Graham is getting so sore :(

[AdoreMyDogs]

I am almost to the point where I have to leave Graham home when I take Kersey on long walks or take her to the dog park because Graham gets so sore in his bad leg (left front leg) that he gets very lame and limps alot :( . He was always so strong and fit and agile, and now he is at risk of being left at home when I take Kersey to the dog park. It simply breaks my heart, and I know that Kersey would really miss Graham on her outings because she worships him.

I have already gotten my second refill of Rimidyl for poor Graham. There are some days where he gets two doses, one in the morning and one in the evening, simply from one trip to the dog park. When I do take him to the dog park I have to restrict the amount he runs and plays. I feel so bad having to call him back to me when he starts running too fast or getting too into the play. Kersey gets to do all the playing that she wants and Graham so much wants to join her but I always have to restrict him from too much running.

I wish it never happened. It is worse then I thought. The orthopedic surgeon didn't tell me how painful Graham would be if he ran too much or too fast. He didn't tell me how often I would have to give Graham rimidyl for his pain. I am sad to have lost my active, healthy, energetic Graham. He has aged both physically and mentally a huge amount since the accident and I almost can't bear it.

The pain is not in his actual incision site, it's in his shoulder blade. I do massages and that seems to help a little bit, but I think it's just from the extra pressure that shoulder joint has to put up with due to the lack of bending of his "ankle" joint.

I worry that eventually Graham may need his leg amputated. That is an option if he becomes too sore and/or too arthritic. I just wish it never happened. It kills me to think of Graham's sad look as I head out the door and into my car with Kersey for a fun trip to the dog park. I am just so torn about taking Graham to the dog park. I know that, especially after waiting all day for me to come home from work, he so much enjoyes the dog park and he gets SOO excited when we are in the car and getting close to it. How could I possibly take that away from him? Especially since I have already taken away his agility, which he adored.

I am sorry for babbleing. I just wish it never happened. Graham is my best friend and I am at the point where I need to leave him at home and it absolutely breaks my heart. He's my angel. My most precious boy. My best friend. I just don't know what to do...

[anna_66]

Can I ask what happened to Graham? It sounds so awful for him, I'm so sorry:( I understand what's it like. Angus is getting the same way, & I feel awful when I take Roxey for rides & have to leave him alone, he wouldn't be able to go but about 1/2 mile or so without hurting. He also gets sore when he plays, we aren't giving him the Rimidyl right now, just asprin. I can't imagine giving him 2 a day, again, I'm so sorry:( Anna

[Logan]

Bless his heart, Leslie. :( I hate to hear that he is hurting. You're just going to have to map out a different plan for him, and give him equal one on one time. Don't you wish you could just add a few more hours to your day? Is there a place he can swim? Or could you just take him on a leisurely walk, by himself, so he could get outside and enjoy being with you? Maybe Dan needs to take one, and you the other, and give them each the kind of exercise they need.

Don't give up! I know you'll figure out the right program for him, but I certainly understand your worry and concern. His life, and yours, have changed dramatically over this whole ordeal.

Anna, there is a post way back in this section about Graham's accident. I didn't have time to find it for you this morning, but if you use the search feature and look in Dog Health for a topic that is something like "Graham had an accident", you can go back read all that this boy went through after taking a fall off of a second floor balcony :( and the subsequent surgery and rehab that was required. He had quite a hard time, but his loving mom and dad, have gotten him through it.

[Dixieland Dancer]

Leslie, is it too hard on you and Graham to take him along but have him stay with you while Kersey runs? I also liked Logan's idea about taking them somewhere where they can swim. Swimming is a great activitiy with little stress to the joints!

I can only imagine how difficult this is for you. :( Hang in there and keep your chin up. I know you will figure something out! ;)

[sasvermont]

Sorry to hear about your pup and its slow recovery from the injury. There are joint supplements you can buy....similar to those (minerals/vitamins) for humans. I too think swimming would be good.....

I feel so sorry for Graham. AWwwwwww. Poor guy.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Originally posted by sasvermont
Sorry to hear about your pup and its slow recovery from the injury. There are joint supplements you can buy....similar to those (minerals/vitamins) for humans. I too think swimming would be good.....

I feel so sorry for Graham. AWwwwwww. Poor guy.

Thank you so much. Yes it's so hard. He's so precious to me, so it's very difficult to see him in pain so often. Graham does get a very good quality glucosomine supplement daily and that will continue for the rest of his life. I do take him swimming and he does very much enjoy that. I guess I have some decisions about the dog park. In order to prevent Kersey from becoming bored, not only does she get training, but she goes to the dog park 4-6 times per week, depending on the weather.

Thank you so much for caring. This is just another reminder that this is not overwith.

[Presley]

I was reading this and was going to say why don't you try glucosomine, My moms horse had 3 bad injuries when she was between 2-4yo and now has joint problems. She is also very young still and will probably need to be on glucosomine for the rest of her life. Also, When my mom went into the health store to talk to them about getting in glucosomine the man told her she needs to add garlic and vitamin C also. She spoke to her vet about this and she also said the same thing. They help absorb the glucosomine, Also the vitamin C promotes the growth of connective tissue.
This is the case for people and horses so i'm sure it is the same for dogs. You might want to ask your vet about this.....

[Gio]

Leslie, I'm so very sorry to hear this. I can understand how heartbreaking this is for you. I can't offer any advice but I just want to let you know that I'll be thinking of you and Graham. DOn't give up, you will find a good programe to keep him excercise that will also prevent him from getting bored. Please take care and give that wonderful boy of yours a huge hug from me.

[Danna]

At the risk of sounding completely stupid, could you use a child's wagon or stroller to take Graham on your walks? That way he could be with you but not actually have to walk and stress his leg more.

[aly]

Leslie, I know how heartbreaking this is. I can't imagine how hurtful it is to see your baby like that. I would rather it happened to me than our poor, sweet, active Graham.

I just wanted to tell you that I have seen several dogs come through the shelter that have had to have legs amputated. If it comes to this point for Graham (which I doubt it will), it may be better for him. Dogs can still run and play with three legs. Maybe then he wouldn't have pain? Sydney, a dog we had last summer, had his front left leg amputated in a surgery at our shelter. I woke up early the next morning to come in and see him. Sydney felt better than he had in the weeks since he had arrived at the shelter. A few days after that, I was jogging Sydney around our field several times a day. He loved it and could go a lot faster than me!

I don't think Graham will have to have his leg amputated, but if he does I just don't want you to worry. Whatever happens, I know you provide the best life for Graham. Maybe there's something else besides agility that he can become passionate about that doesnt require so much moving around.

I'm so sorry you're going through this :(

[aly]

Here's a little picture of Sydney. Sorry I don't have a better one.

[lizbud]

Leslie,

I am so sorry that Graham is hurting and you are hurting
too.:( It is sad that he can't yet keep up with Kersey.
I was trying to remember when Graham's surgery was,
Nov or Dec ? Maybe it's to soon to expect him to be 100%.
Have you called the ortho surgeon and voiced your concern
about Graham's recovery time? What's the timeline on this
type of surgery? Hope you don't leave him behind when
you guys go to the dog park, but I can understand that
he might still need to take in slow for awhile longer.
I know this must be a very tough time for you now. Just
want to say that you & Graham are in my prayers.
All The Best, Liz & Buddy.

[shais_mom]

I am so sorry to hear about Graham. I think everyone made wonderful suggestions. I just saw a commercial on TV for Pedigree joint care treats. You could try those. I think if you go to their website and sign up they will send you a free 10 day sample.

[Sudilar]

Oh, Leslie, it must hurt horribly to see Graham not able to join in like he used to! I wish it had never happened to Graham, too. He was our most athletic boy! Life is so unfair. I know you will work something out for him. Maybe he just needs a little more recouperating. Hang in there and know that you and Graham are in our prayers.

Sue, Killian and Shiloh

[Gio]

Leslie, last night I could not sleep for some reason and I found myself thinking of Graham. When he took his plaster off you took him to that wonderful facility. Have you tried to contact them and ask for advice? Even if the surgeon did not warn you of what Graham might have to face, perhaps they can give you some tips or help you to prepare the appropriate excercise plan. This is just a thought, perhaps you have already done all this.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Leslie,

I am sorry to hear about poor Graham's leg. I wish it had never happened. It breaks my heart to think of Graham being in pain and mostly not getting to do stuff doggis live for!

May I make a suggestion? Why don't you and hubby take the dogs together to the dog park. That way one of you can tend to Kersey and the other one makes sure Graham is still able to play but within his physical capabilities.

I know that amputation is very difficult for all of you, but may be the best solution if your vet recommends it. If it comes down to it, I am sure that Graham would be better off that how he is now. I have seen dozens of dogs with an amputated leg and they seem to cope with it well. In fact, they are able to do more with out the bag leg weighing them down.

No matter what happens, Leslie, just remember that we will all be here for you at Pet Talk. I know that you and your husband will do what is best for Graham.

Hugs and kisses to sweet Graham boy and Kersey.

[mruffruff]

I feel so bad for you and Graham. You've been through so much .
I know how much he wants to run & play with the other dogs. My Scruffy used to scream when he was playing with the other dogs. He stopped using his back leg because of the pain, and the muscles atrophied. His vet & I opted to have his back leg removed. Now he can play with no pain. It may not have been the only solution, but it worked for us. He can really fly around the yard. He's a lot happier so I am too.

While I'm not advocating amputation as a cure all, it really isn't the end of an active life. It sure beats pain and frustration for the dog.

I hope you can find a solution for Graham. You both deserve some good times.

Mary

[jennifert]

Leslie, I'm so sorry to hear about Graham's pain. And yours. :( It does make it harder and more obvious now that Kersey is a part of your family, I'm sure. Some of the other suggestions people have made sound great, especially the swimming.

I'm so tempted to say" Oh everything will be fine, don't worry" but that would be something a non-Pet Talker would say who doesn't understand the pain and hurt you feel over your precious Graham and his quality of life.
And I do and I'm sorry and wish there was more that I could do for you.

[K9karen]

:( :( :( My poor, sweet, frustrated, sad friend Lesle. I actually feel your pain, esp; when to comes to my 2nd favorite boy of all time. Please call the surgeon and get further details on the prognosis. Nothing heals overnight and sweet Graham's ordeal was not an easy one. How about acupuncture? I've never had to use it so far, buth the Codmeister is ten, with bad hips and there's nothing I wouldn't try. I know you feel so desperate. All Cody had was double ALC surgery and I freaked out! I wish there was something I could do. I love you guys to pieces1

[AdoreMyDogs]

Thank you all so much. I have actually been taking Graham to the dog park and basically walking threw the park and threw the gate at the opposite end, which leads to a huge park/nature preserve. The dog park is actually a park inside of a park. Outside of the dog park they have some lovely grassy fields and trails and it's a 10-15 minute walk to a gorgeous, and completely secluded dock where the dogs can swim, and as soon as it's warm enough, I can join them. The water is lovely, clean and unpolutted. I have been taking Graham swimming daily either in the park outside of the dog park, or at the lake across the street from me. He SOOOOO much enjoys it. I am really glad that he loves swimming so much because it's pretty beneficial to his recovery.

Today we had a really crummy thing happen that will prevent Graham from having much fun for the next couple or more days. I took him to the pond across the street and was swimming the dogs, when it seemed like Graham started swimming funny...then when he got to shore he was holding up HIS GOOD FOOT!!! I put him in a down and rolled him over. I lifted up his good foot (his right front foot) to examine it and he started wimpering! I knew he hurt himself but it took a bit of exploration to figure out how it was hurt. I first bent his ankle and it seemed fine, then I moved to his pads and didn't notice anything. I then began spreading his toes one by one and I found that he had pierced the webbing on his good foot between his toes and it was bleeding pretty bad. Poor guy :( He now has 2 bum front legs :(

I thought about carrying him home because he was limping so bad, but he's 47 pounds and I had a good distance to walk so I just walked slowly with him, and Dan walked with Kersey. When I got home I put Graham in a down, rolled him over, and began to cut all the hair around his puncture wound so I could see if I saw any foreign objects sticking out of the hole, and it looked like it was just a puncture wound. I then carried him into the bathtub and with the shower head, irrigated the hole and washed away all the cut hairs so he could heal. Then I took him out of the tub and poured peroxide around and inside of the hole and then put antibiotic ointment on his foot. Then I put a doggie bootie on him so he wouldn't lick the wound. I'll wait it out today and see how he does with my make-shift veterinary care. I also gave him a rimidyl because he was really holding the foot up. If he's in alot of pain tomorrow and he appears to be no better then I am going to take him in to the vet to make double sure there's no foreign objects or splinters in the wound. They may also give him a dose of antibiotics because my guess is that whatever he stepped on in the water while swimming, it was not sterile.

I hope he's ok and this puncture wound heals quickly. I have no idea what he cut his foot on but my guess is that there was a block of wood with a nail sticking out of it. The puncture wound on his foot webbing is about the sized of a large nail. My poor angel :( We just aren't having luck lately.

I feel terrible for him but I am trying to remain positive that the nail, or whatever he stepped on in the water, will not infect his foot. I will keep a close eye on the puncture wound and his willingness to use the foot. My poor baby :(

[LoudLou]

Ah, Graham.:( So sorry you are having such a tough go at it lately.:( Hope things turn around soon. Just know that we all LOVE YOU and your Parents! We think about y'all all the time. Loves to you all.

[sabies]

poor Graham, hang in there! Even if it leads to amputation Graham will still be a lucky, happy dog. Hope things get better.

[Gio]

Gosh, not this as well:( . Continued thoughts and prayers are on your way Leslie. Please keep us posted when you have the time.

[Albea]

Oh Leslie! What a run of bad luck you and poor Graham had lately:( :( :( I hope his new injury heals quickly.
Could you ask your vet if glucosamine would help the mobility in his operated leg? It's just a thought. I wish I could do something more useful to diminish his pain (and yours).
You are always in our get well soon list.
Love to Mr. "G" from Carina and Alicia

[jennifert]

Holy Mackerel!! ( That couldn't be what he stepped on could it! ;) ) It's just one thing after another... Poor Graham!! Poor Leslie!!

Here in New York, we have things called zebra mussels in the water and the dogs cut and scrape their paws on them. We have built them a ramp now so they can climb in and out over the rocks. Could those be what he stepped on? They are as sharp as razor blades! :eek:
Duncan went to the vet for some of his cuts and the vet said to keep it clean and put triple antibiotic on them until they heal.
What a bummer that the swimming thing didn't even turn out...Well things will get better!! PROMISE!

On a side note Leslie, this morning I was walking the dogs at the park near my house and Duncan was lagging behind. Jack and I just kept walking as he will usually just run and catch up. Well, he did but he took a shortcut to us, RIGHT OFF A 10 FOOT WALL!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe my eyes and it was like slow motion when he was in the air! My life (and your's and Graham's) flashed in front of my eyes!!!! I was terrified what I would see when all of a sudden he just came running around the corner like "No big deal Mom!!" :eek: :eek: AARRRGGGHHH!! I'm at work now but I felt his legs and we walked about another 2 miles and he seemed fine. Unbelievable, the things they do to us!

[RachelJ]

Of course this thread is heartbreaking to me. The other posters have offered some very good suggestions, so I am not going to try to add anything except all our love for Graham.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Thanks for caring, everyone. You are all super wonderful. I just got back from the vet with Graham and Kersey. Kersey had her rear dewclaws removed and Graham's foot swelled quite a bit where he stepped on the nail. Out of the hole in his foot, there was puss oozing out. I knew that they had to treat him, because I can't have him developing permenant damage to his good foot too.

All is well. I am soaking Graham's foot in epsom salt and nolvasan, plus he has an antiobiotic plus another refill of rimidyl tabs. If his swealing does not go down by Saturday I have to take him back to the vet to have them anesthitize Graham and look into the hole and make sure there are no splinters, or anything. My poor pups :(

Kersey also surprised me after we left the vets office I took the dogs to go to the bathroom before we hit the road, and Kersey pooped and there were these white things that were MOVING in her poop!!! Now I did put her on Frontline and Advantage when I first got her, but she must have ingested a flea at some point in her life before she came to live with us because she has TAPEWORMS!!! I was really disgusted! On Saturday I even had them run a stool check on her and it came out negative for any parasites. So Kersey was also de-wormed today. That is probablly why she's just so thin, and she does not seem to be gaining any weight even though I feed her alot.

I hope that this is it for the vet care for awhile! I also hope that Graham's foot heals up.

Thanks again for the nice comments. And thank you for helping me through this with all the kind words.

Love,

Leslie, Graham & Kersey

[lizbud]

Hi Leslie,

Just checking in to see how Graham's foot is healing.

After reading about Graham's latest injury, I was just
heartbroken. God must have something great in store
for Him, as he's been given so many trials. What a Trooper!!
Hugs to Grahamy & Kersey. Liz & Buddy.

[K9karen]

Oh Les, you poor girl! Just reading abour Graham and kersey just breaks my heart! I mean, when Cody had ALC SirJury the 1st time, I thought I would die from grief and misery and fear. Well, he did better than me, but I was no better the 2nd time around. So my heart isjust aching for you and the kids. Poor, sweet, sweet Grahammers. He must be so confused. I was so shocked once when walking Cody in the local school yard, he turned around & quickly walked home..very unusal..He was lifting his right front paw and licking it, and just before I had a chance to examine it, out pops a thumbtack! ACK! Thank God for Neosporin! I swear, he's gonna give me a heart attack! I think the tapeworm description was TMI, thanks Les, (LOL) but I'm glad Kersey is OK. People think I'm nuts, but I do an exam everytime C does his elephant droppings! :D Lots of kisses and hugs to everyone..I love you guys!

[lovemymaltese]

Oh my, that is so sad! Could it possibly be arthritus? It can happen to even younger dogs. If so, I know of a wonderful drug called arthromine (spelling?) Ask your vet about it, it can also be found cheaper :) on internet sites. My dog is 16 and wasn't able to hold himself up and he limped/whined. After 1 month on that stuff he was like a puppy again. Maybe you should check it out. I pray that you find a way to relieve his pain. All you can help him with for certain is supply him with endless love and affection.;)

[Albea]

Hi Leslie:
How are Graham and his sister doing since you last posted? I hope they are both feeling well and happy because that will make you happy too; you all deserve it after so many troubles.:D

[pepper636]

I've been off the board for a while and checked on Graham as soon as I got back. I'm so sorry to hear he's hurting. It makes me so mad at the people who caused this to our poor Graham. I'm writing to let you know what helped Bourbon and Buster when they had arthritis. It's called Fresh Factors. I gave it to Buster in addition to Rimadyl. But I just gave Fresh Factors to Bourbon. It made him a 12 year old dog who acted like a 3 year old. They're reasonable, shipping is free and I would highly recommend trying it.

http:\\www.springtimeinc.com
1-800-521-3212

I hope it helps.

[purrley]

:( :( Leslie it just breaks my heart hearing that your precious boy is hurting. Poor guy. It appears that he'll just have to continue to take it easy. It appears you're getting him the exercise he needs though and that's what's important. Probably shouldn't expect him to keep up your puppy. Take care - I know you have done absolutely everything that can possibly be done to help your darling Graham.

[Dixieland Dancer]

Leslie,
I too am wondering how Graham is doing and what kind of solution you have worked out. And of course, more pictures please! :D

[lizbud]

Leslie,

Hi , Hope things are getting better with Graham &
Kersey. Is Graham happy ? Has Kersey gotten over
her car sickness yet, or at least getting better on car
rides? Just thinking about you guys and wishing you
all the best... Liz & Buddy.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Oh Leslie, I just read this post and I'm so sad to know that our super Graham is having so many problems right now. How much can one dog go through? What a super hero he is to all of our pups, he is so brave and patient. I know how much you love Graham and you two have gone through so much together. The tide has to turn for the better, enough is enough. I will be praying and thinking positive thoughts for him and I just know things will get better. Many, many hugs and kisses to Graham from Miss Daisy, Perry and Me.
Jackie

[Sudilar]

Hope Graham is getting better.

[AdoreMyDogs]

I am sorry for not being on the board lately. I have been SO busy with the dogs and with selling my mother-in-law's house and looking at houses, and going through the credit approval for a mortgate and keeping the dogs happy at the same time. I am in two training classes with Kersey, I just started her in an incredibly wonderful new school and she graduates from her class at Petco tomorrow. I have also been working hard to keep Graham happy, we have been doing some therapy work together and he really loves it. He's got such a healing heart.

Graham continues to be sore after dog park trips. He has SUCH a good time though. I have decided to let him have a good time and give him Rimidyl when he is sore later that evening. That way he can have his fun and get his pain killer to ease the ouchies. I do restrict his running at the dog park, though. When he has had enough running, I call him to me and I persuade him to chill with me instead of run with the other dogs. He is doing pretty good with it, although he'd rather not chill with mom, he'd rather play with the other kids. I am not ready to keep him from going and from having fun. I have heard terrible things about Rimidyl, but if he is in pain then I will continue using it on him. At this point, because he loves going to the dog park so much and running and playing with the other dogs, I will continue to let him. I can't take that away from him.

As for Kersey's motion sickness...it's still there completely. I have started crating her in the car so she has a "safe place" and when she does get sick, it is not all over the carpet. I just line it the crate with absorbent paper to soak up the drool and the barf. I have noticed that she's never happy about going into the car. In fact, she really does not like it. I also noticed her drooling sometimes when she knows she's going to have to get into the car.....even before she gets into the car! Yesterday at training class I was putting away my handful of toys, treats, leashes, collars in the front seat while Kersey was standing and waiting to be put into her crate. I looked at her and the drool was dripping from her mouth....and she's NOT a drooling dog! She was drooling because she KNEW that she was going to be put into the car!

I have started feeding her her morning breakfast in the car, and I also take 3-4 treat-breaks when I take her to the car and give her some treats and praise while she's in her car crate. I am hoping to at least get her to like her car crate, and look forward to car trips. I think I can do it if I work on it alot.

Thanks for your concern everyone. I appreciate all of you. You are such kind friends. I am hoping to be able to frequent this site more often very soon. I don't think it's going to be possible until we move though. Just so busy.

[anna_66]

It was so good to hear from you! I'm so sorry about Kersey still getting car sick, so many things you can do, if you can take them in the car. It must be terrible for her, as well as you. I'm glad you still let Graham play, and take care of the "ouchies" later! Take care! Anna~

[Dixieland Dancer]

Thanks for the update Leslie. I also think you are doing the right thing by letting Graham go to the dog park! Perhaps you can check with the vet and find some other kind of pain relief other than Rimadyl. They seem to come out with new stuff all the time.

No suggestions for car sickness. :( Just curious about you feeding Kersey in the car though? Wouldn't that make it worse?

[Gio]

Leslie, thanks a lot for the update. I'm pleased that Kersey is doing so well in her classes, I just hope you will be able to find something for her car sickness soon.

I agree with the others I think that letting Graham play, even though you have to restrict him a little bit, and taking care of the soreness aftwerwards is the best option.

Good luck with your move!