Dasher's Health Thread

[dukedogsmom]

I just got finished at the vet. Dasher loves going there! Crazy thing was eating treats and soaking up all the attention. He was a very good boy while having his blood drawn. I found out his lumps are nothing to worry about so that's good. The vet said he shouldn't have a problem getting through all of this. Cross your fingers and paws on that. He goes in for his first treatment on Thursday. He'll stay there all day. Then two weeks from that, his three day treatment. After that, I've got to keep him calm for six weeks.

He is so cute when he plays. Plays like a puppy. And he gets so excited and spastic when fetching his stuffie. Can't wait unti he is well and I can take him places. I'll bet he's going to love the dog beach. PT prayers for him will always be welcome. I want him to have some happy years ahead, you know?

[Karen]

Awww, he sounds like SUCH a sweetie! Give him a big old bellyrub for me, will you?

[borzoimom]

That sounds like GREAT NEWS!!! I agree with the belly rub, not to mention a hug...

[Grace]

Lots of prayers and happy thoughts headed your way. Give Dasher a hug from me and my 6 cats. And feel free to take one for yourself.

[ramanth]

Great news! I hope the treatments go well for him. :D

[pitc9]

I'm sending Get Well vibes to Dasher!
Oh Val, he sounds like such a sweetie!
Please be sure to keep us posted!

[chocolatepuppy]

Pawsitive thoughts and prayers headed Dashers way.

[Sudilar]

Good luck with the treatments and especially keeping him quiet for the six weeks!! :eek:

[Dorothy39]

I'm glad that Dasher has a "pawitive' feeling about going to the Vet!!

He sounds like such a sweetheart Val~

We're crossing fingers, paws and toes that all goes well for your Dear Dasher (he has to be there all day~oh, poor baby~)

I really feel that Dasher is going to come out of this Smelling like a Rose :o

Of course, I'll keep him in my thoughts and check for your up-dates!!!!

[kallisto4529]

Val that is great news, i will say lots of prayers that he gets through the treatments with flying colors!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He sounds like such a sweet loving soul, im so glad you found him.
Good Luck to both of you

[anna_66]

Val I'm glad to hear that he had a positive experience at the vets, that's always good:)

I hope all goes well with the treatments. I'll be sending positive vibes his way.

[shais_mom]

good luck to Dasher!

[lizbud]

I'm glad that Dasher is being such a good patient at the vets. I hope
his treatments go smoothly for him.

[kt_luvs_kitties]

I just thought to venture over here and check to see if there was an update. I am so glad he loves that vets! He sounds like such a loving ham :p He sure was lucky to find you, but I have a feeling you feel just as lucky to have him ;)
Please continue the updates, and I will continue my prayers. Me and the kitties are praying that all goes well, and he can know what TRUE love is.

[dukedogsmom]

I dropped off Dasher this morning. Had to leave work early, zoom home, get him to the vet and then get myself to some mandatory training at 8. We're all tired as we worked all night. Dasher likes the vet so much that he didn't even notice when I was leaving. He's so good. He sits when you approach him to put on his leash. He did that for the vet tech. And yes, that made me a proud mama. I'll check back in after I pick him up this evening.

[cloverfdx]

Goodluck today Dasher.. sending lots of good vibes {{Hugs}}.

[trayi52]

I also wish Dasher Good luck today. Dasher sounds like such a sweetheart! I'll be sending prayers and good thoughts his way, that he gets through this easily, and smoothly, Val. He just sounds like the perfect dog for you, you two just clicked together so fast and easily!

Prayers and Hugs for you two!

Willie :)

[dukedogsmom]

Dasher was a tired dog when I picked him up last night. I didn't realise there's two stages of heartworms to be killed. Yesterday's treatment was for the baby ones that are in the bloodstream. He's got pills I have to give him unril he goes in for his three day treatment. That's on the 10th. I'm kind of worried because he did get so tired yesterday. The three day one is rough, from what I've heard. I'll be glad when it's done. Then, it'll just be up to God, I guess. I hope he allows Dasher some happy, healthy years.

[anna_66]

I'm very glad to hear he didn't mind being left at the vets and I hope that the next treatment goes well.
I'll be saying prayers for him.

[chocolatepuppy]

I'm happy to hear Dasher did well, even though he is tired. I will keep him in my prayers that the three day treatment will go smoothly.

[dukedogsmom]

Tomorrow morning I take him in for his three day treatment. I'm nervous. I'm not near as confident as I was when I first adopted him. So, hopefully it's in the cards for him to be around and healthy for years.

[caseysmom]

Tomorrow morning I take him in for his three day treatment. I'm nervous. I'm not near as confident as I was when I first adopted him. So, hopefully it's in the cards for him to be around and healthy for years.

I'll keep him in my prayers Val.

[ramanth]

Keeping Dasher in my thoughts!

[lizbud]

Sorry Val, but I'm just now reading the first update on Dasher. Just
wanted you to know that you both have been in my prayers and I'll be
praying extra hard for the longer treatment phase. ((Hugs))

[kallisto4529]

Lots of prayers and positive thoughts headed to you and dasher that he will do just fine and make it through with flying colors. It was such a treat you bringing him into work the other night val, we all just loved him!!!!!!!!! It was also good to see that beautiful smile of your's back.

[chocolatepuppy]

Sending prayers for Dasher. Val, both you and Dasher will be in my thoughts.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'll definitely keep you and Dasher in my thoughts and prayers too, Val. I think it's just great that you are trying to save this boy. I can only think that it will all turn out good. It just has to!! :)

[Ginger's Mom]

Prayers and positive thoughts going out today as Dasher starts his three-day treatment. I am sure he is going to come through this just fine.

[Queen of Poop]

Prayers and well wishes for Dasher as this is the start of his major treatment. I do hope all goes well and that he can enjoy a long life with you. Hugs for you both.

[areias]

Good luck today, Dasher!

[CathyBogart]

Good thoughts for you and Dasher both. HW treatment is rough, but he can beat it!

[cloverfdx]

You and Dasher are still in my thoughts Val.. sending those good vibes your way still {{Hugs}}.

[kallisto4529]

How is he doing Val?? Still sending tons of prayers and positive thoughts to you and Dasher. I pray everything is going good for you both.

[dukedogsmom]

The vet just called and said Dasher is doing great. I'm so relieved. I'm picking him up later today. Thanks for all your good wishes.

[Grace]

Whew . . . . . I've been holding my breath waiting for this news. Give Dasher many hugs and kisses from me in Michigan.

[Freedom]

Aw, that's great news!

[lizbud]

Good news Val. :D I'm so glad he did well & gets to come back home. :)

[Queen of Poop]

I'm so glad to check and learn that Dasher is doing well. Yahoo. Hugs for you both.

[dukedogsmom]

He was so glad to see me. Right now, he's snoozing. The vet had to give him something for anxiety last night. He was afraid Dasher would injure himself. So, besides the follow up meds for the heartworms, he's got some meds for anixiety that won't intefere with his heart. I'm going to see how he does on it. If he's still really sluggish in a few days, I'm going to call vet to ask if I can cut it back a bit. Don't want a zombie dog, you know? I also made a thank you card for them for the free treatment. Here's what I wrote:

To All Involved,
Today makes two months since I lost my much loved dog of 13 years. When I was at the SPCA, Dasher spoke to my heart. Without your generosity of the free heartworm treatment, a forever home for Dasher wouldn't have been possible. Thanks so much.

I found out it's the prednisone that makes him pant so much. He only has to take it for two more weeks, thank goodness. It also makes him drink lots of water which leads to extra potties. I hope he'll do alright when I go back to work because mom can't help me right now.

[Zippy]

That is so sweet that they gave you the treatment for free and you wrote them a thank you note.I know they will love the not and it will make there day.Prayers for Dasher's fast recovery.

[chocolatepuppy]

Thank goodness Dasher is home. Pawsitive thoughts hoping things go well in the following weeks when you have to keep him calm. :)

[kallisto4529]

WOOOHOOO Congratulations Dasher!!!!! Val im so thrilled for you both, that is such great news, very sweet and thoughtful thank you card to the vet val, I will still continue to send prayers and positive thoughts for you both.

[chocolatepuppy]

How is Dasher doing Val? How are the two of you holding up?

[lizbud]

Your letter to them was very sweet & I'll bet they would really appreciate
the thought. :)

It might be a stroke of luck to have the Vet see first hand ,Dasher showing
his anxiety.This medicine might help him getting over the separation issues.
I'm glad Dasher got through his treatment so well. :)

[dukedogsmom]

He's doing good so far. The prednisone makes him pant and pee a lot. He's got to take that for two weeks but will be down to one pill a day in another week and I'll give that to him in the morning when I get home. That way, he'll get to go a lot before I go to work. The anti anxiety medicine seems to be working well, too. When I leave the room, I don't look at him or say anything to him. The same when I get back. Then when he settles down by my chair, which is pretty quick, I tell him he's a good dog and pet him. I keep him in my room on the weekends that the nephew is visiting. Today, I was actually gone 1 1/2 hours and I found him laying in my recliner. No torn carpet or chewed wood. He could have known that people were still in the house, though, Don't know. I had to tell him to get down :) but then didn't say anything or pet him until he settled down. I'll be glad when he's off the prednisone so he won't be panting so much. Thanks for asking about him, ya'll. He's a very sweet dog. Right now, he's happily chewing a rawhide. I got some pics of him and Doogie in the shower together that I'll try and put up tomorrow. Seems they both enjoy it.

[cloverfdx]

I am so glad Dasher is home Val. Hopefully the panting and peeing will stop when the meds are reduced. Please give your boy a gentle hug from me. He is very lucky to have found you and Doogie :).

[ramanth]

Glad to hear that!! I can't wait to see photos of those two. :D

[K9karen]

Glad that Dasher is doing well, Val. I've been thinking about him. Sounds like you're training him well. Can't wait for pictures!

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

i'm so glad to hear Dasher will be coming off his meds soon and his seperation anxiety is getting better!

I can't wait to see the pictures of him and Doogie! Your a good mommy! :)

[pitc9]

Glad to hear things are going smooth!
Can't wait to see pictures!

[Ginger's Mom]

Glad to hear that Dasher is home and doing well (I hope that is still the case). Your note to the rescue is very sweet and I am sure they will appreciate it (enclose a picture of Dasher with it ;) ). Still send out lots of positive thoughts for you, Dasher, and Doogie.

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm still keeping you and Dasher in my thoughts and prayers every day, Val. You're such a good person to take him and give him such a wonderful home.
{{{{{{VAL, DASHER, DOOGIE}}}}}}

[dukedogsmom]

Dasher is doing good. I'm using a little rescue remedy, too. His panting and hopping from the bed to the floor kept me up almost all Tuesday night. I gave him a minimal dose but it helped a lot! Still can't leave him alone right now. I called the dog trainer that comes to the house. We can't do anything until his treatment time is done. He was shocked to hear Dasher had bitten and squeezed his way through a metal kennel. Anyway, its $50 for the evaluation. Six week program is $650. Going to have to save up for it. Will be worth the investment. I can tell that Dasher just wants to please. He's just got issues that need to be dealt with accordingly. He's been eating Doogie's food so we had to put it out of his reach. I think he's insecure and we need to find out how to give him some confidence.

[dukedogsmom]

I feed twice a day. Dasher always acts like he's starving. I'm thinking he might not have gotten fed on a regular basis at his previous home and maybe he doesn't think he'll be eating again? And when he does eat, he eats it so fast. We've had to put up the cat food to where only the cat can reach it because he was raiding it, too. I'm wondering if he could have some mineral deficiencies or something? Anyone have any ideas?

[Logan]

Val, I need to go back read this whole thread. I just read your last two posts. Our Zipper always acted like he was starving. I always figured it was because he had been a stray. Of course, our puppy, Mack, does the exact same thing!!! No excuse for him! LOL!!

Some dogs are just more interested in food than others. Our Honey could really care less, but Lilly, she would eat as much as I give her and so would Mack. Silly dogs.

Good luck with the trainer!

Logan

[lizbud]

Did Dasher's Vet do an exam for worms? If he's healthy otherwise, it
could be any medication he may be taking. I know with my dogs, Maggie
is the one who thinks she's underfed. :D Like Logan said, each dog is
different.

[Grace]

We've had to put up the cat food to where only the cat can reach it because he was raiding it, too. I'm wondering if he could have some mineral deficiencies or something? Anyone have any ideas?


As far as eating the cat food - when we got Jenny, she was 3 months old. She always wanted to eat the cat food, so we had to put it up. And she hadn't been a stray. I think, as someone else said, some dogs are like that.

[K9karen]

Val, the steroids will make Dasher hungry too. The one on one trainer will be worth it. I did it with Cody. She actually trained ME since I'm such a nimrod.

[Grace]

Bumping - to ask, how is Dasher doing these days? Any new pictures . . . .

[dukedogsmom]

Bumping - to ask, how is Dasher doing these days? Any new pictures . . . .
Hey, thanks for thinking of him. He's doing so much better. I do have some new pics and a few short videos so you can get an idea of his personality .His personality is beginning to show now that he's feeling better. He's started enjoying rolls in the grass, with vigor, I might add. He's got three more weeks before we can start to play and have some fun. He's also doing much better in reference to the SA. He's becoming more secure in his surroundings. I'm only having to give him one pill for his anxiety instead of two. I give it to him at night. The peanut butter filled Kong has also been a great help. I think he'll be fine when I'm gone now. I will still continue to leave the tv on for a while, then try to wean him off that, as well. In three more weeks, my mom and I will leave just for a couple of hours to see how he does. Keep your fingers crossed. But I can tell he's becoming a much happier dog.

[caseysmom]

Val, you might have told us but when do we find out that he is heartworm free?

[dukedogsmom]

Val, you might have told us but when do we find out that he is heartworm free?
Oh, now that I won't find out until July :( That's when they test to make sure they're gone. However, he's started on the monthly medication now. I think he'll be fine. I figured we both should be granted a break, after everything I went through last year.

[caseysmom]

I guess since he survived the treatment that is the big obastacle? I agree you both deserve a break.

[Grace]

Thank you for the update. I think of him often and check to see if there are any updates. Got tired of waiting :)

I'm glad to hear he is adjusting to life in his new home. He's one lucky dog, thanks to you coming along.

[dukedogsmom]

Here's one thing I made of him rolling in the grass. I really like it. Going to get it printed. You might not have seen it in dog general.
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/smile.jpg

[lizbud]

I love his rolling in the grass picture. :D Smokey is the one who LOVES
doing that here. I am so happy to know that Dasher is starting to feel so
much at home with his surroundings.I hope things continue to keep getting
better each & every day. You both deserve to be happy & healthy. :)

[Grace]

No, I hadn't seen it. Thanks so much for posting this. He looks like he has found heaven on earth.

[Sudilar]

Oh, he is adorable!!!!!

[dukedogsmom]

Ok everyone. Thursday morning I take Dasher in for his blood test. Please keep everything crossed that the test says negative for heartworms. I'm nervous about it.

[Cincy'sMom]

Good Luck Dasher! Hope all comes back good!

[Daisy and Delilah]

Thoughts and prayers are going out to Dasher and you, Val. I know he just has to be okay. :)

[BC_MoM]

Paws crossed!!! :)

[cloverfdx]

For once i am sending negative vibes your way ;). All fingers, paws and claws will be crossed for you both Val {{Hug}}.,

[anna_66]

Val we'll be crossing fingers and paws that the tests come back negative!

[joycenalex]

paw prayers for dasher!

[Grace]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/March16th/pray.gif

[lizbud]

Prayers for good news for Dasher. :)

[sisterdog]

Fingers, paws, and claws crossed for a negative test result for Dasher!

[CathyBogart]

Paws crossed for Dasher!

[kittycats_delight]

we are sending long distance prayers for Dasher and hugs for you Val.

[dukedogsmom]

We just got done at the vets and the heartworms are gone! I didn't sleep well last night and got up early because I was worrying. I'm so thankful he made it through. Now, I'm going to get him a delicious piece of chicken from Chick Fil A to celebrate. I also had to buy a new camera because my old one crapped out on me. I've got a few pics I can put up later. I've got a lot to learn with the new camera as it's a lot more advanced than my old one. Thanks for all your good wishes :D

[Grace]

BRAVO!!

Wonderful, fantastic news!!

I'm so very happy for you and Dasher!!

[lizbud]

Yay Dasher. :D Enjoy your chicken sweetheart. :)

[jennielynn1970]

Don't forget to order one of those AWESOME milkshakes for yourself when you're there picking up Dasher's chicken! (Ok, I'm getting hungry thinking of Chick-Fil-A now, they really have the best stuff!)

[dukedogsmom]

They have the best chicken sandwiches anywhere! Too late for the shake, though. That was this afternoon. Dasher sucked down that chicken so fast, he hardly chewed it. Now, I've got to make an appointment to get his teeth cleaned. I was just waiting for the all clear on the heartworms.

[K9karen]

Awesome news, Val! What a great relief!!! Now Dasher can have loads of fun running around without you (us) having to worry!!! Good Good Boy, Dasher!!! Pleeeeease give him oodles of hugs and kisses for me!!! Can't wait to see your pictures!!!

[dukedogsmom]

Last night, I sent Nancy (pet psychic) Dasher's Halloween and pumpkin patch pics. I'd had a reading not soon after I got him and the results weren't good. I can't find where I put that one. But, here's her reply from last night:

Wow valerie, does he feel good! What a difference!!!!

I thanked her for helping me to see what a gem of a dog dasher is.