BooBoo in a back episode

[BooBoo's Mom]

Its been a while since I have been to the site and posted, but we are in the midst of a calcified disk episode with BooBoo. It's been very hard on us all, and he isn't getting any better, but not getting any worse. It seems to be a stalemate right now.

Four weeks ago he suddenly stopped going up steps, and then progressively got slower. I took him to the vet and she started him on some medication to see if it would help alieveate or subside his problem. It ended up we did the meylogram and sure enough he had several places (two in the neck area) and on his spine that were calcified. The neck part is not bothering him at all, its the one that is in the middle of his back. She said that he would probably need surgery at some point, but we are so financially strapped an unable to afford the thousands it would take, its not an option at this point. She sait that an agressive medication regimen might get him to a stable point, plus strict crate rest. She started him on prednisone and robaxin, but that didn't seem to help him. He is now on estogesic and robaxin which seems to help for a little while but wears off and he feels tense again. The interesting thing is that he has never screamed or cried out in pain ever since this whole thing started, he just makes these little grunting sounds when carried outside, or softly touching the area on his back.

I am doing some research on the web, (especially Doger's list) and the thing that is jumping out most to me is long term crate rest, supplements, acupunture, and chiropractic intervention instead of the surgery route. I have no other choice but to seriously pursue the crate rest and supplement route, and perhaps the actupuncture and chiropractic at some point. Since the drugs the vet is giving him now is only temporary relief at best, I am wondering if they are worth it at all. I have noticed that he estogesic is not really working that welll at all for him anyway.

I am so heavy hearted about this, it is difficult. We have arranged our lives around our little handicapped one, and make sure he is well cared for. He is so good in his crate, he never complains, and always has a wag and and tons of kisses for us. He remains so sweet and loving in spite of his crisis. He seems to know he is in a bad way and cooperating. Any advice, suggestions, comments and moral support is appreciated. I know we are in this for the long haul, we have no other choice. I am praying that putting him down will never become the ultimate option.

Suzanne

[Mark]

. . . and we are sending Mega DachsiesBB Healing RAYZ :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

It sounds like you're on the right track. The first thing we (those of us here at DBB who have been thru this) would have recommended is the crate rest. As an alternative to surgery . . . the other supplements and therapy's you've mentioned are the correct path to follow.

We (Jean and I) have had two who fully recovered with surgery and one who fully recovered without surgery.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

[LisaH]

Suzanne:

I'm so sorry your little guy is having trouble. I don't really have any helpful advice for you, but our Annie started having back trouble this spring, so I know how difficult it is. Maybe it will help to tell you that the very fancy neurosurgeon I took her to said that the latest thinking is to avoid surgery if possible, since surgery can potentially cause other problems and sometimes the spinal cord can adapt to the calcified disk.

Can you tell me what was involved with the myelogram? Did he have to be sedated? Annie seemed to be fine for a couple of months, then a couple of days ago she was clearly in pain again. I'm on the fence about whether to have the myelogram done. I think the neurosurgeon said it would require sedation and cause some pain, and that it would be nice to avoid if we can. If Annie keeps having episodes of pain, though, I wonder if we should do it.

You're certainly doing the best thing keeping him crated. We didn't crate Annie, but she's such a slow coach that it was hardly necessary! We just made sure she didn't jump on furniture or climb stairs for a couple months.

Our best to BooBoo,
LisaH and Annie

[Juneysmom]

I'm sorry to hear about BooBoo and Annie. I hope you will be able to resolve the back pain. I know how I would be feeling right now if one of my dogs had this problem.

Just an idea. Have you considered a doggie waterbed? The reason is that when I had my second dog, she had her first back problem when only 6 months old. Then she had it again twice more before she was 2 years old. I really thought I was going to have to put her to sleep because the vets at that time didn't really know how to treat back pains. Now the first and second episodes lasted about two weeks. Right after the third one started, I happened to buy a waterbed for myself. Well, Taffy only had a back problem for the next day or so and then never ever had a back problem for the rest of her life.

I think it may have been the warm water that was kept at the same temperature all the time.

One option that you might do is to warm up towels in the dryer and have someone bring them to you to wrap up your baby every few hours. While your baby is wrapped up, the other towel is warming up and you can switch. Do this for about 10 - 20 minutes or so.

Now I have one of those air beds, which are really comfortable. Those might work, too.

Good luck.

[lotsadox]

I'm so sorry to hear about Boo Boo. I have been through two dogs with back problems. We had surgery on one when she was 9 and after a lot of therapy she made an almost complete recovery. She can walk and run and has bowel and bladder control. She's just not as agile as she was. The other was 14 when she had problems and we opted not to do surgery and used chiropractic and a healing touch practitioner (I have a friend in the neighborhood who is a healing touch practitioner). And she also made a good recovery. She was able to walk and run and good bowel and bladder control. She lived another 2 1/2 years with no pain or problems. Although even the chiropractic can be rather expensive (3 times per week at $30.00 each for 4 weeks) it's nothing compared to surgery. The chiropractic and acupuncture (that was going to be my next step), could relieve the pain and work as preventative. I have all my dogs adjusted by my chiropractor every 4-6 months as a preventative. I'm hoping to avoid problems in the future.

My crew send kisses and snuggles and we all send healing rayz to Boo Boo. :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: Please keep us posted.

Patrice and the crew

[dutchman]

Gowing up at least one of our girls has an episode that she recoverf from fully with meds and crate rest. I can't remember if it was the same dog twice or two different dogs I know there were two bouts of back problems both recovered with crate rest. I lost one (Aggie) to complications following surgery (rare but it does happen). Slow onset sympthoms like BooBoo experience generally have the bestd odds of a full recover. If current treatment does not seem to be helping I would ask the vet for a referral to a goo neurologist. Many larger vet hospitals have then and most (if not all) vet teaching hospitals have them on staff. A good neurologist will have a lot of experience with back and disk problems and can make the best suggestion for further treatment both surgical and non-surgical. Don't be scared of the suregery if you can afford it and conservative methods have not been working it's a great option. Be aware that even with surgery recovery is seldom an orernight occurance. A skilled experienced neuro surgin can give you a good estimate of the odds for apositive outciome. The surgons at the CSU VTH do multiple dachsund back surgeries every weel. Many of them emergency surgeries when the dog went from no symphoms to total parallusis in less than 24 hours. IF they loose deep pain response (tested by applying pressue to a toe with a pair of forceps then their odds go down.

Keep us informed of how BooBoo is doing. This is one of two forums that I make my number one priority to check. The other one if the grief forum. I always dread reading a new thread but also know thse are two areas where people many times need the most support from others who have gone through similar problems.

Best wishes and rays,

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

Goof luvk

[BooBoo's Mom]

Thanks to all of you, who responded to my posting earlier. Your replies and suggestions so far have really lifted my spirits some today. I was feeling such a dark cloud around me, but I have to keep on reaching for hope. Thanks for standing with me, it really helps.

To answer some of your questions, BooBoo did have to be sedated to have the meylogram and they also put a tube down his throat to make sure he didn't aspirate during the procedure (I could actually see the tube in the xrays!) He came out of it just fine and didn't seem to suffer any additional effects from it at all. I wish I could remember all the medical terms and names for the different locations that are degenerating and calcified, but he did have some in his neck and back area. The neck doesn't bother him, its his middle back area. The vet said that this could "blow" at any time, but that there is a chance he could also stabilize too. I think we got him crated just in time because he started to go downhill to the point he walks with a slight wobble in his hind end.

We are up to nearly a thousand dollars just in this initial vet phase and treatment regimen, and I have expected and prepared for that. He has been on 4 different meds to try and find a combination that is showing some improvement (currently he is on Robaxin, a muscle relaxer, and Esotegic, a sort of super asprin.) Truthfully, I don't see how these medications are going to be effective in the long run, because they are not having a very long lasting effect. The muscle relaxer is having no effect.

We absolutely cannot afford any surgery, there is no way financially for us to do that, we have deeply researched our options in this area. I have resolved to pursue the crate and holistic approach no matter how long it takes, and I also have a lot of faith in prayer. I am reading some case histories on Doger's list that have some success stories with doxies in far worse shape than Booboo that have also gone that route, and have come back to nearly normal lives. I have to give this my best shot.

I realize that Booboo may not come back completely but if he can to the point that he lives comfortably then thats worth fighting for. He still has complete bladder and bowel control, and can still walk (with a very slight wobble occasionally) and wag his tail. He has never whelped or cried out in pain, which is a very thankful sign to me. He just has these little groans and grunts when you touch the area or pick him up to take him potty. When he is quiet in the crate he seems fine.

Sorry this is so long, guys, but I wanted to give a full story. I may just dispense with doing the drugs next week and start a course of supplement therapy instead. At this point, there is nothing more the vet can do medically for him, that I can see. If I have missed something, please alert me. I will also look into a holistic vet for acupunture/chiro, but I think he needs to be more stable, and I want to give a month of crate rest before I start that (and get vet bills paid off.) My immediate need is to find out the right supplements and dosage that will be effective, and if anyone has any information to share, I am indebted. Thank you, and bless you all.

Suzanne

[Mark]

Although. no thanks is necessary. We (DBBers) are all here for each other . . . kinda like a family scattered all over the globe. It's unique, but there are so many of us (us too when we lost Wimpy) who have found more comfort than words can tell . . . just when we needed it the most.

We're not sure about supplement therapy dosages . . . but in our opinion it would be important to continue vet medications and decrease them gradually as many supplemental type meds take *time* to be effective. A holistic vet might be aware of time tables and be savvy on any drug interations between supplements and drugs. Anti-inflammatory meds are essential right now!

More DBB Rayz :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

. . . and please keep us posted. We are all here for you both!

[BooBoo's Mom]

He is only on the robaxin and Etogesic. In your experience and opinion, is this good therapy for anti-inflamatory measures? I really would like to hear more about experiences with drug therapies and what worked and what didn't. I know each case is unique, but he has been on meds for 4 weeks now and I don't see any measureable success.

Again, I appreciate you so much.
Suzanne

[Mark]

we have no experience with those drugs. :( But the drugs we've used were anti-inflammatory drugs. That, with the most important ingredient (crate rest) did the trick. Mind that some do recover and some don't . . . but crate rest . . . 100% of the time IS important! The only time they should be out is to be *carried* out to go potty and not allowed to roam. A holistic or (even better) holistic/medical combo vet . . . even non-local . . . is what we recommend.

Hang in there and DO explore every avenue available to you. :)

[lotsadox]

Please do look into the holistic vet. My vet is a holistic/traditional vet and I feel it's the best of both worlds. If you have trouble finding a chiropractor let me know. Mine has a lot of contacts and I might be able to help you find one in your area.

Rayz for Boo Boo. :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: We'll be praying for him.

Patrice and the crew

[BooBoo's Mom]

Thanks to Mark and Patrice....

I appreciate your suggestions. If anyone has any referrals to holistic vets/chiros in the DC Metro area (Northern VA, DC, and Maryland preferrably in the Northern VA area) I welcome these and will investigate the options.

BooBoo says thank you all for caring, he sends tail wags and kisses, thankfully he still can.

Suzanne

[minicooper]

I don't have any experience with the drugs your vet has prescribed, but I do have experience with back problems.

Mini had her problem last October, and now she has recovered fully, with no surgery. She was treated with Prednisilone and crate rest, and has been on Ester C Supplements since. She has recovered 100%, although we have stopped allowing her to go up or down steps, or jump on furniture.

Cooper is in the recovery phase of his second bout. This has been a slow recovery.....he went down on 28 February. He can now walk, although a bit wobbly, but each day seems to be a bit of an improvement.

I believe it is a good sign that Boo Boo has bowel and bladder control, and that he can wag his tail.

I know how easy it is to feel discouraged, but try and keep positive. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

We are sending :rayz: :rayz: for a speedy recovery!

[lotsadox]

I'll contact my chiropractor tomorrow and see if he knows anyone in that area. My vet isn't open on Monday, but I'll be talking to her on Wednesday and I'll ask her then if she knows of any holistic vets in the area. We're thinking of you and Boo Boo.

[BooBoo's Mom]

Thank you, Lotsadox and MiniCooper~

I really appreciate the support. Just taking it one day at a time, and I wish so much I could see just a little bit of improvement. Each day he is no worse, but no better. He is such a good boy, never complains or cries, always kisses and wags.

I am wondering about giving him a chew bone or squeeze toy to occupy his time in the crate? He loves to lay with his squeeze ball and just squeeze it with his mouth, would that be harmful? Also a chew bone? Any thoughts on this is appreciated.

I am glad to hear Cooper is doing better, and it sounds like he had a very long recovery too. Can you give me some advice about the Ester C, what brand you used and the daily dosage?

I really appreciate you all~
Suzanne

[Meemoo]

you might want to join the yahoo list on dodger's. Great bunch of people with a lot of knowledge and support.

Try looking here:

http://www.ahvma.org/states_and_directory/directory.html

for an alternative vet...accupuncture is wonderful!

Ester C...give 250 mg 2x a day upping to dose to bowel tolerance, when he starts to have loose stool, back off a bit. Are you giving any glucosamine, chondrotin? If not, I would suggest giving this along with Salmon oil which is a natural anti-inflammatory.

Mega rayz to boo boo!

[dutchman]

Readong back over you r messages the concern that I would have about giving a ball or toy at this pint is that several of the disk that are experiencing problems right now are located in his neck. If he tends to use a lot of next action while working on the toy or bone that has the possibility of making things worse. I too have not heard of the specific drugs your vet is using bt then new meds are being released every day. Predsone (SP) use to be the drug of choice. With may of the steriods used to treat back problems the patient hast to be weaned off the drug. Typical treatment begins with a high dosage of the the drug that causes the body to stop producing some componets that it normailly does. Over time the dosage of such drugs is reduced and the body returns to normal production on it's own. If your dog is at a level where it own bodyies production of necessary componets has been supressed and you were to just cut off the drugs you could run into some serious problems. You also need to do full research on any supplement before introducing it while on drug theraphy. Some supplements can react negatively with the meds. In some cases that mayjust mean the drugs won't be able to do the job they were designed to do in other cases the impact could cause a major negative reaction. Mising different supplemets must also be researched to ensure saftey and maximun benefit from them. Again it's possible one supplement may hinder the bodies ability to abosrbe another.

I understan the cost restrictions. I'm not sure how I would afford the surgical bills righ now if one of my boys required emergency surgery. The cost three years agow was between $2,500 and $3,000 in this area. Since BooBoo can still wag his tail and has some other positive signs many vets would recommend exhausting the conservative treatments before going to surgery. Others her can better advise you at what point physical theraphy is safe. Remember BooBoo is loosing muscle tone from lack of use and it will take some time to regain full strength even when the disk pressure has been reduced.

Good luck and rays,

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and dexter)

[lotsadox]

Tom has a good point about supplements. I only give mine under the direction of my homeopathic vet. Interactions with drugs are common. Good luck and more healing rayz coming your way :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[lotsadox]

My chiropractor didn't know of anyone in that area. However, I did some web research and found that there's a site for the American Veterinary Chiropractic Assn. The URL is:

http://www.animalchiropractic.org/default2.htm

They might be able to help with a referral.

[maryanne]

I'm really sorry to hear about Boo Boo's problem. I don't have any advice or suggestions, but I'd just like to say I've read lots of similar cases on this board and on others and there are lots of success stories. Good luck with whatever treatment you decide on, and lots of kisses and tummy rubs to Boo Boo.

[BooBoo's Mom]

I wish I had some good news, but I guess the best thing right now is that he is no worse, but no better. I have noticed that he is becoming very very depressed being in the crate, you can see it in his eyes, poor little guy. Being depressed can't help his healing. I try to have him in the same room with me when I am home. I went to Home Depot to see if I could fashion a type of fencing around his dog beds so it would be open at the top and I could lean down and pet him frequently. In the garden department I found a plastic fencing by the yard that was safe and sturdy and it works perfectly! Looks just like a crating with an open top, and made it to fit snug around his bed. He thinks he's confined just like the crate, but at least I can have him beside me. He has a very recessive personality and doesn't challenge the crate or this new "invention".

I have an appointment with Veterinary Holistic & Rehabilitation Center next week, so I am hopeful. I have also looked into changing his food to be more healing to him and switching to Breeder's Choice Active Care. It contains much of the joint healing ingredients found in supplements only with natural ingredients. I also found out that dogs cannot process or utilize chondroitin in supplements because they have short stomachs unlike humans who process it in the lower intestine. They can process cetyl myristoleate which is a digestable form of chondroitin. I found a supplement that contains this formulation, Veterinarian's Best, Hip and Joint formula. Also it was suggested to me to switch to Flint River Dog food, but I think I will try the Breeder's choice first.

Any thoughts, ideas or comments on my course of action I have chosen is greatly appreciated. I have joined the Dogers List, and read the digest form of the messages daily. It has been really helpful too!

Thanks and Blessings to all~
Suzanne

[dutchman]

Hi Suzanne,

I mix AvoDerm and Active Care together for my boys. I can't say if it works as a preventative or will help BooBoo but don't think it will hurt unless he has some special diet restrictions due to other health issues. Just remember like any change in food start off by mixing just a small portion with his current food then incease the ratio of the new to old over a week or more so that you don't cause any stomach problems. Also here is one key piece of advice my vet gave me when we were working on Aggie's skin problems allow up to 8 weeks to see any change from a new supplement. I know we all hope for an overnight cure and 8 weeks seems like an eternity but it can take that long for supplements to build up in their system and have time to start doing their work. If you keep changing to new supplements every couple of weeks you may never know is you passed by one that might have helped.

Sending our best wishes and rays,

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[BooBoo's Mom]

Very good advice. I am committed to this brand I bought, Veterinarian's Best. I spoke with the assistant who works with the Vet who developed this supplement, and learned quite a bit about the chemistry of the supplements and how dogs utilize it.

Also, my vet suggested that I use some heat packs on his back, you know the type you can microwave to any temperature. I found one made by Sunbeam that comes in a wrap around sleeve and weighs very little. It's perfect for Boo.

Also, has anyone tried magnet therapy? My vet said that it can't hurt to give it a try to see if it helps.

These methods may sound a bit wacky, but I am trying anything possible!

Suzanne

[lotsadox]

I haven't used the magnets. I have used the heat packs that you microwave and they do help. Soaking in a tub of warm water helped one of mine a lot. You have to put enough water in the tub to come about 3/4 of the way up their side. The idea is to take the pressure off of the back by letting the water support it. The support and the warm water brought a lot of relief to my standard long hair when she had back problems.

[BooBoo's Mom]

There has been a change today in Boo's condition. I started to use the heat pack on Boo's back yesterday and today, and this afternoon, he perked up enough to scratch his ears and look for his ball! I have not seen that in nearly 6 weeks! I have been putting the heat pad on his back for 30 minutes at a time about 4 times during the day and this evening, and definitely his personality is starting to come back! He even shook himself! I am so scared this might be just premature, but I want to hope so badly he is getting past this whole ordeal.

Could this be the heat packs that are doing the job, in spite of medication for so many weeks that hasn't seemed to help? I have also been giving him the joint supplements, and going to do the magnet therapy. I am so uplifted at this new development, but I don't want to put too much stock in it. Definitely he is improving today, for the first time, after no change for so long.

I am so encouraged by this, and maybe the appointment with the Holistic vet next week will have even greater success for him. I thought about perhaps doing some kind of ace bandage wrap on his back. I used to have show horses many years ago and we would routinely wrap their legs for joint support. Would this principle work for dogs?? Your comments are appreciated.

As always, I appreciate you all~
Suzanne

[juliette]

I don't have any experience with IDD in our puppers, but I am SO thrilled to hear of this level of improvement in Boo-Boo!!

I am sure the improvement is linked to everything that you have done - please keep us updated on his progress!

[lotsadox]

I know you don't want to get your hopes up, but I would say that shaking and scratching his ear was a good sign. I'm so happy! :circle: We're sending dachsie healing rayz his way :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: and keeping all fingers and paws crossed for him. Go, BooBoo!:bounce:

[blazeman]

I am glad that Boo is doing better! One thing... please make sure its not premature! Make sure the vet see's him, and try and keep him crated. He will be even harder to crate now that he is feeling better!

:rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: for Boo!

[Mark]

. . . is quite often, taking them off crate rest the moment they feel better. Please be cautious and we're sending more Dachsie Healing RAYZ :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[BooBoo's Mom]

Thanks for replies. I have no intention of taking him off crate rest, believe me. I don't think for one second that he is out of danger, so its business as usual. I just feel so encouraged with this development, that it might be a sign he is turning a corner in his healing. It is so good to see some life coming back into his little eyes, its like seeing hope at work! I am going to add in the the magnet therapy tomorrow if he is still feelling good. I am convinced the heat therapy has made some difference, and my vet has said the magnet therapy can't do any harm at this point.

[dutchman]

We will keep ingers and paws crossed that this is just the first sign of a full recovery. As you know and Mark pointed out take things very slow and easy.

Best wishes and rays,

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[minicooper]

We are sending :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: that BooBoo is continuing to improve!!!

Keep up the good work BooBoo!!

[BooBoo's Mom]

Boo is relapsing. Over the weekend he just went down hill and his discomfort is much more pronounced. I have a call into the holistic vet to try and get him in today instead of Friday. He is trying to hold in going potty for as long as possible, and when he does go, he does it standing up only. He won't eat. This is so frightening to me, as he was doing so well. The holistic vet is our last chance to help him and I am praying so hard it will. I don't want to put him down.

I am so beside myself I can't concentrate on anything today.

[dutchman]

Is he still receiving any steroids or was he completely weaned off of them? If the holistic vet won't consider putting him back on them I would suggest giving your old vet a call and see if he will consider letting you try another round of them. If he is experiencing major sympthoms then the critical thing at this point to to relieve the inflimation to help minimize any additional spinal damage. If he could reache a point where he is stable and pain free he soesn't necessarily have to lregain the ability to walk to lead a long happy life. Many dogs do just fine with a set of wheels and the cost isn't that bad. In the mean time keep him on full crate rest.

We will be sending mega rays. We all know you are trying to do everythin you can for you little BooBoo. Please keep us informed on how things are going.

Sending mega rays your direction,

Tom and the Boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[minicooper]

I am so sorry to hear that BooBoo has had a relapse.

The advice that Tom gave you sounds good to me.

We are keeping you and BooBoo in our thoughts, and sending healing :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

Keep us posted on his condition.

[maryanne]

I really hope the holistic vet can help. Will be thinking of both of you.

[Mark]

We're sending lotsa Dachsie Healing RAYZ :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

. . . and hoping for a good news update soon.

[TessieMom]

We are sending gigatons of Texas healing rays for a speedy recovery,
Rena and the Waco 8

[lotsadox]

Lots of rayz coming from my crew to BooBoo :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[gunther's mom]

Hi-
I do hope your doggie is feeling a little better. Anyway, when my Gunther was going through his bouts of pain (his were cervical in origin),he was given Prednisone on a tapering schedule. The last time this was done, the vet put him on a higher and somewhat longer dose along with the Robaxin.

[doxunzX3]

Here's a few more rays, from my pack to your little buddy!

:rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

And a BIG KISS! :kiss:

[Meemoo]

on Boo Boo? Have you got him to accupuncture? This has been so helpful for dachshunds with disc disease. Please post when you get a chance.

Mega razy from the big apple...:rayz: :rayz:

[dutchman]

Please keep us posted on how BooBoo is doing good bad or no change there are many members here (including myself) who really do care and would appreciate any updates.

More rays on their way.

Tom and the boys (Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[lotsadox]

Yes, please do keep us updated. I think about you and BooBoo a lot and check in on this thread to see if you've posted an update.

[BooBoo's Mom]

Hello All,
I have been trying to balance my work schedule with Boo's needs, its been so hard to do that and I have to leave him for most of the day. He is very depressed over that, and it makes it seem like a no win situation.

I did take him to South Paws Veterinary Referral Center in Springfield, VA (where Dr. Koecen is, the holistic vet) last Monday. He did an acupuncture treatment on him and also heated the needles. I was amazed when I got home with Boo that he was so relaxed and even fell into a deep sleep for several hours!! His little sides were not even tense and he looked so peaceful. I wish I could say he is still the same way today, but the next day after the acupuncture he was tense again. I have been doing heat packs on his back 4 times a day and that seems to relax him some.

Yesterday I was so alarmed because he seemed like he was losing his strength to stand and could hardly potty. Today he is much better and has more mobility. This situation seems to ebb and flow, he has better days and not so better days. I am committed to doing the acupuncture, and the Vet said it would take some time for the body's endorphins and hormones to effect a healing and re-absorb the disk material over time. We have 5 more treatments to go. Boo is a good candidate for acupunture because he has full nerve control (the vet tested him out for that.)I have also taken his advice to allow him to be out of his crate during the day but in a room situation that is controlled during the day so that he feels more attached to the family. He says that Boo's quality of life is important during the healing process and since Boo is so inactive (and depressed) and lays down on his own most of the time, I can keep him close to me but quiet when I am home, and in his crate when I am gone. This has really helped his mental outlook this week, I do see an improvment.

He is not on any medications anymore, just supplements, acupuncture, and rest. The meds did not seem to make any difference in his condition or comfort, and now that he has been off of them for a week, he is not any different and definitely not worse off for it. He just seems to ebb and flow in his condition.

I am so worried about my work situation in June, I will be out of town for a week and so will my husband so we are praying that Boo has a significant change in his condition that will allow us to leave him with a neighbor to take care of him.

Does anyone have any information on magnetized pet beds? I have been reading a lot on this, and is sounds very viable. I know the gauss measurement of the magnets are very important and there is the issue of ceramic vs. iron metal. Any information is deeply appreciated.

Thanks all, your support and care is so important to me. I appreciate you all very much.

Suzanne

[dutchman]

Thank you for the update. You know you will continue to receive all the rays we can muster.

Tom and the boys (frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[minicooper]

I know how you are feeling.........it can be overwhelming!

With Cooper, we had a few weeks of seemingly no improvement, and I was about ready to give up on a recovery.......the Vet recommended we look into getting him a cart. He slowly started to move around a bit more, and we noticed he was actually standing to eat, rather than sitting, and he was walking rather than drag himself along.

I think it is a good sign that the vet is allowing him out of the crate when you are home........his metal attitude is very important to his recovery.

We will continue to send rayz for his recovery.

I'm sorry I don't have any information on the magnetic beds.

[maryanne]

Any updates?

I hope everything's OK.