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

[4 Dog Mother]

Ah, geez, Phred, I can't believe this is happening. You know how much we love your pups and will do anything to help. First, don't feel guilty! We are humans, they are dogs, and they can't tell us what is wrong. I think almost every pet owner has missed something that could have been treated earlier or we would have understand and not been upset with the pet for his behaviors. Knowing my dogs histories you know I have missed a lot with mine, especially Snoopy and Jack.

As for it being a tumor and having to take his leg, many animals get along fine with 3 legs. Does your Dr. Mike ever give you his take on what the specialist says? I am so pleased with our vets because they always talk to me after the dogs have seen a specialist - when the other vet saw Jack's ultra sound, she was right away, we have to do surgery. When I talked to my vets, they gave me information on what his chances were if we took his kidney, if we didn't, even if we did the biopsy. And if you remember, the specialists in Columbus would have had us spending thousands of dollars to do a test (boy has my memory gone) I think a liver biopsy and the only thing it would have told us was how badly the liver was damaged.

Don't rush into anything. Nothing important is going to change with that knee in the next few days/week. Find out all you can about other options even if that means seeing another vet. I have a feeling Jack would be gone know if we had gone ahead with the surgery. Another vet may feel there is a way to save his leg.

We love you and Smokey. Be sure to let us know what is going on. We will be keeping him and you in our prayers.

Love ya, Diana

[Kfamr]

Poor SmokeMutt! I'll be thinkin' of ya!

[Bengalz]

Phred,

I'm so sorry to hear that Smokey is having such difficulty with his knee but hopeful that he has responded to medication and feeling a little more comfortable. Give that boy a hug for being such a trooper

Your feelings of guilt are more than understandable - we all feel that way whenever our furkids are ailing no matter what the circumstances. We all think there is something we should have done better and sooner. You are not at fault; in fact, you are an amazing Dad always putting yourself out and above for any creature on 4 furry legs. (or two hooman legs, for that matter) !!

Try to stay positive and focus on what the problem really is and finding the best possible solution. If in fact Smokey has to lose his leg, the little fella is so spirited he will adjust (as others have said) - don't lose hope, please. You know that Cinder will "help" him in any way possible as well - she loves her little brother and wouldn't have it any other way.

Lots of healing thoughts, major hugs and love to you, Smokey and Cinder You will all get through this and the people at PetTalk will help along the way

Betty

[Grace]

I'm so sorry to hear this news. You all have my prayers for as long as necessary.

Here are some treats for the critters. If you need more, just holler.

[Cincy'sMom]

Lots of thoughts and prayers for Smokey and that trick knee.

I don't think any of us would have made a different choice then you did...seeing him run around the dog park for the last 5 years, I would have never said he needed to have that knee checked out.

I remeber maybe the first time you came, he favored it once or twice toward the end of the day...but he hasn't shown a sign of pain out there since. Dogs are so good at hiding their pain it is often to the extreme point before we humans ever know. Doesn't make you a neglectful parents...just makes him a strong dog!

[AdoreMyDogs]

Oh Phred you're not neglectful. Smokemutt is just a stoic boy. We all know how very much you love your furkids and we know you are a wonderful furdad. I'm so sorry that Smoke Mutt's knee is bad again, and I'm praying that he'll be OK. I'm sorry that both you and him are in such pain

Lots of prayers are headed your way!

[Cinder & Smoke]

THANKS to ALL of you who have replied with beautiful words of encouragement
and Prayers ... means a LOT to us in this very difficult time.

All this time, Smoke has been "smokin'!" as he motored around.
You can't do something when you don't know there is an issue.

First, I wonder if a second opinion, or a specialist, may have a different take of this situation?

How old is Smokey, anyhow?
... recommends NOT using Rimadyl for dogs over 7 years of age.
There are 2 other pain relievers which do not pose issues ...

Dr. B is considered to be "An Orthopedic Specialist" in the eastern Ohio area.
He's done a LOT of knee and ACL reconstructions in his practice.
Our Doc Mike sends patients to Doc B frequently - they're good friends and both
understand the limitations of a One-Doc clinic vrs. a large, multi-Doc Hospital practice.
Doc Mike already knew I'd rushed Smokey in to see Doc B --- the Docs had
traded notes Thursday morning; and Debbie (from Dr. Mike's Office) had called me
on Thursday to offer their support and desire to be kept 'in the loop'.

Doc B is NOT a rush into anything guy --- he nixed an 'exploratory surgery' as not
warranted (yet) due to the seemingly sudden onset of the problem.
I think we're in Good Hands.

Don't rush into anything.
Nothing important is going to change with that knee in the next few days/week.
Find out all you can about other options even if that means seeing another vet.

We will be keeping him and you in our prayers.

THANKS, Mom!!

I don't think any of us would have made a different choice then you did ...
seeing him run around the dog park for the last 5 years,
I would have never said he needed to have that knee checked out.

I remember maybe the first time you came,
he favored it once or twice toward the end of the day ...
but he hasn't shown a sign of pain out there since.

Dogs are so good at hiding their pain it is often to the extreme point before we humans ever know.
Doesn't make you a neglectful parent ... just makes him a strong dog!

Although Amy's thoughts are quite true ...
I can't help but know that I SHOULD have done more for Smokey SOONER!
He wouldn't be in this terrible situation IF I'd been a better and more diligent parent.

Eyes are leakin pretty bad ...
I'm gonna go {{{Hug}}} some FurKids.

THANKS Again, Gang!

[shais_mom]

I just read this - and thought I replied - but apparently my mind was elsewhere.
lots of prayers on the way Phred and fur crew.
Having a dog with hip dysplasia I can empathasize with you. They sure know how to hide their pain from us.
If it is a pain management issue over the longterm I strongly reccomend the Dog Gone Pain that Keegan takes. www.doggonepain.com Pricewise I think its probably about the same as Rimadyl but not near as hard on their liver. Keegan never responded well to the Rimadyl as she did the DGP.
kisses to the patient.

[Cinder & Smoke]

There are 2 other pain relievers which do not pose issues ...

I strongly reccomend the Dog Gone Pain that Keegan takes.
www.doggonepain.com
Pricewise I think its probably about the same as Rimadyl but not near as hard on their liver.

kisses to the patient.

Patient's tired of allua **Kisses** & he's having to put up with!

Any more details or info on these "alternatives" to Rimadyl ??

I know I DID ask Doc B about the bad effects of the Rimadyl ...
his answer was that he's heard and read about the "reported" negative effects;
BUT in his experience (and he's a bit past 25) - he doesn't notice liver or kidney problems.

He sort of said the Rimadyl was a known & effective pain killer - and THAT was very
important at this point in time for Smokey. I'm sure Doc B will at least 'consider' the
three 'alternatives' you Gals are suggesting ... I just need to know the NAMES of
the ones Freedom is suggesting.

Off to read up on Keegan's "DGP".

[Daisy and Delilah]

Oh My Goodness, Phred. This breaks my heart to hear what you guys are going through. It's no secret here at Pet Talk that we all think the sun rises and sets on you. You're a person like no other. Always helping everyone and loving your kids to pieces. Great Pet Dad + Great Person = Super Duper Human Being. Please don't beat yourself up any more!! We do the best we can as pet parents to try to guess what's going on. It's so hard to watch them suffer at all.

Daisy has a luxated patella too. She walks worse and worse every day. She goes to the vet in a few days for her annual. I know I have to ask her vet.....when do we do sir jury? I'm going through the same thing. They can't talk so I wonder every day if I'm making the right call. I have to feel confidant that I make the best decisions and everything will be okay.

I'll be saying mega prayers and thinking mega thoughts about you and Smokey. I hope everything is going to be all right. Let's think positive!!
{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[Catty1]

Phred - you are an angel to your babies!

Just think - there ARE some two-legged ANIMALS out there that, in your situation, would have dumped poor Smokers - at the shelter or just out on his own! OR worse. :-(

You're a GOOD dad!