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Old June 17th, 2008, 03:43 PM
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TeriM TeriM is offline
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Anyone tried previcox for pain/arthritis issues?

Lucy is my 12 year old yellow lab. She had definately slowed considerably in the last year or so and experienced a fair bit of stiffness which I attributed to her age. She was also "runover" quite badly by my other dog (100 lbs) and my mom's dog (75lbs) when she was standing on a blind corner and they came running full tilt around it and hit her :sad:. We almost had to carry her home (hard to do with 65 lbs) but she managed to limp her way back after a little rest.

Anyway ...... we were camping on the May long weekend and I administered her Meticam every morning as a preventitive as I knew we would be playing at the beach. I previously only ever gave it to her is she seemed especially stiff or sore. The daily dose made a remarkable change in her, she was much perkier, energetic and just overally much happier. It made me realize that she was actually experiencing some chronic pain :sad:, I felt so bad that I had not noticed it before .

So, she is now on daily doses of Meticam (am using the generic option currently). She also gets cartrophen shots once a month and glucosamine daily. My vet was talking about a fairly new pain/arthritis medication called Previcox that she thought we should consider for Lucy. Lucy does have a history of liver problems which could become an issue with the Meticam and those risks should be reduced with the Previcox.

Anyone have any experience with Previcox?
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Old June 17th, 2008, 11:25 PM
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Previcox is one of the newest additions to the canine NSAIDs. The claim on Previcox is that it has the highest safety range of all NSAIDs. Metacam runs a close second. Overall I love Metacam - it is safe and easy to administer.

Some important things to consider.

1) NSAID response can be very individual. It is important to choose the NSAID that works best for your pet. The two attributes to look at for NSAID response are pain relief and lack of blood value changes or clinical signs. If your pet is responding well, without any signs of side effects and liver and kidney enzymes are not rising, then you may want to stay with Metacam. If you do not feel that Metacam is working or if the liver enzymes are rising, then you may want to consider Previcox.

2) NSAIDs work best for osteoarthritis if given every day. Furthermore Previcox was tested against several other NSAIDs (metacam, rimadyl and deramaxx). The relief of pain was fairly similar at 48 hours and 2 weeks; however, the patients on previcox received greater pain relief when on the previcoxx for 2 months when compared to the other medications. The other medications provided similar pain relief at 2weeks as at 2 months. So Previcox may have better long term affects. Again, individuals respond to each NSAID differently so this test does not mean that it is a better pain reliever for all pets.

3) EPA (Eicosapentanoic acid) is a type of omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil). When given in large enough amounts, it can relieve osteoarthritic pain to a degree similar to many other pain medications. It reduces inflammation and can be used with or without NSAIDs.

4) Tramadol is a very safe pain medication that can be used with patients with metabolic or endocrine disease. It is metabolized via different pathways as opposed to medications that must be cleared through the liver. This medication is also inexpensive. One disadvantage, when compared to the omega 3 fatty acids or an NSAID, is that it is only a pain reliever. It does not reduce inflammation or help improve function. However, when looking at pain relief alone, it is a great medication.

5) Liver supportive medications. Denamarin is a combination of SAMe and silybin. Both help support liver disease, regardless of cause. It can not only help support the liver disease but also help the liver handle an NSAID medication. Denamarin is a nutriceudical (SAMe is a liver enzyme that is naturally occurring and silybin is from Milk Thistle) and thus you are not adding in more 'chemicals' to your pet.

Hope this helps.
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  #3  
Old June 18th, 2008, 01:40 PM
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Thanks for that great information Dr. Lee . Lucy actually has a history of liver problems which is why we were considering some of the other options. About 7 years ago she got quite sick and was diagnosed with chronic active hepatitis, her counts were off the charts and the ultrasound showed her liver so small they could not even consider a biopsy. We placed her on antibiotics and ursodial and I chose to continue feeding a raw diet (my vet did want me to switch to prescription but supported my decision) and supplemented with many vitamins.

The great news was that when we retested her a few months later there was a huge improvement and within a year her values tested normal and continued to do so until about six months ago. Her liver enzymes when last tested were about 3 times normal so we did another antibiotic run and placed her back on the ursodial. I also give her milk thistle, vitamin E, acidophilus and digestive enzymes. In retrospect some of the symptoms she was showing I now believe might be attributable to pain issues instead (shaking, panting, wanting to be outside a lot). Since beginning the meticam regularly she has not had those problems again and has not experienced any other side effects.

She is due to be retested again and I will be doing that next week. I will also ask about starting the Denosyl. Do you have any opinions about the Denosyl versus Ursodial? Thanks again for the information!
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Old June 23rd, 2008, 11:34 PM
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*bump*

Has anyone used this with their pet?
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Old June 24th, 2008, 02:40 AM
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Teri, I don't know anything about it but I found this....


http://www.fda.gov/cvm/Documents/N141230cis.pdf


http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/ivapm...vicox42006.htm
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  #6  
Old July 12th, 2009, 11:05 PM
mandy252 mandy252 is offline
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Previcox taken when on antibiotics..is this ok?

My poor lil 14 yr old lab has come down with what we believe to be Vestibular Syndrome.

Anyway, she was on previcox before all of this.
I've taken her to a vet, who said to stop taking the previcox while on the antibiotics (cephalexin).
I then went to my regular vet (as she was closed the days I needed her when the VS all began)..and she said to put her back on the previcox.

Well, when we stopped the previcox the first time..the VS symptoms started to go away, but feeling I should listen to my own vet, we put her back on the previcox and within a day she resorted back (if not worse) to her symptoms once again.

Anyway, I stopped the previcox and she's got about another 2 wks worth of cephalexin to go....what's your opinion of being on antibiotics while taking previcox?

Thanks
Jenn
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Old July 13th, 2009, 03:03 PM
ScottieDog ScottieDog is offline
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Terri, I have a breed that has some liver enzyme issues. I have used both Denosyl and Denamarin. Here are some links with more information.

http://www.drugs.com/vet/denosyl.html
http://www.drugs.com/vet/denamarin.html

Last year, I had a dog with multiple health issues who developed bacterial hepatitis. She was given the denamarin with an antibiotic and her liver enzymes dropped 800-1000 points in one month (still elevated). This was a dramatic improvement as two liver enzymes were around 2000. She was given an NSAID to treat suspected bladder cancer and sadly, her liver was so damaged at this point the NSAID threw her into kidney failure and she passed. My dog had multiple severe health issues, beyond what you are seeing with your dog. I do understand wanting to use caution with medications and liver problems.

I also used denosyl for two Scotties and had success lowering the AlkPhos liver enzyme (tends to be elevated in this breed). A 6 month course pulled values from 1,200 and 1,500 to the 600 and 800 level. One dog was also tested (negative) for Cushings.

I've had success with the supplements and would not hesitate to use them in the future again. Good luck to Lucy.

Jenn (Mandy252), I also wanted to wish you luck with your doggie and vestibular. We are going through this with our 14-year-old. He was doing great, but had a mild relapse last week. We are concerned, and I just wanted to offer you a hug.
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Old July 16th, 2009, 08:40 PM
mandy252 mandy252 is offline
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I'll take the hugs and pass them to Mandy!

Thank you so much for the hugs!
I sure could use them right now.

As written in my email to you (which I just sent):

"I went to the vet again today. She said considering the rapid eye movements have ceased and the head tilt is only on and off she's thinking it's not vestibular anymore but could be an inner ear infection, brain tumor or blood clot.

She examined her ear and realized how inflammed it was and also the amount of gunk in it and said we'll treat it as that for this week.
She put her back on apo-amoxi instead of her cephalexin.

Anyway, she said if it's not cleared up in a week we are left with only two choices.

1. We could get her referred to the vet college and have her ear swabbed to find out what type of infection it is, and/or have an MRI or CT scan done.

2. She said if I choose not to go the college route then its not fair to let her go on like this and put her down as her quality of life is not what it should be.

Basically she made it sound like if the infection don't clear up this week, she doesn't want to deal with us anymore as I'm prolonging the inevitable. Either get her ear swabbed, find out the reasoning, or put her to sleep. Sheesh I really really don't want to put my dog down cuz she has a major ear infection!!

She also gave me a script for Bonamine (meclizine). Well I went to the pharmacy to have it filled and they told me they discontinued this drug in canada over a year ago! Sheeesh!!! So the pharmacist suggested giving her a gravol for the night and call the vet tomorrow to tell her about the discontinuation."

So here I am now, starting her on the new antibiotics and going to pray so hard that this works.
I know her ear is infected, you can see it and smell it!

Gosh I love her, she's been in my life for 13 years and even though I know one day I must say goodbye, I am far from ready!!!!

Thanks for the reply and the hug...I wish you the best for your pooch!

Jennifer
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Old July 17th, 2009, 03:05 PM
ScottieDog ScottieDog is offline
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Jennifer,

I saw your message. I don't know if I'm the person you were trying to email, but I don't remember leaving an email at this site. I want to encourage you not to give up hope. Sometimes this is all we have!

The medication prescribed is Bonine (an over-the-counter travel sickeness medication available in the US.--I'll need to remember that it isn't available in Canada if I ever come visit--I get car-sick myself.)
http://www.drugs.com/pdr/bonine.html

My mother has migraines with vertigo and her doctor prescribed a medication called antivert:
http://www.rxlist.com/antivert-drug.htm

Both these medications are meclizine HCl. I'm very surprised some form of this isn't available in Canada.

If the ear stinks something is going on. Personally, even though your dog was prescribed an antibiotic, I would request a swab/culture of the ear to find out what type of bacteria is involved. By doing this, "they" can determine the appropriate antibiotic to use. Not every infection responds to every antibiotic. And very bad infections do not always clear up in one week's time. (I saw this with my beloved Scottie girl who had a UTI that took 4 months of antibiotics to clear up so she could have bladder surgery.)

I believe that the MRI/CT type scans require anesthesia. It is not a choice I would make at this point for my 14-year-old. Right now, he is doing pretty good, but, since he had a re-lapse or re-occurrence my vet does feel that more are highly likely. Right now it is a day-at-a-time. We did have the eye movements with the second episode (9 days after the initial). My dog is deaf and when I woke him for a walk it really startled him and he jumped 2 inches off the floor and the episode started. He wasn't as fearful. I know my vet asked about the eye movements, since he said that the eye movements tend to appear with vestibular, but don't with strokes or brain bleeds.

I'm going to include a couple of links that helped me when Mac came down with this:

http://lassiegethelp.blogspot.com/20...-light-on.html

http://dog-care.suite101.com/topicli...bular_syndrome

When I discussed my dog's relapse with my vet, I could tell he wasn't happy that a second episode happened so close to the first. He did assure me that if he was able to eat and drink that he was not suffering. Keep doing research. There is some question as to whether the vestibular attacks can be triggered by antibiotics. My dog had finished a course of clindamycin the Friday before his Monday attack. My dog also developed sneezing and a snotty nose a few days after the initial attack. There's also some question as to whether respiratory infections/issues can trigger attacks. The peripheral vestibular disease is caused by an inflammation of a nerve in the ear. From my research, the dog's sense of balance basically needs to "reboot" like a computer. This can take days or weeks. The following quote is from a golden retriever rescue group:
"Please note that a serious inner/middle ear infection (which can occur without the customary smelly ear) has the same severe and frightening symptoms. An infection can usually be cured with antibiotics and the dog have a complete recovery. As always, check with your vet. "
http://www.ygrr.org/doginfo/health-vestibular.html

The dog in the story above took 5 months to recover. Your Mandy is in my prayers. It is so hard, but stay strong for her.

You are right. We are never prepared to say goodbye. I know that at 14, my sweet little guy is in his twilight and I love him more every day. He is the first dog I've ever shared my life with--and because of him, I have my life-long passion for dogs.

-Sandra (ScottieDog)
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Old July 18th, 2009, 09:53 PM
mandy252 mandy252 is offline
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Thank you for your input

The way my vet talked, that I would have to send her to the vet college to have the swab done. Does she need to be under anesthesia for that?
I just didn't understand why she couldn't just take a swab there at the office, but I suppose if it's deep down she can't reach it.

She just had 2 good days and now today is bad again. Her dizziness is back, so she's on gravol now. (it's canadian, so im finding out, for travel sickness, over the counter).

I have noticed a runny nose now and then and a sneeze also once in awhile along with her eyes will water on occasion. (I feared the watery eyes were her crying from being sad and sick, poor dear). Although these aren't very frequent.

Like you, if I startle her or if she's had a hard time walking and it tires her, her rapid eye movements return a little, and if i lay her on her good side, the eye movements are there.

Anyway, I will take it one day at a time, but my vet seems to be giving up on us. She said that if this apo-amoxi she is on now doesn't clear up the ear by this Thursday, she is giving me only two options...1. I send her to the vet college by referral, or 2. to have her put down.

With her dizziness she is havin a hard time walking. She's eating,drinking, goin to the bathroom and waggin her tail....I don't understand the reasoning behind the second option. She said she don't want to see this go on for months...but what if it is something that maybe months is what it needs to take??? I have the patience to help her walk, drink the water and go to the bathroom (she's 92lbs and yes requires some help from my hubby too), so why don't she have the patience to help us through this????

Sorry, a little frustrated here, and don't plan on giving up on her so easily...like you, this is the first dog I've shared such a long part of my life with as I've had her since she was 6 weeks old, she turns 14 on Feb.14, 2010...I would love to be able to have her celebrate that golden birthday!

Thanks for listening and the hugs for my Mandy...she loves them!
Best wishes for your pooch too!

Jennifer
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Old July 19th, 2009, 08:36 AM
ScottieDog ScottieDog is offline
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I don't know if your dog would need anesthesia for the ear swab. My experiences with the culture were from a direct draw from the bladder and no anesthesia was used. The other experience was when my girl had her bladder cancer surgery and they did a liver biopsy, saw infection and did a culture on that. This one, of course, was conducted under surgical anesthesia.

Anesthesia carries risks, especially in an elderly, ill dog. I know that my little Tipper went through several rounds of extensive tests to see if she was strong enough for her bladder surgery. I know this case is different from yours.

It may be that your vet isn't giving up, but instead sees this as a case out of her hands that needs specialized care. When my Tipper was sick, my vet referred us to an internal medicine specialist. This is the vet that found the bladder polyp (pre-cancer) and that my dog had a horrible asymptomatic urinary tract infection. These were found on ultrasound. My vet was stunned, since she gave no symptoms. I know she took months of antibiotics to clear the infection.

In my case, I found the specialists to be more cold and impersonal (except for Tippy's cardiologist--she was so kind). The focus was on curing the illness and these are the steps to do this. If you chose to go the specialist route, be prepared. It is very expensive. I found that I could get my medications from my family vet much less expensive than the specialty hospital.

And, sadly, there is a point when you have to detach yourself from the love you have for your dog and really look at the quality of life. In my case, it took the specialty vet telling us that we had done everything we could--we had no more medical options. (One of my dog's medications put her in irreversible kidney failure).

If Mandy is able to eat, drink and eliminate that sounds encouraging. I don't know about the sneezing/runny nose part. I would examine the nasal discharge so you can tell the vet the color and thickness. It could be that the nasal discharge could be swabbed? Maybe this is a sign that the ear infection is draining and clearing. With my sinus infections, I could tell when my ears were opening because I would get a nasty drainage in the back of my throat. I'm not a medical person, so don't get your hopes up from that, but who knows.

Sending prayers and hugs for Mandy. Good luck.
___________
With Mac is it a wait and see whether this returns again or not. He had a good day yesterday. I pray for a good day today. We will face tomorrow when it arrives.
-Sandra (Scottie Dog)
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Old July 19th, 2009, 11:45 AM
mandy252 mandy252 is offline
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Thanks

You may be right about my vet not giving up. I may have read the look in her eyes wrong, perhaps she was sad cuz it would be out of her hands. I just took it as, she was discouraged cuz I wasn't prepared to give up so easily.

The discharge out of her nose is just watery, it's not thick or anything, just like her eyes water, so does her nose.

I'm watching her ear now that she's on apo-amoxi (we've changed meds), and since Thursday the redness is less. I gently wipe out the outter ear as there's alot of wax and buildup comin out, but I dont dare go any deeper at this point.

I just pray that her dizziness will stop so that she can walk on her own again.
My goal is to have her walking into the vet on Thurs...let's keep our fingers crossed!

Thanks for the advice and the talks!
Jenn
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Old July 19th, 2009, 11:57 AM
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diandpat diandpat is offline
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Hi Jenn

I really hope that you can get to the bottom of this and please don't give up...trust your gut!

The watery eyes/nose could simply be allergies...my dogs suffer from them all summer. Might not have anything to do with the ears at all. I have always (on vets recommendation) given them Benedryl for that. Benedryl and Gravol have the same active ingredient so hopefully it will at least help with that.

Don't know if you checked the pics in my VD thread on Ginger but we kept her in her harness for probably a month, if not longer, to be able to steady her easily in the house and up and down stairs etc. She is not in crisis in this pic but here is her harness...
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Old July 19th, 2009, 12:05 PM
ScottieDog ScottieDog is offline
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I've found that the people on this board are so different from most message boards. The people here are caring people. Yes, it is a passion for pets that leads people here. But you will also find an enveloping sense of compassion and caring from the members here.

It does sound like you are seeing some improvements. Small improvements can lead to bigger ones.

I don't know your vet, but I can say, I would most certainly want a second opinion before making the ultimate decision in your case. Vets want to be able to fix things and it must be frustrating when they can't. It seems that there is so little known and understood about vestibular issues. It is great when things clear up, but so puzzling when symptoms linger.

for Mandy walking into her appointment. This is a journey to take a day-at-a-time. And, when dealing with a geriatric dog, each and every day is a gift and a treasure.

-Sandra
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Old July 21st, 2009, 10:07 PM
mandy252 mandy252 is offline
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Mandy..one day at a time

I've read the article about the one dog taking 5months to recover.
That's the thing, my vet seems to think it's no longer vestibular and
says she doesn't want this going on for months.

But you know what, I read in several forums, 'TRUST YOUR GUT', well my gut says it's not time to say goodbye...but then I wonder is it my gut talking or my heart.

Mandy began stumbling and the head tilt on June 14. A couple days later, the head tilt worsened and the rapid eye movements began.
I also noticed her right side of her mouth droops, apparent to this day when she eats and food falls out after eating.

Mandy seemed to get better 7 days later, and then 5 days after that got worse and the symptoms were worse than before.

There was a period 1.5 weeks ago where she refused to walk at all, we had to make a full body harness to get her outside.

Throughout the entire ordeal, her appetite, water consumption and bathroom breaks were never a problem. Actually she still eats like a horse today.

Today, 5 weeks later, her appetite and all the above are excellent. The tail wags wonderfully when we come home from work.

Two days ago, she started walking on her own once a day from the livingroom to the kitchen without any help. Once she reaches the kitchen, she's had it, and lays down.

I am now able to get her outside by myself (she's 92lbs), with her hind harness and me holding her collar. But I definitely have to wait until she's ready or it's a huge struggle.

In the mornings and when she's extremely tired her head sways from left to right. I have put her on gravol for the past week.

We go to the vet this Thurs. I REFUSE to put her to sleep..Im seeing progress, mind you it's not as fast as the vet wants to see, but it's progress...albeit slow, but i'll take it.

I have safe guarded my livingroom, and even have a video camera set up, running cable to my bedroom to watch her on a monitor at night. I was finding I was waking up all through the night to come downstairs to check up on her, only to find out she was fast asleep. This way, when I awake during the night, I just look at the monitor and ensure myself all is well.

I thank each and everyone of you for your kind words and advice. The pain is so great, and with not many other dog lovers in my life, I know they have no understanding of what Im going through.

Thank you one and all!
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Old July 21st, 2009, 10:10 PM
mandy252 mandy252 is offline
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LOL Yikes Huge Picture

LOL Sorry for the large picture....can ya tell Im new to this?? LOL

Wanted to mention one other thing about the rapid eye movements.
They have stopped for the most part, except when she's startled, exhausted from walkin when she's not ready and especially if I lay her on her good side.

Okay..gotta go to bed.
Have a lovely day everyone.

Jenn
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  #17  
Old July 22nd, 2009, 04:01 PM
ScottieDog ScottieDog is offline
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Jenn,

Mandy is gorgeous . Your post brought tears to my eyes and I can feel the emotion in your words. There is so much depth and love in those cloudy old dog eyes. I see it in my guy too.

I know that your appointment is tomorrow. Please know you and Mandy are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Old July 24th, 2009, 02:55 PM
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Mandy 252...any news? Any improvements? Hope all is well

Scottiedog, how about you...how is your little guy doing?

Hope you are both busy enjoying your furbabies good health
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"‎I have sent you on a journey to a land free from pain, not because
I did not love you, but because I loved you too much to force
you to stay" ♥ ♥

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Old July 24th, 2009, 06:47 PM
ScottieDog ScottieDog is offline
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DiandPat, thank you for asking about Mac. We are just taking things a day at a time. At 14+ I feel that this is the best. Mac had a Vestibular episode at the end of June. Honestly, we thought he had hurt his leg, with his long hair we didn't see the eye movements. He was coming out of the episode when we got to the vet about 36 hours in. Nine days after the initial episode, I startled him when waking him for a walk (he is deaf and very jumpy) and he had a "relapse" that was lesser in intensity. My vet said he honestly didn't know if it was an additional attack, or a relapse. He said other attacks could occur without warning and to give supportive care. We did a mild dose of steroids and I was actually told to wean him off faster than planned. My vet doesn't advocate extensive steroid use (I saw Dr. Lee's post supporting this as well).

We have good days and so-so days. I have noticed that Mac tires a little faster and on slick floors, his legs tend to slip and slide a little (more so when he first wakes up). He still eats from one side of his bowl and scoots the dish around to get to his food--I mix in some canned to make the food sticky so he can eat better. Yesterday, he was very happy and chasing Cassie when she got home from training. I found a toy ball that holds treats and has an erratic roll. Mac loves this toy and gets it daily with some healthy treats. I think it gives him mental and physical exercise which is helping him. And, I think this is a good sign, Mac has started sleeping upside-down on his back again. It really hits home how much he has aged and very noticeable since Cassie (age 3) came to live with us. I see her bolt the stairs two at a time and remember it has been so long since Mac did this. I know that at this stage, Mac is like "Grampa"--he has had a wonderful, long, rich, happy life. Anything I can do to make his twilight time wonderful, I will do. I am also blessed that I have a wonderful, caring vet to help us.

Jennifer's appointment for Mandy was rescheduled for today. I know this is very hard for her. I can feel the depth of her love for Mandy and her posts.

Thank you for being willing to share your journey with this disease.

-Sandra (ScottieDog)
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Old July 24th, 2009, 06:58 PM
Rottielover Rottielover is offline
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To get back to the original thread, Teri I have heard of it, have not tried anything yet other than the prednisone. If you can PM with any kind of side effects that she had. I would like to know if this may be an option for Roxy sometime.
I hope you find something that works well with her soon.
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  #21  
Old July 24th, 2009, 10:17 PM
mandy252 mandy252 is offline
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Mandy's Update

Hello all,
First let me say, THANK YOU...thank you for caring, thank you for listening and thank you for your thoughts, prayers and advice.

Mandy is being referred to the Guelph Veternarian College, in Guelph, Ontario. It's the best in Ontario, Canada.

Today at the vet, she had her ear cleaned with a saline solution, then examined again with the otoscope. The vet said she could see deeper this time compared to last week, and she said she can't be 100% sure, but feels her ear drum is ruptured.

Mandy will go to the specialists, and have an ear swab done and a skull scan. (Yes, Im terrified of her being sedated, but I've decided that if the good Lord takes her during this, then that is what is meant to be...I will be rest assured, that I didn't give up on my girl, that Im tryin my darndest to help her.)

If it turns out to be a ruptured ear drum, the swab will tell us what antibiotic to use to help heal this.
If in the skull scan they find a tumor, then well...I can't even go down that road just yet.

I've taken her off the gravol on Wed., as it conked her out so bad, that I had a really hard time getting her to go outside. Her head tilt now only appears when she's tired, or her head will sway left to right.

She's back on her previcox (pain medication) and another 2 wks worth of her antibiotics.

Just like ScottiDog's Mac..she eats from the side of the plate, scoots her food around. Once in awhile I will get her to drink from the bowl (I have to hold the bowl and her head), but for the most part, we use the turkey baster.

Mandy tires very easily aswell. Sometimes she just lies there staring...it makes me sad to wonder what she's thinking of.

Last night, I was alone with her. She laid on the kitchen floor, I sat with her head in my hands and cried and cried. We had a heart to heart. I told her everything I am tryin to do, that I love her more and more everyday, and I told her the story of how I fell in love with her the minute I laid eyes on her...there were 9 lil pups running all around...but her eyes...ohhh those eyes...and she chose me.

I remember the first night at my home. She cried and cried. My heart melted, I remember thinking how sorry I felt for her, me taking her from her sisters...it was at that precise moment, that I made a pledge, a promise to my girl...to never ever let her feel that lonely feeling ever again. I am proud to say after 13.5 years, I feel in my heart, she has never felt that loneliness again and never will. (attached is a photo of her 1 week after I brought her home)

Okay..sorry rambling...I should find out next week when my appointment is with the specialists..and I will certainly let you all know.

Again...thank you...what a kind and loving forum this is!

Jennifer & Mandy
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Old July 25th, 2009, 12:11 AM
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TeriM TeriM is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rottielover View Post
To get back to the original thread, Teri I have heard of it, have not tried anything yet other than the prednisone. If you can PM with any kind of side effects that she had. I would like to know if this may be an option for Roxy sometime.
I hope you find something that works well with her soon.
Rottielover, this thread is actually from a year ago and I put Lucy on the previcox shortly after. Lucy was on previcox until quite recently when I have taken her off on the advice of our homeopath vet. Her liver enzymes (and now some kidney) have continued to slowly increase in that time although it is hard to say if they would have done that with or without the previcox based on her history. We are currently experimenting with chiropractor adjustments (good ) and the use of some supplements and some homeopathic remedies. She did have a noticeable drop in her comfort level when we stopped the previcox but has since rebounded fairly well. I am in a wait and see mode right now to see if she can maintain this if not I will put her back on the previcox as her comfort is more important to me then the additional stress on the liver.
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Old July 25th, 2009, 12:16 AM
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Mandy, I just wanted to send some hugs your way for you and your furbaby. This sounds like an awful situation and I hope you get some answers soon.



ScottieDog & DiandPat same hugs for you. It is sooooo hard when our babies have problems .

Just a side note, there is lots of good discussion in this thread that might be being overlooked at the original thread is quite old and not really that related to your cases. If you started a new thread you might get some additional advice.

Good luck to all .
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  #24  
Old July 25th, 2009, 10:25 PM
mandy252 mandy252 is offline
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Thanks Teri

Thanks for the hugs, we're taking it one day at a time.
Unfortunately she seems to get more tired everyday.
On the plus side, her ear looks better and her head tilt is almost gone.
She just wants to lay down all the time now, and having a harder time
getting to get up to go for a bathroom break.

(I think her shoulder is really bothering her, Im assuming from lying on it for a month. I told the vet, and we're now putting heat on it for 15 min throughout the day).

I read somewhere on the net that a ruptured ear drum is very painful...so perhaps this is why she's so lethargic.

Can't wait to hear from the Guelph Hospital to find out when we go to the specialist.

Thanks again
Jenn
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  #25  
Old July 26th, 2009, 08:44 AM
ScottieDog ScottieDog is offline
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Jenn,

Hopefully the referral will help you and Mandy. Just getting the knowledge of what you are dealing with really allows you to make the right decisions. I know that you are frightened of the sedation. They will typically check some blood work to see how she will manage anesthesia. Also, there are some anesthetics that are safer for geriatric dogs that allow them to wake up sooner. Also, know that by going to a vet college, the knowledge they gain from Mandy can and will help other dogs.

Waiting for the diagnostics is difficult and painful. I know you don't want to hear this, but do know that if you don't get the news you want, you will find the strength to accept the diagnosis. As you process this, your body just goes numb, then you put your baby first. Sadly, I know this from dealing with bladder cancer with my sweet girl.

Take it a day at a time. If you are being told that she isn't in pain and suffering, give her love and support. It is so hard to see them sick. Keeping you and Mandy in my prayers.

-Sandra (ScottieDog)
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  #26  
Old July 26th, 2009, 10:38 AM
mandy252 mandy252 is offline
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Thank you

Mandy's getting so much harder to get outdoors. She won't budge.
Ughhhh. She's actually now starting to scare me, as when we got her outside yesterday, she peed, laid down and then poo'd while lying down, this morning I awoke to pee by her bed. (This may have come from fear though, as I have a baby crib mattress against the walls and one fell ontop of her..it's not a heavy one (very very lightweight), no worries there, but it may have scared her enough to pee. She used to pee during thunderstorms out of fear.

I just pray they get my appointment asap.
I have already made up my mind, I am going to take what the vet at the college says, and believe in him/her.

He/She is the specialist, and I have to listen to what they say and go from there. I am going to the best Vet College in Canada, there is no other opinions in my mind. I just need answers as soon as possible, so like you said I know what I am dealing with.

When I sit alone and really start to think, you are right my body is already going numb, I feel like Im dreaming. I can't believe that one day my girl won't be here no more...I just can't fathom that...no more greetings in the mornings, no more hellos when I get home from work...complete emptiness...it's going to hurt like nothing before.

But then I think how lucky I am, how lucky that I am getting to say my goodbyes, have my talks with her, hold her, cry with her and love her. There are some ppl who dogs die accidently and quickly and they didn't get the chance that I am having right now, so Im embracing every single day. (Not that I haven't embraced her for the last 13.5yrs mind you. *S*)

I know in time, the pain will subside...Im greatful for the photos and videos I have, and she'll be in my heart forever!

I'll never be ready to say goodbye, this is true, but if there is no more I can do for my babe, then I do have to have the courage, strength and the love to help her be at peace.

Thank you again one and all..what a great group!

Jenn

Last edited by mandy252; July 26th, 2009 at 10:46 AM.
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  #27  
Old July 28th, 2009, 10:42 PM
mandy252 mandy252 is offline
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Bad News for dearest Mandy

We rushed Mandy to the Vet college today.
She met with a neurologist, and he is 100% sure something is pushing on her brain. Whether it be a tumor, cancer or unsure.

She was put throught a battery of neurological tests and failed them all.

My choices were to have the MRI, find what is pushing on her brain and then treat her for that. (If it is cancer that involves chemo), and if it is treated, he said there is a big chance that brain damage has already happened and is irreversible.

So we have decided, after 13.5 years of a wonderful, happy life that we send her back to God.

It's not something I want to do, but I can't stand to see her suffer any longer. My heart is breaking more than words can say.

Thank you all for your kind words of support and comfort throughout our ordeal, and I will kiss and hug Mandy from each and everyone of you.

Tomorrow she goes to heaven, and she will be so deeply missed her on earth.

Sincerley
Jennifer and Mandy
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  #28  
Old July 29th, 2009, 02:57 AM
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Oh Jenn, I was so hoping it was going to be better news :sad: I know you know you have made the right decision but that does not make it easier

Godspeed to Mandy...you will be whole and healthy again at the Bridge

Jenn, please open a special thread just for Mandy in the Pets that have passed away forum...and include some pics so the others can admire how beautiful she was
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  #29  
Old July 29th, 2009, 09:26 AM
ScottieDog ScottieDog is offline
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Oh, Jenn, I am so sorry that the news wasn't better. I will be thinking of you today during this difficult time (and in the upcoming weeks). It is the hardest thing you can ever do. By easing her pain, you bring it onto yourself.

Know that your heart breaks so that Mandy can take a piece of it to the Rainbow Bridge with her. Godspeed sweet Mandy. Be at peace sweet girl.

If you need to talk, I'm here for you.

-Sandra
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  #30  
Old July 31st, 2009, 10:51 AM
mandy252 mandy252 is offline
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Thank you one and all

Thanks everyone.
My heart is breaking and my home is so quiet and lonely right now.
I talk to her often and to help me be at peace at night, I sleep with
her favorite pillow.

I picture her running and playing in heaven, and that helps ease my pain a bit.

Thank you so much for this past few weeks, helping me through Mandy's illness, it was a great way to get my feelings and thoughts out.

Mandy appreciated it!!
Mwwah love you Mandy and miss you dearly! Til we meet again!

Jennifer
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