Let's keep Valerie and Duke in our prayers

**dukedogsmom** · 09-22-2006, 03:58 PM

We're through at the vet and headed home. His bloodwork results should be in tomorrow afternoon. I've got onre more pain medication for him called Tramadol. It's got a light dose of opiates in it. Hopefully it will help. The vet did a lot of muscle tests on him and said his muscles are still strong. There is a small relfex delay with his back left leg. Also, xrays show both hips have lots of sharp fragments in the ball joint area where it should be smooth. When he shakes his head, if he's standing, he falls. The vet said that it could be a degenerative neurological disease that German Sheperds sometimes get. We're going to see if Duke will eat some boiled chicken tonight. If he doesn't eat by afternoon tomorrow, I'm to call them. He siad his hear looked good and clean. I think I've remembered everything the vet said. I was kind of nervous because he's a new one and I'd never seen him before. He made a great first impression. He's very kind and thorough. Thanks so much for all of your good thoughts and prayers. I know we all have to accept the fact that one day we'll have to part with our special pets but it always seems too soon to think about. I'm hoping this new medicine helps Duke out a lot and that he improves. I'm not ready to let go yet and I don't think he is, either.

**Kater** · 09-22-2006, 04:11 PM

Your sweet sweet boy is in my thoughts. The Tramadol should help with any pain he is feeling, so rest assured about that. I hope you can get him to eat something. You might want to try tripe.
You will both be in my prayers. {{{HUGS}}}

**lizbud** · 09-22-2006, 04:15 PM

Sounds pretty positive to me. I do hope Duke's appetite perks up some
too.Buddy was Shep/Huskie and had some of those same problems with
hips,back legs & spine.I hope that this new medicine will help Duke get
around so much easier. Please give your boy a big hug from me.

**caseysmom** · 09-22-2006, 04:53 PM

I hope you can get him to eat some tonight. Has he been going to the bathroom okay?

**Cinder & Smoke** · 09-22-2006, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by dukedogsmom

The vet said that it could be a degenerative neurological disease
that German Sheperds sometimes get.

Val ~

Do a Google.com search for "Degenerative Myelopathy", which is probably
what the Vet mentioned.

"Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) was first described as a specific degenerative neurologic disease in 1973. Since then, much has been done to understand the processes involved in the disease and into the treatment of DM. Hopefully, this will help you understand the problem and to explain further the steps that can be taken to help dogs afflicted with DM.

The age at onset is 5 to 14 years, which corresponds to the third to sixth decades of human life. Although a few cases have been reported in other large breeds of dogs, the disease appears with relative frequency only in the German Shepherd breed, suggesting that there is a genetic predisposition for German Shepherd dogs (GSD) in developing DM. ..."

Duke may also bebefit from high doses of Glucosamine / Chondroitin / MSN -
to help the Athritis - did Doc mention any of those supplements??

Smokey's "Trick Knee" and Bowser's "stiff rear end" are both helped by the
Glucosamine.

And now that poor Bowser has been diagnosed as having Degenerative Myelopathy

in his left, rear foot & leg - he's switched to a generic combo of
Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSN
together with 400 IU of Vitamin E every day.
There is no cure for canine DM - the supplements may slow it down or help
to ease the discomfort.

Something to Note:
With DM - the dog really doesn't feel "pain" -
because the disease robs him of feeling in the effected limb.
"Pain" may, however, originate in joints suffering with Arthritis.

"Not being Hungry" is NOT symptomatic with Degenerative Meylopathy.

We'll say some Prayers the Duke starts Feelin Better!!

{{{Hugs}}} from Phred

**cyber-sibes** · 09-22-2006, 08:19 PM

I hope Duke decides he hungary enough for a little something tonight, Val. The news from the doc sounds pretty optimistic, keeping paws crossed the blood results are also good.

Phred, sorry to hear about Bowser. I noticed him draggin that back foot at the picnic, wondered if maybe he had a mini-stroke. Hope the new meds help him feel better.

**dukedogsmom** · 09-22-2006, 08:35 PM

Duke has eaten 2 small boiled chicken breasts but I still can't get him interested in his other food. He's going to the bathrrom alright. Hasn't had the big one today but I'm not too concerned since he's barely eaten anything. I'll see how he does in the morning. He's drinking water fine.

Thanks for the info Phred. I'm not sure if he has that or not. We should know more with the bloodwork, hopefully. I'm going to give him the first of his new medication tonight.

Thanks for all the good thoughts. They've really helped.

**Logan** · 09-22-2006, 10:17 PM

Hang tough, Duke and Val. We're out here hoping and praying that everything is going to be ok.

**Bengalz** · 09-22-2006, 10:34 PM

Positive thoughts and healing prayers for Duke. I'm so sorry he is feeling this way.

Please get some rest Val - Duke needs you to be strong for him. Hugs to both of you.

Betty

**Dorothy39** · 09-22-2006, 10:36 PM

It's great to read that Duke did eat something, even though it wasn't his favoroite "boiled egg".

I'm hoping that Duke will have a great rebound in due time!!!

Phred offered a lot of useful information!!!!

Prayers for you, and for your wonderful dog, Duke!!!!

**Catty1** · 09-22-2006, 11:06 PM

Is there any way for those 'sharp bits' to be removed from his hips? Or for them to be dulled down somehow?

Wishing all the best for Duke!

**ChrisH** · 09-23-2006, 03:08 AM

His muscles still being strong is good, as is his eating the chicken, a big improvement on eating nothing.

Prayers and positive thoughts for a hopeful diagnosis from the tests, and for your dear boy to be feeing more agile very soon.

Sending big

to you both.