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| photo taken during last night's sunset ride |
The good news is that barring some weird problem that doesn't show up on x-rays, the only thing wrong with Jackson is arthritis in his spine, not unusual in an athletic dog his age. He got laser treatment – twice – on his back while I was there, and is staying overnight to get the pain, inflammation, and muscle involvement all addressed in the most effective, intensive way possible so we can move forward with better management. And with the professional courtesy discount, we won't have to sell our son to the circus to pay for it all. 😉
This afternoon I am meeting a friend for ice cream, conversation, and spinning. With Jackson in capable hands, I will be able to relax and thoroughly enjoy the diversion!
That's all for now from . . .
13 comments:
Gosh, that does sound hopeful for Jackson! I'm hoping it will turn out that there are positive things that can be done so that his suffering is lessened and he can have a few more years in peaceful "retirement" with his family and homestead. Keep us informed when you know more. Such a good, sweet dog.
Wonderful news!
Having lost five dogs from various ails over the years before they reached old age, I am very happy for you that Jackson lives on. Also that you are not left with a huge vet bill.
Good news!
Michelle, that is very good news; hopeful indeed!
Yay :-D. Sometimes it's "cheaper" to pay a vet bill than "pay the cost" of worry and sadness.
Well, for what it is worth.... I now have a new pup, so I'm on 'that' side of it. My uncle was a vet (and my brother and I were sometimes his cheap summer 'catch'em' helpers), but I am a very highly qualified and experienced professional furniture maker/restorer. Which is to say, I have absolutely NO scientific basis or foundation for what I want to share. Our last 4 dogs came to us as abused rescue adults. Good news: they lived their last lives happy and safe. Bad news: we saw them age and pass on too quickly, each one. I know your heartbreak only too well. Our Dachshund and our Scotch Collie both lived to over 15 years and both suffered badly from arthritis. We fed them glucosamine caps every day for their last years, and we saw a great deal of relief. Maybe they were just happy to get their morning cheese ball, but it cost so little, the risk was so small, and the results - purely anecdotal - were good. It worked for Joyce's bad knee too.
So, cheers and good luck. They need us in these times even though our hearts are sad. They can still make us smile and feel good. For my collie's part, until his dying day, he didn't think I was smart enough to be left on my own without him as my leader. Dogs are just like that....
I sure hope the new treatment helps Jackson. Good to have some friend time too.
Thank-you one and all for being here and caring. I picked up Jackson today, expecting to see improvement based on the vet's texts, but finding him even worse than when I took him yesterday. I am giving him the boatload of pills as prescribed, hoping they may yet give him some relief, but am afraid they will just be hard on his kidneys/liver. I'm either spending time with him or trying to distract myself from the sadness that's trying to crush me, so may not be posting for awhile.
One of my grand dogs (Milo - French Bull dog) has a genetic condition that vets call "Frenchie Back." On X-ray the spine looks like puzzle pieces that are all mishapen - not lined up well at all. At 4 years of age, he had back surgery because he was losing function in his hind legs. If left alone, he would have lost function by 6. He is now 9 and doing ok, but his legs are showing weakness again, and we suspect he is in pain - and that his back either has another swelling in spin or he has arthritis at the site of the surgery. He is now on a low dose of pain killer - routinely - because at his age - surgery is not an option. It has helped. I think the drug is Duramax. I know in this day and age people make a face at pain killers but they do serve a function when needed and it keeps Milo functional and mostly comfortable for the rest of whatever his life is. Hoping this is an option for your baby, too. So glad you are getting this checked. Love can't fix everything!
Oh no. I just read your last comment. Hang tight. Give the meds some time. Give that dog a kiss from me. Did they include pain meds???
Yes, Elaine, he is on both dexamethasone and tramadol – a pretty hefty dose of tramadol.
So sorry to hear that Jackson is in such discomfort. I hope that the dexamethasone and tramadol give him some relief.
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