Rusty's not good

[I_luv_rusty]

So Rusty is doing better now. They took x-rays, and he has a disk that is popping out on his side. The doctors gave him some sterioid shot that will reduce the swelling (not sure what it is), and some pain killers till that comes into effect. He might come home tommorow, or maybe the next day. My mom went to go visit him, and he was acting more like himself. He got up *he was inside a cage*, and was wagging his tail hitting the metal bars making a big booming sound and all the vets were laughing.

They said that the worst thing that could happen would be in a few years once he is older (14,15,16) and starts to not be able to stand anymore he'd have to have an operation. Which wouldn't be a guarantee it'd work since he'd be older.

They said the disk will heal, after 6 weeks or so. But he has to rest at home and not be able to take walks. He also can't be running around in the backyard chasing animals. Then when he does go out, he has to be on a harness so the collar isn't around his neck pulling away as he goes too far. Then once he starts to heal more, he can go on small walks.

They said they're not sure what caused it, but it would have happened sooner or later because they were bolgging out. They said it could be anything from chasing squirrels in the backyard to rolling over in his sleep, so we couldn't have avoided it.


Hopefully when he comes home, he'll know his limits. And not go on the bed, since it could hurt him when he trys making the jump off. I mean usually he would care if we would trying putting him on a boogie board, let alone picking it up and carrying it outside. I think he knew, we were trying to help him and he was in so much discomfort (the doctors said it wasn't pain, more like discomfort from the disk) that he just let us do whatever. Also my mom said when at the vets when he was trying to go up the ramp with the sling he was willing to try and walk up it but he just knew he couldn't make it up.


Ah, and this is horrible timing too since today is my dad's birthday, and he had to worry about Rusty all day.

[Taz_Zoee]

I am very glad to hear it is something that is fixable (if at least for a few years). I bet you can't wait to get him home. Good luck with the task of not letting him run. That would prove to be very difficult for me.

[chocolatepuppy]

Pawsitive thoughts and prayers that Rusty is feeling better soon.

[Ginger's Mom]

I hope Rusty is feeling better soon. Happy Birthday, Dad.

[K9karen]

Poor Rusty! Bad backs in hoomans is just as bad in our pups.

Mz Logan's cuzin, Gizmo, the Beagle, had the same symptoms as Rusty a few month's ago. After the steroid shot, oral steroids and pain killers, and lots of rest (try that with a beagle ), he's as good as new. He seems to know his limits (smarter than skin people).

Chill out for a while, Rusty. I know it's hard, but it's too hot to do anything anyway. Enjoy lots of loving and treats and belly rubs!
I'm glad you're feeling better!

[Catty1]

Might this help?

http://www.avcadoctors.com/search_fo...ied_doctor.htm

Look it over carefully. It might at least reduce the amount of meds he needs?

Human chiropractors can use a "cherry picker" to adjust, which is gentler than a manual adjustment. Or there is the Pro-Adjuster (which I LOVE), but I don't know if it's available for pets.

Here's the list from NJ:
Deborah Buzby-Cope DC
Little Egg Harbor NJ
609-294-2700 [email protected]

David Hirsch DVM
Cape May Courthouse NJ
609-465-5590 [email protected]

Kathleen Schappel-Lackey DVM
Jackson NJ
732-367-4844 [email protected]

Rosemary Manziano DVM
Colts Neck NJ
732-780-4211

Carole Edwards DC,DVM
Frenchtown NJ
908-575-7834

Jason Lewis DC
Point Pleasant NJ
908-783-7738 [email protected]

Amy Peterson DVM
Califon NJ
908-832-7523

Marc Sommer DC
Pompton Lakes NJ
973-838-2106 [email protected]

There is also hydro(water) therapy for dogs, as well as physio, etc.

I hope Rusty is better soon! :-)

[WELOVESPUPPIES]

Will say a prayer for Rusty's recovery.

[I_luv_rusty]

So more thoughts about Rusty. He has been getting better, but this morning he wasn't feeling too good. He is always thirsty, then goes outside, comes in, drinks a bowl of water, and goes out again, basically repeating process.

[chocolatepuppy]

Maybe just an off day? Rusty is still in my thoughts and prayers.

[K9karen]

So more thoughts about Rusty. He has been getting better, but this morning he wasn't feeling too good. He is always thirsty, then goes outside, comes in, drinks a bowl of water, and goes out again, basically repeating process.

Sounds like it may be a reaction to steroids. Even in humans, it makes you pee all the time, hence drink more. But I've heard they also make you ravenous with hunger. Of course I'm not a vet, so I hope yours can determine why Rusty still doesn't feel so good. I'm so sorry. I know your heart is breaking that he's not himself. Sending Rusty get well kisses!

[pitc9]

Glad to hear the vet was able to help him.

[I_luv_rusty]

Thanks for all the thoughts guys.

Well, the vets got the blood results back and the levels were kind of off so he has an infection. So they are going to give us antibiotics to put him on and if they don't help or he doesn't eat them and such he'll have to go in for the UV intervenus antibiotics.

So him being werid now might be from the infection rather than the disk. He just likes to lay around and refuses basically everything. He turns his head away as if its posion, and all the food were his favorites (ham, ice cream, cookies, cake, hot dog, etc.) And if hes not going to eat that, he's definately not going to eat his normal dog food.

[I_luv_rusty]

Well, Rusty has not been drinking water since like 3 ish. It seems as if he can't do it, since we gave him some in a turkey baster thingy (like a medicine dropper, but holds more) and he was like licking for it. (We crushed up the anti-biotics in it.

He may have a cold too because he paints cuz he can't breathe through his nose, its completely dry.