Sparky's Saga/Update #74

[pomtzu]

My normally bouncy boy seems to be "down in the dumps" and I don't know what to do for him. He's not sick - appetite is fine and he's always first in line for cookies - but he's just not himself.

He's always been a Mamma's Boy and doesn't like it when I leave, and probably has seperation anxiety to some degree, but when I return, he gives me attitude for a while, and then all is forgiven and the old Sparky is back.

Earlier this month I was on vacation for 12 days, but that didn't make too drastic a change in his life, since this is a 3 generation household as I live with my son, DIL, and grandson, so he had everyone here with him - just not me. When I got home, I noticed he seemed sad, but I figured it was the attitude again and he would get over it in a few days. It hasn't happened. He isn't clingy toward me (unless there is a thunder storm), and seems to keep more to himself than he ever did. However, when I go out for anything, he seems to stress.

Today I had some errands to run and was gone for less than 2 hours, and my son said after I left, that Sparky laid by the living room window (I have a bow window from ceiling to floor) and watched for me to come back. I just can't figure what's going on with him.

I've been gone plenty of times before - vacations - hospital stays - and he's always been fine after giving me a little attitude about me leaving him. This time, I just don't get what's going on with him.

He and Myndi go to the vet on Monday for their annual check up and shots, and I'm going to ask her about it.

Does anyone have any ideas? It makes me sad to see him sad! :(

[Asiel]

Pomtzu- Do you think maybe if there were other dogs where you were that you brought back the scent on some of your clothes and it made Sparky anxious about another dog replacing him . Sounds weird that he would act like this after you've been back home for so long now, especially since he was at home with the rest of the family as you say. Maybe they get a bit more anxious as they age and it takes them longer to get over it. Hope he isn't coming down with something. Maybe try giving him extra attention for a few days to see what he does...poor thing, hope he gets back to normal soon.

[pomtzu]

Pomtzu- Do you think maybe if there were other dogs where you were that you brought back the scent on some of your clothes and it made Sparky anxious about another dog replacing him

That's a thought - I was at my brother's place for 12 days - and he has 2 dogs and 2 cats. But I was there last Fall too, and didn't get this kind of reaction from Sparky when I came home that time.

Another thought I had, was maybe he was traumatized by a thunder storm when he and Myndi were alone during the day when my son and DIL were at work. They said that there were a couple of afternoon storms before they got home from work. The past couple of years, Sparky has developed a fear of them, and wants to be in someone's lap when it's storming. We had a bad storm late last night, and he was under the comforter and snuggled up against me until it was over. Maybe it terrified him that there was no one to "protect" him during those afternoon storms.

I don't know! :confused: I'm grasping at straws at this point! :(

[Freedom]

Gosh, don't you just wish they could TALK?!!

Sparky, what's up, pup? Mum's worried about cha! Hmm, maybe that is exactly what he wants! ;)

Hope he comes around soon.

[Medusa]

I don't usually visit the dog side but I saw Sparky's name and I perked up. I don't have any thoughts on this other than to say that Sparky will be in my prayers, Ellie. Keep us posted. :love:

[Asiel]

The thunderstorm idea might be your answer. If he was alone and is reacting to them in a more frantic way then mybe he fears that while you're away he'll be left alone during another one. Let us know how he does this week.......

[pomtzu]

We're back from our vet visit, and I have a "probable" answer to Sparky's issues.

Bad news first tho - he has a heart murmur - grade 2 on one side and grade 3 on the other. This came on rather suddenly, since when he was in, back in March, he was fine. He has no fluid, even tho he's been coughing a little. I don't know why I didn't pick up on that! :( He's on no meds, and I have to take him back to be checked in 6 months. I'm hoping he will do as well as Myndi - she was diagnosed with a stage 3 about a year and a half ago - doesn't take any meds - no fluid - and she has never coughed - and she was stable as of today.

So doc said that all this could be part of Sparky's depression - he probably doesn't feel as spunky and energetic, and that coupled with the separation anxiety and the fear of storms, all got dumped on him at once and overwhelmed him. Even tho Dr Annie says she's no psychologist, it would be her guess that it's probably his problem. So as long as he's not "sick" and is eating good and still likes to run around outside and play, then she feels it's nothing to worry about. Makes sense to me.

He's such a sweetheart and I love that little fuzz butt so much. So if I could ask my PT friends for a little prayer for Sparky - that he does well in spite of the heart murmur - and that he soon feels back to his ornery little self.

Thanks so much.

[Medusa]

You got it, Ellie. Try not to worry too much about sweet Sparky. PT prayers work miracles, as you know. Keep the faythe. :love:

[Queen of Poop]

Praying for Sparky. Got the people fingers crossed, 2 dogs paws crossed and all the kitty paws crossed too!! The snakes would join in if they could!

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm so sorry to hear this, Ellie. These little guys can work us over when things aren't right with them. I hope he continues to feel perky and eventually comes back to his old self. My thoughts and prayers are coming to you.

[Asiel]

Sorry about the news Pomtzu. All makes sense now, probably just needs some extra rest. Keeping fingers crossed so he bounces back soon. Lavish extra love on the little guy so he'll perk up for you.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Prayers for Sparky?

Sure ... DONE!

Hopefully he'll perk back up and act like his name.

;)

[pomtzu]

Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. We're hoping for the best! :love:

[gini]

You have my prayers that Sparky bounces right back!

[Prairie Purrs]

I hope Sparky is feeling bouncy again in no time. Gatsby and Angel (who both have murmurs) send their best wishes and encouragement.

[Asiel]

How's Sparky doing Pomtzu? Any change yet? Humans can live long lives with heart murmurs, hopefully dogs are the same.

[pomtzu]

He seems a little perkier - maybe the cooler weather is helping too - altho the heat never really bothered him much.

I'm hoping he'll do good - it's just that the heart murmur came on so suddenly that has me concerned - and his vet too. I just have to watch him more closely for a while, and if I notice any changes, then I have to take him in before he is due to go back in 6 months.

Myndi has never had a problem with hers, and no advancement from the time it was diagnosed, till now. She was diagnosed at level 3 and remains at level 3, with no fluid build up, no cough, no need for meds. She's a tough little cookie :love:,and I'm hoping Sparky will follow in big sister's footsteps. She's 13 and he's 10.

[Asiel]

Probably will be fine. Maybe it will settle down after some rest and extra love and it won't bother him again for a long while. Aging sucks not only for us but for the furballs too....my fingers are still crossed, can't seem to straighten them out....lol. Joshing, I'm praying he'll show he can keep up with big sis.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Ellie, I just want you to know that I feel like I am in your shoes because I love your little ones too. It has to be so hard for you. I'm thinking about all of you daily and saying some prayers for all of you. Kisses to both of them from me please and hugs to you.:)

[pomtzu]

Terry - thank you so much. That really means so much to me. :love:

There was no noticeable change in Myndi, since it was the blood test that showed the thyroid issue had progressed. I'm thinking that the increased med will take care of that. We'll see with the next blood test in 6 months.

Sparky seems a little perkier, but not as much as I'd like him to be. I just have to keep a closer watch on him, but so far, he hasn't been coughing any more, so that's a good thing!

PT prayers do work wonders. :)

[Medusa]

So how is our Sparky today? Any perkier?

[pomtzu]

So how is our Sparky today? Any perkier?

Thanks for asking Mary - he seems somewhat better. There's nothing wrong with that boy's appetite tho. I was sitting here eating a plate of diced up cantaloupe, so of course he had to have what I was eating. A piece for me - a piece for Sparky - a piece for me - and back and forth till it was gone. :D That was his dessert. :p Is he spoiled?? - of course not. :rolleyes:

[Prairie Purrs]

Of course he's not spoiled--he was willing to let you have half of the cantaloupe. ;) My RB kitty Keke would not have been so generous, as "cataloupe" was one of her very favorite things.

So glad that Sparky is showing some improvement. Keep it up, little guy!

[pomtzu]

AARRGGHHHH - now he's limping - favoring his left front leg/paw. He started this last night. I've looked and prodded and can find nothing, and he doesn't yipe in pain when I do it, yet pulls that leg away from me.

He's testing me - I just know it!!! :rolleyes:

So I'll look more closely later to see if I can find anything, and if he's not better by Tuesday, I'll have to give his favorite doc a call. Maybe that's it - he just wants to go back to see Dr Annie - he loves her.:love:

[Daisy and Delilah]

What next, Ellie? Delilah and Daisy got a bath yesterday. Delilah has aggravated her old knee injury(she's too much like me). She's limping too. I just gave her a half of one of her pain pills.:(

Kisses to your two and I hope Sparky doesn't need a visit to the whitecoats.:(

[pomtzu]

What next, Ellie? Delilah and Daisy got a bath yesterday. Delilah has aggravated her old knee injury(she's too much like me). She's limping too. I just gave her a half of one of her pain pills.:(

Kisses to your two and I hope Sparky doesn't need a visit to the whitecoats.:(


What next Terry?? - nothing I hope. If it was his back leg, then I would know it was his bad knee - but this is the front. :confused:

So my DIL held him from squirming and I did a thorough check. Checked the joints, checked his foot pads and between his toes - nothing. I thought maybe he had cut his foot outside or stepped on a wasp (we have those darned ones that burrow in the ground), or had something going on between his toes, or ripped a nail - but now I've come to the conclusion that he probably sprained his leg jumping up on or jumping off the bed. Don't know what else it could be at this point. I'll just watch and wait and see what happens.

Kids!!!!...........:p

[Daisy and Delilah]

Does he possibly have arthritis in that leg, Ellie? Delilah seems to be ok now. She rested it as much as she could and I see a big improvement. Thank goodness!! These youngins just can't stay still. They think they're still puppies.:eek:

[pomtzu]

Does he possibly have arthritis in that leg, Ellie? Delilah seems to be ok now. She rested it as much as she could and I see a big improvement. Thank goodness!! These youngins just can't stay still. They think they're still puppies.:eek:

I don't know Terry - it came on pretty sudden. One minute he's racing me to see who gets to the door first, and a few hours later he's limping around.

He was walking on it pretty good last night and I thought it might be getting better. Today he doesn't even want to walk from one room to the next, and is just laying around looking dejected and won't even get up and come when I call him. I had to carry him up and down the outside steps because he wouldn't do it himself -and it's only 4 steps. I don't know if I should be encouraging him to walk on it, or if I should just let him rest it. I went out and got some baby aspirin - I gave him one and will give him another later tonight. I think a call to the whitecoats in the morning is a must at this point. I guess he just has me extra worried since he's never been sick!

I'm glad to hear that little Delilah is feeling better. Sending kisses to her and Daisy too! :love:

[Daisy and Delilah]

I don't know Terry - it came on pretty sudden. One minute he's racing me to see who gets to the door first, and a few hours later he's limping around.

He was walking on it pretty good last night and I thought it might be getting better. Today he doesn't even want to walk from one room to the next, and is just laying around looking dejected and won't even get up and come when I call him. I had to carry him up and down the outside steps because he wouldn't do it himself -and it's only 4 steps. I don't know if I should be encouraging him to walk on it, or if I should just let him rest it. I went out and got some baby aspirin - I gave him one and will give him another later tonight. I think a call to the whitecoats in the morning is a must at this point. I guess he just has me extra worried since he's never been sick!

I'm glad to hear that little Delilah is feeling better. Sending kisses to her and Daisy too! :love:

Kisses delivered.:) Let us know how that little guy is doing today, Ellie. His injury is identical to what happens to Delilah. She aggravated her old injury. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers today.

[pomtzu]

Kisses delivered.:) Let us know how that little guy is doing today, Ellie. His injury is identical to what happens to Delilah. She aggravated her old injury. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers today.

Terry - if I didn't know better - I'd swear he is playing head games with me. I'm not amused! This morning he's walking around like nothing happened yesterday and over the weekend. He's not exactly racing me to the door, but he's moving around and not just laying in one spot, jumped down off the bed, went up and down the steps by himself, no limping - so go figure. I don't think just a couple of doses of aspirin would make him miraculously better, but who knows??:rolleyes: I gave him another this morning for good measure and will keep an eye on him, but for now anyway, I guess he got out of a trip to the whitecoats.

Maybe those little pieces of chicken he got last night helped??? :rolleyes: :D He loves chicken cooked on the grill. :p

[Pinot's Mom]

I'm sorry there's been a problem with Sparky, Ellie, I hadn't seen this thread. I hope he just had something a bit inflamed and the aspirin brought it under control. Sending good thoughts and prayers to the little guy! :love:

Maggie

[Daisy and Delilah]

Don't be surprised if the sympathy act comes out again when he starts thinking of chicken.;) I'm so glad to hear he's better. :)

[pomtzu]

Thank you all for your concern. :love:

I'm so relieved that he's feeling better. I just wish I knew what his problem was in the first place. :confused:

If he could just talk.............:)

[Daisy and Delilah]

Thank you all for your concern. :love:

I'm so relieved that he's feeling better. I just wish I knew what his problem was in the first place. :confused:

If he could just talk.............:)

I can't count the times I've wished they could talk. It would be so darn convenient wouldn't it??:confused: :D

[pomtzu]

Did I say he was doing better?? - no more limping?? Make that past tense. :(

He started limping a little again yesterday - more today - doesn't want to do the steps - just wants to lay around. I had cut back the aspirin to one a day, so guess I'll go back to two.

I'm thinking arthritis - he's the stiffest in the morning, and by the end of the day, seems more mobile. Yesterday was chilly and damp, and today it's pouring rain and chilly - not the best conditions for an arthritic. And as before - that's just a guess.

I'll call doc later, see if I can get him in on Monday, or if she has any ideas without seeing him.

[Asiel]

Sorry I didn't notice your post before Pomtzu. It would sound like he's playing mind games with you but we all now they won't do that...will they?...
I think you're right about getting him checked out. I'm wondering if this could be tied in with the heart murmur? Did the vet say it was causing him any kind of discomfort, it doesn't usually but who knows with dogs.
Yes, I think one dose of aspirin could make a difference. My dog had a bit of a strenuous time Sunday and I noticed he was in a lot of pain after we got home so I decided to give him a dose of Metacam and in an hour he was his old self again. He hasn't needed any since but he just goes for daily walks as usual . Let me know how he's doing when you get some news from your vet, sure hope it's nothing serious. Does his leg feel warm to the touch?

[Daisy and Delilah]

Ellie, I sure hope you figure out what's going on soon. I know it must be heartbreaking when this starts again. Keep us posted. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Feel better Sparky!!!! We're rooting for you , Little Buddy!!

[pomtzu]

I started him back on more aspirin yesterday, but no change for the better yet. I couldn't get in touch with his vet yesterday. We had torrential rain all day and it must have affected the phone lines. My internet went out in the a.m. and was down all day, and I was getting only about half of my cable channels.

He still doesn't want to move around, etc, but this time he's going to the vet, regardless if he's doing better or not. I'll call her first thing Monday and hope she'll be able to see him right away. She knows I don't cry wolf, so I probably won't have a problem.

[Asiel]

Sparky does sound like he has an underlying problem. Glad he'll be going to the vet's on Monday. I'll keep my fingers crossed that nothing serious is happening with him, I know how much those little fur friends mean to you.

[Medusa]

Oh I hope you get a good vet report, Ellie. How worrisome this must be for you. I'll keep you both in my prayers. Keep the faythe. :love:

[pomtzu]

OK - so here's the latest.

I had to run in town this a.m., and noticed a light on in the vet's office, so thought I'd stop in and make an appointment for Monday. When I told her what was going on, she said to bring him right in - today! Came back home to pick him up - and of course he wasn't limping again after being hardly able to walk all day yesterday and this morning! :eek:
The first thing I jokingly asked her was if they are capable of playing head games - and she gave me an emphatic "Oh yes!!!"
So we went in, and the first thing she suspected was Lyme's (typical symptoms) - vaccines are only 80% effective. She drew blood for a test and it came up negative. She doesn't feel it's arthritis since it came on so sudden, so it's probably looking like a sprain or jamming type injury. It might feel better for a while and then he somehow aggravates it by jumping up and down off the bed, or going up and down steps. She did say too, that she saw a hint of a limp, but it was nothing compared to what it has been.
So - I have to lift him up and down off the bed, and carry him up and down the steps for a couple of weeks - a baby aspirin 4 times a day - and if he hasn't drastically improved in that time, then she will do an x-ray to check for arthritis.
So at least that has relieved my mind somewhat. If it's just a sprain, then that's great - if it's arthritis, at least he can take meds for it and it isn't life threatening. He and I will just hobble along together.

Sparky and I both thank you all for the prayers and positive vibes. :love:

[Daisy and Delilah]

OMG Ellie!! What luck you got into the vet today!! Amazing. I've got to tell you, when Delilah hurt herself back several months ago, she was acting just like Sparky is. She is normally a very peppy dog for her age(she's 10 now). When she jurt herself after her bath the other day, she was right back to acting out of it, lethargic, uninterested in anything, etc.

I can't give her aspirin because it doesn't agree with her. She got sick with it. They gave me Duramaxx(I think that's it). Another time she got Rimadyl(I think). Both of those made her act completely different. Once she got over the pain, I think she was back to normal. This could be why Sparky is "coming and going" with the limping. Sometimes the aspirin may be kicking in and other times, not so much. This all sounds so familiar. I think Sparky is going to be ok from the sounds of it. I sure hope so.

Sorry I'm not sure about the medicine names. If I wasn't so lazy I would go look. If you want to know, PM me and I'll find out for you.

Feel better Sparky!!! I think I know how you feel, sweetheart!!!:)

[pomtzu]

Well - things aren't looking rosy and I'm still trying to figure out what the heck is going on. He was originally limping and favoring his left leg up until he went to the vet on Saturday. When we got home and I got him out of the car and set him down to walk, he was favoring the right leg. AARRGGGHHHH!!!! What's with this pup??? Ever since Saturday he has been hobbling around like an old man. Aspirin doesn't seem to be helping. Sometimes he's a little perkier and mobile than others - like yesterday he was really bad, yet today he seems a little better and is moving around more. But it's still the right leg. I don't want to call the vet just yet since she said to give it 2 weeks, but this whole thing is just so darned strange - good days/bad days - left leg/right leg...:confused: Maybe I'll call her on Friday if there's no change. Do you think I should, or just give it the full 2 weeks? I'm open to suggestions.

[Pinot's Mom]

Ellie, call the vet. It'll make you feel better about Sparky's treatment - just to make sure. Let us know.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Ellie, sorry I am just checking this. Wow!! What is going on? It sure sounds like my arthritis. I hope you find out soon what's going on for sure. It's hard to call. If you think the vet can shed some light, call and see what can be done. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[Asiel]

Just noticed more bad news for Sparky. If he was a younger dog I would suspect pano although I've never seen it in small dogs. But he isn't a growing pup so this is strange. I would probably have called the vet as soon as I noticed the change in the leg, but then I scare pretty easy when it comes to my dogs. Weird that arthritis would be coming on so suddenly and now in both legs....really has me wondering pomtzu. Your vet might decide to do x-rays when the time is up if he hasn't improved. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it disappears as fast as it came on.
Sorry about all the trouble and worry you're going through.

[pomtzu]

Well it's a little better news, so for now I'll hold off calling the vet back and give it the full 2 weeks that she said. I just hope it's not one step forward and two steps back tho. Of course if he gets worse again, then I'll take him in.

Yesterday he was really feeling his oats. He came running (in a hobbling sort of way) to the door to greet me when I came home from shopping. Then last night the little stinker jumped up on the bed before I had a chance to pick him up - and that's a no-no to be jumping. He also jumped up the steps before I could get to him - another no-no. He's still limping, but is moving around a lot better and not just laying around in one spot and not wanting to move, like he was. He's about the same today as he was yesterday.

So as long as he doesn't backslide again, I'm relieved somewhat, and hope that he will continue to make progress. I imagine that the vet will still take x-rays when he goes back, since it seems to affecting both legs. I just can't imagine what it could be, other than arthritis. Doesn't really sound like a sprain now that both legs are affected.

But then - what do I know :confused::rolleyes::p

[Daisy and Delilah]

How is Sparky doing, Ellie? I hope the little guy is back to normal.

[pomtzu]

How is Sparky doing, Ellie? I hope the little guy is back to normal.

Terry - normal he is not. :eek:

It's like he flips a switch - one minute he is limping and the next he is just fine. He's much more active than he was, but that limp is still there a lot - first in one leg and then in the other. And it appears at times he's favoring that back leg too, that has the bad knee. I'm trying to keep him from jumping on and off the bed, and the back steps too, but sometimes he beats me too it and it doesn't seem to bother him.

So yesterday we cut grass, and when he went outside this morning, had grass all on his feet since the grass was wet from dew, and I took a towel to clean them off before he came back in the house. When I picked up his front foot (the original problem one), he gave out a yelp, so something in that leg is still hurting him. I've had him on the baby aspirin which has helped some I guess, but now I'm back to square one. I have to call the vet a little later and get an appointment, since I just don't know what else to do at this point.

I'll keep you posted.....:eek::D

[Asiel]

Been keeping my eye on this thread to see if we would finally know how Sparky was. Since there was nothing I assumed all was well, so sorry the little fluff ball is still limping Pomtzu.
So odd the way it jumps from leg to leg and seems to be spreading to all four. Hope the vet can figure out what it is. It sure came on suddenly if it is arthritis.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Thanks for the update, Ellie. Sorry it isn't so good.

This sounds exactly like Delilah when she had the sprain(sorry for being a broken record on this). Even with the meds, it was touch and go at times. I had to monitor her all the time.

I know how hard it is to keep them from jumping up and down. Best wishes to you for finding out what's going on asap!!

[pomtzu]

He's been running around, just happy as a clam, for the past couple of days and only a very slight limp.

But - He's going to the vet on Monday at 2:30 - no if's, and's, or but's!! We're going to get to the root of this problem yet.

He desperately needs to go to the groomer, but I don't want to stress him out before I find out what's going on. So today I got out the scissors and played groomer. He doesn't look too bad - actually a lot better than he did - and he probably feels better too. But a groomer I am not! :eek:

I'll update after his doctor visit. :) I'm hoping for a simple fix.

[Asiel]

Glad he'll finally be seeing the vet, I'm getting so curious about the limping off and on. Hope it's just a passing thing.

So, you're into grooming now, maybe try to give yourself a haircut to see how that turns out since you were so successful with Sparky....dare you..lol.

[pomtzu]

So, you're into grooming now, maybe try to give yourself a haircut to see how that turns out since you were so successful with Sparky....dare you..lol.

Yup - I need a haircut, but it will wait..........:p

Call me chicken!:eek:

[Medusa]

Yup - I need a haircut, but it will wait..........:p

Call me chicken!:eek:

Bok bok! ;)

[pomtzu]

Okay ladies - I'll git ya' both when you least expect it.........:eek::p

[Asiel]

cluck cluck:D

[pomtzu]

Well - Sparky-Doodle had his doctor appointment this afternoon.......

When I described to Dr Annie what's been going on the past 3 weeks since he was last in, her comment was: "This is not a textbook case!" Just what I needed to hear! :eek:

Of course he hasn't been limping hardly at all for the past few days, and he just had to show her there's no problem, and why am I here?? - by jumping up on the bench in the reception area! :rolleyes:

I told her of the back and forth of feeling good with almost no limp, to limping badly and not wanting to move, loss of appetite occasionally, the limp moving from leg to leg to leg, one day acting like his bouncy, blitzy self, and then going to being a lethargic lump...:(

She said that this is all classic symptoms of Lyme's. Yes - he tested negative, but there is a 2% chance of a false negative result. If it was a disc problem in his spine, it wouldn't be affecting both front and back legs and moving to different locations, and it's not likely arthritis in his legs since it came on so suddenly.

So - she took him off the baby aspirin unless I feel he absolutely needs it, and put him on Amoxicillin twice a day for 10 days, and if he continues to improve as he is doing now and at the end of the 10 days, she will continue him on it for the full 30 day treatment and assume it was a false negative test. If he gets worse, then the x-rays start and my bank account depletes in time for Christmas shopping. But I'll do what needs to be done for my little Lovebug!

Today she didn't even charge me for an office visit - just for the antibiotics. She's a peach! :D

So if I could ask for some good vibes to be sent Sparky's way - we will both be so grateful. Thanks friends! :love: You're all peachy too! ;)

[Moesha]

I sure hope that this helps Sparky and that he gets back to feeling like himself all the time!

[Medusa]

Sounds like you have a pretty cool vet, too, El. Sure hope that you get to the bottom of this soon. I'm glad that Sparky is feeling better, though, and I hope that this treatment works. :)

[Pinot's Mom]

Ellie I was away and didn't catch up on this until now. I'm sorry there's no definite diagnosis, but it's good Sparky is feeling better! I hope that continues and the antibiotics help....good thoughts and prayers coming!

[Asiel]

Been watching for the answer to Sparky's problems , glad I checked in and found this. Not the best news but it sounds like your vet might be unto something and at least something positive is being done. Glad he's on the antibiotics and I hope it does the trick for him. Will keep my fingers crossed for Sparky and hope he goes easy on the bank account. Gotta do what we gotta do for our fur pals.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Wow, Ellie, this is just strange. You must be ready to lose it some more. At least some things have been eliminated. I'm surprised it isn't arthritis. I always marvel at how well dogs hide their pain. Do you suppose he's been hiding it and he could no longer keep it a secret. Meaning, it could be arthritis?? I'm not a doctor of course.
I'm glad he's on the antibiotics and I hope this does some good. This is exhausing isn't it? Poor little guy and poor Mom.

Your vet is awesome!! I have a fabulous vet team but they want their money no matter what.

I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers and look forward to hearing that Sparky is mending nicely. Did she suggest some Rimadyl or somthing else for pain?

[pomtzu]

He's Mr Bouncy-Blitzy this morning again. This is good! ;)

No Terry - he's not on any pain meds. She took him off the aspirin too, and wants to see what the antibiotic alone is going to do. She said if he appears to be distressed and in pain again, to put him back on the aspirin. But the way he's moving and jumping up and down off the bed and steps, he definitely doesn't appear to be in any pain.

Thanks again everybody for the well wishes. :love: I'll keep you posted on his progress. :D

[Daisy and Delilah]

My goodness, Ellie, I feel the confusion you must be going through. I hope he continues to act like a puppy and all of the other stuff will go away!! Still thinking of you and the pups. :)

[pomtzu]

He seems to be on the right track - hope it continues. Hardly a noticeable limp left - if any - and his energy level is coming back to where it was.

He went tearing across the back yard this morning in pursuit of a squirrel. He's fast - but not that fast. :p

The only thing I have noticed, is that he is hesitant about jumping down off the bed, but he will jump up on it without any hesitation. Maybe that's still uncomfortable for him, so I just pick him up and put him down on the floor. He'll go up and down steps without a problem, but from bed to floor is a greater distance than it is between steps.

I'm just happy that he's doing as good as he is, and feeling better. The last month or two has been a roller coaster ride with him! :eek: I guess it was Lyme's afterall, and hopefully a month on the antibiotics will get rid of it for good.

[Asiel]

Great news Pomtzu. Hope Sparky keeps on feeling better each day. Jumping off the bed probably hurts him, like a dog jumping bars in obedience or sometimes horses taking jumps. They land on their forefront pretty hard so just continue lifting him and putting him down, that's what moms do for their fur friends. He's probably enjoying that extra butler service.

[pomtzu]

He's probably enjoying that extra butler service.

More like "slave service"..........:D

[Daisy and Delilah]

More like "slave service"..........:D

Ain't that the truth!!:D These dogs are so clever. How can anybody think they're not smart? Those are people that have never been around them long enough, etc.

I am hoping and praying some more that he will continue to improve. Mom needs a break.:)

[Grace]

The only thing I have noticed, is that he is hesitant about jumping down off the bed, but he will jump up on it without any hesitation. Maybe that's still uncomfortable for him, so I just pick him up and put him down on the floor. He'll go up and down steps without a problem, but from bed to floor is a greater distance than it is between steps.


Why don't you get one of those bed-stair things for him? Then he could get up and down from the bed by himself - and save your back :)

For example -

http://images2.orvis.com/orvis_assets/prodimg/34E0.jpg

[pomtzu]

Why don't you get one of those bed-stair things for him? Then he could get up and down from the bed by himself - and save your back :)

For example -

http://images2.orvis.com/orvis_assets/prodimg/34E0.jpg


Gretchen - I hope you know that I didn't let him see that pic. He would never give me a minute's rest until I bought him one! :p

I had thought about one if it gets to the point where he really needs one, but right now, I think there might be some "drama king" effecting his issue with jumping off the bed. Thank goodness he only weighs about 12 lbs! :D

[Asiel]

Never thought of that but it's a great idea. If you find it takes up too much romm you can get a ramp, my daughter has one for her aged dog who can't get up or down and it's the greatest thing yet. Nothing too good for a "drama king", maybe you could get it for Christmas, bet you could even make your own. Awww......pretty please mommy....:D

[Daisy and Delilah]

I have to have steps all over the house for Daisy so Delilah just uses them too. Delilah can fly through the air if she's feeling good so sometimes, she doesn't use them. :)

[pomtzu]

Thought I'd post an update today on Sparky's progress.

This morning he took the last of his 30 day antibiotic treatment for Lyme's, so I guess it's a wait and see what happens now vigil.

He's back to his normal self and there hasn't been any more limping or moping around either. He seems to be back to the way he was before all this started back in August. He's the silly, blitzy, fuzz ball of energy and goofiness that he was before.

I guess a little medicine and a lot of PT prayers and well wishes did the trick for him. We both thank you all! :D

[Freedom]

He's back to his normal self

Atta boy, Sparky!!!

[Daisy and Delilah]

Great news to hear, Ellie!! I am thrilled to read this. I can't believe it but Delilah is limping again. She gets so excited, she can't slow down. After chasing through the house after cats yesterday, she is limping. I'm trying everything I can to keep her still. I think she defintely has arthritis and it's getting worse as she gets older.

I will keep praying for Sparky and you, of course. I hope he stays like he is now and it doesn't happen again.

[Medusa]

He's back to his normal self

Atta boy, Sparky!!!

Ditto!