tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58739109208407224802024-02-06T20:13:01.515-06:00Aroha SpringersMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.comBlogger557125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-80279229980230795002016-10-15T10:12:00.001-05:002016-10-15T17:52:40.084-05:00Community (WCRL trial)I have always felt so fortunate that I am part of the Minnesota Dog Community. I find so much joy in the people I train and trial with. Even when I haven't had a competitive dog pretty much ever.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting between our runs.</td></tr>
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Tonight I was so proud of my dog. We were entered in two <a href="http://www.rallydogs.com/">WCRL</a> runs at <a href="http://www.agilecanines.com/">Agile Canines</a> with the goal of getting another QQ toward our ARCH (we have 3/5). Well, we didn't do that. But because of the community I have been a part of since I was just a kid, and the philosophies that go along with that, it didn't matter.<br />
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Recently Gabby has been diagnosed as being completely blind. And on top of that, my best girl lost the hearing in her right ear. She has had to make a lot of adjustments and adaptations in every day life, not to mention training. We struggled at training a lot when the deafness happened. We had our first real frustrations with each other. And since then, with the help of some very good trainers we also call friends, we have been back to training with a lot more success. She has had to learn a new set of cues and a new way of heeling. I have had to be even more mindful of our surroundings to guide her safely, and I started teaching directional cues. With that, I've had to realize that we may not achieve the title goals I had. My priorities have shifted even more from when we started training, then competing. I have the pleasure of working with a dog who gives me her all, even when I don't reciprocate.<br />
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My goal is to qualify (or I simply wouldn't pay to enter trials), but not at the expense of my dog. I want to make sure my dog has the best time, every single time we enter the ring. And well, I want to have a good time with her. I don't like entering and not qualifying. But last night when I realized this course was above our current abilities, I tried to make the best of our ring time together.<br />
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If you care to watch the videos, they're below. It shows my dog doing her very, very best. And me trying my best to guide her. We don't get very far following the numbered course our judge created to test the abilities of the Level 1 and 2 dogs. And so we stop. I pet my dog and tell her how wonderful she is. I ask her if she wants to continue working, and she does. So we do. And because this is WCRL, we make up our own course, then exit the ring as a team. Gabby loves to work. She's good at working. I love that we can do this together still, even with our current struggles.<br />
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The community I'm lucky to be a part of greeted us as we exited and told me how wonderful she is. How hard she tries. And for that I'm so grateful. I don't necessarily need the recognition and encouragement to make good choices for my dog, but honestly I'd feel a bit lost and likely wouldn't enter more trials if I was approached differently.<br />
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I do the very best I can for my dog with the knowledge and training we have. Some days we do just fine. Some days we excel. Some days we struggle. And then there's days like today where we do neither of those things. We didn't have the skills for those courses with the physical changes she's had. And yet, I was so pleased with her effort.<br />
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Yesterday I made good choices for the team. Gabby had a fantastic time. And I got to feel the support of a community for making the right choices for my team.<br />
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We will continue training and entering trials as long as her body is up to it. Because my dog and I both enjoy it. And because we are so fortunate to compete with a group of people who are so supportive.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-49817715075700537052016-03-10T23:08:00.003-06:002016-03-10T23:08:59.195-06:00Managing Multiple Orthopedic Issues<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>All of my dogs are here to teach me something important.</b></div>
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Buzz taught me about the importance of relationships.</div>
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Bailey taught me about the importance of understanding how mental and behavioral issues impact every aspect of life. And how to maintain quality of life for a dog like her.</div>
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Diego taught me about the importance of identifying and treating medical issues. Which led to an impressive decrease in behavioral issues.</div>
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And Gabby is teaching me about managing multiple orthopedic issues.</div>
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When Gabby entered my care in 2013 she was severely obese and didn't move around well. In 2014 she was officially diagnosed with arthritis in her hips and elbows, as the result of dysplasia. And thus began the journey to ensuring Gabby is as happy, healthy, mobile, and pain free as possible. For as long as possible.<br />
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Everything listed below is recommended or prescribed by one of the <a href="http://tcrehab.com/">rehabilitation and sports medicine veterinarians</a> she sees on a regular basis.<br />
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I'm not even sure what came first. I know that in the first year we put Gabby on a diet (<a href="http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/product-details.aspx?pet=dog&pid=70&dm=grainfree">Wellness CORE Reduced Fat</a>), <a href="http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/products-by-health-type/by-type/joint-bone-animal-health-products/what-is-dasuquin">Dasuquin</a>, fish oil (high doses can have an anti-inflammatory effect) and <a href="http://www.adequancanine.us/">Adequan</a>. She received massages and veterinary spinal manipulation therapy (chiropractic) on a regular basis. We also started targeted strengthening of the muscle groups that support the affected joints. The stronger the muscles are, the more the joint is protected.<br />
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She made such dramatic improvements that sometimes it was hard for me to believe that she still had a problem. But, with each improvement, she gained more desire to be active. And with more activity came more pain. In an effort to avoid using pain medications long term, we tried a number of modalities from 2014-2015.<br />
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Gabby's most painful areas when palpated are consistently her right hip and her right elbow. However, she also has pain in her left hip.<br />
<b><a href="http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/May-2012/Therapy-Lasers-Too-Good-To-Be-True/"><br /></a></b>
<b><a href="http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/May-2012/Therapy-Lasers-Too-Good-To-Be-True/">Laser Therapy</a></b><br />
Our first choice of pain management was laser therapy. A course of six treatments over about three weeks resulted in a non-painful right elbow and left hip. Her right hip was still painful but much less so. As we did treatments less frequently, her right elbow remained comfortable while her hips became more so. We have continued to laser her right elbow on a regular basis, she currently exhibits no pain when palpated!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.vosm.com/pain-management">Hyaluronic Acid Joint Injection</a></b><br />
When laser therapy didn't give us the prolonged positive effect we desired, Gabby's rehabilitation veterinarian recommended we inject her hip joints with hyaluronic acid. This procedure is typically done under sedation (light or full). Since Gabby is such a cooperative and calm dog to begin with, we chose to use a local anesthetic instead. Gabby tolerated her injections pretty well, but was obviously uncomfortable for about 48 hours after that. I saw no change in her comfort or mobility for almost exactly 7 days. And then she was SO MUCH more comfortable. It is typically recommended that joint injections are repeated if a positive result is seen but not complete pain relief. Her left hip remained comfortable after the first injection so we repeated her right hip. This injection went a lot less smoothly. While I saw a positive effect, Gabby was quite uncomfortable with the procedure itself as well as for a bit longer after the injection.<br />
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Gabby was started on Metacam (Meloxicam) and Gabapentin (Neurontin) for a different issue. This was intended to be temporary but we saw a significant positive effect in her comfort and mobility so these two medications were continued. However, her Metacam dosage was about half that recommended for her weight. This was her lowest effective dose (where I saw no change in comfort from her maximum dose), to help protect her internal organs for as long as possible. Even with these medications on board, she was still painful over her right hip when palpated.<br />
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As her joint injections started to wear off, we got a new piece of equipment at work.<br />
<a href="http://www.eswt.net/pdfs/Companion_Animal_Abstracts.pdf"><b><br /></b></a>
<a href="http://www.eswt.net/pdfs/Companion_Animal_Abstracts.pdf"><b>Shockwave Therapy</b></a><br />
Gabby got to be a guinea pig for a demonstration of piezioelectric shockwave therapy. I was warned ahead of time that she may be more sore for 24-48 hours after the treatment, but that it should help improve her comfort soon after that. We did Gabby's left and right hips in the same session. I took home a very sore, very gimpy dog that night. When Gabby hurts, she tends to lie around and pulls herself up with her front end. She did this for nearly two days, and I doubted what I'd done to her. By the third day she was back to her baseline. By the fourth day she was stretching her rear legs. By the fifth day she was trying to run around outside. And by the seventh day, I was witnessing a joyfulness I didn't know Gabby had. I'm not one to claim something works after the first try. But I couldn't believe what I was seeing.<br />
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We did three treatments about a week apart. Each time the pain post treatment lasted less and less. Those three treatments kept Gabby's hips comfortable for 3 months. Between 3 & 4 months I saw a decline in her comfort but it was gradual. I don't think I would have noticed had I not been checking for comfort on a regular basis.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2015</td></tr>
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Yesterday Gabby had her first of three treatments in the second set of shockwave therapies on her right hip (we are splitting her hips into two separate sessions this time). She was painful for about 12 hours this time, and even then, it was so much less obvious than after her first treatment.<br />
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We've added and subtracted medications and modalities to manage Gabby's arthritis over the last three years. The following is a list of what we have determined to help her lead the most comfortable and active life she can.<br />
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Dasuquin, Adequan, Metacam, Gabapentin, fish oil, a lean body condition, veterinary spinal manipulation therapy, targeted strengthening, massage, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and appropriate exercise.<br />
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Gabby has helped me to have a working understanding of the modalities we use at work. She has helped us to better understand how to treat multiple orthopedic issues successfully. I really love when people who know her see her xrays, and don't believe me it's the same dog. With this approach, we have also minimized arthritic change in her joints since 2013. On repeat xrays late last year (2015), there were only minimal changes to her hips and elbows.<br />
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On a typical day, she doesn't act like a 10 year old dog with hip and elbow dysplasia.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabby with friends about a month ago.</td></tr>
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-1778550375242080672016-01-18T22:47:00.003-06:002016-01-18T22:50:05.975-06:00TitlesWhen I was in 4-H and I had to keep records of my dog activities, I remember finding a quote. I was intrigued but it's one of those things that I can only now truly appreciate. Now that my first dog is gone. I trained and showed Buzz because I enjoyed it. Because we enjoyed it.<br />
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"A title proves that your dog inspired you to that special relationship enjoyed by so few; that in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return." -Sandra Mowery from <u>Why Title a Dog?</u></div>
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There are some titles I value more than others, simply because I know how much work went into being successful. I never mentioned Buzz's titles in my tribute to him. That's not what our relationship was about. But training and showing to get those titles, that is what our relationship was about.<br />
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The titles I am most proud of:</div>
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UCD (United Kennel Club-Companion Dog) earned on 1/19/2008. Obedience used to be "boring" for Buzz. This was when he would leave me the most frequently. This video is of his third consecutive qualifying UCD run, for his title. I was THE MOST PROUD. I still am.<br />
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Novice Versatility Award (NADAC award for completing the requirements for all class titles-NAC, NJC, NCC, TN-N, TG-N, and WV-N). Buzz earned this when he earned his WV-N on 3/15/2009. He was never good at weaving, but it's something we worked on. A lot. My goal was never a NATCH for him. My only goal was to get his Novice Versatility. And we did. Thank you Annelise.<br />
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ARCH, RLV, and RLVX (APDT, now WCRL Rally Champion, Rally Veteran, and Rally Veteran Champion). We started doing this type of rally because the signs are more exciting, the courses are longer, there is space to heel between signs, and I could feed him in the ring. The most important though is the availability of the veterans class. Long after Buzz could do Level 1, 2, or 3, he could still compete with me. He absolutely LOVED doing WCRL. I loved that I could still get out in a ring with my boy and watch him shine. He earned his last title, RLVX, on 7/27/13. I still cry every time I watch this video.</div>
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I've learned to live my life without you. I'm trying to never forget the lessons you taught me. Titles are about teamwork and relationship, never take either for granted.<br />
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My Buzz Lightyear.</div>
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<b>ARCH UCD URO1</b></div>
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<b>Sir Buzz Domino</b></div>
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<b>RL2 RLVX NAC NCC S-NJC O-TN-N TG-N WV-N RN ThD CGC</b></div>
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<b>Novice Versatility, RL1/2/V Award of Excellence</b><br />
<b>May 5, 1998 - May 20, 2014</b></div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-60949557866765563772015-01-26T22:43:00.001-06:002015-01-26T22:52:25.894-06:00Gabby's First (and second) Title(s)I was so caught up in school and work that I never acknowledged Gabby's first title. Which is actually a huge milestone. And she doesn't just have one title now, she has two!<br />
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The road to getting Gabby trial-ready has been a long one, and it certainly isn't over. The above photo is what I want, and these days what I get most of the time! More of the above, and less of the below.<br />
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The good news is that the more we work on it, the better she gets! Her first trial, she had a 50% qualifying rate going 2/4 over the two days. Despite that, I was thrilled with how she worked. I'd had her for less than a year, and had been training her for less than 6 months. I entered the trial because we only have 2 per year. I entered the trial hoping I could see where our holes were, and make trial environments a happy place for her! Both of her qualifying runs were in the Veterans class.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuN0IESj5TMbP96nTFkyofpWidCmalaG_w4WE85m_61wngAL2_h8Q3BWl4_t1JvmIzfZUeP-UKOBG9I4ofXhqyxmY7GvtpwxQ_gAgyiQtjEylJJd961-iEKKaTUwFihsV0VhYDvD5kbQ/s1600/Gab+ribbons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuN0IESj5TMbP96nTFkyofpWidCmalaG_w4WE85m_61wngAL2_h8Q3BWl4_t1JvmIzfZUeP-UKOBG9I4ofXhqyxmY7GvtpwxQ_gAgyiQtjEylJJd961-iEKKaTUwFihsV0VhYDvD5kbQ/s1600/Gab+ribbons.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First trial!</td></tr>
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This is a video from her second trial. So much improvement in her ability to work. Much longer duration heeling. And her heel position remained clear. There is no halfway, she is either heeling with all components there, or she isn't. Which is exactly what I want.<br />
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Obviously, the end result is heeling with more duration. But I was SO happy with her. In her second trial, she qualified in 4/4 runs! 100% qualifying rate! She qualified in two Veteran runs and two Level 1 runs! Qualifying in veterans earned her FIRST TITLE! Aroha's ESRA Gift of Gab RLV!<br />
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We got really lucky and our club decided to host a one day WCRL trial in December last year. I entered her in Veterans and Level 1 again. And in this trial, she worked as the dog I train. I was so incredibly happy with her. I walked into the ring with my fabulous girl and she blew me away.<br />
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Qualifying in Level 1 earned her RL1 title! And qualifying in Veterans earned #2/5 for her RLVX.<br />
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Aroha's ESRA Gift of Gab RL1 RLV</div>
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-78567225937489520532014-10-19T23:01:00.002-05:002014-10-19T23:01:33.701-05:00Sporadic Blogging (but I have pictures)School is over, I graduated (in August...)! Now I just have to take my <a href="https://www.aavsb.org/vtne/">VTNE</a> in December. The dogs haven't been getting out as much because of a lot of reasons (my injuries, their injuries, time, daylight, I can think of more excuses if I need to) and I also haven't used my camera all summer.<br />
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Yesterday we remedied that.<br />
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I haven't used my camera in ages, and neither Gabby nor Diego are used to being photographed so most of my initial pictures look like this. They looked nice but as soon as I crouched down to focus, they started moving toward me. Oops.<br />
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And then I forgot I had a zoom. But Gabby gave me some great faces anyways.</div>
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I always seem to end up with a lot of photos like this. And I'm always worried she's going to stick her nose on my lens! This worry is justified, because she has!</div>
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And then I took a bunch of Diego rolling because I find it so adorable.<br />
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He really is a handsome dog. He just doesn't often stop long enough for me to admire him!</div>
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Oh the derp. I can't stand it.</div>
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Rolling was the theme of the day I guess.</div>
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Again with the handsome!</div>
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Group photo time! Diego looks nice, Gabby looks nice... and Bailey looks stoned.</div>
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Diego looks moderately sad. Gabby looks great. Bailey looks less stoned.</div>
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-4977505976176857622014-09-30T23:50:00.002-05:002014-09-30T23:50:39.900-05:00Gotcha Gabby<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gabby's "official" gotcha day is October 6th. She entered my care on June 4th. And her date of birth is November 30th. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On September 30, 2013 I emailed Ellie, one of our regional coordinators, "a hypothetical situation." </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If I were hypothetically interested in keeping Gaby, would I be allowed to?</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">YES, AND I WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE.<br />Hypothetically.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Anyone who knows me a little bit, knows that I adore this dog to pieces. She does virtually nothing wrong and she is as good as gold. Gabby came into my life when I needed her most. She learned so many important lessons from Buzz, she helped satisfy my desire to train when Buzz no longer could, she provided company for Buzz when I worked long hours, and she sat with me while I cried and cried and cried when he was gone. She has been invaluable in helping my heart to heal from the immense loss of my heart dog. Gabby and I have bravely forged our own path where we are learning how to work together. She makes me so happy. She is so joyful. </span><br />
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And she wouldn't be mine without the compassion and generosity of English Springer Rescue America. Being Gabby's foster means that I know how much money was spent on her care. And I know that her adoption fee was less than half of her veterinary care cost. Thank you for helping me find my Gabby.<br />
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Happy gotcha day Gabbers.<br />
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Aroha's ESRA Gift of Gab RLV</div>
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-3614324150302270282014-09-17T11:38:00.003-05:002014-09-17T11:38:59.417-05:00Bailey's Behavior Modification Medications<span style="background-color: white;">Some of you know that Bailey has been struggling physically and mentally lately. Really struggling. She couldn't seem to settle unless she was sleeping and she was often restless even then. Unfortunately her "just not right"-ness has actually been going on for about a year with quite vague symptoms that seemed to change week to week.</span><br />
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She takes a variety of prescription medications as well as supplements. I've learned it can be quite difficult to manage so many medications successfully, there are so many potential interactions! One of the things her vet(s) and I have discussed recently was the possibility of incorrect medication doses. In medicine there are "relative overdoses" and "frank overdoses." The simple way to explain it is that a "frank overdose" means the patient received too much. A "relative overdose" means that even if the correct, calculated dose was administered, it was too much for that patient.</div>
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I'll start by saying I am so very lucky to have the resources I do. As we reviewed Bailey's symptoms, time-frame of onset, various diagnostics, and medications for the hundredth time I heard "what if one of her medication doses is now wrong for her." And we all paused. So we started looking up side effects of ALL the medications she takes. Fluoxetine is metabolized by the liver. Earlier this year, Bailey's liver values were elevated. She was started on a supplement from Standard Process and at her next recheck, her liver values had normalized. She, however, did not normalize. Hyperserotonin syndrome is not common as far as I can tell, and the onset is usually very quick with serious consequences if it isn't addressed. However, many of Bailey's symptoms were the same. She was <i>more</i> anxious, she was nauseous, she was ataxic (all four limbs didn't seem to get the correct signals from her brain), and she was restless (just to name a few). We had tried to rule in or out so many other causes without success. Nothing else added up the way this did.<br />
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Bailey was weaned off her Fluoxetine completely (and very carefully) over the course of 6 weeks. The lower her dose got, the more she improved. Both physically and mentally. She is no longer ataxic, she has more coordination than I've seen in a year. Her appetite is much better. And she is able to relax.<br />
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I've hesitated to share this publicly, because I am an advocate for behavior medication in dogs. Her life changed, for the better, because of it many years ago. As dogs age, their bodies change. It was a lesson for me to keep looking for an answer, because there was one for Bailey.<br />
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-73128054051858095732014-06-18T10:17:00.000-05:002014-06-18T11:46:53.981-05:00Geriatric Care: Exercise/Pain Management<i>A very delayed part two in my Geriatric Care series.</i><br />
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Exercise is important for cardiac health, muscle strength, and mental health. Many older dogs struggle to maintain the amount of muscle that was easily built in younger years. At work we tend to see older dogs losing muscle as a result of pain because exercising becomes increasingly difficult.<br />
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Step one has to be pain management. Talk to your veterinarian (or a <a href="https://www.rehabvets.org/">rehabilitation veterinarian</a> if you are lucky enough to have one nearby) about diagnosing and managing pain. A general place to start is finding a high quality joint supplement. Dasuquin is recommended by many veterinary professionals as the go-to joint supplement. In addition to that, the <a href="http://www.ivapm.org/">International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management</a> is an organization devoted wholly to the management of pain. There is a "search for member" tab at the top to assist in finding a local veterinarian experienced in pain management. In Minnesota alone, there are 51 members!<br />
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An alternative complimentary approach is using <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065857/">Low-Level Laser Therapy (therapeutic laser)</a> as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Buzz benefited greatly from regular laser therapy. His overall comfort level improved, his mobility was better, and he certainly didn't mind spending quality time alone with me. Not all lasers are created equally, so it is definitely a treatment that should be prescribed and overseen by a professional.<br />
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Once pain is under control there are so many options for strengthening. At work we utilize underwater treadmill therapy in conjunction with specific exercises tailored to each dog. We have exercises that target specific muscle groups to engage them, or relax them, based on the needs of the dog. </div>
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An example of Buzz's exercises at home included a chest elevation stretch, weight shifting, and front limb range of motion. The exercises were prescribed twice daily, and I was pretty good about getting them done at least once daily. Doing his exercises took about 10 minutes start to finish. His exercises changed frequently based on how he seemed to feel while I was doing them, and after. A few exercises he really enjoyed, I made a point of doing regularly (chest elevation stretch and spinal traction). Before I started working at <a href="http://tcrehab.com/">TC Rehab</a>, Buzz saw Dr. Julia every month or two for re-evaluation. </div>
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Structured exercise is very important in keeping a geriatric dog happy and healthy. While enjoying smells in the backyard and interacting with other dogs is still considered exercise (and can be great mental stimulation), an exercise regimen can help to keep your dog more comfortable and active as they age. It is very important to remember that we want to give them enough exercise erring on the side of too little rather than over tax their bodies and make exercise painful.</div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-62920847927917975932014-06-10T09:29:00.004-05:002014-06-10T09:34:23.642-05:00How to make a Happy Gabby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I picked Gabby up on 5/4/13. She did a lot of lying around. Her previous owners described her as a turtle. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">exhibit A: lying in the kitchen</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, we discovered she moved like a turtle because a) her vision is poor, b) she has hip and elbow dysplasia, c) she is hypothyroid, d) she was obese, e) had a bladder infection, and f) she had broken/infected/painful teeth.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">she was just a little "thick"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the last 12 months Gabby has:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">a) gotten a diagnosis of PRA </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">b) had her hips and elbows xrayed to confirm arthritis and dysplasia</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">c) confirmed hypothyroidism with bloodwork and she started Soloxine last fall</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">d) lost 20 pounds -- TWENTY POUNDS</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">e) treated the bladder infection with antibiotics</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">f) had a dental last summer and very obviously felt so much better after</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLSf0dWTi4DVGxYdMV9389L4vR4pWQJR91a8fH_BUxbO49-_1cPA6RL4XIzvONToYQA1Mk5xWiIEGXt37JHT0K_xldMy_bQPOK2JXYqsYms0AXBxkIF02Azp0QS6lxv11mU-DKr8ulA/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLSf0dWTi4DVGxYdMV9389L4vR4pWQJR91a8fH_BUxbO49-_1cPA6RL4XIzvONToYQA1Mk5xWiIEGXt37JHT0K_xldMy_bQPOK2JXYqsYms0AXBxkIF02Azp0QS6lxv11mU-DKr8ulA/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">she frequently looked angry</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have a lot of photos of her that I never shared publicly, because they really aren't flattering, but because of how far she's come... I'm sharing them today!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBqJ_Swq-BowszyKF9nFMDOtXSvJEfdWpdebCsapcF91tzIeVne767ehUqz-JxqQWhv2CinT180bAmql0npzRoQRl_AVtO3m5vCqzP4C9IrCwYF1IZjtQNorVpNUrkhELtzU9dzWkJg/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBqJ_Swq-BowszyKF9nFMDOtXSvJEfdWpdebCsapcF91tzIeVne767ehUqz-JxqQWhv2CinT180bAmql0npzRoQRl_AVtO3m5vCqzP4C9IrCwYF1IZjtQNorVpNUrkhELtzU9dzWkJg/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6F67e1dZdwTYEDJnn2oGEGnXCxQgOxlcyRqRnhI7rsbOCq3Oyh2wKi_iSvxbZBkagX9cuxnLK2VEhpFpvXc7KmW5a4vXX8mBcFVDqBRUXc4njCXzFyOSBv-3nyJQJha97VgCcAQD0Q/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6F67e1dZdwTYEDJnn2oGEGnXCxQgOxlcyRqRnhI7rsbOCq3Oyh2wKi_iSvxbZBkagX9cuxnLK2VEhpFpvXc7KmW5a4vXX8mBcFVDqBRUXc4njCXzFyOSBv-3nyJQJha97VgCcAQD0Q/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">tubby lumpkins</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XQK8jlNEBKTzgSDbfOmnMGNpRJMfMK5ALmG3MeGc8ilIk9nivarMfgMub3LtaQVELxYyvQEOmk8EtJ-H5VeBJIETqyCgSPInP1n-5Ip0T0SvCLhyphenhyphenlF4LjKdnROiPYn40sejEL00h-w/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XQK8jlNEBKTzgSDbfOmnMGNpRJMfMK5ALmG3MeGc8ilIk9nivarMfgMub3LtaQVELxYyvQEOmk8EtJ-H5VeBJIETqyCgSPInP1n-5Ip0T0SvCLhyphenhyphenlF4LjKdnROiPYn40sejEL00h-w/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSbAqwzWYGuSYJm5u-Orm97ty42gGXQHNh2kuZe4wPzX6_z422OCWQ9hORfMClYG2l1PtJ6xxlddP7FFy9Q2cJoVnuLne7KITzsEadau5tC1cu-OSGi3NZKFzu0kVuUdBu9dJOvgZAQ/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSbAqwzWYGuSYJm5u-Orm97ty42gGXQHNh2kuZe4wPzX6_z422OCWQ9hORfMClYG2l1PtJ6xxlddP7FFy9Q2cJoVnuLne7KITzsEadau5tC1cu-OSGi3NZKFzu0kVuUdBu9dJOvgZAQ/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">exhibit B: she looked like a pregnant pig</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As she started to feel better, she started doing more. Like playing with toys, and playing tug with me!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPlG_rBSItfIxOUWIIGuhP2G3dMJoQm_24CEjLD9wsy6bi16YKg5CzfMhvEJIgc6gfCnvkfJrWOmSk_WsonVY6h4UDdb6WbgpRjqyYvSq7qb7zojpnJOJsIOoyAHgxrHRQKV-mH4i7g/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPlG_rBSItfIxOUWIIGuhP2G3dMJoQm_24CEjLD9wsy6bi16YKg5CzfMhvEJIgc6gfCnvkfJrWOmSk_WsonVY6h4UDdb6WbgpRjqyYvSq7qb7zojpnJOJsIOoyAHgxrHRQKV-mH4i7g/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">She enjoyed going for walks where she could just putter around at her own pace.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBuOTfuD3e3PhL9b22yOEqiW4qoNflDSMvrO6OGTNneVFe67AnCrRFauJRkJQK1g269_X-di_ihYBHxmCl2k6HGIzuxBUNrhEDmNWthjSXGutiVGgKvOlR5g19usy7idLxKL9g14c8g/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBuOTfuD3e3PhL9b22yOEqiW4qoNflDSMvrO6OGTNneVFe67AnCrRFauJRkJQK1g269_X-di_ihYBHxmCl2k6HGIzuxBUNrhEDmNWthjSXGutiVGgKvOlR5g19usy7idLxKL9g14c8g/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I took this picture the day I announced to the world I'd decided to keep her!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUI02hkVU_dpPAWK7VRIyMI_CqXqZ-2si9yARaVXpQfIcHgDE8ss6PuBheEZjfcK4MSNW612tsrU4ygfcGYuZeqxSaMSKphq_D-FleDjVVBJ_3HyFsQdVMjHpSx94zzqGBpv8s-AdzKA/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUI02hkVU_dpPAWK7VRIyMI_CqXqZ-2si9yARaVXpQfIcHgDE8ss6PuBheEZjfcK4MSNW612tsrU4ygfcGYuZeqxSaMSKphq_D-FleDjVVBJ_3HyFsQdVMjHpSx94zzqGBpv8s-AdzKA/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A few people have asked what I've done and continue to do for Gabby. Some people even asked if we were going to do surgery on her hips. The answer to surgery is more than likely, no. As she continues to lose weight and build muscle, we have only noticed decreasing pain, not increasing. That's very promising for us to be able to manage her well with all the things we've been doing, for many years to come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is what we've done
for Gabby:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I started her on Cosequin as soon as I got her. It
is my go-to joint health supplement, because they've done the research. A
couple months later, she was switched to Dasuquin (the next level).
Just like everyone in the family, she continues to take her Dasuquin every
morning.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first week I had her, she went to the vet for a general
health check up where we discovered she had a UTI and an ear infection.
She was put on medication to treat both conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I added in a Vitamin B complex. B vitamins are great
for everyone and they seemed to put a pep in her step. She continues to
get this on a regular basis (we both take it every morning).<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In early July, she had a dental with four extractions.
She felt SO MUCH BETTER getting those teeth out of her mouth!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By August, her vet and I determined there was likely an
underlying cause for her to be losing weight so slowly despite a very
strict diet and exercise plan. So a thyroid panel was run. She is
hypothyroid and was started on Soloxine.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At some point around here, it was decided she should be
on an omega 3 supplement. She has been on Grizzly Pollock Oil and Solid
Gold SeaMeal since then.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On October 6, 2013 I announced I'd decided to keep her!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In November, Gabby had an eye exam with Dr. Larocca. It
was determined she is afflicted with PRA. She had been taking an eye
supplement for some time, but the supplement was changed to Opti-Vue with
Floraglo Lutein. So far, her eyes seem to be holding steady!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This winter was a little tough for all of us with it
being so cold but I continued to monitor her caloric intake and she really
enjoyed playing in the snow. She learned to wear boots and a coat so we
could be outside for longer than to just potty.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the last couple of
months, she's had a full functional exam at work. This entails taking range of
motion measurements of all four limbs, checking for pain, measuring muscle
mass, assessing gait, and determining core strength. She has started Adequan
(an injectable chondroprotective). She's had her four-doses-every-four-days
already and now we're at the four-doses-once-a-week before we go to once every
3-4 weeks. She has also started working out in the treadmill at work regularly
as well as doing exercises at home! Last, but certainly not least, regular
veterinary spinal manipulation therapy (chiropractic) rounds out her "get
fit, feel great" health care plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gabby's current
medication/supplement list:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.adequancanine.us/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Adequan</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/dog/dog-urinary-health/crananidin"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Crananidin</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/dog/dog-joint-bone-health/dasuquin-for-dogs"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Dasuquin</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.grizzlypetproducts.com/pollock_oil/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Grizzly Pollock Oil</span></a> (at an anti-inflammatory dosage)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/p/opti-vue-floraglo-lutein-100-capsules/vs-2128#.U5cQCvlqySo"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Opti-Vue with FloraGLO Lutein</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.solidgoldpet.com/productDetail.aspx?p=37"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Solid Gold SeaMeal</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.virbacvet.com/products/detail/soloxine-tablets/endocrinology"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Soloxine</span></a> (brand
name-because the studies say it's more consistent)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vitamin B Complex<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vitamin E<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, even though her
xrays look pretty terrible...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With weight loss, joint
support, and rehab... Gabby is having a blast in life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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**Disclaimer, I am not a veterinarian. Gabby's protocol has been developed and adjusted as needed by a veterinarian!<br />
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-65144210612527359762014-05-27T23:41:00.002-05:002014-05-28T09:37:18.844-05:00Seven DaysMy life changed forever. Buzz deserves a tribute, and he'll get one, but I'm not ready yet. My heart and my brain can't seem to get on the same page. I know he's gone, I witnessed his death, and yet... I keep looking for him, thinking I hear him, and sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night sure I'll just look across the room and see him sleeping soundly. I miss petting his ears. I miss the weight of his head on my lap as I type on my laptop. It's been seven days today. Seven days I haven't see his smiling face, or laughed at his insistence it IS MEAL TIME! It is also seven days I know he wouldn't have enjoyed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vdgZJjXpV8A6F30mBE8dGusevk_nrWys5yWrRutnrsSnHZ545UaQpZus8SiMIwZo0erNIhHN5GXp67oNmMXoWYemfuXwvWRGaxssHN64M0_lYjql7r_4pcbpqVXnSpM3n5pZfngMKw/s1600/mms_picture+(54).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vdgZJjXpV8A6F30mBE8dGusevk_nrWys5yWrRutnrsSnHZ545UaQpZus8SiMIwZo0erNIhHN5GXp67oNmMXoWYemfuXwvWRGaxssHN64M0_lYjql7r_4pcbpqVXnSpM3n5pZfngMKw/s1600/mms_picture+(54).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was getting his dinner ready.</td></tr>
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Each dog has very different categories in a quality of life assessment. I paid very close attention to what quality of life meant to Buzz since his mobility deteriorated to the point he needed quite a bit of help every day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqJ-qghYsvOdL8pARSp46_4LdAjLvHefy3EQZ1wXtfNMH0b4Fw2NBQR2PpBme8IHBzFbAhPZZVabcWb9ANlgRd29fpq8adT1bN34JYaibS9SCp8YSCI3a4_46FtQnhWDZAfv6iuJAdA/s1600/mms_picture+(33).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqJ-qghYsvOdL8pARSp46_4LdAjLvHefy3EQZ1wXtfNMH0b4Fw2NBQR2PpBme8IHBzFbAhPZZVabcWb9ANlgRd29fpq8adT1bN34JYaibS9SCp8YSCI3a4_46FtQnhWDZAfv6iuJAdA/s1600/mms_picture+(33).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuddling with Buzz. I miss it.</td></tr>
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On Sunday May 18, I made the heartwrenching decision to set an appointment for Buzz. For the last week, he had been having difficulty eating. His jaw very obviously hurt. He would pick up food but then roll it around in his mouth trying to figure out a way to chew without it hurting. I tried soft food, I tried warm food, and I tried hand feeding him. He would eventually eat, but it was evident it wasn't comfortable for him. Buzz also hadn't done well in the heat since last summer. 70 degree weather was as warm as he could enjoy. Just going out to potty in 70 degree weather made him pant for quite a while after we got back inside. He couldn't enjoy his sniffs when it was too warm. And his mobility was continually decreasing. This was the part that broke my heart the most. He had such a difficult time adjusting to not being able to get up on his own. I came home from work on Sunday to find him stuck. He was panicked. He got himself in a position he couldn't get out of. I had no idea how long he'd been there. It shattered me. This was my brave and stoic Buzz. We'd occasionally dealt with him being stuck in a few other places in the apartment before, but he'd never been this upset about it. I tried an xpen, I tried a crate, neither had the desired effect.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcUotDqrpQAdEDG9W7c6UwAJpZdijtz2t2_eZ90BIX-n-6HhnRzHOedcqFy-boBbfZK9h3q9tU0i2Xlyz3nZpfL1BODINX6l5d4MZWkU4jii5QM2iGISJ5usjU6LxcTVhXW4wsFedbQ/s1600/mms_picture+(57).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcUotDqrpQAdEDG9W7c6UwAJpZdijtz2t2_eZ90BIX-n-6HhnRzHOedcqFy-boBbfZK9h3q9tU0i2Xlyz3nZpfL1BODINX6l5d4MZWkU4jii5QM2iGISJ5usjU6LxcTVhXW4wsFedbQ/s1600/mms_picture+(57).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buzz and Rascal</td></tr>
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Even though I was in no way sure I could actually follow through with the appointment, I gave Buzz the very best last hours on this earth I could dream up for him.<br />
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Monday he spent the day at work with me. Up front, behind the desk, in the bed he was always so sure he fit in but didn't. Well, we made it so he fit in there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdiC_aKbnxNenB_hORKPatueaiD-LBetT3gcrqQB55kCgLsltmAdeDBTCRuUmrRtBwf37l4khYa6cBN5NIV8_E_EZmpYYc4UMz5rOazv_ANAImDie4MJyU6aulALvSOvVFVLgxWbQ6g/s1600/mms_picture+(116).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdiC_aKbnxNenB_hORKPatueaiD-LBetT3gcrqQB55kCgLsltmAdeDBTCRuUmrRtBwf37l4khYa6cBN5NIV8_E_EZmpYYc4UMz5rOazv_ANAImDie4MJyU6aulALvSOvVFVLgxWbQ6g/s1600/mms_picture+(116).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extra blankets made it work.</td></tr>
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He went in the treadmill at work. Not to work out, but to enjoy the warm water spa. It had become his favorite place to be. He could stand up easily with the support of the water. We just stood in the spa and let the water circulate around us as I fed him snacks. Dr. Julia adjusted him, she knew.<br />
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We got Arby's on the way home. I'd been stopping to get him french fries more often the last couple of months and he definitely had a preference for Arby's curly fries. So that's what we got. I even shared a roast beef sandwich with him. Then he got two servings of dinner at home.<br />
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When we got home, Tim said "we're having movie night with Buzz." So we moved my mattress to the floor. I hadn't cuddled with Buzz all night long in months. Having him up high on my bed was dangerous, because he'd lost bed privileges due to trying to get off by himself to get a drink in the middle of the night. He slept soundly between my legs until a very early morning potty call. When we got back inside, I just pet his head for hours while he slept peacefully. He was due for his Adequan injection, and I very consciously administered it. I wanted his last day to be as happy and painfree as possible.<br />
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Tuesday morning dawned sunny and clear. It was perfect. Lauren graciously offered to meet us at the park bright and early to take pictures. This is where I really, really just wanted to call everything off. He was happy and alert, he was so vibrant. We had so much fun while Buzz ate his McDonald's breakfast. I might have cried just as much as I laughed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFdGESmrwJ5Z4Dw-SPosb42yh-W055rbu3j5Ws9r3yBRqtz2LCDMgWVYY8KV9MRcmfwSWHrajsiwh-gg9WjQ0mnlrQ0h84v8tdmpyMUaCIrtUil6cJgnIJmRcnJEqzdf2SGITjm7fMQ/s1600/14249787653_ab4f24e31a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFdGESmrwJ5Z4Dw-SPosb42yh-W055rbu3j5Ws9r3yBRqtz2LCDMgWVYY8KV9MRcmfwSWHrajsiwh-gg9WjQ0mnlrQ0h84v8tdmpyMUaCIrtUil6cJgnIJmRcnJEqzdf2SGITjm7fMQ/s1600/14249787653_ab4f24e31a_o.jpg" height="320" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The handsomest.</td></tr>
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After our morning park adventure, we came home for breakfast (another double serving with some extra pain meds) and a nap. Going to the park and eating breakfast is tiring (also, being ridiculously full of food may have made him tired, too).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPDRtnGAYulLwQ6ReggEM2S0tpxqEIOP0vG1esdcC7ytDuL7ybv-rRytD2CLQzD6WS9XuQ_iNY9vOdPB1yBZIdIZjEyADjM40XLgGHT2dqDgmHMbAjayiNAQLQER_UQ2pGnZsrJ8G3w/s1600/mms_picture+(117).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPDRtnGAYulLwQ6ReggEM2S0tpxqEIOP0vG1esdcC7ytDuL7ybv-rRytD2CLQzD6WS9XuQ_iNY9vOdPB1yBZIdIZjEyADjM40XLgGHT2dqDgmHMbAjayiNAQLQER_UQ2pGnZsrJ8G3w/s1600/mms_picture+(117).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping.</td></tr>
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While he was napping, I was getting more and more anxious. I wanted the day to be over, but I didn't want it to end. Logically, I'd gone through every option. Instead of continuing to dwell on what would happen later, Buzz and I went for a drive. I had no idea where we were going, but we got in the car and headed down some less traveled roads. Buzz loved the wind in his face. Just him and I, enjoying the beautiful day. I kept passing back treats as I was driving. My goal for the day was to make him as full as I could. Our drive eventually led us to a pet supply store where we bought even more treats. These were supposed to help his tummy... And then we drove around some more. It was my escape from reality. We eventually ended up at <a href="http://tcrehab.com/">my work</a>.<br />
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I had emailed my coworkers earlier in the day, and Julia had known since Sunday. Buzz and I enjoyed the spa together for the last time. I fed him, I pet him, I filled the tank up as high as I could and he thoroughly enjoyed the jets. I cried. I cried so hard. This was the most difficult decision I'd ever made. I wanted to pick Buzz up and drive far, far away. Away from reality, away from death.</div>
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But we had important places to be. Lauren, Tim, Buzz, and I went to Dairy Queen. Buzz ordered a banana split and cheese curds.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAgqL2GwHOpNeK6CxmuciSJwDNUlhpSIkWBefrzPOYgHI48xoAY-WU0ziM4RQQchm9wL1tD9CJLS3VGUydsNFYEXOvFJxsu3rZJKNhVA-wN8oF4qgHA21Q_MqptPNbOP9KGcYAhx53A/s1600/14055288977_5c6853b8e6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAgqL2GwHOpNeK6CxmuciSJwDNUlhpSIkWBefrzPOYgHI48xoAY-WU0ziM4RQQchm9wL1tD9CJLS3VGUydsNFYEXOvFJxsu3rZJKNhVA-wN8oF4qgHA21Q_MqptPNbOP9KGcYAhx53A/s1600/14055288977_5c6853b8e6_o.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OM NOM ICE CREAM!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTCJj7qlS36bokQCXlK6fb8olnjKxUAfGdjF3FgDQk9wDm_kFG76c3Vh3lQl7T2QfVBK4uFOGYjzHECEeReDitMH-qRk2isTSr7xZGEtK9VDXNAX7eXwyMvdVdcbXDiTT0wdPZnf12Q/s1600/14055225279_d506076815_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTCJj7qlS36bokQCXlK6fb8olnjKxUAfGdjF3FgDQk9wDm_kFG76c3Vh3lQl7T2QfVBK4uFOGYjzHECEeReDitMH-qRk2isTSr7xZGEtK9VDXNAX7eXwyMvdVdcbXDiTT0wdPZnf12Q/s1600/14055225279_d506076815_o.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why you move the ice cream away?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFjELi47v3CjAGxkw_Xj108fye2XfI2hE44oNUJ_tppLW8TKbfXxjFW-x33TQ9xjRsAybh1OMvy8Cc0fdl0XPKOwyKVO7PPV3LTJD-8c97ZA32tk9USb2N-y8pFqqyLsFbWgt6pO3IA/s1600/14218715726_25ca1f5361_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFjELi47v3CjAGxkw_Xj108fye2XfI2hE44oNUJ_tppLW8TKbfXxjFW-x33TQ9xjRsAybh1OMvy8Cc0fdl0XPKOwyKVO7PPV3LTJD-8c97ZA32tk9USb2N-y8pFqqyLsFbWgt6pO3IA/s1600/14218715726_25ca1f5361_o.jpg" height="320" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little something on yer face.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEz4XyubaINWKt-AqrA1swI8TtGUaTaSqimLpFgEt0TjKjlTY-Dgn7N6cuLFP0FKGAt6up6DKtR6M1zCD-_S1Gb37AMJ07JVFIphvy7qc0UZCE20hdQZIjpG2JmHlSOgkeJJC0OG8HQ/s1600/14241871355_6374f868c2_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEz4XyubaINWKt-AqrA1swI8TtGUaTaSqimLpFgEt0TjKjlTY-Dgn7N6cuLFP0FKGAt6up6DKtR6M1zCD-_S1Gb37AMJ07JVFIphvy7qc0UZCE20hdQZIjpG2JmHlSOgkeJJC0OG8HQ/s1600/14241871355_6374f868c2_o.jpg" height="171" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buzz didn't want the banana. He wanted the ice cream off the banana.</td></tr>
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After DQ we went to a pet supply store to look at the fish and small animals, a very favorite Buzz activity. Oh, and also to smell all the things in all the aisles. He picked out some more treats too.</div>
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When we arrived home, it was time to settle in on the bed again. It was time to pet Buzz for the last time. To watch him sleep peacefully. My only wish was that he would be so tired and full and content that he would be sound asleep when <a href="http://www.truecompanionsvet.com/">Dr. Raeyna</a> arrived. I sat next to him and I pet him. My best laid plans had worked. He quickly dozed off. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEMKKFaV_-MVIkfTHSuwvPMguBk4CySRHYQlXzTur0oiJdm6CfTyawakszamPFLVF_OmZxcVGK_ddlwKrDNrVLhF-ezKauB6x8AXfbW-eFl2AJr9ZKVjfMLgQDl3cxpdS8ohiy0XSpA/s1600/mms_picture+(118).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEMKKFaV_-MVIkfTHSuwvPMguBk4CySRHYQlXzTur0oiJdm6CfTyawakszamPFLVF_OmZxcVGK_ddlwKrDNrVLhF-ezKauB6x8AXfbW-eFl2AJr9ZKVjfMLgQDl3cxpdS8ohiy0XSpA/s1600/mms_picture+(118).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So full. So tired. The last picture I took of him.</td></tr>
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And then he was gone.<br />
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My heart was broken.<br />
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My Buzz Lightyear. I whispered how sorry I was. And I thanked him for being the best dog ever. As I sobbed into his fur for the last time, I said good bye, for now.</div>
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To Infinity and Beyond.</div>
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-4071102514507698902014-05-04T18:59:00.002-05:002014-05-05T11:33:43.115-05:0016 YearsI started writing this blog post a couple days before Buzz's 14th gotcha day and quit. Today Buzz turns 16 years old, a day I honestly thought we'd never see.<br />
<br />
16 years ago Buzz was born. 9 weeks later, my family brought home a little black and white puppy who pretended to like retrieving, had worms and fleas, and already knew how to walk on a leash. The early details are a bit fuzzy but I know he was never actually house trained and I don't think he ever came when called. He has always been a dog with a mission of his own in life and we only became a team when I embraced him for who he is. It's hard to believe he used to be a speedy-fast little hellion with one mission in life: to enjoy it.<br />
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I tried to show him in 4-H using some outdated and dog un-friendly training methods. He told me to screw off and had his own fun. I can't even count how many times I tried to chase him down, and failed miserably. I'd call, he'd turn and look, then dart off in another direction.<br />
<br />
Looking back at what we've accomplished, 2007 was our first year successfully trialing. He earned his RL1, RN, NAC, NJC, and TN-N. We had three grand years of trialing, which makes me so happy considering he didn't really start showing until he was 7 years old!<br />
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He competed in WCRL Veteran Rally for the last time in July 2013. He earned his RLVX.<br />
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Since January he's had increasing difficulty with mobility. Some days he gets really frustrated not being able to get up and move around on his own. Then on the days he is able to, he overdoes it if I don't contain him. Despite that, he remains mentally sharp. His bloodwork looked great when we ran it a couple weeks ago. All he really wants at the end of the day is someone to fall asleep on, so I try really hard to do that.<br />
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<b>Today was (almost) all about Buzz. </b></div>
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He got to watch autocross with Tim.</div>
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He ate an absurd amount of snacks. Even if he had to put up with me to get them.</div>
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We checked out a new park!</div>
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He ate more snacks at the new park.</div>
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And looked hilarious doing it.</div>
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Missing 100% of what I threw.</div>
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Then I threw some snacks in the grass.</div>
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I ran out of snacks. He said "see ya later."</div>
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A great day ends with a nice nap in the sun.</div>
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Happy birthday, Buzz. Thank you for being such a wonderful introduction to the breed. You are the standard to which I'll compare all others. Keep on keeping on.</div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-31747268429057303592014-05-03T19:27:00.001-05:002014-05-03T19:27:47.155-05:00Positive Gun Dogs of MN: Field Sport Seminar, day 1<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Phew, that's a long title. It was also a very long day. I got the
opportunity to attend<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.positivegundogsmn.com/seminardetails.html">this seminar</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>with Gabby because she's an ESRA
Alumni (basically, she's getting her picture taken tomorrow as an example, so
we need to learn how to do the things they want pictures of).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The seminar started with an introduction
of the presenter, Inga From. She has worked with her English Springer Spaniel
and Labrador Retriever in the field (for sport, not competition) for years
without the use of an electronic collar. She has learned from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.positivegundogsmn.com/jimbarry.html">Jim Barry</a>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.johnrogerson.com/index.html">John Rogerson</a>, and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.duckhillkennels.com/">Robert Milner</a> (and I'm sure
others she didn't mention). We covered some of the basic differences when
teaching a gun dog positively, versus the traditional way using punishment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">What I enjoyed most about the seminar
today was the focus on obedience first: good obedience, reliable obedience,
happy obedience. The two elements we talked (and learned) about specifically
were<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>steadiness</b>:
"remain still and quiet while watching birds drop or dummies are being
thrown," and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>blind
retrieve</b>: "dog did not see the bird or dummy drop/fall and must find,
then retrieve it." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Many dogs being trialed today are far from
steady. They either break their stay or they are noisy on the line. She set up
a few exercises for the dogs to practice steadiness with increasing difficulty.
Gabby's never really been exposed to the "toys" she was using as
distractions for the dogs, so when I asked her for a sit in heel, she glued her
eyes to me and happily ate her treats as bumpers, tennis balls, and other toys
were tossed about the room. As the difficulty increased with people walking
around close to us and noises being added in, she did occasionally break eye
contact, but then reoriented nicely. The dogs who knew exactly what these toys
were for had a little more trouble--these dogs watched the items intently as
they lie motionless on the ground. However, everyone must have had some great
treats as there weren't any dogs that actually broke position that I can
recall. She said that we should be retrieving the thrown bumpers during
steadiness training far more than we are releasing the dog to get them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Most, if not all, gun dogs in the US are
taught a marked retrieve first. A retriever will naturally use his eyes to
locate fallen game first, and then use his nose second. The reasoning behind
teaching a blind retrieve first is to facilitate having the dog use his nose
first, rather than relying on eyesight. She recommended heeling with the dog, drop
the bumper, and continue heeling. Turn and send the dog from a short distance
first and gradually build up to longer distances. Other people can plant the
bumpers as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We also learned about teaching whistle
cues for recall (three short tweets), turn and pay attention/sit (one long
tweet), and backchaining the retrieve. I will detail how she teaches a shaped
retrieve in tomorrow's post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Today was a lot of fun. I learned that
semi-crowded spaces and lots of dogs makes Gabby nervous. I spent quite a bit
of time feeding her for checking in with me. She preferred to hang out in her
crate during down time, and sat in the car during whistle times. I don't know
if we'll actually do any formal hunt training, but I'd love to be able to do
blind bumper retrieves with her in the future! I knew some of the things we
discussed from my limited experiences with Bailey and the small amount of
Retriever hunt tests I've been to. There was also quite a bit of new content
for me, and she is a really fun presenter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Day two is going to be DOING STUFF outside
and preparing for the K9 Field Sport Award Testing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-41940071366891529022014-05-01T23:01:00.001-05:002014-05-01T23:01:54.537-05:00Farm Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-48373350958480220372014-04-26T23:16:00.004-05:002014-04-27T07:15:31.034-05:00Checking In/UpdatingLife has been super crazy busy here. I finally finished the classroom portion of school just last week. Now I have a couple weeks off before I start my internship! My hope is to finish the many blog posts I've started, AND keep better track of Gabby's training (and Siri's too).<br />
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<b>Buzz</b><br />
Overall, he's doing well for an almost 16 year old dog with a progressive neurologic condition. Last night Lauren and I took the boy dogs out for ice cream! Buzz's outing was extra special because he even got to ride shotgun in my lap (which, for those who know me, is a huge deal).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shotgun dog is happy to have his head out the window</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Lauren</td></tr>
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He comes to work with me regularly where he receives laser treatments, works out in the underewater treadmill, and has spinal adjustments.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdQ5-RRcU_1Nj_nouKWn7baJZpOEdixdQRYFXAAIwYrhvivz62ELAhrHvkgEH1Kerh_bBOTaJ9p-QqlIuZpW6jamlogLr9vHkLdB5mQWsQb8sN5ClgNeqT4fyum665FLUeh8OKU_4eA/s1600/mms_picture+(87).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdQ5-RRcU_1Nj_nouKWn7baJZpOEdixdQRYFXAAIwYrhvivz62ELAhrHvkgEH1Kerh_bBOTaJ9p-QqlIuZpW6jamlogLr9vHkLdB5mQWsQb8sN5ClgNeqT4fyum665FLUeh8OKU_4eA/s1600/mms_picture+(87).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">laser</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAi9YcN7TNFv-4a5nDopeZlth52m-Ve-w2gnnOY3X-vFbDvJ0LrGnAOmFSwyGNg1-kF8KvCqsC8T8iL0kJsP0WSHZLJU3lbwGVeMCi3cQPAI7zLs-uDEtYdSFpmb4N3CklHRFjchlrUg/s1600/mms_picture+(88).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAi9YcN7TNFv-4a5nDopeZlth52m-Ve-w2gnnOY3X-vFbDvJ0LrGnAOmFSwyGNg1-kF8KvCqsC8T8iL0kJsP0WSHZLJU3lbwGVeMCi3cQPAI7zLs-uDEtYdSFpmb4N3CklHRFjchlrUg/s1600/mms_picture+(88).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">underwater treadmill, with jets</td></tr>
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<b>Bailey</b><br />
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She spent Januray-March in Florida with my mom. They're now home and Bailey is quite enjoying farm life again instead of residential life. I was able to spend her 14th birthday with her in Florida!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">she cracks me up</td></tr>
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She still loves to work. Her body may not always cooperate, but boy does she try, and have fun doing it!<br />
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<b>Gabby</b><br />
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The most recent news for Gabby is that she was entered in her first trial. Knowing we weren't ready yet, she still qualified in 2/4 of her runs! She now has 2/3 of the required qualifying scores for her RLV! We train almost daily and she is so darn fun. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxTdDQoMMwBJ2MPK0ESs6EZ91cGjZf3poBY-afDh3gSU3es4A7NZsPcb6ukXGEzdUz2LfGgqdHyjZnyyGCsd2g5jxLIXVogfGSGkw6YDrllKA27x_8T-sEjgXecjDgrbp9D_JTK0v6A/s1600/Gabby+heeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxTdDQoMMwBJ2MPK0ESs6EZ91cGjZf3poBY-afDh3gSU3es4A7NZsPcb6ukXGEzdUz2LfGgqdHyjZnyyGCsd2g5jxLIXVogfGSGkw6YDrllKA27x_8T-sEjgXecjDgrbp9D_JTK0v6A/s1600/Gabby+heeling.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Laura Johnson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZw4lWVC21OdvwaOX8XQ-YDY4HGssP0B_sO0a7FifA6LBB5EEE2BGRpbGHMEiRizOuZaMLyeyPfn-HfWFIFZP1BDxXgbUi2ph4uvyX6LY_i-Qa5MDvkHt2IAb5ryP0k_aAj8Pi8uamcA/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZw4lWVC21OdvwaOX8XQ-YDY4HGssP0B_sO0a7FifA6LBB5EEE2BGRpbGHMEiRizOuZaMLyeyPfn-HfWFIFZP1BDxXgbUi2ph4uvyX6LY_i-Qa5MDvkHt2IAb5ryP0k_aAj8Pi8uamcA/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabby loves most things, but she especially loves snow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAe71pWv6G2QXNmJ74H9_2JQdq2ga0JIXQykbImohL3-tNV4O1k513G1xf7uayRtEX8fHhYCwChErYRIFtYhV01TobPGpb42ujnez0jAdbEoaz0QObjDAgzNOaWCTKD5V8RUK_fknqw/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAe71pWv6G2QXNmJ74H9_2JQdq2ga0JIXQykbImohL3-tNV4O1k513G1xf7uayRtEX8fHhYCwChErYRIFtYhV01TobPGpb42ujnez0jAdbEoaz0QObjDAgzNOaWCTKD5V8RUK_fknqw/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabby had so much fun when our Golden Retriever friends visited! She was awfully tired when they left.</td></tr>
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Gabby has been introduced to retrieves, jumping, basic handling, and we practice RUNNING quite a bit. I'm hoping that despite her poor vision, we'll still be able to safely enjoy competing in rally, obedience, tracking, and maybe even select agility runs. We also visited an agility trial recently and while she did really well, it was definitely overwhelming for her. I know I won't be able to crate her in the car forever due to weather, so I need to start working on having her be okay in trial environments for longer periods of time.</div>
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<div>
With Buzz and Bailey officially retired, my training goals all focus around Gabby (and Siri).</div>
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Our <b>upcoming training and trialing goals</b> are:</div>
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1) CGC test</div>
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2) Be prepared for the next WCRL rally trial!</div>
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3) Revisit tracking and hope that something from last year stuck, so we have something to build from</div>
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4) Start teaching a formal retrieve (first session was today)</div>
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5) Visit more trials to train and play in the environment</div>
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6) Practice crating in strange places</div>
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And goals for me:</div>
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1) Take more pictures with my real camera</div>
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2) Send in Gabby's PRA test and DNA databank</div>
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3) Sign up for a class (or private lessons)</div>
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-39482072081687640872014-03-03T23:25:00.000-06:002014-03-05T10:05:14.709-06:00Thyroid -- W Jean Dodds, DVMOn Saturday, March 1, I attended a seminar hosted by the <a href="http://www.cvtclub.org/">Croix Valley Tracking Club</a>. Dr. Dodds filled a whole day with fascinating information about canine health issues. Since she is most well known for her research in the area of thyroid dysfunction, that's where I'll start.<br />
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<b>Basics</b><br />
Basal thyroid levels are different for puppies (higher), middle aged dogs, and geriatrics (lower). More importantly, basal thyroid levels are also dependent on breed and even different lines within a breed (her example was the difference in basal thyroid levels for African bred Basenjis and North American bred Basenjis). Sighthounds have their own category, and their basal thyroid level is lower. For this reason, it is important to assess thyroid function with the signalment (age, breed, sex) of each dog in mind. She is obviously a proponent of sending all thryoid samples to her for analysis and diagnostics at her facility: <a href="http://www.hemopet.org/hemolife-diagnostics/veterinary-thyroid-testing.html">Hemopet</a>.<br />
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<b>Why is her report different?</b><br />
First, the analysis is more comprehensive. The Thyroid Profile 5 includes T4, freeT4, T3, freeT3, and TgAA. (Many veterinarians are still recommending just a T4 for screening purposes, which provides incomplete data for accurate diagnosis.) She is an OFA certified laboratory as well as offering her own Thyroid Gold registration and certificate for dogs deemed normal within their respective breed's levels.<br />
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Second, the results are interpreted by Dr. Dodds personally and a consultation with follow up is included in the <a href="http://labordatenbank.com/cake/hemopet/samples/hemopet_form">price</a>.<br />
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Third, each dog's result is evaluated based on the data collected for other dogs of the same breed. Dr. Dodds confidently says this is the most accurate way of correctly diagnosing (and treating) hypothyroidism in dogs. She does offer the option of interpreting thyroid results from an outside lab, as that is more convenient for some people. However, she did mention during a break that there are also differences in medical testing equipment and reference ranges for humans and animals. Therefore, she will recommend sending the sample to certain labs over others.<br />
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<b>Why test?</b><br />
Symptomatic dogs are generally the only dogs tested. The problem is that there are "normal" symptoms that most vets, and even the general public will notice. And then there are the not-so normal symptoms. Typical clinical signs include: moodiness, erratic temperament, disorientation, hypoattentiveness, depression, anxiety, unprovoked aggression, sudden onset seizure disorder, and compulsiveness. More subtle changes include a change in muscle in the face which leads to a change in the dog's expression; there can be significant temporal muscle wasting above and below the eyes. Seborrhea oleosa (oily skin) and seborrhea sicca (dry skin) can both be indicators of hypothyroidism. Inability to regulate body temperature is also a symptom of hypothyroidism that can go unnoticed for months due to weather changes, among other reasons.<br />
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Breeding is the number one reason a dog should be tested for hypothyroidism. Autoimmune thyroiditis is a heritable trait and will be present in the dog, even if not showing clinical signs. If a dog has autoimmune thyroiditis (genotype), that doesn't automatically mean the dog is currently hypothyroid (phenotype). Testing for heritable autoimmune thyroiditis requires T3AA, T4AA, and TgAA. Dr. Dodds recommends that potential breeding dogs be screened for the first time just after puberty. In bitches that is 12-16 weeks from the onset of estrus, and in males 10-14 months. Ideally, the dog would have two negative tests by age 3 before considering breeding. It is important to continue to screen regularly (recommended yearly for breeding dogs, less frequently for non-breeding dogs).<br />
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<b>Other causes</b><br />
Basal thyroid level can be suppressed up to 25% by certain medications such as steroids, phenobarbital, sulfonamides (overlooked sulfas: Zonisamide & Deramaxx), and excess iodine. Iodine (found in kelp, a commonly used dietary supplement for dogs) excess and deficiency can cause immune responses. Iodine depletion is one cause of dietary induced hypothyroidism. While Dr. Dodds is a proponent of raw feeding, she did caution feeding throat/gullet meat because it has been linked to dietary hypothyroidism in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats. Her advice was to know where the meat is coming from, specifically. Rabies vaccines given within 45 days will cause an elevated TgAA. Neck pressure from all types of collars has also been linked to thyroid disorders. <a href="http://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/11014981-holistic-treatment-of-hypothyroidism-in-dogs">An article by Peter Dobias, DVM</a> was referenced as an anecdotal example of neck injuries leading to hypothyroidism.<br />
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<b>Treatment</b><br />
Dogs and cats should receive thyroid treatment twice daily. In an ideal world the medication would be given one hour before ingestion of calcium or soy and exactly twelve hours apart. Realistically, it is more important to give the medication one hour before or three hours after meal time. The animal should either be pilled dry, or you can use a food without calcium or soy such as peanut butter. Read the label carefully on anything that is designed to "hide" the medication, to make sure calcium and soy aren't ingredients. Brand name (Soloxine, ThyroTabs) thyroid treatment has proven to provide more reliable results than generic. Depending on the type of thyroid disorder, natural thyroid supplementation can be considered. These are typically bovine or porcine based (Nature Throid, Westhroid Pure Thyroid, ERFA-Canada only). Supplementation should not be started before consulting with a veterinarian.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-27703508865549211902014-02-05T09:43:00.003-06:002014-02-05T09:43:57.930-06:00Trial PreparationsIf I'm actually going to show Gabby (and Siri!) at the MMBC WCRL trial in April, I figured I should probably train the dogs!<br />
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My focus with Gabby has been heel position and stays. Yesterday we had three training sessions, one of which was in public. Gabby has a staring problem. I generally attribute it to her lack of vision as that seems the most likely reason a normal/stable dog would stare at other dogs for an uncomfortable length of time without reacting.<br />
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Yesterday our field trip was to the dog park. This dog park is really nice because I can walk about 10 feet outside of the fence line, and we can work on reorienting. The first pass, I think she stared at a dog for a full minute before reorienting. And then the dog would move and she'd stare again. We slowly made our way down the fence-line then took a detour to play/train away from the other distractions. When we made our way back to the car, Gabby was offering bouncy behavior, attention, and reorienting at an alarmingly fast rate.<br />
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This scenario isn't new to Gabby but the situation was. We usually either go into the dog park (when it's empty) or we walk the trails. I was very happy to see that the work I've been putting in has been paying off!<br />
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Our other training sessions yesterday involved pedestal work, right finishes, and stays. Today we worked on transitioning between food and toys. I still can't quite believe that we're finally to the point where she will re-engage with a toy after I've used food. That was an incredibly lengthy process, but she was doing it pretty well this morning!<br />
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Goals for the rest of the week: downs, stays, stand, and more toy/treat work!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-14937434187939925192014-01-20T15:26:00.000-06:002014-01-20T15:27:39.809-06:00Geriatric Care: EnrichmentGeriatric care is a topic that has become very near and dear to my heart. Having a geriatric animal (or four) is emotionally taxing, and expensive. Despite that, I want to be able to say I did everything I could to make sure those last years, months, days, and hours were well lived.<br />
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This topic will be broken up into four blog posts.<br />
<b>1. Enrichment</b><br />
2. Exercise<br />
3. Nutrition<br />
4. Pain Management<br />
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<b>Enrichment</b><br />
Merriam-Webster says the definition of enrich is "to improve the quality of (something)." When discussing enrichment specifically for geriatric animals, it is important to keep the brain active, especially when the body starts to slow down. <i>The Shape of Enrichment, Inc </i>has created <a href="http://www.enrichment.org/MiniWebs/About_EE/five_categories.pdf">five categories for enrichment</a>. The five categories are not mutually exclusive. The categories are social, cognitive, physical habitat, sensory, and food. I likely won't address all of these, but being cognizant of all five is important.<br />
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<u>Sniffing-walks</u> which I try to do daily, even if it is only for 5-10 minutes. Buzz loves to get out and check the pee mail, see if any new animals have visited, and it's good for both of us to breathe in some fresh air! I usually take him out alone.<br />
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<u>Food toys</u> use to be a huge part of Buzz's life. He LOVED to play with his Tug A Jug and especially chew on Kongs. Now that his mobility is limited (and he took a few too many headers into the floor after losing his balance following a toy on the floor) I had to find a different toy to stuff. The <a href="http://www.jwpet.com/dog/megdetails.html">JW Megalast Bone</a> has been a great alternative! I stuff it with canned food and freeze it. It can't roll away from him, he still gets to chew, and I can still control his diet.<br />
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<u>Store visits</u> are an option again now that Buzz is strong enough to walk on linoleum! We used to go to stores so he could look at the fish. He LOVED looking at the fish. Now we go so he can look at the small animals and check out the treat/chew aisle. Last time I took him to a store, we were in there for about half an hour. He had SO much fun! When we got home, he just crashed out--mission accomplished. That was a mental and physical stimulation visit! Social enrichment is typically part of store visits. I don't make people pet him, but I do encourage it now rather than discourage it. He had a very nice lady love on him for at least five minutes last time we were out. She pet his ears and told him what a good boy he was. It was really neat to see someone appreciate him like that.<br />
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<u>Play</u> isn't something Buzz has ever done much of. Occasionally he will show interest in a toy of Gabby's and when he does, I take advantage of that. He's much more likely to play with a toy if Gabby has already been playing with it. Just this morning I had a toy out with a gazillion squeakers. When he saw how much fun Gabby and I were having, he just had to join in! So we played the game where I put it on his head and then release him. He throws his head back and tries to catch the toy. Other variations of play are retrieves and holds. He will do those with enthusiasm for food!<br />
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<u>Training</u> is one of our favorites, now that I've thought of ways to modify most of the behaviors he knows. We'll often sit on the floor and do nose target/foot target discrimination games (where I feed him for every single correct response, because why not). A week or two ago he wanted to work on the pedestal while I had Gabby out. Standing on it was hard, so he elected to sit on it instead. It was so hilarious! We work on stand to down (because sit to stand is hard) and when he's in the underwater treadmill at work, he loves to practice his spins in both directions.<br />
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<u>Resting places</u><i> </i>are changed as frequently as I remember. I move his bed around to different locations in the apartment and I rearrange the blankets on it almost daily. As much as that doesn't sound like a big deal, it's an indicator of his cognitive state that he can find the new location of his bed. Oh, and he prefers to be near people while he's resting so he spends a fair amount of time resting on some part of me when I'm home. Yesterday, he fell asleep on my feet as his bed is currently in front of the couch. He can't seek out other animals to cuddle with but is so happy when Gabby or Rasza choose to curl up next to him.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-22508137722240150302014-01-06T23:16:00.000-06:002014-01-06T23:18:38.316-06:00More Buzz Photos<span style="text-align: center;"><i>(Every single one of these is from my phone. Because I broke my camera lens that I can use for indoor photos. Waah!)</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIo9sVqKkmAKachgzTbOCg9Wqwcpwb1Es74HOGImXDu0hIba3TTlGm0p0XGuD36GZNK_zHbvmQzVdphl6QyYjiBDZtI-OkyR19mxRTntDEFw6Mj49BnifFdzAeP_Zx6f9uvQg5gJHiA/s1600/mms_picture+(57).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIo9sVqKkmAKachgzTbOCg9Wqwcpwb1Es74HOGImXDu0hIba3TTlGm0p0XGuD36GZNK_zHbvmQzVdphl6QyYjiBDZtI-OkyR19mxRTntDEFw6Mj49BnifFdzAeP_Zx6f9uvQg5gJHiA/s1600/mms_picture+(57).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't even try to deny the adorable!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, adorable!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggVCpIFHFiCjT3hbYy8-mzJFyFBxSNLrZcoQ-whE-vBQo0V-UNU7abBmn7nGF4WLrHlvRiUdKFoVkzqcfQajo1jxoOkCmeygXx953S4So2E-pEOCXyfIxMnpv0EmR4nKtvnkcgc1l7Q/s1600/20131128_220520.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggVCpIFHFiCjT3hbYy8-mzJFyFBxSNLrZcoQ-whE-vBQo0V-UNU7abBmn7nGF4WLrHlvRiUdKFoVkzqcfQajo1jxoOkCmeygXx953S4So2E-pEOCXyfIxMnpv0EmR4nKtvnkcgc1l7Q/s1600/20131128_220520.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Determined, he is.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlRpASsuQsma1aakqyueSh4gzi8-H-slzLmfM8ZzBT87LRQIxGXIUBvEttGTn-ZuhKiUkEL2sbtcXo0Ck8_h8XhN1Yj1SWGq2Ch2jZd5GiCUU_Xr_74GKpvFXngPndFCxzZKEztqPXQ/s1600/mms_picture+(21).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlRpASsuQsma1aakqyueSh4gzi8-H-slzLmfM8ZzBT87LRQIxGXIUBvEttGTn-ZuhKiUkEL2sbtcXo0Ck8_h8XhN1Yj1SWGq2Ch2jZd5GiCUU_Xr_74GKpvFXngPndFCxzZKEztqPXQ/s1600/mms_picture+(21).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuddling!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1MnNhb_aaq_ob0D4r_sX3QQgK2QYyb0EpPQjr0pPOJoc3cck1p7GSccsffEmb7o1Bco6a_owiSo4yTklIO93IBTw3vl4H87vDZX5LjaO8TRN2VY8gtjXbKeoGonDxMRR0o6N5xhchw/s1600/mms_picture+(23).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1MnNhb_aaq_ob0D4r_sX3QQgK2QYyb0EpPQjr0pPOJoc3cck1p7GSccsffEmb7o1Bco6a_owiSo4yTklIO93IBTw3vl4H87vDZX5LjaO8TRN2VY8gtjXbKeoGonDxMRR0o6N5xhchw/s1600/mms_picture+(23).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pro-Tip, don't attach a Flexi to the light loop on a young dog.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh winter! It wasn't even that bad yet for this photo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEd0Nw9A2_9z0VAeJOtZ8SBH4-Ti0OYDZET4eS30QQAPACrfZ47PZHKUmo5fOeLdx4BKM_f4qV_zL2R-MhzbUJ4FroWlohk8C8TFRnu9tlfc0HaDOn1oezMehtRyz6snosgptHKtKBcg/s1600/mms_picture+(31).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEd0Nw9A2_9z0VAeJOtZ8SBH4-Ti0OYDZET4eS30QQAPACrfZ47PZHKUmo5fOeLdx4BKM_f4qV_zL2R-MhzbUJ4FroWlohk8C8TFRnu9tlfc0HaDOn1oezMehtRyz6snosgptHKtKBcg/s1600/mms_picture+(31).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More cuddling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lnO0G0MGKaq41GxuiKZz-aGfMFPWuoXxCTh_9DZ8w_wwdHnaWh7-AThtrsAiko1CHCco96HYxpXrzAxNdNJ615Z1vOFcNVdbGeLsoPcGzKAn_a6AOIG8o7nRpXI7BKyD2F_tH2SMCg/s1600/mms_picture+(33).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lnO0G0MGKaq41GxuiKZz-aGfMFPWuoXxCTh_9DZ8w_wwdHnaWh7-AThtrsAiko1CHCco96HYxpXrzAxNdNJ615Z1vOFcNVdbGeLsoPcGzKAn_a6AOIG8o7nRpXI7BKyD2F_tH2SMCg/s1600/mms_picture+(33).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuddling with friends.</td></tr>
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-26505689803430624042014-01-02T07:39:00.003-06:002014-01-02T07:39:23.745-06:00Choosing a DogNumerous dogs in my life have tugged at my heart strings. A few dogs not my own I've bonded to. And then there are the dogs that leaped into my heart when I least expected it and held on tighter than I ever imagined possible.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUvaj-43QJdzNMl8CnRuB4WHL8EJznfeWAd-5ddwPquogSUiqiPjoyOIXGwlBR3QiEYdX0u-zbiPTq-5YWqfgQwW93Qmr75tDwTtaBAjgn8zzz3XbhHLKeyWyBInAQl64vl61O2pxLw/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUvaj-43QJdzNMl8CnRuB4WHL8EJznfeWAd-5ddwPquogSUiqiPjoyOIXGwlBR3QiEYdX0u-zbiPTq-5YWqfgQwW93Qmr75tDwTtaBAjgn8zzz3XbhHLKeyWyBInAQl64vl61O2pxLw/s320/DSC_0033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first foster. The one about yanked my heart out of my chest. </td></tr>
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Buzz and Bailey are an integral part of my young adult life and I adore them. I have a very different relationship with each dog because they are drastically different dogs. They've taught me so much that I have been able to share with other dogs and for that I will be forever grateful. And because of them, I knew the kind of dog I would look for when the time came. Each will always hold a very special place in my heart, which is cliche, but true.<br />
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Buzz is stable, he's structurally sound, he is vibrant, and he is so cuddly. He also loves to do all kinds of stuff, but I wouldn't call him busy. I learned that my next dog needs to be socially stable--the kind of dog you can just take anywhere. I also really enjoy the fact that he can check out when I don't want him to be working. I didn't have to teach him to leave me alone, he just knew when I'd like his company and when I wouldn't. I used to take him to the local coffee shop that allows dogs. I'd bring a mat for him to lay on and that's what he'd do. He didn't try to work. He didn't pester me. He just let me drink my coffee and relax.</div>
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Bailey is certain the whole world revolves around her and she is hilarious. She lives to do stuff and is a very busy dog (although, around age 12 she finally started settling in the house better). Her idea of a good time is to be with her people 24/7. She has gone many places with me just because it makes her so happy. I learned that my next dog needs to be up for anything, anytime, anywhere. I love most though, her innate love of interaction with <i>her</i> people. She loves to fetch, loves to tug, and loves to just roughhouse.</div>
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From both Buzz and Bailey, I learned that being comfortable in the car is a big deal. I do quite a bit of driving and can't stand having dogs pant in my ear (I'm looking at you in your younger years, Bailey). Being able to coexist with others happily (not just peacefully) is a key factor for me. Buzz is that dog. Bailey is not. It is something I struggled to acknowledge and accept for a long time. Once I did, I knew that I could never put another dog through the stress that she used to endure daily. I needed to choose a dog who enjoyed the company of other animals.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden foster Reba quickly learned how to ride in the car.</td></tr>
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I have a list of my necessary qualities in a dog (mentally stable-enjoys cats, dogs, and people-rides well in the car), a list of qualities I don't feel as strongly about (plays with toys-goes hiking-competition dog), and the deal breakers (not friendly with cats, dogs, or people-separation anxiety-expensive medical conditions). I've done my research and spoken to numerous breeders about their dogs, their breeding programs, and their goals. I've learned as much as I can about the breed, and the different types and lines within the breed. I was so sure my next dog would be from a very carefully planned litter, from a responsible breeder, out of fabulous dogs. And it would be perfect.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rasza is Buzz's cat.</td></tr>
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And then I got this photo in an email about a foster home request.<br />
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I was drawn to her because she needed a lot of help. I didn't like or dislike her. When I got her, she wasn't really a dog, more like a living, breathing, rock. As we went about life getting her fixed up medically, I remember saying "she is the easiest dog I've ever lived with."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxa_0xbJgHrw17YCJBKvz-DWpU9GcH5e_m6jAknMS6XHibCb7Na8UcrdpDMoDc13V3U7HNfjitGUb7qFYwKFZ_GsZ3s84dbX9KyIPel7O3WJ-4aI2ksJEN1RS9fZ5WA8IbhzPxzSOig/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxa_0xbJgHrw17YCJBKvz-DWpU9GcH5e_m6jAknMS6XHibCb7Na8UcrdpDMoDc13V3U7HNfjitGUb7qFYwKFZ_GsZ3s84dbX9KyIPel7O3WJ-4aI2ksJEN1RS9fZ5WA8IbhzPxzSOig/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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She is an agreeable dog. If she understands what I'm asking, she'll do it (despite a lack of reinforcement history). Life continued on and my boyfriend took a special interest in her, unlike my previous three fosters. He, and our friends, started making jokes about me keeping her. When I said "someone else deserves a dog this easy," he replied with "then I'll take her." That gave me pause. My boyfriend enjoys dogs, but I never really thought he'd want a dog of his own. That, coupled with the interest ESRA was starting to get in her made me look at that list.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Stable-check (she'd gone on vacation, stayed in someone else's home, met strange dogs, allowed grooming, and more)</li>
<li>Enjoys "doing stuff"-check (hiking, vacation, bonfires, playing in the water, etc)</li>
<li>Plays fetch and tug-check</li>
<li>Good with cats-check</li>
<li>Good with other dogs-check</li>
<li>Rides well in the car-check</li>
<li>Enjoys people-check</li>
<li>Healthy (relatively speaking, I guess)</li>
<li>Praise and play are reinforcing (from a competition stand point, I love this quality of Bailey's)</li>
</ul>
<div>
I couldn't have hand selected a better dog for myself at this point in my life. I wouldn't have known the perfect dog for me without also embracing Buzz and Bailey. Much to the pleasure of my boyfriend, and unlike my previous fosters, Gabby stayed for good.</div>
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<div>
Despite my best laid plans, this big tri-colored dog wiggled her way into my heart and held on tight. I am still amazed that she is such a perfect blend of Buzz and Bailey's traits that I adore.</div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-75294207392191044302013-12-26T23:48:00.002-06:002013-12-27T00:05:51.010-06:00Learn to Dance in the RainBuzz has an undiagnosed neurologic condition that affects the signals to his right rear leg. It's undiagnosed because we won't be doing an MRI, a CT, or a myelogram. At his age, it wouldn't change anything I'm currently doing. His gait is different back there and watching his leg, it looks like he's missing every other signal. He'll take one normal step then miss a beat, then take a normal step, repeat. That leg also fatigues quicker and frequently gives out on him when standing or walking.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnkbHc3dpeRq0LMWbBWir2avTyLjlnHAIjbhNw85Dtk7ez6jXTaowKxwakpqpF7vi038Bpi3Z2MDZbfEwt5vqt-IAfInZfPooz6efzqIT7lxPZtgRrmi5EQifsW6opxDuQ0yMob-csQ/s1600/mms_picture+(44).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnkbHc3dpeRq0LMWbBWir2avTyLjlnHAIjbhNw85Dtk7ez6jXTaowKxwakpqpF7vi038Bpi3Z2MDZbfEwt5vqt-IAfInZfPooz6efzqIT7lxPZtgRrmi5EQifsW6opxDuQ0yMob-csQ/s320/mms_picture+(44).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuddling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
What does this mean? If he's having a good day, he drags those toes a little. If he's having a bad day, he can't walk. He was having a lot of bad days in a row last week, and then he fell on the ice. Suffice to say I think he hit all parts of his body while I grabbed for him and missed. So, I finally fitted him for a <a href="http://helpemup.com/">Help 'Em Up harness</a>. I swear, that device is magical!<br />
<br />
Before I got the help 'em up harness, I had to carry him outside and try to support him while he did his business--not the easiest task! He was also limited to being outside only for as long as his leg would support him (which wasn't very long).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWKX6w4gxkNXyI_YBROvcWblqX550hIg1hcIP2ig2pJDxxxRrsAb2bVPWp0bTpUX8xjWFT5lgYQtfSbheYwFMRYCmfBHuBkBuW2BMtw0Wj0alyPwcQZSjp45y-eC1k7gmiDe_c2xVVA/s1600/mms_picture+(33).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJWKX6w4gxkNXyI_YBROvcWblqX550hIg1hcIP2ig2pJDxxxRrsAb2bVPWp0bTpUX8xjWFT5lgYQtfSbheYwFMRYCmfBHuBkBuW2BMtw0Wj0alyPwcQZSjp45y-eC1k7gmiDe_c2xVVA/s320/mms_picture+(33).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And more cuddling (the slightly more crowded version)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, I use my euro lead with one end attached to his butt and the other to the top of the chest harness... and I feel like I'm driving some kind of horse! I can take Buzz and Gabby outside together again, I don't have to carry him, and Buzz's favorite--he can go for walks again! Once he gets going, he really does pretty well. It's the getting up and getting going part (with the occasional imbalance) that's troublesome. Now that it's cold, snowy, and icy we've been walking the hallways in our apartment building. Tonight we walked for 10 minutes before his right rear tired to the point of knuckling. When we started this with the help 'em up a week ago, I don't think he made it more than 3 minutes.<br />
<br />
He's taking a ton of drugs, he eats a micromanaged diet, he needs help getting up most of the time, and often he asks to pee or get a drink in the middle of the night; but he appears to be happy.<br />
<br />
So we walk up and down the hallway, I handle disgusting raw tripe daily, I buy the bully sticks he loves, and we cuddle on the couch. Life really is about the journey. Not a beginning and an end. But about what we learn along the way, the friends we make, and the love.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZos6XtaEJsO4a6e8vwxjIk3xqMf7lk_PpJYy3cA2EmkIHSLCc4yyltQ1GeKwRyUF8G_O8iVUbK4BWT56V49zxGAhyphenhyphendFHsNtHMXAv0Eks3T0FAvpedyImM1lHa-MHxn0LHClxncBPIuQ/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZos6XtaEJsO4a6e8vwxjIk3xqMf7lk_PpJYy3cA2EmkIHSLCc4yyltQ1GeKwRyUF8G_O8iVUbK4BWT56V49zxGAhyphenhyphendFHsNtHMXAv0Eks3T0FAvpedyImM1lHa-MHxn0LHClxncBPIuQ/s400/DSC_0049.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canine Caviar bully stick and Help 'Em Up harness--essentials</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain."</i></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Vivian Greene</i></b></div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-64510962198526551742013-11-21T16:04:00.001-06:002013-11-21T16:16:21.611-06:00Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gabby came to me as a foster, and not really a dog, but I've told <a href="http://arohafosters.blogspot.com/2013/10/failing-fostering.html">that story</a> before. One of the things I noticed from the start is that Gabby was either very clumsy, or had some vision loss. It really wasn't a pressing matter, as there were other, more time sensitive medical issues that needed to be taken care of. She needed a bath (or five), and to have the mats shaved out from between her toes. She needed to have her ear infection treated, and her urinary tract infection treated. She needed a dental, with a few teeth extracted. She needed soft places to lie so the callouses on her elbows would heal and her hair could grow again. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ig0QHBgUZ3Ey8dFmBNyqYFrWRrSPYlAxT3jtBrk7vxO4crhN-2LzdwBccuZ4swGPlhkCgsILjNvGUOzQXv7jhjXnRGyzsaZWoKq2GRjRvLeGEGHyx6T_f6xVcy8fLpBfXwWVXWX9rQ/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ig0QHBgUZ3Ey8dFmBNyqYFrWRrSPYlAxT3jtBrk7vxO4crhN-2LzdwBccuZ4swGPlhkCgsILjNvGUOzQXv7jhjXnRGyzsaZWoKq2GRjRvLeGEGHyx6T_f6xVcy8fLpBfXwWVXWX9rQ/s400/DSC_0025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And in the midst of her settling into my home, she became very good at navigating familiar places. I really only noticed her bumping into things in a completely new place, I would very occasionally see her not be able to locate where a sound came from, and even more rarely, she would hesitate to move forward when out walking at night. So, it took me a while to put the pieces together again. When I did, my heart sank. I know what an incredibly common cause of vision loss is called, especially when the dog is an English Springer Spaniel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Progressive Retinal Atrophy</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(from the <a href="http://www.essfta.org/english-springers/health-genetics-and-research-faq/progressive-retinal-degeneration-pra/">ESSFTA</a> and <a href="http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/PRA/basicPRA.htm">Canine Genetic Diseases Network</a>)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.5px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> autosomal recessive disorder</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.5px;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">degeneration of the retina in dogs</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.5px;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> results in permanent blindness</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.5px;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">rods, responsible for night vision, deteriorate first</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24.5px;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">cones, responsible for bright light vision, deteriorate second</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I scheduled her for an exam with a veterinary ophthalmologist I know and trust. Gabby's eye exam by Dr. Larocca of <a href="http://www.animaleyespecialtycenter.com/">Animal Eye Speciality Center</a> told us that Gabby has <i>generalized retinal atrophy</i> and <i>bilateral diffuse retinal thinning; </i><b>PRA</b>. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately, it didn't stop there. Gabby also has <a href="http://www.acvo.org/new/public/common_diseases/distichiasis.shtml">distichiasis</a> of both her left and right eyelids. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="background-color: white;">Distichiasis is a condition where eyelashes emerge from the ducts of glands within the eyelid (Meibomian gland) which does not normally produce hairs. These "extra" eyelashes often rub on the surface of the eye and may cause irritation. Distichiasis is considered to be a breed-related problem in dogs, and is most commonly found in retrievers, <b>spaniels</b>, poodles, Shih Tzus and Weimeranas."</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">And just so that we cover all the bases, she also has cataracts on the nucleus of both eyes.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I went in to the appointment knowing we'd find something wrong with her eyes. The more I thought about it, the more I realized she had to have some vision loss. I was hoping against all hope it wouldn't be PRA, but it is.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78mwVbo7c_Omu238v62fuXCbWeMKiFrXm43Jc1oyICJ61XIqzI5TvrP2oP-lo3MO4XOCi0EcvxI8RVrl5FtnxGNfqzVZRW_Hyi9zDCEt4855lNWdT3NFItTSi1aCN5PEUzsyhTQ2tuA/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78mwVbo7c_Omu238v62fuXCbWeMKiFrXm43Jc1oyICJ61XIqzI5TvrP2oP-lo3MO4XOCi0EcvxI8RVrl5FtnxGNfqzVZRW_Hyi9zDCEt4855lNWdT3NFItTSi1aCN5PEUzsyhTQ2tuA/s400/DSC_0093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">One of the reasons I take my dogs, and took Gabby specifically, to see Dr. Larocca is that I trust him. He always tells it to me straight. When he told me Gabby has PRA, he also told me that he knows of a drug trial study using <a href="http://www.ocuglo.com/">Ocu-Glo</a> to help halt the progression of PRA. He didn't know if her eyes were too progressed at this point, but he said he would make contact with the ACVO in charge of the study.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I've been giving her the human version of this supplement currently, because it's something I can do while we wait.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKMhuxmwtIi1TLhplxEOwD8TVTKC5mjQnSEA5Lg1-ku99a8tvohu2JsAmUBXIptJnIaNaAjlUXB6DZ0qnBEz814PqiffHe33PE7RFWEBfe59dQqFQVG8HlptvjEjZwxfEhP60DAOMSQ/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKMhuxmwtIi1TLhplxEOwD8TVTKC5mjQnSEA5Lg1-ku99a8tvohu2JsAmUBXIptJnIaNaAjlUXB6DZ0qnBEz814PqiffHe33PE7RFWEBfe59dQqFQVG8HlptvjEjZwxfEhP60DAOMSQ/s400/DSC_0103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">And of course, Gabby is just her happy self. I don't know how long this has been going on, but she's definitely coping well. PRA certainly won't stop us from having fun, but we'll probably have to make some modifications along the way!</span></span></div>
<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-19790560416816790002013-10-25T23:15:00.001-05:002013-10-25T23:15:07.528-05:00Motivation vs Pain vs Anticipation of PainPeople who know Buzz and see him regularly know that he hasn't been "right" since early spring. He lost the spring in his step, he plodded along and only went out to potty, he had occasional good days mixed with mostly okay days. I bounced a lot of ideas off a lot of people as to why this might be happening. We speculated about a lot of things and we tried a few theories out. One thing I didn't really think about until very recently was the possibility of the <i>anticipation of pain </i>impacting his quality of life.<br />
<br />
I only thought about this because Gabby recently broke my toe with her tree trunk of a front leg. My toe is healing wonderfully with some tape and a little TLC. A couple days ago I realized that I expected my toe to hurt if someone stepped on it or I bumped it. The reality is that while yes, it was uncomfortable, it didn't make me want to die anymore. But I <i>anticipated</i> the pain to be greater than it actually was, and that impacted what I did.<br />
<br />
I know that Buzz loves meal time more than just about any part of the day. He is a downright obnoxious jerk while I'm preparing breakfast or dinner and pretends he has no idea of "stay!"<br />
<br />
So I tested the theory that with sufficient motivation, Buzz could actually move at a trot or canter.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/aaiECxpGQ6g?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
And my theory proved to be true. This video is from Thursday morning. I did the same thing Thursday night where he only trotted. I tried again on Friday morning and he cantered into the kitchen! Friday night he TROTTED outside and wanted to go for a walk, so we took a very short one (where I fed him for any attempt to maintain pace with me). When we got inside I set up the same situation asking him to run down the hallway for dinner. And he did. (I tried to get that one on video but unfortunately my Flip froze!)<br />
<br />
I don't know if my theory will continue to hold true but I can't believe how easy his canter is. He does drag his right rear at a trot and he appears to always be on a left lead when he canters but we'll see if/how/when that changes. For now, I'm going to cherish the fact that my dog is moving faster than a turtle again!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-77857511189377652962013-10-12T09:13:00.001-05:002013-10-12T09:13:21.800-05:00Third DogThe geriatric household added a new member. Except she's not geriatric, nor is she a puppy! She'll be eight years old on November 30.<br />
<br />
Meet Gabby!<br />
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<a href="http://arohafosters.blogspot.com/2013/10/failing-fostering.html">http://arohafosters.blogspot.com/2013/10/failing-fostering.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://sarahbethphotography.com/2013/10/02/english-springer-spaniels-october-rescue-of-the-month/">http://sarahbethphotography.com/2013/10/02/english-springer-spaniels-october-rescue-of-the-month/</a></div>
<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-74256501203190343582013-09-03T08:15:00.000-05:002013-09-03T08:15:13.408-05:00Phone photos of BuzzI haven't been out to take real photos, with my real camera, in a long time. I might use it for a snapshot every once in a while,but it mostly just sits these days.<br />
<br />
So, instead of missing these moments completely, I've started using my phone. The quality is poor, but I know what's going on in the photos and they make me happy. I don't want to miss out on Buzz's senior dog antics if I don't have to.<br />
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873910920840722480.post-70310793791038657582013-07-03T22:46:00.002-05:002013-07-03T22:48:37.205-05:00Up, Down, Around? Finding Buzz's normal again.Buzz's health has been up and down these last few weeks. He did incredibly well with a diet change and antibiotics. Bloodwork looked WONDERFUL! And then he started panting again. And he had mobility issues. And he lost weight. And then Adequan went off the market. And I ran out of tripe, and into other dietary concerns.<br />
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In the midst of all this, I was offered a job by the person I credit to him still being here today. Having her as a sounding board (and her willingness to ask others when she's out of ideas) every day I'm at work, we've managed to get Buzz back to being Buzz again.<br />
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He just finished a second course of antibiotics. I ordered so much tripe that I shouldn't ever have an excuse for running out again. We have an alternative to Adequan when the stockpile at work is gone. And as always, she's got more up her sleeve when we need it.<br />
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And today, I came home to this...<br />
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That's a bully stick on the window sill he uses to watch for me. He greeted me at the door when I got home and was so much like the "old Buzz" that I had to drop everything and just love him. He butt waggled and shoved his face into my legs for whole body rubbing.</div>
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I am so relieved that he's feeling so darn good. </div>
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Dr. Julia was right when she said we'd get more days like these.</div>
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197638620155711291noreply@blogger.com0