Grow Your Own Magazine

dexterdoglancashire · #1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 06:51 AM

Just wanted to let everyone know, well, one the reason why Ive been awake since 2am and am catching up on the posts....over the past well, couple of months actually, but more recently past two weeks. Dexter the dog has had difficulty jumping up onto the settee or bed at night and sometimes hasnt wanted to walk as far as normal. Didnt think anything about it.
On holiday in the cottage (see recommendations) he couldnt make it up the stairs after a day of strenuous walking - he actually used the disabled lift twice to get to bed!
Took him to the vets this week - he was absolutely petrified (Dexter, not the vet!)- we and the vet think he may have arthritis - he's on tablets for a week and has to go back next week if he is no better for xrays to see the extent of the problem. Poor lad, he's only 5 1/2yrs old.
His Aunty Margartet took him out for walkies today, it turns out too far, poor lad was knackered this evening and went to sleep on the bedroom floor at 7pm!
He will definately be taking it easy this weekend - will let you know how he gets on.
Sorry for going on, I appreciate anyone whos taken the time to read this.
DDL aka Bernie (Dexters Mum)

Fezinio · #2 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 09:02 AM

Well I hope its not to serious and he gets better soon.

What type of dog his he? My brother had a Alsatian that was very young and she had arthritis

Unfotunately its quiet common in Labradors too.

Earthbabe · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 09:04 AM

I hope Dexter is feeling better soon DDL. It seems to be quite common with some dogs but it's not fun for them any more than it is for humans. Our cat developed arthritis in her latter years and you could see even with the meds that it made her miserable.

Give him a big hug from me.
Amy

shirlthegirl43 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 09:37 AM

Please give Dexter a great big hug from me, and a smaller one from my dog Ludo (mini dachshund, hence the small hug)

Waffler · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 11:07 AM

Aw! Sorry to hear Dexter is unwell. I hope he feels better as he begins to receive treatment.
I'm sure there are lots of alternative therapies/remedies for things like this which may be worth considering (if you haven't already.) Hydrotherapy is supposed to be very good (though probably expensive), and I can't remember if it's aloe vera or arnica or some such plant extract which is good for the condition as well.

Big hugs!

dexterdoglancashire · #6 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 12:19 PM

Thanks everyone! You are all so kind, I really appreciate your kind thoughts and suggestions - Dexter certainly appreciates the hugs!
Dexter is a mongrel - you may be able to make out from the picture but he does look a bit like a dingo with his large bat ears!
We think he is a little bit staffy (from his bottom jaw) but a gentleman in Shrewsbury the other day, whilst on holiday came up and gave Dexy a cuddle (he was 95 - the man, not Dexy!) who used to breed alsatians and he said Dexy has an alsatian forehead and ears. Perhaps he has a rear end to match.
Dexy seems better this morning - I'll have to stop his Aunty Margaret who looks after him while Im at work from walking him too far!
I'll keep everyone updated as to what the vet says. Thanks everyone you've made me, and Dexy feel a lot better. DDL

madderbat · #7 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 03:41 PM

Dear Bernie
So sorry to hear about Dexter. A friend of mine is a vet who treats such problems very successfully with Acupuncture. I wonder if there is a vet near you that does the same?
You may be interested to check out this link
http://www.abva.co.uk/find.asp

Best wishes

Wolfie · #8 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 04:23 PM

Sorry to hear about Dexter, DDL. We have 2 German Shepherds and our oldest suffers from arthritis. The medication the vet gives her helps but I make sure she doesn't over exert herself. I hope you manage to get Dexter something that can help him.

OverWyreGrower · #9 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 05:08 PM

Hi Bernie

Sorry to hear about Dexter - hope he's not too miserable!

My sister has a BullMastiff with arthritis who is only 3. She doesn't give her tablets, but instead she gives her supplements to help with flexibilty and mobility. Teagan generally has no problems climbing on sofas etc or bounding round the garden with Max.

I'll have a word with her and try and find out what she uses. It may be useful for Dexter too

OWG

muckdiva · #10 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dexterdoglancashire

Poor lad, he's only 5 1/2yrs old.

A friend of mine's Doberman had symptoms very similar at the same sort of age. Apparently the breed don't live very long anyway, but this was a bit soon for 'old age' but my friend was so upset about how uncomfortable the dog was that she was considering having her put down. I'm not sure what treatment she had, but she is back to full health now and fit as a flea, so there is always hope of a full recovery.

Mrs Dobby · #11 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 08:18 PM

Sorry to hear Dexter isnt well DDL! I know how worrying it can be after our troubles with Lady and Willow, but hopefully Dexter will soon be fully recovered with his treatment and be back to his normal self! Bella says 'woof woof' and we send our hugs to you both!

Earthbabe · #12 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OverWyreGrower

..... She doesn't give her tablets, but instead she gives her supplements to help with flexibilty and mobility. Teagan generally has no problems climbing on sofas etc or bounding round the garden with Max.

I'll have a word with her and try and find out what she uses. It may be useful for Dexter too

OWG

I know pets at home stock a herbal supplement that contains glucosamine, green lipped mussel extract and devil's claw (among others) all of which are recognised as good herbal supplements for arthritis and joint care.

Sorry DDL I should have thought of this sooner. We tried some on our cat but if you've ever seen the "How to give a cat a pill" thing well you'll understand why we stopped. She wouldn't even take it crushed and mixed in to her food.

But we loved her all the same. Just had to pick her up more so she could sit on the bed.

dexterdoglancashire · #13 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 08:54 AM

Thank you for all your kind thoughts and wishes, and ideas! Dexter took it easy yesterday and was a different dog last night! He even managed to jump up on the bed, so I cuddled him all last night, which was lovely!
OWG if you could find out the name of the tablets that would be great.
Has anyone heard of Denes herbal treatments? I remember reading a book about animals by the chap who started Denes when I was a child. Has anyone tried these tablets, think they are "greenleaf tablets"? DDL
PS Dexter says "woof woof" and "thank you" to everyone!

Dobby · #14 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 09:48 AM

Hi dexter sorry to hear he is not well When Lady was in pain she was on metacam its a pain killing medicin you put in itto a suringe (no needle) and squert it in the food or stright into the mouth think it was about £20
Bella sends big wet slopy licks and hopes he gets better soon

dexterdoglancashire · #15 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobby

Hi dexter sorry to hear he is not well When Lady was in pain she was on metacam its a pain killing medicin you put in itto a suringe (no needle) and squert it in the food or stright into the mouth think it was about £20
Bella sends big wet slopy licks and hopes he gets better soon

Thanks for your kind wishes! Dexy has improved since his Aunty Margaret hasnt "walked the hind legs off him". Have also ordered some "synflex" liquid and a magnetic collar from a website recommended by OWG and her sister.
Dexy due to go to the vets on Wednesday so we'll see what the vet says then. DDL
PS if the synflex stuff works for Dexy, may well get myself some to ease my aching joints after working on the lottie!

Mrs Dobby · #16 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 07:13 PM

DDL, I just had a thought, Lady was once knocked down and suffered a bit with arthritis afterwards, and we got her a copper chain collar, which she wore with her normal collar, and it did seem to help! Basically we went to a pagan jewellery shop, and bought several of the copper type chains that are sold as bracelets (supposed to be good for arthritis and joint pain), and the owner linked them together into one long one, it certainly seemed to help her and was relatively cheap! Perhaps you could try something similar with Dexter?

Digger-07 · #17 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 08:00 PM

Fancy letting your dog jump up on the bed. You should build him a ramp.

nick the grief · #18 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 11:13 PM

Hi Bernie,

Sorry to hear about Dex. I know all to well what it's like but if he's only a youngster I'm sure he'll bounce back in no time - the warmer weather will help.

yoanbob · #19 (**permalink**) 12-03-2007, 11:33 PM

elsie duck(4yrs) has arthritis now after a partiullaly bad bumble foot episode, she has metacam the dog drug for pain and swelling it works really well, dont give it to her everyday just when shes bad, and if you think giving a cat medicine is bad try a 3 kilo duck.
hope dexter gets well soon.

dexterdoglancashire · #20 (**permalink**) 18-03-2007, 08:07 AM

Hello everyone. Thank you so much for your advice and help. I rang the vets and explained that he was much better after taking their tablets and asked if it was really necessary to stress him out by bringing him back again. They said no. They also said that he didnt need any more of the tablets which they had given him.

On Friday the synflex liquid I had ordered (thanks OWG and Heather) arrived so I have been putting a little into Dexters food. He doesn't mind taking it in this form. Yes, I have read "giving a cat a pill" and have tried to do just that on several occasions! so the liquid is fine.

I also got Dexter a magnetic collar which he is now wearing. He has had a good day yesterday, just taking things easy, only a couple of small walks, and will take him a couple of small walks today - depending upon the weather!

I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone - you've not only helped Dexter, but you've also helped me and stopped me from worrying! You really are a super bunch of people, and I'm really grateful. Bernie aka DDL

shirlthegirl43 · #21 (**permalink**) 18-03-2007, 10:11 AM

Glad to hear Dexter is doing okay and that you are bearing up.

There is nothing worse than adjusting to a different exercise level - I think it is possibly harder to adjust to a lesser ability when you have been used to being fit than getting used to doing more!

Good luck and best wishes to you both.