayers

[4 Dog Mother]

I know this should go under dog health or dog General but I want LOTs of prayers for Phred's Cinder girl. She has prayed for so many - now she needs prayers. She has been so good and so healthy and then bam! I was at Amy's for the weekend and when I came home she was having trouble with her back legs. We increased her glucosomine and she was better. And then today my husband got me up to help him get her back in the house. She went out to go potty and was just laying in the yard. I carried her in but she remains near the front door and can't move her back legs. As soon as the vet opens I will be calling and hopefully they can get her in right away. Until then please pray hard. I just can't stand the thought of losing her!

[Randi]

Oh no, poor Cinder! :( I hope you can get her to the vet and something can be done. Is it the hips?

Fister and I are sending lots of positive thoughts. :love: :love:

[4 Dog Mother]

I don't know Randi - this is the first time this has happened to any of my dogs. I guess it could be. Why is it time goes so fast when you are late somewhere and so slow when you are waiting for some place like the vets or drs. to open?

[kittycats_delight]

It can quite likely be a blood clot. If that is the case they can give her something to dissolve it or even remove it. Hoping the vet is opened soon & they see Cinder right away. If it is a blood clot they need to get it out of there before it breaks away and moves.

Lots and lots of good thoughts for you & Cinder. Hugs to you both.

:love: Michelle

[4 Dog Mother]

Still waiting for the vets to open!

[Felicia's Mom]

Sending prayers and positive thoughts to Cinder.:love:

[phesina]

Prayers and positive, healing energies for Cinder.

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Queen of Poop]

Sending prayers and loads of positive thoughts for dear Cinder. :love::love::love::love::love:

[momcat]

Many prayers are on the way

[Freckles]

Many prayers and good thoughts to Cinder.

[moosmom]

Lots of prayers coming from CT for our own Cinder girl!!

[Alysser]

Oh Cinder, please feel better Sweetie :( Good thoughts going out to Cinder :love:

[Bengalz]

Lots of healing, positive thoughts on their way. I do hope Cinder gets feeling better soon. Thank you Diana for being such a great doggie Mom.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Lots of prayers on the way for our Cinder and for you too. :love::love:

[lizbud]

Lots of prayers for Cinder from Indy too. Hope it's just a bump in the road
and can be fixed with time. Can she use either leg?

[Karen]

Prayers on the way for Cinder pup!

[shais_mom]

I came here to see if there was an Update - Major prayers on the way!

[Catty1]

<dials god="">

Hi God ~

Purrayer Kat, Oscar, here ... tryin ta fill in ...

Cinder's back legs gone kinda wonky.

Kuld You send wunna da Angel Dogs down ta sit wiff her anna White Coat tooday?

Thanks again, God!

/s/ Purrayer Kat</dials>

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Praying for sweet Cinder girl! :(

[4 Dog Mother]

Spent a good part of the Morning at the vets. After waiting for blood tests results and lots of poking and prodding, he decided it was the arthritis so we are giving her rimadyl, tramadyl and an antibiotic as her white blood cell count was up. Hopefully in afew days she will be up and around agsin - such a shock for her to go downhill so quickly.Acting like a pup one day and unable to move her back end the next. She weighs 57 lbs now and she is not easy to move around. We are using a towel under her back end to lift her legs off the ground but she seems to be confused as to what direction we want her to go. And boy does she get heavy fast! The dr. can't promise she will get the use of her legs back so keep those prayers a coming!

[gini]

Non-stop prayers are being requested for our Cinder.:love::love:

[Queen of Poop]

Prayers and good, healing thoughts continue....

[tatsxxx11]

Oh, no.:( Lots and lots of prayers on the way for Cinder! And thank you Diana, for being such a wonderful, caring mom to Cinder. I hope and pray the medication will have her up and walking on her own very soon!
We love you Cinder!!!:love:

[Freedom]

Been following and posting on FB.

This has happened w/ my Marlin as well. He is on Tramadol 3 times a day, and aspirin twice a day. I give him a massage when he gets up first thing in the morning, and any other time when I get a chance.

He gets Joint Care 2 (glucosamine and chondroitin and other stuff) daily, and I give him an Adequan shot here at home once a month. Been doing these 2 things for 3 years now. If you go to the Adequan, I do suggest you learn how to give a shot at home, get a script from your vet, and order from Dr. Foster and Smith as this will save a lot of money.

Marlin was on Tramadol twice a day for 6 months, then his rear went down again. We upped it to 3 times and he's been getting around.

I don't use Rimadyl on my dogs, the study titled The Senior Dog Project showed much too many side effects from it in senior dogs; the rescue group I was with would not allow us to use it at all on their bichons, so I just stayed with that rule.

Now she is on meds, you should see improvement in 48 hours.

Continued prayers from RI for Cinder.

[Karen]

Will do, hopefully the meds will kick in quickly and she can get some relief.

[Lillycat]

praying for a full recovery.....

[Scooter's Mom]

Sending prayers from me and hugs, too.

[chocolatepuppy]

Prayers headed Cinder's way.

[phesina]

More prayers and good wishes and healing energies for dear Cinder are being sent.
:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[mrspunkysmom]

Prayers and positive thoughts

[cassiesmom]

Prayers and hugs for Cinder!

[Barbara]

I'm sorry I haven't seen this before. All my best thoughts for Cinder- and I am sure these wishes will be supported from above.

[kittycats_delight]

How is Miz Cinder doing today? Everything crossable here is crossed for her full recovery from this. I hope her gets the use of her hind quarter again. She is not a light girl to have to carry about so if my some reason she doesn't get the use back maybe a cart would be a good solution for her & for you guys as well. I am sure if Phred & the crew at the rainbow bridge have anything to do about she will be up & about soon.

<3 Michelle

[Randi]

Healing thoughts and lots of wishes that the medicine will help, so Cinder can walk again. :love: He must be so confused. :(

[MoonandBean]

Moon and Bean are sending Cinder Kitty prayers (Bean and Cinder have a special prayer relationship) and Sunny is sending POTP (power of the paw). Get well Soon!!!! :love:

[4 Dog Mother]

Cinder had a tough evening last night. I guess all the moving about was too much because she really hated it each time we either carried her or manuevered her outside with the sling. However, I don't think she has peed since yesterday morning. She has managed to poop which was a good thing, outside though. My sister suggested we lay her completely on a blanket and carry her like that - of course, that takes two people for sure which makes it a little harder since I am the only one here usually from 6 in the morning until 5:30 at night. Christy works part time now so she can sometimes get over but not so much.

I really hope this medicine does kick in because if not I will soon be needing meds for MY arthritis - carrying a dog her size has my back, knees and arms hurting. This new "blanket bed" idea has really helped though - it evens out the weight more so no joint of mine is being pulled as badly. And she doesn't cry out from us hurting her while carrying her.

Thanks for all the prayers and please keep them coming.

[Karen]

Does one of the grandkids maybe have a wagon that you could use to help some of the burden until she's more mobile herself? Poor Cinder, and poor Diana!

[lizbud]

Maybe this would help get her around. http://www.dog-sling.com/?gclid=CIK-sIyv3a4CFcMQNAodmkMzZg
I had to carry Buddy with just a beach towel & it is not only hard on your back, it very awkward to manouver
witch puts more strain on your joints. I think a lot of Vets use these for their patients.

More prayers for Cinder. I hope the meds help her get to move or at least stand up which would make
moving her easier. Prayers & hugs.(((Hugs)))

[sasvermont]

I think that's how you spell it. I take it twice a day and could not walk without it. I take three 50mgs. in the morning and 2 50mgs. at night. It seems to work for me. I used to take just 50 mgs. at night, but then found I was in lots of pain during the day, thus the increase. I have no side effects from the drug. I know I need a knee replacement and want to put it off for as long as possible.

I would try to max out the Tramadol, whatever the highest would be for the weight and then back it down a bit. It doesn't make me groggy or tired, it just kills the pain. I hope the Vet prescribed the correct dosage so it will be effective.

Keep us posted.

Lots of positive vibes coming your way.

:love::love::love::love:

[pomtzu]

Hoping that you soon see some results from the meds that Cinder is taking. My Pom Myndi has much the same issues and has arthritis in her legs and spine. I have had to carry her up and down steps now for a couple of years (she's 16 and under 11 lbs), but she was doing okay otherwise until a few weeks ago when her back legs just wouldn't support her anymore. I got her right in to the vet and she put her on Tramadol - 1/4 of a 50mg tablet twice a day - and I saw an immediate improvement. She can't take any anti-inflammatory meds because of GI issues, but she has been on the gluco/chrond combo for several years now. I also started giving her massages as Freedom does with Marlin, so between that and the Tramadol, her legs are keeping that little butt of hers from hitting the ground.
Prayers going out to Cinder from me and The Fuzzbuttz here in Delaware. :love:

[Alysser]

I hope she gets up on her own soon. I can't imagine how scary it must be for her not to be able to move. :( Good thoughts for Cinder:love::love:

[Pinot's Mom]

I'm just seeing this, I'm sorry. Yes, prayers from here, too! :love: Poor baby...

Are there any other symptoms? How is Cinder today?

[gini]

Diana, let me be blunt and open.............so we can do the same.

Do you need some financial help here? Just let us know.

:love::love: Gini

[Freedom]

I know it is frustrating at the start. You start giving the meds, and so want her to feel better and MOVE!

The joints are inflamed and swollen and sore. The meds need time to reduce the swelling, and to block the pain. I do hope you see improvement soon!

[Pinot's Mom]

Diana, let me be blunt and open.............so we can do the same.

Do you need some financial help here? Just let us know.

:love::love: Gini

Yes, do please let us know.

[Laura's Babies]

Prayers from us here in the deep south for Cinder, may a full recover be just around the corner!

[mrspunkysmom]

Prayers for some improvement soon and more later.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent her way.

[ChrisH]

Diana, let me be blunt and open.............so we can do the same.

Do you need some financial help here? Just let us know.

:love::love: Gini
Yes, Diana, please do. I am sure there are many of us who would be happy to chip in whatever we can. {{hugs}}

Prayers and healing thoughts continuing.

[lizbud]

Any news on Cinder? I don't have a Facebook account so keep checking here
for any news.

[4 Dog Mother]

Any news on Cinder? I don't have a Facebook account so keep checking here
for any news.

Wouldn't have done you any good even if you had looked on Facebook because the last few days have been crazy! Cinder isn't improving very much. She still can't walk but occasionally "scoots" around. I am very disappointed We have gotten the hang of getting her in and out now but as was said it is very hard on the joints especially for someone who already has arthritis. My back hurts, my knees hurt and my wrists hurt! But I am sure Cinder isn't feeling that great either. I will have to call the vets tomorrow.

As far as money goes, we are okay now but I don't know how long that will last if we have to get into specialists etc. I think Phred's sister Nancy might be able to send me more. We can go on a wait and see how things go and I will let you know when I am out of what I have now. I have not contacted Nancy yet because as I said things have been a little crazy around here. I work as a church secretary and with Easter coming there is just a lot more to do than usual and I have a new pastor (boss) who is only here on weekends when I am not and really doesn't know how long it takes to do anything and keeps e-mailing me with more things that needed done by this weekend and then letting me know he is disappointed because I am not getting every thing done. I only work 24 hours a week and they don't want me to work over time so it is getting a little difficult. He and I are going to have to have a little talk when things settle down. I have been there 7 years and havvenn't had a raise yet. They are slowly going broke but yet when they decide they need a projector to show the words of the songs etc. on the wall there is money. They are starting a new website that is not going to be cheap. There are only about 55 people coming on Sundays and this new pastor thinks this new website will bring more people in. They really have very little to offer so I really don't think the website is going to do what they think it might. Any way, since I took Wed. off I had to work Fri. Only I couldn't get all the stuff done so I worked Sat. tooo knowing I won't get paid for that day. Christy is working part time now so I can't work over because most afternoons I have to pick them up after school and watch them til she gets off. So much to do so very little time!

Anyways keep praying for the Cinder girl, she is such a good and sweet girl. Now if I could just keep her from barking she would be perfect!

[Karen]

You could post a "wanted" on Freecycle for a projector for the church, you never know, someone might have one they'd be willing to donate. Poor you, and poor Cinder, I was hoping she'd be feeling somewhat better by now. You'll all be in our prayers.

[ChrisH]

Thank you for the update, Diana.

Sorry to read that dear Cinder hasn't shown much improvement. :( Continued prayers being said for you both. {{hugs}}

[mrspunkysmom]

Continued prayers for Cinder and your family.

[Freedom]

Oh dear. When you get a chance, remind how old she is? The constant barking, is there an obvious reason, is she barking AT something? Or just barking? We had a family dog who at age 18 started barking just because, it was sign the end was near. The vet told us to keep our hands away from her mouth as she really didn't know what she was doing and could bite us. I point this out as you say you have the grandchildren in the afternoons.

[Bengalz]

I am so sorry to hear that Cinder is not improving and will keep her and your family in my thoughts. Hopefully things will improve with a little time. Meanwhile, please hug that that lovely girl for me:love:.

[pomtzu]

Prayers that Cinder will make improvement in the coming days and weeks.

Are her front legs strong? If so, you might want to think ahead to the possibility that she might do well with a wheel cart for her back legs. When Myndi had the issue of her back legs giving out, I had looked into the possibility of this. Fortunately, the meds are helping her for now, so that option is now on the back burner.

[Freckles]

In Cinder and Smoke's Bio, Phred said that Cinder was 10 years old. That means she's about 12 or so.
Please Cinder, stay with us, girl.

[Bibette & Lulu]

Hi, All - I haven't been able to check the PT postings for a few days, so this was also a surprise for me. Poor Cinder - she has had some tough times in her life. She's around 13 (Phred had indicated approximate date of birth as Jan 1, 1999).

Thank you Diana for hanging in there and to Carl for all that you are doing to help her through this. I know what a challenge it can be to be a caregiver and have other obligations needing your attention at the same time. I wish I were closer to help with the day to day care.

You can PM me with information about the financial needs – or send me an e-mail (I believe that you have my address). I'm sure that Phred, Bowser and Boots are around, sending positive thoughts and prayers. Thank you to everyone in the PT family who are keeping the prayers coming – I know this would make Phred very happy. We're keeping them coming from over here.

B&L's Mom2 (aka Phred's sister)

[lizbud]

Diana,

Thank you for the update. Sounds like you are busier than a one armed paper hanger.;) I am so sorry for
the not only full, but overflowing plate of things you have to deal with lately.I don't wish to denigrate your pastor,
but it seems to me he could show a little more empathy & Christian charity for the yeoman's job you are doing
for him & the church. He sounds new & inexperienced. He needs to realize that people have family & a life
beyond the church.

Prayers that Cinder show some improvement soon. I hope the Vet has some other ideas to help Cinder.
(((Hugs)))

[Queen of Poop]

Just checked in for an update. Continuing prayers and good healing thoughts for dear Cinder. And the same for her wonderful caregivers. You're doing all you can and more! Thank you. :love::love::love: Loves from me, Cali and Diego.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear that Cinder isn't showing any signs of improvement.:( Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are going out to her and you and your family too. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[Felicia's Mom]

Sending more thoughts and prayers to Cinder!

[Freedom]

Dear Cinder, I know the vet will be contacted today. Praying there are more steps to take to help you feel better, girl.

[chocolatepuppy]

Continued prayers for Cinder. I hope she improves.

[Scooter's Mom]

Continuing my prayers for Cinder and all the hoomans who are helping Cinder!

[Kfamr]

I replied to the facebook post but just incase you didn't see - please look into accupuncture! If there's a local vet that does it, it's worth atleast getting a console about it. Natural Herbs and accupuncture does wonder for the older pups that have a hard time getting around!

[4 Dog Mother]

I'm sorry I have been so negligent about responding here. The grandkids are in New York with their father this week so a little of the busyness has been cut down. Although I miss them like crazy!

I took Cinder back to the vet yesterday. I am just so happy that we have such good vets. After we discussed how Cinder was doing, he said "I have been thinking so much about Cinder this week. How could I not? Her symptoms fit one thing but not completely. I am just not sure where to go from here." He wanted me to take her to the Ohio State Medical School Vet Clinic which is where I took Snoopy. It is a very expensive place to take her especially since you all have given me several options to try first. (and he has admitted that he isn't sure they can give me much more help than he has). I just haven't decided where to start. Kay has suggested acupuncture - I don't think anyone in town does that but the vet thought there is someone in Toledo. Amy said Spot has had laser treatments - the only problem with that the vet said is that we need to have a better idea of exactly where the problem area is. And when I went to see him, I didn't take my purse as I have enough to handle and therefore did not have the name of the drug several of you have suggested (Adequan). I did find out later that they have used that - I just don't know if that is a good option or not for Cinder. He said he would support us in whatever we decided to try.

By the way, Phred had already been giving both dogs Glucosamine and we have continued to do so since they have come to live with us.

As an aside that was a little funny, the vet said did you take her to a groomer? Her coat is so pretty today. I laughed and said no, I have been brushing her every night - now she is a captive and can't get away from me because she doesn't like to be brushed. (I think that has changed some because she now likes it when I get down by her and just sit there and brush and brush and tell her how good she is and how pretty she is - there is a few other dogs that think she is being spoiled and aren't so thrilled about the time I give her although a couple of them are much like she was and really don't like to stand still long enough to be brushed thoroughly.)

It is so hard to watch her like this because it came on so fast. Before that everyday as we walked the hallway from my bedroom to the kitchen she would walk ahead of me and keep looking back and giving a little jump like a puppy does when they are excited about going out. I can't imagine her having to live like this the rest of her life.

And by the way, by Phreds timeline she was 13 in January.

[Cincy'sMom]

With Spot, we started with X-rays to see where the problem was. We knew it was his leg, but weren't sure hip or knee. I would think (though I am not sure) it would be the same with accupunture.

We also have a place by us that does massage and water therapy (it is just off Secor before, you get to Alexis). Ralph has golfed with the owner. Maybe we could talk to them and see if they know anyone that does the accupunture or if they have suggestions.

[lizbud]

With Spot, we started with X-rays to see where the problem was. We knew it was his leg, but weren't sure hip or knee. I would think (though I am not sure) it would be the same with accupunture.

We also have a place by us that does massage and water therapy (it is just off Secor before, you get to Alexis). Ralph has golfed with the owner. Maybe we could talk to them and see if they know anyone that does the accupunture or if they have suggestions.


Sounds like a good idea. It would be good to know where the problem is exactly, or what all is involved if there
is more than one thing causing the problem. Can Cinder stand at all?

[Freedom]

Oh dear, so hard! I guess you need to figure out where / what the issue is. And with most things, the sooner that step happens, the easier it is to heal / recover.

[Freckles]

How is Cinder doing now?

[Taz_Zoee]

I'm not replying often, but do check on this thread. Cinder is in my thoughts.
I will help with money if an expensive treatment is needed.

[4 Dog Mother]

Well, I just got off the phone with Nancy (Phred's sister) - she was calling to find out how Cinder was doing and I decided it was time I put it on here. Cinder has degenerative myelopathy.

This is taken from Wikipedia: Canine degenerative myelopathy (also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy) is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. The disease has an insidious onset typically between 7 and 14 years of age. It begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs. As of July 15, 2008 the mutated gene responsible for DM has been found present in 43 breeds including German Shepherds (http://petoftheday.com/wiki/German_Shepherd), Boxers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and both breeds of Welsh Corgis (http://petoftheday.com/wiki/Welsh_Corgi). The disease is chronic and progressive, and resulting in paralysis. The myelin (http://petoftheday.com/wiki/Myelin) is an insulating sheath around neurons (http://petoftheday.com/wiki/Neuron) in the spinal cord (http://petoftheday.com/wiki/Spinal_cord). One proposed cause of degenerative myelopathy is that the immune system attacks this sheath, breaking it down. This results in a loss of communication between nerves in lower body of the animal and the brain.

Degenerative myelopathy initially affects the back legs and causes muscle weakness (http://petoftheday.com/wiki/Muscle_weakness) and loss (http://petoftheday.com/wiki/Muscle_atrophy), and lack of coordination (http://petoftheday.com/wiki/Ataxia). These cause a staggering affect that may appear to be arthritis (http://petoftheday.com/wiki/Arthritis). The dog may drag one or both rear paws when it walks. This dragging can cause the nails of one foot to be worn down. The condition may lead to extensive paralysis (http://petoftheday.com/wiki/Paraplegia) of the back legs. As the disease progresses, the animal may display symptoms such as incontinence (http://petoftheday.com/wiki/Urinary_incontinence) and has considerable difficulties with both balance and walking. If allowed to progress, the animal will show front limb involvement and extensive muscle atrophy. Eventually cranial nerve or respiratory muscle involvement necessitates euthanasia. Progression of the disease is generally slow but highly variable. The animal could be crippled within a few months, or may survive up to three years or more. This is not the news we wanted to hear. We love Cinder so much and she has been so healthy and to have this just suddenly attack is not what we expected. She is doing a little better than she was - she can now go out by herself but can't get in unless we help her up the steps. However, we don't look forward to what the next months will bring. I will write more in the next couple of days but have to get off now. Please keep those prayers acoming.

[mrspunkysmom]

I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers for Cinder and your family.

[Karen]

I interviewed an author who had a book on this subject, I will try to dig it up for you. Essentially, there's nothing that can be done to stop the disease, and it is more common in Shepherds for some reason, probably genetics. But if Carl is handy with tools, maybe you guys could build her a wheelchair/cart to assist her back legs. It is a progressive disease, and a lot of research is being done, but there's no reversing it right now.

[sasvermont]

Here is a link to a drug I have heard of being used sometimes. It worked wonders for a friend's dog. Don't know if it could help you out. Ask your vet about it.

Hope things improve.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethanechol

[chocolatepuppy]

More prayers headed Cinder's way...

[Catty1]

Prayers for Cinder! This must be so heartbreaking for you. :( Check out Bethanechol that Sasvermont mentioned.

There are also medications that suppress the immune system, which would slow the progress of the disease. My sister had MS, and had regular treatments of prednisone or solumedrol (sp?).

More huge prayers!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear this.:( Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are being sent Cinder's way.

[ChrisH]

Sad news. :( Prayers continuing.

[Randi]

Oh poor Cinder! :( The Bethanechol can hopefully help, or a wheelchair/cart to assist her back legs. I hope she is not in pain, but she must be felling bad, not being able to move around on her own.

Sending lots of positive thoughts to Cinder, and to you. :love:

[Bengalz]

I am so sorry to hear this news Diana and hope there is some relief for Cinder down the way. Please give her lots of gentle hugs and keep us posted when you can. Hugs to you too for being the caring person that you are - Cinder is fortunate to have you and Carl.

[4 Dog Mother]

Our vets are wonderful about checking into different drugs, etc that we have been told of that might help so I will pass the name of that Bethanecal on to them to research and possibly see if a prednisone type drug will help any.

I don't know if Carl could make the cart but possibly Josh, Christy's boyfriend, might as he is pretty handy with things like that. The only problem with the cart is that I have read that using that back end is important and dogs that do tend to live longer than ones who are not encouraged to do so. Of course, as time goes on, it will be harder for her and then the cart might be a great idea so maybe I will get Josh to be thinking about how to do it.

The vets says Cinder is not in any pain. She is able to get around better now. In fact, she can get out into the front yard by herself as she can get down the first step, walk across the porch and then take the second step. Going out into the back yard is harder as the two steps are right together and she can't do that - we may have to consider making some kind of a ramp for her. She can't get up either step by herself to get back in so we have to help her with that. We still are using the towel to put under her back end to just lift up the back end. She has gotten so used to it that she sits up so we can get it under her - however she often starts taking off before we have it in place - no slowing her down! She also likes to go out front and she walks a little - then lays down and rests and then walks out almost to the road and lays down. When we go, ok Cinder time to head in, she looks at us like, you got to be kidding me. Get that towel, I'm not dragging this back end all the way back there!

A week or so ago she started getting real restless - she would lie down and then up she would go and move and lay back down. I asked the vet if he thought a bed with a warmer in or one of those with the thicker more like mattress would help and he said he didn't know about the warmer but he did think she might benefit from a different bed. That the moving was from not being able to get comfortable. So we have bought her a bed for the living room where she spends most of her time with me that is more like a mattress. It has worked so well that we bought two for the bedroom - well we couldn't live Smokey out could we? They are such good siblings, she usually uses the one next to my side of the bed but if she wants the other one, Smokey willingly trades with her.

As I stated, I have put off posting the new diagnosis on Pet Talk because it makes it so much more real. It is so easy to put your head in the sand and wait for her to wake up one morning and be the old Cinder, running down the hallway in front of you, throwing her head back like saying, come on, can't you go any faster? Although we have not had her that long, it is hard to think of life without her or Smokey. They have fit so well into the family and have been such good dogs. Phred did such a great job raising them!!!

[lizbud]

Diana, thanks for the update. I'm glad that Cinder is able to walk some on her own. The ramp should help
quite a bit to aid her getting back into the house. It was a great help with Buddy. (((Hugs))) to you & (((Hugs))) to Cinder.

[shais_mom]

Diana - there is a Holistic Vet in Sycamore, Ohio. I take Keegan and Kylie to her on occasion. She does Laser and accupressure/accupuncture.
http://sycamoreanimal.com

[Cincy'sMom]

It didn't trigger in my head until I read the description and about dragging the rear legs, but isn't that what Bowser had? I'll have to go back and search through Phred's old posts when I am at home.

[Catty1]

Warm water therapy might be helpful, but I don't know how costly that is.

I think the ramp is a great idea as she would be able to work her back legs more.

Prayers for Cinder. I am glad she likes her new bed!:love:

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Poor Cinder ! Lots of prayers on the way for her and you too. :love:

If something soft to sleep on would make her feel better, I have an extra super soft throw I could send for her. I got an extra one when I found out how much better they made my arthritis feel. They are wonderful. Just ask Grandma. She is shown having a cozy on one in her COTD pics. We would be glad to share with Cinder.

[Freedom]

Continued prayers for Cinder, and for you Diana and Carl. Seems it is always something as they age (I'm dealing with 2 just now).

Whatever works to keep her comfie, and to save your back from aching, give it a go.

[Karen]

One thing to watch for, in case the vet didn't mention it, is wear on her back paws and feet. With this disease, they gradually lose feeling in them, so it can wear on their nails strangely, or feet badly, so just remember to check them from time to time, just in case.

[robinh]

Prayers for Cinder and for you, Diana and Carl. Been through this disease with our old Chesapeakes. Definitely glad to hear that she's not in pain. Keep us posted.

[shais_mom]

It didn't trigger in my head until I read the description and about dragging the rear legs, but isn't that what Bowser had? I'll have to go back and search through Phred's old posts when I am at home.

Yes, Tonya and I were discussing this this morning!

[beeniesmom]

Hugs and prayers.

[Freckles]

How is Cinder doing?

[4 Dog Mother]

I am happy to report that Cinder is doing much better. I am buying a Glucosamine product from the vets that has more glucosamine in it than ones you get at the pet store and Boy is it making a huge difference in Cinder's ability to get around. This morning she made it out and back in the back door of the house. I block the door open in the morning so the dogs can go in and out while I am getting ready for work and I saw her go out which she has been doing for a couple of weeks now but usually she barks when she wants back in. A few minutes later I turned around and there she was back in the house! What a difference from when this started. Some days her rear end is almost all the way back up to where it's suppose to be! The meds are expensive but well worth it. I think I may add some "nerve" medicine my sister gave her dog too. I have to order it though and I am very bad about making phone calls to order things.

I couldn't be happier to see her become much more like the old Cinder. I am sure all your prayers have helped too so please keep them acomin'

[Freedom]

Wonderful news, gave me a smile this morning. Prayers continue for Cinder!

[ChrisH]

Such good news. :D Sending big hugs and love for dear Cinder, for you and Carl too. Bless you for and in all you do

Prayers continuing.

[Karen]

Great to hear! Thanks for helping the old gal!

[Catty1]

Awww what great news! :D

[krazyaboutkatz]

This is wonderful news and I hope that she'll continue to do well.:D

[phesina]

That's fantastic! Well done, Cinder!

Prayers continue. :love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[Grace]

Wonderful to hear she is doing better :)

[Queen of Poop]

So glad to hear Cinder is doing better. Prayers continuing....:love::love::love:

[Cataholic]

Great news!!

[ramanth]

I can't believe I'm just seeing this! :eek: :o

I'm so glad to hear Cinder is doing better. She'll continue to be in my prayers. :love:

[mrspunkysmom]

It's good to hear that Cinder is doing better! :love:

[Lillycat]

wonderful news.....

[chocolatepuppy]

What happy news!:D

[anna_66]

Diana what a wonderful update this is! I'm so glad to hear the meds are helping her so much:D

[Freckles]

It's been six months so How is Cinder doing now?

[carole]

HAPPY DANCE, so pleased to hear cinder is improving, thinking of you and cinder and hoping cinder continues to get well.:love: