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Post by menageriemom (Cyndi) on Oct 9, 2014 16:07:54 GMT
 I've had both my dogs to the vet within the week. Micah (Schipperke/Dachsund mix) suffers from terrible allergies and was having a terrible flare-up. He's losing hair around his back end and his demodex has flared up on his face. It turns out he has probably had a bad reaction to a single flea bite. Add fleas to the list of things he's allergic to  We are also changing his dog food (again!) to see if he's become allergic to it. We were recommended a food from Costco that is allergen-free, without going to a prescription variety. He hates it, which is rather amusing since he's a total chow-hound with the prednisone he's on. I'm hoping for some improvement within a month or so. It's a 4-month trial with the dog food. Chloe (black Lab/Corgi mix) has been having trouble walking and limping lately, especially after laying down for a while. She's 11, so I thought it was probably old age setting in. I was right, she has some pretty extensive arthritis in her shoulder and hip joints. She is already on an anti-inflammatory, now I am supposed to change her food to low fat, add fish oil and take her for some slow walks daily. AND stop her from chasing Micah around. Hah! That should be fun - they love to chase each other and the critters that come into the yard. Pet care sure is expensive! It's a good thing we consider them part of the family! |
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Post by luvsanimals2 on Oct 9, 2014 21:52:22 GMT
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Post by menageriemom (Cyndi) on Oct 10, 2014 0:34:39 GMT
Luvs, they did mention the glucosamine, but said that the reviews on it working were only 50/50. We're starting on the fish oil, walking, and weight loss to see how we do with that first.
Your new photo signature is really cute
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Post by Pammy on Oct 10, 2014 3:25:12 GMT
Aww, poor puppies. My dear old Sandy suffered badly from arthritis the last years of her life. She was such a good dog. I hope the new courses of treatment will help your fur babies.
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Post by luvsanimals2 on Oct 10, 2014 14:22:30 GMT
Thanks.
I am surprised that it only works half the time, very interesting.
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Post by menageriemom (Cyndi) on Oct 31, 2014 14:45:30 GMT
Hi Friends
Here's the latest with our dog Chloe: She is taking the glucosamine twice a day, we have reduced her current dog food by 1/3 until we run out and then we'll switch to a weight management variety. Walks seem to inflame her pain level, we only go down 4 houses and back, and her back leg is quivering by the time we return. She is still trying to chase critters in the back yard and play with Micah, but she pays for it every time. It is so hard to convince her not to run around! I guess dogs take a while to learn cause and effect. I am giving her Tramadol twice a day now, which seems to make her a little more comfortable, but not a lot. She is reverting to some of her puppy behavior, doing things she was trained not to do, and spends a lot more time sitting on the floor with her head on my knees. She reminds me of my 91-year old mother in law, who I am helping to care for.
I'm really wondering what the cooler weather will do to her. We live in Southern California, and it gets down into the 20's and 30's at night. We don't have central heat, but use a fireplace to heat the main living rooms. Both dogs have padded bedding with extra blankets, but they get up at night to "piddle" and don't stay covered. Perhaps I should get a few sweaters for this winter? Any suggestions?
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Post by luvsanimals2 on Oct 31, 2014 21:05:31 GMT
I would get a few sweaters for her, doesn't hurt! The poor thing  |
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Post by Pammy on Nov 10, 2014 4:37:28 GMT
Aww, is her bed near the fireplace? That should feel good to her. Poor baby.
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We are also changing his dog food (again!) to see if he's become allergic to it. We were recommended a food from Costco that is allergen-free, without going to a prescription variety. He hates it, which is rather amusing since he's a total chow-hound with the prednisone he's on. I'm hoping for some improvement within a month or so. It's a 4-month trial with the dog food.
I hope you figure something out.
