Augie Dog is Hurting!

[Augie Dog]

Hello everyone- This is Shennee, David's other half. I am writing to ask for all of your advice and rays of get better soon's for Aug Dog. His hip Dysplasia/Disc Disease is really flaring up. He lacks hardly any strength to walk. Poor thing.
When David was in Toronto on Business, I had to run him to the emergency Vet hospital, They said he has a disc problem and his hips/rear legs are in bad shape. We desperatley are trying to get him to lose weight but to no avail.
Can anyone tell us anything about what to do next? We are at Wits end, because we just don't know what to do? He is much to young to have these kinds of health problems. He has a little bit of beagle in hi, so he has always been stocky and a little heavy, and he also has VERY long legs. Anyone know about the Carts?
Any help, would be greatly appreciated.
Shennee Rutt

[Frzframe]

that Augie is hurting. I don't have any suggestion but I'm sending mega :rayz::rayz::rayz::rayz:.

[Me&DappledDuo]

I'm so sorry for Augie- he really is too young for this stuff. But yes- he DEFINITELY needs to lose some weight- I'd say it's hit crisis level, if his hips and back are flaring up. It's very, very hard to keep them slim- but it's so very important.

I'm so worried for you all- lots and lots and LOTS of healing rayz coming his way! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

:bighug:

[Jean]

Hi Shennee,

We're so sorry to hear Augie is having problems and are sending mega healing rayz. :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

You asked about carts... is he paralyzed? Is he on medication and/or strict crate rest? Has he ever had x-rays or a myelogram to discover the extent of damage?

I guess right now we have more questions than answers. Losing weight is going to be a key factor. I'm sure others will have plenty of advice regarding weight loss. In the past all we've ever done is cut back on food. Please keep us posted.

[blazeman]

Super :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for Augie! Wish I had more help in the weight loss area... only thing I know to do is cut back on food and exercise... which is not possible with his hips... Sorry!

[juliette]

First off, let's begin with :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for Augie - they are always a great place to start.

Next, you will have to get radical on the weight loss. I'm sure he will be less than impressed, but since he's not burning a lot of calories right now with his limited mobility, you can really cut back his food intake dramatically. Work with your vet obviously, but that weight has to come off to ease the pressure on his legs.

You might also want to consider looking at some of the alternative medicine treatments to help support healing in his legs and hips. Accupuncture, Chiropractic, massage and others have all helped many of the DBB members. Vets do tend to be somewhat leery of alternative medicine - and it's not right for all cases, but it might be something to see if it will help. I know that these techniques can help reduce inflamation in the hips.

Finally, lots more :rayz: for you, David and of course Aug-Dog! Please keep us updated.

[dutchman]

Right now sending some rays. I'll try to post latter today or this evening with some food monitoring ideas. Any additional details on the extent of the back issues might help with further suggestions.

[quavec]

:rayz: :rayz: no advice but lots of rayz from us! Please keep us posted!:rayz: :rayz:

[Lilaminallover]

im so sorry, but i cant help:crying: but im sending raz for a great and safe recovery:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[yolanda]

Lets start with the healing :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:
Mow take deep breath and think positive.

First off and fore most is make sure AugieDog is getting NOT over doing it. What did the vets say in regards to carate rest/ What kind of meds is he own and how muc?

The dieting thing is easier than you think. Take his dog food making sure it is a good quality food and cut it in half. Replacing the food with raw or lightly steamed veggies with no salt. I use frozen green beans, caluiflower and broccilli. NO corn or carrots.
Then cut out the treats unless they are hight quality and low fat and use sparingly.

I do not honestly believe it sound liek a "cart" situtation yet, but if and when the time comes, I will gladly try to be of help. I now have 4 cart wonders

[floaty10]

:rayz: :rayz: from West Virginia for good health for the Aug Dog! :rayz: :rayz:

The weight loss is so crucial and sooooooo difficult--has your vet suggested any type of commercial food for you? Nelly (with her shepherd background) is at high risk for hip problems, too and is also currently on a diet. Monitoring is the ultimate key--treats are the downfall to any diet--including the human diet! We do not give any "people food treats" --except veggies, steamed rice, or baked chicken. I know it's hard--they want to share (or take!) your dinner--but it can be done.

I'm also praying it's not time for a cart yet--but it's so good to know you are prepared to undertake that when the time does come. Big big hurrahs for you on that!. :thumbsup: :clap:

Best of luck.......and please keep us posted.

:bighug: :bighug:

[Marlene Miller]

the big guns. K9 RD, bestest and fastest way to lose wt, 1/2 cup dry total a day. Sorry Augie but it is for your own good. Im a firm believer in it. Sending mega rayz for his speedy recovery.

[Kim H.]

Many rayz for Augie! :rayz::rayz::rayz:

Do you happen to have the option of consulting with a specialist in this area (for instance, is there a veterinary college nearby?)? I don't know what the cost would be on this.

Weight loss is a big issue... be patient and persistent. I started adding green beans & pumpkin when Cassie got a little bigger than she should have - now both dogs give me a funny look if I dare to omit them from a meal:yeahfine: . You'd probably need to do the same with Buddy if they usually eat together.

I agree with Juliette... you might consider some alternative techniques if you can find a good practitioner... I lean more towards massage or accupuncture if your vet okays it (chiropractic would concern me a little more, with his current status). What about hydrotherapy?

Please keep us updated.

Forgot to add (but had been mentioned already), did the vet say crate rest was not indicated at this time?

You might sign up for www.dodgerslist.com which is a list for people who have dogs with disc problems. Lots of people with expertise there.

[minicooper]

Mega :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for Augie!

I can only reiterate the previous advice of the strict crate rest!

With the weight loss, when Cooper ruptured his disc, it was imperative he lose weight, too :(
My vet suggested adding a tablespoon of Natural bran to his meals (twice a day). It helps to fill him up so he is not as hungry all the time. I have cut his food down by half, and I add grated raw veggies and the bran, and it is working slowly.
I'll add a few more :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for good measure!

Please keep us posted!

[TessieMom]

Sending lots more rays to you and to Augie!!!!:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

On the diet thing.... it really is necessary for him to lose weight and it is not easy (ask my crew)! Much as I hate Science Diet, canned RD and Green Beans has worked wonders on Lucy -- though we have farther to go! She gets a little over 1/4 cup of Natural Balance light in the morning and about 1/4 can of RD and green beans in the PM. She was almost 40 pounds from stealing food from everyone else.

[Augie Dog]

Hi all, it's David.

Thanks for all the rayz.

Aug, like myself have to cut down on what we are eating.

I am thinking of going raw, two times a day. The thing is, how much? Is there a sight that can show me how much and of what? Aug is a big dog, but I don't want to give him not enough to rebuild muscle and bone.

Juliette, you showed me what you feed your two sweethearts (yes, I miss them) where did you get that from, mail order?

His problem is his left leg and right is just weak. Shenn and I were thinking about a cart so he will not hurt as much going on a walk.

I am messaging his butt, he LOOOOOVES that.

Glucoseimen and condroiten, yeah I killed the spelling. I know what they are for, but how much is too much and how little is not enough.

My best friend is looking towards me to get him going again, and he is now my new ears. Yup, still have problems. Ear tubes are in but, hearing is a problem. I go back to the doc on Wednesday.

Anyhow, If you know of the links, please send them.


David

[Me&DappledDuo]

Hi David- once again, I'm so sorry. Augie is special to all of us. Gotta get him well again!

This site is just about as great as you can get for raw info:
http://www.bowchow.com/dogfeeding.html

Lots of good recipes and references.

The toughest part about thinning down a dog (like a person, I suppose) is that he has to eat for what he SHOULD weight- perhaps a tiny bit more at first to keep him from being too grumpy.

I definitely suggest getting a premix at first- preparing it yourself is something I know most peole aren't up to without lots and lots of research. There are lots of good premixes around- and several new ones hitting the market in the next year (Natual Balance is starting theirs now). I order from a local company- I get great prices and variety that way. You may have something local, too. But the commercial brands can be great.

Good luck with this- we're all here to cheer you and Aug on!!

[Kim H.]

Cosequin DS is a good product - it has been approved by consumerlab.com, an independent testing agency that analyzes supplements and herbals and publishes the ones that actually contain the ingredients/quantities they claim to on their labels.

Here is their listing on the Drs. Foster & Smith web site - if you click on "MORE INFORMATION" it will open a window that gives dosing information.
Cosequin (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=929&R=18548&Ntt=cosequin&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2001)

[Juneysmom]

Rays are coming for Augie. :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

When Cooler and Bunny started having problems moving around, I went to Trader Joe's and got their Glucosamine and Chondroiton for Dogs. It worked remarkably. They both became very active. Bunny used to sleep ALL the time. Now, she sleeps a whole lot less and is very mobile. Maybe you can give that to Augie while he is losing weight.

[doxunzX3]

So sorry to hear that Augie is having such problems. Here are a few rayz from Wisconsin.
:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:
It is so hard to loss weight when you have any kind of handi cap for dogs or humanes both. Plus the old saying if you don't lose it now it will be harder as you get older. Ugh! those statements haunt me! As a super size women and back problems I feel so sorry for Augie. But with a few cuts backs on treats and food it is possible for the weight to come off. I am not sure but with people they recommend more meals but smaller to keep your body burning the fat and not the mussel. I don't know if it is better or not but I do think that feeding at least 2X a day is beneficial.
Someone else may know more about this then I do. What less food oh NOOOOOOO!!!!!! :banghead: :upset:

[dutchman]

Here is a link to once source of the measuring cups I use for my boys food http://www.purejoylivingfoods.com/products/index.shtml I don't know any thing about this specific vendor they were the first name to come up on a google search. I have the once cup version but even Fran 18.5# only gets about 4 table spoons twice a day. I live the cups because you an make very small adjustments in the food. That important when I'm using the tsp scale to measure Tanner and Dexter's food. The cup works best if you try to level off the kibble even with the top and not be tempted to heap it up over the top.

A couple of general ideas. Is Auggie able to swim? It's a non weight bearing form of exercise and if he is able to swim it might help with the weight loss. The exact details of his back issues might limit his ability to try this activity.

Accupuncture can help a lot with cronic pain and it certainly would be worth asking your vet if they do it or have someone they can refer you to.

[juliette]

David, I'm so sorry Aug man is hurting! He's not going to LIKE being on a diet, but raw should help slim in down quickly.

We get ours commercially, but it is from a small, local provider. I would recommend calling some of the high quality, small dog food stores in your area and seeing what they retail in pre mix (the big chains don't generally carry raw).

We give the pups 450 mg of Gloucosimine each per day - I buy it in 900 mg capsules, break them open and sprinkle half over each puppers food.

:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for the Aug Dog!

[lotsadox]

I'm so sorry Aug is having problems. I substituted green beans that had been run through the food processor for 1/2 of my dogs food. It worked really well with Bogart. He lost a lot of weight. I didn't work as well with Cash, but helped some.

Yolanda can probably give you some advice about carts. She has several cart wonders. You might pm her and ask.

[Irminsul]

Well, you've gotten lots of diet tips, they all sound fine. As for the back pain, we have had great success with homeopahtic remedies in our dachsies, achieving full recovery. I would personally not restrict his movement completely, as his muscles need to get some excercise to retain strenght.

Best of healing to your Augie:rayz: :rayz:

Kat

[Augie Dog]

Aug and I had a sit down chat.

What hurts worst is the left hip, then knee.

Back as far as I can tell, is not an issue.

Tom, I was thinking the same thing about swimming. I am sure that Aug is a floater at this point. Kiddie pools are too small. If I have a pool, even a small one, it must be fenced in. I would not mind if any of the kids in the hood came to swim, they all love Aug. But, you know my luck, and with a pool, I don't even want to go there. If I was loaded with money I would get one of those pools that has a strong flow of water in it that you can swim against it and you stay put. I would put that in the garage, Aug and I both would use it.

We think the main part is food. We have to stop spoiling them rotten. It is too cute to see two Dachsies with their heads stuck in a pot trying to get the last bit of mashed potatoes and sour cream, but it has to stop.

We have a lot to read up on with all the links and ideas. Yes, Aug will throw a fit. When he has a temper tantrum he is as bad as a human kid. I will have to get video, when he gets mad, he lets you know.


Thank you all, we'll keep you posted.

[dutchman]

David any chance that there is a pond or lake near by that would have water warm enough and clean enough to use as a swimming hole for at least the next month or so?

Good luck with the feeding. I know it's easy to give into them but once you start seeing the possible related health issue it's time we force ourselves to do some tough love.

We will keep a steady flow of rays headed your way.

[alfina]

I can vouch for weight loss in hip problems. Our Rubmel was at his heaviest at 92lbs when his hips gave out. He jumped off a couch one day and could hardly walk after that. We were told by our vet that he needed artificial hips ( both) and because he was so big it had to be done at the UF vet school. AND before they could do it, he had to loose weight. So, we got him down to 72lbs in a few months while he was on steroids to help him with his hips. And guess what? He didn't need the surgery after that. As soon as the weight came off, his hips didn't bother him at all!