Cinder needs Prayers

[Freedom]

Oh dear. When you get a chance, remind how old she is? The constant barking, is there an obvious reason, is she barking AT something? Or just barking? We had a family dog who at age 18 started barking just because, it was sign the end was near. The vet told us to keep our hands away from her mouth as she really didn't know what she was doing and could bite us. I point this out as you say you have the grandchildren in the afternoons.

[Bengalz]

I am so sorry to hear that Cinder is not improving and will keep her and your family in my thoughts. Hopefully things will improve with a little time. Meanwhile, please hug that that lovely girl for me.

[pomtzu]

Prayers that Cinder will make improvement in the coming days and weeks.

Are her front legs strong? If so, you might want to think ahead to the possibility that she might do well with a wheel cart for her back legs. When Myndi had the issue of her back legs giving out, I had looked into the possibility of this. Fortunately, the meds are helping her for now, so that option is now on the back burner.

[Freckles]

In Cinder and Smoke's Bio, Phred said that Cinder was 10 years old. That means she's about 12 or so.
Please Cinder, stay with us, girl.

[Bibette & Lulu]

Hi, All - I haven't been able to check the PT postings for a few days, so this was also a surprise for me. Poor Cinder - she has had some tough times in her life. She's around 13 (Phred had indicated approximate date of birth as Jan 1, 1999).

Thank you Diana for hanging in there and to Carl for all that you are doing to help her through this. I know what a challenge it can be to be a caregiver and have other obligations needing your attention at the same time. I wish I were closer to help with the day to day care.

You can PM me with information about the financial needs – or send me an e-mail (I believe that you have my address). I'm sure that Phred, Bowser and Boots are around, sending positive thoughts and prayers. Thank you to everyone in the PT family who are keeping the prayers coming – I know this would make Phred very happy. We're keeping them coming from over here.

B&L's Mom2 (aka Phred's sister)

[lizbud]

Diana,

Thank you for the update. Sounds like you are busier than a one armed paper hanger. I am so sorry for
the not only full, but overflowing plate of things you have to deal with lately.I don't wish to denigrate your pastor,
but it seems to me he could show a little more empathy & Christian charity for the yeoman's job you are doing
for him & the church. He sounds new & inexperienced. He needs to realize that people have family & a life
beyond the church.

Prayers that Cinder show some improvement soon. I hope the Vet has some other ideas to help Cinder.
(((Hugs)))

[Queen of Poop]

Just checked in for an update. Continuing prayers and good healing thoughts for dear Cinder. And the same for her wonderful caregivers. You're doing all you can and more! Thank you. Loves from me, Cali and Diego.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear that Cinder isn't showing any signs of improvement. Lots more prayers and positive thoughts are going out to her and you and your family too. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[Freedom]

Dear Cinder, I know the vet will be contacted today. Praying there are more steps to take to help you feel better, girl.

[chocolatepuppy]

Continued prayers for Cinder. I hope she improves.

[Kfamr]

I replied to the facebook post but just incase you didn't see - please look into accupuncture! If there's a local vet that does it, it's worth atleast getting a console about it. Natural Herbs and accupuncture does wonder for the older pups that have a hard time getting around!

[4 Dog Mother]

I'm sorry I have been so negligent about responding here. The grandkids are in New York with their father this week so a little of the busyness has been cut down. Although I miss them like crazy!

I took Cinder back to the vet yesterday. I am just so happy that we have such good vets. After we discussed how Cinder was doing, he said "I have been thinking so much about Cinder this week. How could I not? Her symptoms fit one thing but not completely. I am just not sure where to go from here." He wanted me to take her to the Ohio State Medical School Vet Clinic which is where I took Snoopy. It is a very expensive place to take her especially since you all have given me several options to try first. (and he has admitted that he isn't sure they can give me much more help than he has). I just haven't decided where to start. Kay has suggested acupuncture - I don't think anyone in town does that but the vet thought there is someone in Toledo. Amy said Spot has had laser treatments - the only problem with that the vet said is that we need to have a better idea of exactly where the problem area is. And when I went to see him, I didn't take my purse as I have enough to handle and therefore did not have the name of the drug several of you have suggested (Adequan). I did find out later that they have used that - I just don't know if that is a good option or not for Cinder. He said he would support us in whatever we decided to try.

By the way, Phred had already been giving both dogs Glucosamine and we have continued to do so since they have come to live with us.

As an aside that was a little funny, the vet said did you take her to a groomer? Her coat is so pretty today. I laughed and said no, I have been brushing her every night - now she is a captive and can't get away from me because she doesn't like to be brushed. (I think that has changed some because she now likes it when I get down by her and just sit there and brush and brush and tell her how good she is and how pretty she is - there is a few other dogs that think she is being spoiled and aren't so thrilled about the time I give her although a couple of them are much like she was and really don't like to stand still long enough to be brushed thoroughly.)

It is so hard to watch her like this because it came on so fast. Before that everyday as we walked the hallway from my bedroom to the kitchen she would walk ahead of me and keep looking back and giving a little jump like a puppy does when they are excited about going out. I can't imagine her having to live like this the rest of her life.

And by the way, by Phreds timeline she was 13 in January.

[mrspunkysmom]

I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers for Cinder and your family.

[Karen]

I interviewed an author who had a book on this subject, I will try to dig it up for you. Essentially, there's nothing that can be done to stop the disease, and it is more common in Shepherds for some reason, probably genetics. But if Carl is handy with tools, maybe you guys could build her a wheelchair/cart to assist her back legs. It is a progressive disease, and a lot of research is being done, but there's no reversing it right now.

[sasvermont]

Here is a link to a drug I have heard of being used sometimes. It worked wonders for a friend's dog. Don't know if it could help you out. Ask your vet about it.

Hope things improve.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethanechol