Prayers needed for my sweet Keegan

[shais_mom]

I just talked to the vet and am going to go get her around 1pm.
I waited until later in the morning b/c
it was late when I got to bed and I have to work tonite so I needed to rest.
Not sure if I can update before work or not but will let you know what I find out asap!

[finn's mom]

I'll be thinking about Keegan today, and hoping for the best.

[kimlovescats]

Staci, I'm relieved to hear that the Dysplasia is only minor at this point. It sounds like it is something that you can work with and that is great!

Hugs and gentle petties for sweet Keegan!

Kim

[Dixieland Dancer]

Staci, I'm sorry I missed this thread earlier. With my limited time on Pet Talk, I seem to miss quite a few "important" threads.

I can imagine Keegan will be one very happy Golden girl around 1 pm today!

My very first Golden, Taffey, lived to be 13 1/2 with moderate hip dysplasia. As Pfred stated earlier, the remedy was plain old aspirin. Of course I didn't know about anything else back in those days. The best part of it is, that remedy worked and when she over did it, she needed more rest for a couple of days after. She loved to swim (what Golden doesn't) and I took her too the lake reguarly during the summer to help loosen her joints up.

Don't let her jump but make sure she gets regular exercise. It's important to keep the hip joints limber and low impact exercise is very important. Of course you already know she needs to lose a few more pounds to help out there too. You've done a great job helping her slim down already but keep going. She can stand to lose a few more. Dixie's losing weight now too so maybe Keegan and Dixie can do it together!

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} to both you and Keegan! She is one very special GOLDEN GIRL!!!!

[shais_mom]

Well, I just got my happy girl home. She seems a bit tired but otherwise - no harm no foul.

Yes, I know Keegan needs to lose about another 10 pounds or so - that is my first priority.....
There is a new kind of food that they are offering actually they were having a mini seminar on it when I got there - the reps were packing up their slide projector etc. Dr. said that it might benefit her but it wouldn't help with her weight.
I told him my first priority is getting about 10 more pounds off her then I would consider switching to the J/D food.
He said there is also supplements etc of course to give her BUT by switching her to the food that would elminate the need for supplements. He gave me a bottle of Rimadyl for as needed basis. Like days before the dog park, etc.
Now before you freak out - I asked him about aspirin and Rimadyl and he said absolutely do not mix them. (good to know)
I told him I had heard that Rimadyl caused liver damage and failure, and he said yes but aspirin causes it quicker. And since it will be as needed she won't be getting it routinely. And failure and damage shows up in dogs that have been on it for a legnth of 4-6 years. And after getting her weight down, if I choose to put her on the J/D food that would elimate the need for Rimadyl also.
He also mentioned there are injections that you can give the dog times a week for a month then once a month following. I don't remember what he called it now but it is similiar to the Synvisc injections in humans. (My dad had them - replaces the fluid in the joints that are bone on bone.) I don't think she is a canidate for them now, but he said that he had given them to dogs that were carried into the office and after a few injections were able to bounce out of the office.
This is doable. I am confident in the treatment.
I am also relieved the the mild diagnosis. I always knew that she could have it b/c of her coming from basically a backyard breeder. (no lectures - she was a gift- given to me after Shaianne died)
they xrayed her all the way down to her feet and said everything else worked and looked great. Last nite before actually talking to, I was thoroughly convinced she either had dysplasia so bad she would need a replacement or had bone cancer, -- occupational hazard.

[Logan]

Staci, don't you worry, you won't get any lectures from me, at least!!! I think you are certainly on the right track with Keegan and your vet sounds wonderful!!!!! You know, I "paid" for Honey and Lilly, both of whom came from backyard breeders! Would I trade them for anything? NO WAY!!!!!

They are the loves of my life and filled a huge void, just as Keegan did for you. I hope your girl will have nothing but happy days ahead for her!!!!

[Dixieland Dancer]

Sounds like you have a plan! Please give Keegan a {{{{{big HUG}}}}} from a Golden fanatic who loves her from a distance! I LOVE THOSE RED GOLDENS!!!!

[Rachel]

Originally posted by shais_mom
. Last nite before actually talking to, I was thoroughly convinced she either had dysplasia so bad she would need a replacement or had bone cancer, -- occupational hazard.

and just being an old fashioned worry wart like me.

It sounds as if you have a good grasp on a treatment plan. Keegan should handle this challenge with a minimum of discomfort. Your Vet seems like he will be a big help in the process. Okay to exhale now.

[NoahsMommy]

GREAT news, Stac! You vet seems like he really knows the breed, condition and treatment options.

I'm so glad its mild and "easy" to treat.

Don't worry, Keeg! We're all on a diet!!

Hugs,
Kelly

[Christiansmommy]

Sorry to be getting to this so late, but glad to hear that the outcome seems pretty mild. Glad that it is nothing serious, that is for sure!! Keep us posted. As Kelly said, "We are all on diets" LOL!! So true Unfortunatley, Keegan, you will feel better once you drop some pounds

Robyn

[anna_66]

Good to hear your little girl is ok LOTS of hugs and kisses for her from me

[MariaM]

I'm glad to hear that its just minor! 10 pounds to lose....that's my goal too! Let's see who does it faster.

[4 Dog Mother]

What a relief to know that Keegan is going to be okay! Like so many others said, a diet is something a lot of us need. I have noticed that Snoopy is gaining weight again after his session with the seizures - they seem to make him soooo hungry! I know it must be good to know there are other things you can do to keep Keegan from having to have his hip replaced. What good news!

[Albea]

Staci, I'm so sorry I only saw your thread right now, but happy to read that sweet Keegan's problem is not as serious as you feared.
The green beans and carrots diet, mixed with dry food, worked very well for Carina; she lost 12 lbs. Also, and you can check this with the vet, I give Carina organic Flaxseed oil to lubricate her joints.
I do hope that with weight loss and all the medications available, Keegan will be without pain for a long time.
Many hugs and belly rubs to her.

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

Oh, I'm so sorry about Keegan!! I hope he feels better soon!!