Blog Archive: July - September 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Jack has had some ups and downs in the last few weeks, but at the moment he's doing quite well! We suspected that his recent, constant limp was due to the birdshot in his left elbow, which he got before he came to live with us almost 10 years ago. We saw it on an x-ray several years ago (as well as a bb pellet and more birdshot in other places) but the vets at the time agreed not to remove it because it was sitting alongside a major nerve. The x-ray showed that it had migrated a bit, and we suspect it has continued to move and is now touching the nerve, causing him to limp.
We took a drive to Sacramento last week to see Dr. Beebe (our integrative vet) so she could again remove that recurring cyst under his eye (it grew to the size of a cherry pit and was really bothering him). She has a way of removing it without having to anesthetize him. While there, we mentioned the limp and the elbow. She put an injection in there and said if it's the elbow and our theory is correct, we'll see improvement in 3 to 4 days.
Sure enough, by Friday, he was clearly feeling better. Saturday and Sunday mornings he stretched his shoulders and hips (hasn't done that in weeks). By Saturday night, he walked us around the block! A first since mid August. He also had a nice walk at Lake Tahoe yesterday. Compared to the same walk last week, he barely limped this week, enjoyed smelling the fall flowers, and happily greeted the other dogs.
So although his heart disease continues to progress, we still have some tricks up our sleeve to help him be comfortable and happy.
A fitting way to celebrate 50 weeks since his lymphoma diagnosis last fall! 50 weeks!!!!
We took a drive to Sacramento last week to see Dr. Beebe (our integrative vet) so she could again remove that recurring cyst under his eye (it grew to the size of a cherry pit and was really bothering him). She has a way of removing it without having to anesthetize him. While there, we mentioned the limp and the elbow. She put an injection in there and said if it's the elbow and our theory is correct, we'll see improvement in 3 to 4 days.
Sure enough, by Friday, he was clearly feeling better. Saturday and Sunday mornings he stretched his shoulders and hips (hasn't done that in weeks). By Saturday night, he walked us around the block! A first since mid August. He also had a nice walk at Lake Tahoe yesterday. Compared to the same walk last week, he barely limped this week, enjoyed smelling the fall flowers, and happily greeted the other dogs.
So although his heart disease continues to progress, we still have some tricks up our sleeve to help him be comfortable and happy.
A fitting way to celebrate 50 weeks since his lymphoma diagnosis last fall! 50 weeks!!!!
Monday, September 13, 2010
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In the last couple of weeks, Jack gave us a bit of a scare. It turns out that while he’s still in remission from lymphoma, his heart disease has continued to advance. He gets fatigued more quickly, sleeps more, and our walks are much shorter. In response, Dr. Schneider increased the doses of his heart medications. Thankfully she and Jack’s cardiologist, Dr. Hosking, had him on moderate doses and there was room for increase. A chest x-ray revealed that he’s not yet in congestive heart failure (fluid on the heart), so that was good news.
With increased heart meds and a new glucosamine supplement, Jack’s feeling better again. His eyes are bright, he’s happy to go for rides in the car, and his appetite is incredibly good. So yesterday we headed to Lake Tahoe for a short walk at Incline Village, then on to Truckee and up to Serene Lakes at Donner Summit. It was a beautiful day and Jack really enjoyed himself! At Serene Lakes we let him splash around a bit to cool off since he has always loved the water. A good time was had by all! It was a fitting way to celebrate a full 11 months since his lymphoma diagnosis. We cherish each day with him. |
Friday, August 27, 2010
This weekend marks 46 weeks since Jack’s lymphoma diagnosis. That’s 40 weeks longer than he would have lived if we chose not to do chemo! He is still with us, still has a great appetite, and still seems to be enjoying life. At this point, Jack seems to have settled into a fairly typical older-dog routine. Since there is not much to update on a regular basis, we’ve decided to focus on other things and no longer update the blog quite so often. We’ll still post a report from the occasional memorable weekend outing or special event, and we’ll pick it back up in earnest if/when he comes out of remission. When the time comes that Jack has to leave us, we’ll update the homepage with that information as well. If you wish to send us an e-mail, that link will remain active. We will also leave the past blog pages up on the site for those readers who have just discovered Jack and would like to read about our experiences.
Thank you for taking this incredible journey with us. It’s been an amazing 10 months, and it has been extremely therapeutic for us to be able to share our experiences with all of our readers.
Thank you for taking this incredible journey with us. It’s been an amazing 10 months, and it has been extremely therapeutic for us to be able to share our experiences with all of our readers.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Jack has definitely been improving this week. He's sleeping very well at night (cooler temps at night have helped), he happily comes to greet us when we get home, he trots across the yard to follow Jenny when she tells him there is something to bark at, and his eyes are bright and happy. Last night at dinner, as he sat next to the table and hoped for a hand-out, he looked and acted like the Jack we know and love.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Since being on pain medication these last few days, Jack's eyes are brighter, he can rest comfortably, and he is again following us from room to room. We reduced the dose slightly from every 8 hours to every 12 hours, which helps him not feel quite as groggy. On Saturday we took a short ride back to Incline Village to walk on the path and he really enjoyed it. We didn't walk far but wanted to get him out of the house and get some fresh Tahoe air in his lungs. By Sunday he mostly wanted to sleep but seemed happy and interested in what we were doing. He was up with keen eyes and "perked" ears during a short car ride last evening... barking at the motorcycles.
It was a fitting way to celebrate 45 weeks since his lymphoma diagnosis!
Last night it occurred to us that about a month ago we switched Jack's glucosamine supplement. A quick search online makes us wonder if this new supplement has a lower amount of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM as the last one. Could that be the cause of his recent stiffness? We want a supplement that has all three ingredients in high amounts... lower quantities are fine for dogs who simply need a "maintenance" dose, but Jack needs a higher "therapeutic" dose. We did some quick research and found one with high quantities of all three, plus other beneficial ingredients (like Vitamin C), and will see if that helps. It also has good customer reviews from other dog lovers whose pets had become stiff and painful, but reacted well to this product.
Just like people, we have found that a dog's reaction to vitamins and supplements varies based on individual needs, so we'll see how Jack does. Each glucosamine product has its pros and cons, and each has other ingredients the manufacturer believes make the product unique. That's why we've tried different ones over time. We remain hopeful that we can still find a way to help The Big Guy stay happy and active. Rest assured, his appetite is still terrific!
It was a fitting way to celebrate 45 weeks since his lymphoma diagnosis!
Last night it occurred to us that about a month ago we switched Jack's glucosamine supplement. A quick search online makes us wonder if this new supplement has a lower amount of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM as the last one. Could that be the cause of his recent stiffness? We want a supplement that has all three ingredients in high amounts... lower quantities are fine for dogs who simply need a "maintenance" dose, but Jack needs a higher "therapeutic" dose. We did some quick research and found one with high quantities of all three, plus other beneficial ingredients (like Vitamin C), and will see if that helps. It also has good customer reviews from other dog lovers whose pets had become stiff and painful, but reacted well to this product.
Just like people, we have found that a dog's reaction to vitamins and supplements varies based on individual needs, so we'll see how Jack does. Each glucosamine product has its pros and cons, and each has other ingredients the manufacturer believes make the product unique. That's why we've tried different ones over time. We remain hopeful that we can still find a way to help The Big Guy stay happy and active. Rest assured, his appetite is still terrific!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
It's always amazing how quickly things can change when you get old. One day you feel pretty good, the next not so much, and by the third day, you feel downright crappy. That's the kind of week Jack has had.
We don't know if he hurt himself when we weren't looking, or if his arthritis has just suddenly reached that point, but on Tuesday night Jack basically didn't sleep. We could see how painful it was to try and lay down, and so he spent most of the night standing, panting, and looking anxious. On Wednesday the pain and lack of sleep showed in his eyes, so after a phone consultation with Dr. Schneider (we didn't want to make him get in the car for a trip to the vet), everyone agreed to put Jack on pain medication. Whether he hurt himself or the arthritis is acting up, the benefit of the drug will allow him to be more comfortable and of course if he's more comfortable, he'll get some restful sleep. The question is whether he'll have to be on it long-term. And just how long is long-term?
Within 1-2 hours of taking the pills yesterday afternoon, he zonked-out on his Cool Bed for several hours and seemed very comfortable. He woke up at 11:30 last night... just in time for the next dose... and went back to sleep until we got up at 5am. He still hurts, but is clearly better than yesterday.
We don't know if he hurt himself when we weren't looking, or if his arthritis has just suddenly reached that point, but on Tuesday night Jack basically didn't sleep. We could see how painful it was to try and lay down, and so he spent most of the night standing, panting, and looking anxious. On Wednesday the pain and lack of sleep showed in his eyes, so after a phone consultation with Dr. Schneider (we didn't want to make him get in the car for a trip to the vet), everyone agreed to put Jack on pain medication. Whether he hurt himself or the arthritis is acting up, the benefit of the drug will allow him to be more comfortable and of course if he's more comfortable, he'll get some restful sleep. The question is whether he'll have to be on it long-term. And just how long is long-term?
Within 1-2 hours of taking the pills yesterday afternoon, he zonked-out on his Cool Bed for several hours and seemed very comfortable. He woke up at 11:30 last night... just in time for the next dose... and went back to sleep until we got up at 5am. He still hurts, but is clearly better than yesterday.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Jack had a busy and happy weekend. On Saturday he helped with errands and chores, stopped by Grandma's house for a few slices of banana (he LOVES banana), and enjoyed barking at all of the motorcycles that were out enjoying the gorgeous weather. On Sunday he took us to Incline Village (Lake Tahoe) for a cool morning walk. After walking together as a group for a while, John and Jenny headed off for a long, brisk walk while Jack and Linda headed back to the car. Jack was NOT pleased by this. He had NO intention of going back to the car and simply stopped in the middle of the trail.
That's when the bull dog, Elvis, and his silky terrier, Prescilla, came along. Thankfully they were walking the same direction... and Jack ran to keep up with them! He really does live for making friends. Meeting new friends always puts a spring in his step.
No doubt he was trying to tell Elvis that Sunday marked 44 weeks since his lymphoma diagnosis last fall.
Honestly, if you had told us in October when we began chemo treatments that Jack would take us for a walk at Incline Village in mid-August, we probably wouldn't have believed it. All those months... all those vet visits... were all worth it!
That's when the bull dog, Elvis, and his silky terrier, Prescilla, came along. Thankfully they were walking the same direction... and Jack ran to keep up with them! He really does live for making friends. Meeting new friends always puts a spring in his step.
No doubt he was trying to tell Elvis that Sunday marked 44 weeks since his lymphoma diagnosis last fall.
Honestly, if you had told us in October when we began chemo treatments that Jack would take us for a walk at Incline Village in mid-August, we probably wouldn't have believed it. All those months... all those vet visits... were all worth it!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Today we are celebrating Jenny's 6th Anniversary with us! She came home on Friday, August 13, 2004... yes, it was a Friday the 13th, too. Jack says that makes is easy to remember... the day his life changed forever (for the better, of course!). Here is Jenny's adoption day photo taken at the shelter. Wow! We all look so much younger.
It's hard to describe how much Jenny has added to the family. She worries about us, she watches over us, she's a good companion for Jack, and she is our sweetheart. She's a happy, loving, smart, and funny girl... and a world-class cuddler! Jenny is an excellent and willing heating pad on cold winter nights. We are blessed to have found her.
It's hard to describe how much Jenny has added to the family. She worries about us, she watches over us, she's a good companion for Jack, and she is our sweetheart. She's a happy, loving, smart, and funny girl... and a world-class cuddler! Jenny is an excellent and willing heating pad on cold winter nights. We are blessed to have found her.
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And here is a photo taken yesterday in the car when we were out and about after work for a short ride. A bit older, perhaps, but still happy to be together.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Jack had a great weekend! The nights have been cooler - the other morning it was 42 degrees when we left for work - and the pollen has been better. Plus, we had some thunderstorms with rain to clean the air a bit. All of this contributes to making Jack feel more like his old self. In our house...when Jack is happy, everyone is happy!
He took us for a walk around the block on Saturday morning, and on Sunday we went to Incline Village (Lake Tahoe) for a walk on the path along Lakeshore Blvd. Jack always enjoys it there with a lot of good smells, dogs to greet, and cooler temps. He surprised us at how far he wanted to walk!
On a side note, we've got to comment on what a true gentleman Jack is. When he and Jenny go out first thing in the morning, Jack never comes in until Jenny is ready. He'll come back to the bedroom door and just stand there until she comes back. Once she steps inside, he'll follow her, but never before. He reminds us of the well-mannered gentleman holding the door for the lady. Who says chivalry is dead?
Yesterday we celebrated 43 weeks since diagnosis! Every week we feel blessed that The Big Guy, The Big Kahuna, The Big Mister... is still with us.
He took us for a walk around the block on Saturday morning, and on Sunday we went to Incline Village (Lake Tahoe) for a walk on the path along Lakeshore Blvd. Jack always enjoys it there with a lot of good smells, dogs to greet, and cooler temps. He surprised us at how far he wanted to walk!
On a side note, we've got to comment on what a true gentleman Jack is. When he and Jenny go out first thing in the morning, Jack never comes in until Jenny is ready. He'll come back to the bedroom door and just stand there until she comes back. Once she steps inside, he'll follow her, but never before. He reminds us of the well-mannered gentleman holding the door for the lady. Who says chivalry is dead?
Yesterday we celebrated 43 weeks since diagnosis! Every week we feel blessed that The Big Guy, The Big Kahuna, The Big Mister... is still with us.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Jack has never been a fan of summer. With his thick coat and chronic allergies, July and August are always difficult months. This summer has been no different and after all he’s been through in the last year, not to mention being another year older, the big guy is doing his best to get through it. We wanted to make sure there wasn’t anything else going on, so off Jack went for his regular monthly check-up a few days early. After being weighed (stable), poked (blood draw), and prodded (no sign of lymph nodes) he was rewarded with a couple of quality biscuits and we headed home to await the lab results. Listen to this: Jack’s lab results came back perfect. Every value was basically ‘normal.’ In fact, Dr. Schneider was heard to say “…if you didn’t already know that Jack was a sick guy, you’d never know it from his lab results.”
Hard to follow news that good.
Hard to follow news that good.
Monday, August 1, 2010
Our apologies for not posting an update in over a week! The blog page has gremlins and we've had trouble getting in here to type.
Jack is doing well although allergies are really getting the better of him. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks, the pollen counts will be down. Then we'll see if some of his sluggishness is due to allergies.
It's always hard to watch a beloved pet age and lose their spark. Jack's eyes are bright, his appetite is awesome, and he still follows us around and wants to be where the action is... he's just not as interested in being the action. With the proper enticement (like excitedly saying Jack! JACK! Is that a MOTORCYCLE?!?!?!) he heads through the dog door and gallops (like old dogs do) across the patio and around the corner of the house to the gate. Usually Jenny is there first and we have to call her to us so he can look through the peep-hole. There was a time he would shove her out of the way, but now he stands there and waits his turn.
This weekend we took two rides in the car - first to Reno and then to Tahoe - to get Jack out of the house. At home, he pretty much sleeps and then is groggy much of the time. But if we get him out to look (and bark) at things, he seems to really enjoy it and it keeps him alert and focused. He also sleeps better at night!
Yesterday we celebrated a milestone...42 weeks (10 months) since diagnosis!
Jack is doing well although allergies are really getting the better of him. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks, the pollen counts will be down. Then we'll see if some of his sluggishness is due to allergies.
It's always hard to watch a beloved pet age and lose their spark. Jack's eyes are bright, his appetite is awesome, and he still follows us around and wants to be where the action is... he's just not as interested in being the action. With the proper enticement (like excitedly saying Jack! JACK! Is that a MOTORCYCLE?!?!?!) he heads through the dog door and gallops (like old dogs do) across the patio and around the corner of the house to the gate. Usually Jenny is there first and we have to call her to us so he can look through the peep-hole. There was a time he would shove her out of the way, but now he stands there and waits his turn.
This weekend we took two rides in the car - first to Reno and then to Tahoe - to get Jack out of the house. At home, he pretty much sleeps and then is groggy much of the time. But if we get him out to look (and bark) at things, he seems to really enjoy it and it keeps him alert and focused. He also sleeps better at night!
Yesterday we celebrated a milestone...42 weeks (10 months) since diagnosis!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Our temperatures have steadily been in the mid- to upper-90s all week, and despite loving is new Cool Bed and turning on the air conditioning, Jack's having a tough time. Our Wooly Mammoth with his thick down undercoat is NOT a fan of the heat. Plus, his allergy season is in full gear (pine pollen everywhere). In fact, last night we woke to hearing a very congested dog nose trying to snore. This summer is really no different from our last 9 summers together, so there's no reason to assume that it's anything other than environmental issues.
Rest assured, however, that his appetite is outstanding!
If this summer is like the last 9, things should start improving by mid- to late August. We just have to find ways to keep The Big Guy cool and comfortable until then.
Rest assured, however, that his appetite is outstanding!
If this summer is like the last 9, things should start improving by mid- to late August. We just have to find ways to keep The Big Guy cool and comfortable until then.
Monday, July 19, 2010
This was the kind of weekend that made all of the chemo treatments, vet appointments, medications, and trips to Sacramento and Davis worthwhile. Jack feels great!
Saturday morning we decided to beat the heat and head for the mountains and Lake Tahoe early in the day. Our first stop was in Hope Valley along Highway 88 south of Lake Tahoe. Jack used to take us hiking there almost every weekend in the summers when he was a younger guy. The elevation is around 7,000 feet with the Carson River and several natural springs to keep it cool and green for most of the summer. We didn't walk far, but Jack certainly enjoyed being there and sniffing around his old stomping ground.
Then we headed to Lake Tahoe and drove around the west (California) shore to Tahoe City where the Truckee River flows out of the lake. The dam is known locally as "Fanny Bridge" because of the people who hang over the side looking into the water. On the lake side of the dam is a deep water area... perfect for a quick canine swim. Jack's big sister, Sasha, used to swim here when she grew old and arthritic. It was ideal for her because she had long legs and didn't have to walk out in shallow water to find a spot deep enough to actually swim. Honestly, we're not sure if we've been back to that spot since she passed away 10 years ago so it was a little bitter-sweet to come back now with older, arthritic Jack for a swim at Sasha's beach.
He did her proud! He stomped right in where she always did, and took off swimming! I could almost imagine her in there with him. John kept him on the extended leash so he could gently reel him back to shore. Otherwise, we have no doubt Jack would have headed across to the other side. He's always loved to swim and we were thrilled to see him swimming more than 9 months since his lymphoma diagnosis.
Saturday morning we decided to beat the heat and head for the mountains and Lake Tahoe early in the day. Our first stop was in Hope Valley along Highway 88 south of Lake Tahoe. Jack used to take us hiking there almost every weekend in the summers when he was a younger guy. The elevation is around 7,000 feet with the Carson River and several natural springs to keep it cool and green for most of the summer. We didn't walk far, but Jack certainly enjoyed being there and sniffing around his old stomping ground.
Then we headed to Lake Tahoe and drove around the west (California) shore to Tahoe City where the Truckee River flows out of the lake. The dam is known locally as "Fanny Bridge" because of the people who hang over the side looking into the water. On the lake side of the dam is a deep water area... perfect for a quick canine swim. Jack's big sister, Sasha, used to swim here when she grew old and arthritic. It was ideal for her because she had long legs and didn't have to walk out in shallow water to find a spot deep enough to actually swim. Honestly, we're not sure if we've been back to that spot since she passed away 10 years ago so it was a little bitter-sweet to come back now with older, arthritic Jack for a swim at Sasha's beach.
He did her proud! He stomped right in where she always did, and took off swimming! I could almost imagine her in there with him. John kept him on the extended leash so he could gently reel him back to shore. Otherwise, we have no doubt Jack would have headed across to the other side. He's always loved to swim and we were thrilled to see him swimming more than 9 months since his lymphoma diagnosis.
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Wow! That cold water felt good on a hot day.
He came out of the water exhausted and water-logged, but clearly very happy. He's been in a great mood ever since, and has been trotting and bounding around the house like pre-lymphoma Jack.
This was the weekend that made it all worthwhile, and the perfect way to celebrate 40 weeks since diagnosis.
He came out of the water exhausted and water-logged, but clearly very happy. He's been in a great mood ever since, and has been trotting and bounding around the house like pre-lymphoma Jack.
This was the weekend that made it all worthwhile, and the perfect way to celebrate 40 weeks since diagnosis.
Friday, July 16, 2010
A few days ago we mentioned buying Jack a cooling dog bed to help him over the hottest part of summer. Next to his Petloader steps to help him get in the car, the Cool Bed has moved to the top of Jack's List of Favorite Things! We only regret not getting one sooner.
This bed is really amazing. There are a few water-filled cooling beds out there... we selected this one because of the customer reviews as well as the size. The large is basically the size of a crib mattress, which is the right size for a big guy like Jack. In fact, although it came with a custom fitted sheet we find that fitted crib sheets work very well and tuck under enough to stay put. Plus, the sheets are thin so they don't interfere with the cooling effect.
The large bed fills with 6-3/4 gallons of water and has a foam-like pad inside to absorb the water. When you first put your hand on it, it doesn't feel cool. But after just a few seconds you can start to feel it get cool. Apparently the water wicks away body heat and manages to stay room temperature - which is always about 20 degrees cooler than the dog's body temperature. Polyester fiberfill and foam-filled dog beds can't compare on a hot day. So the Cool Bed is about the same temperature as a tile floor, but with support and comfort for aching joints.
Honestly, we weren't sure Jack would like it and we were skeptical that it would really work. He really does... and it really does! He's feeling good these last few days and is sleeping much better at night.
We haven't taken a picture of Jack on his bed yet, but here's a picture from the manufacturer's website. This is the Cool Bed III in large.
This bed is really amazing. There are a few water-filled cooling beds out there... we selected this one because of the customer reviews as well as the size. The large is basically the size of a crib mattress, which is the right size for a big guy like Jack. In fact, although it came with a custom fitted sheet we find that fitted crib sheets work very well and tuck under enough to stay put. Plus, the sheets are thin so they don't interfere with the cooling effect.
The large bed fills with 6-3/4 gallons of water and has a foam-like pad inside to absorb the water. When you first put your hand on it, it doesn't feel cool. But after just a few seconds you can start to feel it get cool. Apparently the water wicks away body heat and manages to stay room temperature - which is always about 20 degrees cooler than the dog's body temperature. Polyester fiberfill and foam-filled dog beds can't compare on a hot day. So the Cool Bed is about the same temperature as a tile floor, but with support and comfort for aching joints.
Honestly, we weren't sure Jack would like it and we were skeptical that it would really work. He really does... and it really does! He's feeling good these last few days and is sleeping much better at night.
We haven't taken a picture of Jack on his bed yet, but here's a picture from the manufacturer's website. This is the Cool Bed III in large.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
On Sunday morning we took Jack and Jenny for a ride in the car, out to the local animal shelter to donate our aluminum cans, then made a couple of quick stops on the way home before it got hot. After sticking his head out the window and barking at select targets, Jack settled in to enjoy the ride... just as we were almost home.
We put the steps up to the hatch for the dogs to get out of the car, and Jenny happily jumped out and went in the house.
Jack, however, wouldn't budge.
No coaxing or prodding was going to get him out of the car. So after going in the house and starting a load of laundry... and Jack still insisting that we go for another ride... we relented and headed out again.
This was Jack patiently waiting while laundry was being started. Clearly, Jack wasn't done.
We put the steps up to the hatch for the dogs to get out of the car, and Jenny happily jumped out and went in the house.
Jack, however, wouldn't budge.
No coaxing or prodding was going to get him out of the car. So after going in the house and starting a load of laundry... and Jack still insisting that we go for another ride... we relented and headed out again.
This was Jack patiently waiting while laundry was being started. Clearly, Jack wasn't done.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Jack did great after his last treatment with Dr. Beebe last week, but on Sunday afternoon he was clearly hurting. The treatment - prolotherapy - involves an injection directly into the joints of solution that induces inflammation. As we understand it, the goal is to jump-start the body's own ability to fight inflammation and thereby fight the arthritis in the joint. He had injections into his hips and elbows.
To make it work, he cannot have his anti-inflammatory medication for several days. Otherwise it reduces the intended inflammation and the benefit of the treatment.
He did great for the first 3 days, then seemed to "hit the wall" on Sunday afternoon. The combination of not having his anti-inflammatory medication (Metacam) and getting an injection to cause inflammation... well... let's just say he was a guy who really hurting by Sunday night.
Since then, he's back on his Metacam and is almost back to "normal." His eyes are bright and he's sleeping a bit better at night. We'll give it a couple of weeks to decide if there is much improvement from this treatment, but as of today, we don't think we'll do prolotherapy again. He's such a good sport, but there's no reason to cause him any more pain or discomfort than he already experiences.
To make it work, he cannot have his anti-inflammatory medication for several days. Otherwise it reduces the intended inflammation and the benefit of the treatment.
He did great for the first 3 days, then seemed to "hit the wall" on Sunday afternoon. The combination of not having his anti-inflammatory medication (Metacam) and getting an injection to cause inflammation... well... let's just say he was a guy who really hurting by Sunday night.
Since then, he's back on his Metacam and is almost back to "normal." His eyes are bright and he's sleeping a bit better at night. We'll give it a couple of weeks to decide if there is much improvement from this treatment, but as of today, we don't think we'll do prolotherapy again. He's such a good sport, but there's no reason to cause him any more pain or discomfort than he already experiences.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
What a day! Parades, concerts, BBQ, all topped off with awesome fireworks displays around the country…what’s the occasion, you ask? Everyone was celebrating 38 weeks since Jack’s diagnosis and he’s still here enjoying the life of a distinguished elderly gentleman canine.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Jack had two good vet visits this week. On Wednesday he went for his monthly check-up with Dr. Schneider. His weight is stable, temperature is normal, heart sounds good, and all lymph nodes are normal. Hooray on all counts! We also checked his blood pressure, which was on the high side, but it is about the same as the last time we checked a few months ago so we don't seem to be losing any ground and she saw no reason to change his medication.
Today he saw Dr. Beebe in Sacramento and had another good visit with her. She did acupuncture as always but also did another prolotherapy treatment. She said Jack is one of the best patients she has had for this treatment! Most dogs fuss, but Jack pretty much lets her do anything without complaint. He is stiff and still has a "creaky butt" when he sits down, but he walked us all the way around the block on Tuesday night and took Linda and Jenny for a walk to our park this morning before heading to Sacramento. That's more walking than he had been able to do, so something is working!
Today he saw Dr. Beebe in Sacramento and had another good visit with her. She did acupuncture as always but also did another prolotherapy treatment. She said Jack is one of the best patients she has had for this treatment! Most dogs fuss, but Jack pretty much lets her do anything without complaint. He is stiff and still has a "creaky butt" when he sits down, but he walked us all the way around the block on Tuesday night and took Linda and Jenny for a walk to our park this morning before heading to Sacramento. That's more walking than he had been able to do, so something is working!