Smokey, Phred's lil grey FurPup, needs PT Prayers for his bum knee

[zippy-kat]

Smokey will most certainly be in our thoughts and prayers!

[shais_mom]

there's also this I got from my holistic vet.
http://www.nextag.com/duralactin-can...831717A3EE5CCD it is milk based
I can't remember how Keeg did on it vs the DGP tho.
That's another thing you might want to look into - chiropractic and/or accupuncture. It won't fix it but it will help with the pain, Keegan will tell ya.
I can ask my vet if she knows of any up around your area if you don't want to drive here.
www.sycamoreanimal.com but she gets people from all over the state.

[cyber-sibes]

Woos & a-rooos, Phred,
Ease up on yourself, you took him to the vet as soon as you realized that something was really wrong. Our pups are soooooo good at just going along like usual, even when they're having serious issues. And we all go thru that guilt - I'm sure we've all said "if only I'd gotten (fill in the blank) to the vet sooner" at some point.

We'll keep paws crossed & send sibe vibes for Smokey.
And here's a big ole' ((((hug))))for you, Phred!

[DJFyrewolf36]

A gentle *HUG* and prayers on the way for Smokey from here! I sure do hope he will be ok and get to feeling better soon!

[mruffruff]

I'm so sorry to hear about Smokey's knee.

I've "been there, done that" with the "if only I had taken him to the vet sooner." When Scruffy had his patella go out, I let it go so long that he lost muscle mass in his hip. He never let me know it hurt! So don't beat yourself up. You're a good doggie-dad.

Hopefully, the docs can get a fix on this. But if they can't, remember that Scruffy does just fine on three legs and Smokey can too.

[pitc9]

Oh No.... I'm so sorry to hear this Phred.

Please don't beat yourself down.
Pups are good at hiding pain, or playing it off as not being as bad as it is.

{{{HUGS}}} to you and the fur crew!

[K9soul]

Little Smoke-mutt is certainly in my prayers. I have to say I would have most assuredly been inclined to do what you did. Had my pupper been racing around so easily, I would have wanted to hold off on any surgery when it seemed he was doing so well. Hindsight is always 20/20, but I know and understand why you feel responsible. I think you're a wonderful dog-dad though, and between that and the power of PT prayers, Smokey is in the best of hands .

I do know now that having seen your experience, I would be more cautious than I might have otherwise. Sending hugs and comfort your way.

[Vela]

I am just now seeing this about Smokey. I am SO sorry to hear he is having troubles. I would have done just what you did too, I wouldn't do surgery if my dog seemed to be okay for so long. Don't beat yourself up, you are an excellent dad to your kids and they know how lucky they are. I always blame myself too, it's parent guilt. Tons of prayers and hugs for you all. Give him a big hug from me.

[Kona & Oreo's mom]

Smokey, I'm glad that your knee is feeling better when you take your medicine. I hope that it continues to improve. And Phred, I'll be praying that Dr B can fix Smokey's knee. Take care!

[Cinder & Smoke]

Pain Relievers ...
There are loads and loads of sites on this subject,
Pros, Cons, it gets mind boggling.

Agreed.

I'm of the mind to continue with the 30 days of Rimadyl
(75 mg split into two doses per day) -
till we determine what the problem is and develop a treatment.

I'm reminded of the theories that both of the "older" Vets that looked after
First Shepherd Casey proposed to treat her early-onset Arthritis in her hips.
Both Docs were of the "old school, country Vet" mindset, and both advised against
using the "new, high-powered" pain relievers to eliminate "discomfort".
They both preached that reasonable pain (or discomfort) was the body's only way
to warn that an activity was more than said body could tolerate, and to stop or
reduce the offending activity. TOO Much pain relief turned off the "warning" message
and suggested to the Dog that nothing was wrong. Without any pain "warning",
the Dog was very likely to overdo his/her activity level and begin causing
permanent damage.

It seems to be a fine line between pain relief and excessive de-sensitizing.
I need to be able to draw that line for Smokey ... I can't stand idle while he's suffering
with constant pain; but he also needs to know that he has limits that must be heeded.

It's not going to be easy to slow down my lil Jack-Rabbit wannbe.

THANKS Again for all your expressions of concern and Good Wishes.

/s/ DogDad Phred, "Gimpy", and Cinder.

[lizbud]

Agreed.



It seems to be a fine line between pain relief and excessive de-sensitizing.
I need to be able to draw that line for Smokey ... I can't stand idle while he's suffering
with constant pain; but he also needs to know that he has limits that must be heeded.

It's not going to be easy to slow down my lil Jack-Rabbit wannbe.

THANKS Again for all your expressions of concern and Good Wishes.

/s/ DogDad Phred, "Gimpy", and Cinder.

One thing I would advise though is to not let him do any more jumping
up & down off the bed. That's got to be even more damaging to his knees.

I know how hard it is to watch them every minute, but I'd try to eliminate
any added strain if you can. Does your Vet want to wait & see before
making a decision on a operation for Smokey's knee?

[Logan]

Gosh, I'm sorry to hear that Smokey is ailing, but I know that you and the vets will do the right thing for him. Please give him one more gentle hug from me, please.

Logan

[Randi]

Yes Phred, it's difficult to draw that line, but I agree that it's probably not good for Smokey to jump around too much, it's very likely that he'll overdo it, if there's no pain warning.

I'm keeping you and Smokey in my thoughts. How's he doing today?

Take care!

[gini]

Phred, first off, I am so sorry to hear that Smokey's knee is causing him trouble - and you, a great deal of worry.

It seems to me as I follow your threads - that you are always pretty busy - helping out the neighbors - tracking down a pup that is injured and going to the vet with the pup. Is it any wonder that you may have missed the sign from Smokey on any given day?

You ARE a GREAT DAD to Smokey and Cinder - you always have been.

You are getting excellent advice on this board - and also from your vets - let's just hope that Smokey is comfortable with the medication and that he will improve.

In the meantime - many, many {{{{hugs}}}} for you. Don't forget to take good care of yourself during all of this!

[Husky_mom]

I just got to read the whole thread.... I´m so sorry Smokey is not doing good... my heartfelt wishes for a recovery... hoping in the best way possible...

hugs to you... don´t be harsh on yourself... it could´ve been anyone of us...

we are here to support and help you...

keeping you all in our thoughts....