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Barnyard Buddies:  German Shep-Rose Vet UPDATE :)  |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 06:25:53 AM
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Our 7 year old German Shepherd Dog, Rose, is showing some signs of distress and were worried. She's been favoring her right back leg for the last 3 days, not severely, but she's having difficult getting up from lying positions, and it seems to me, that there is a little muscle atrophy near the hip.
We're obviously concerned and have made a vet appointment for x-rays (the soonest they could fit us in is Friday). Until then, what can I do to make her comfortable? I've been giving her aspirin. She is eating, and drinking, and I've brought out her winter bed to aid her comfort a bit. What else?
My husband is taking this very hard--she's his girl, and I'm optimistic. She's always been on the larger side at 110 lbs, so at the beginning of summer, I started ALL the crew (4 dogs) on a weight loss regiment with a lighter food and she does appear thinner to me, not sickly thin, like wasting, but my husband noticed last night and he's worried about the weightloss.
Just think of our girl, I guess and if there is anything you can think of that might be the issue, or might help her between now and her appointment, please let me know. Want to help her in any way that I can...
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
Edited by - FebruaryViolet on Sep 17 2010 07:56:51 AM |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 06:40:47 AM
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Jonni, I really don't know anything to tell you other than maybe walking her a little more? And she might need to have more protein? I am really guessing here but the walking could help stretch the muscles. And protein couldn't hurt either. But I hope someone can help more. She's still young so hopefully she'll get through this ok.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 06:44:50 AM
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I was thinking that maybe getting up and about could help, Kris...you know, the more you "sit" on something, the worse you feel. Especially joints. She doesn't whimper or anything like that, but I do know she's not herself. I would hate to agitate the joint by walking her if it's something strained or whatever.
She must have gotten hot in the night b/c she moved her bed across the room and went back to lay on the cool floor. I'm thinking that glucosamine is a good place to start, and I will get some of that on my lunch hour today at the feed store.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 07:10:27 AM
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Alee, that is weird. I thought maybe with the oncoming cooler temps, like people, arthritis starts acting up and maybe that's what we were seeing. Like Skye, she had a little limp about 3 weeks ago and it went away (based on how goofy she is, running full speed after those squirrels in the back yard), I simply thought it was a slight sprain, especially after it seemed to right itself.
I'll let you know what the vet says...good luck with Skye-dog!!!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
3005 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
3005 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 07:22:33 AM
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Jonni
The products at Dr Foster & Smith helped my Emily & Willow when they began to have problems. They are having 15% off now
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19868
I have had some moderate success with my Danes by feeding Missing Link, but honestly, after having tried MANY things, the only one I felt helped was the Dr Fosters
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 07:56:23 AM
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Thanks, Lisa...Is there a specific product in Dr. Fosters? I will hit their website on my lunch hour.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
3005 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
3005 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 08:58:47 AM
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Jonni
I know it was one of the Joint Care line. Can't remember which one.
They have very good CS if you cal them. Good Luck! |
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nut4fabric
True Blue Farmgirl
885 Posts
Kathy
Morgan Hill
CA
USA
885 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 09:08:04 AM
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German Shepards are notorious for hip problems so at her age it wouldn't be surprising that she is having problems. Glousamine will help as will aspirin. We had one of our Labs on Rimadyl until we found out that it causes liver damage so be careful of that if the vet mentions it.
Kathy |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 09:44:34 AM
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Hi Kathy...
We used Rimadyl with my old Siberian Husky, Lily, who passed at 12. She didn't suffer any side effects, but we also had her liver enzymes tested quarterly.
See what the vet says on Friday, but I was thinking that it's about time for this, especially in such a large dog. Just picked up some glucosamine from the feed store...hope that helps a bit.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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acairnsmom
True Blue Farmgirl
1319 Posts
audrey
cheyenne
wy
1319 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 11:01:19 AM
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My Cairn recently tore (and later ruptured) his ACL in a rear leg (I've posted about it here). We noticed a limp and he would "toe touch" rather than put any weight on that leg. I guess that was a diagnotic sign of his problem. Might your puppy be showing it?
As to the weight loss, while we were waiting to see if it improved, waiting to get into the vets when it didn't and waiting to have the surgery he lost about 5 pounds on his own. His highest weight was 29 pounds so that's a significant loss. You baby just might be adjusting herself to accomodate her injury and especially if you are helping with her diet.
My sister on the other hand has a Samoyed with hip problems and I guess he needs surgery but she has decided to wait until the problem is worse. He is getting along pretty good with his bum hip. Has good days and bad. She has him on Rimadyl with no problems.
I agree that she would benifit from the glucosamine but talk with your vet about the pain medications available. I've read a lot of dogs have problems with the Rimadyl. My cairn has been on it for about a month now and so far so good but I want to get him off ASAP.
Keep us posted on her diagnosis. You and your pup are in my prayers. I'm still going through this with my Cairn so I know how worried you are. It's worse since they can't tell you where it hurts.
{{{hugs}}}
Audrey
Toto, we're not in Kansas any more! |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 12:03:56 PM
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Thanks very much, Audrey. I will go home this evening and see if she's doing the toe-touch. This morning, she was standing in the living room and it appeared that, though favoring, she was on all four paws. She leans a bit into her front paws which I'm sure, in such a big girl, throws out something else...
I am going to administer glucosamine this evening, along with aspirin and I hope to see some improvement tomorrow morning.
Thanks for keeping her in your prayers--she is one beautiful girl, and one good girl with our 18 month old. Our wee one just learned to say "Rose" so it's bittersweet timing--I would love for these dogs of mine to stay around forever and ever...I know that's not possible, though. Hoping for at least a "workable" prognosis on Friday.
Here's a pic of her, if anyone is interested. This is Rose with her little "sis", Daisy Bad-Seed (who emulates her every move...)
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
3005 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
3005 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 12:14:18 PM
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| Wait till I show JIm.. He loves Shepherds & oh my goodness.. that Daisy looks like she could play Rhoda in the film!(Bad Seed) |
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acairnsmom
True Blue Farmgirl
1319 Posts
audrey
cheyenne
wy
1319 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 12:36:13 PM
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Aaahh! They are both so cute! They sure become part of the family don't they? Just a furry kid!
Audrey
Toto, we're not in Kansas any more! |
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nut4fabric
True Blue Farmgirl
885 Posts
Kathy
Morgan Hill
CA
USA
885 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 3:18:11 PM
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She is a beauty!!!! My mom and dads shepard was so good with my son when he was little, she hated kids but loved him like you can't believe. I think she thought he was hers. Praying that she is going to be ok
Kathy |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 8:00:08 PM
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They are just adorable. Saying a prayer that Rose feels better soon.
Cindy
"There is more to life than increasing its speed". Mahatma Gandhi
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2010 : 06:08:20 AM
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Thanks, girls. She does seem more perky this a.m, and she isn't limping nearly as much--I'm giving the aspirin and glucosamine, and I think the aspirin is doing its job.
Audrey, I did look for the "toe touch" and she sort of does it, but I don't know if I'm LOOKING for the toe touch or if she's actually doing it :)
She's really been such a wonderful addition to our family, and to our clan. We adopted her from the rural shelter I worked in in 2004. She was left for dead at a state park, and was emaciated, and never, ever barked. Not once. I almost thought her vocal chords had been removed...nope, she had simply never met the nemesis squirrels we have in our neighborhood  We nursed her back to health and she became this strapping beauty you see in this photo.
I think, Kathy, she is 2nd Mom in the house--even when we took in foster dogs, she "showed them the ropes" and basically had them crate trained in 2-3 days time. When Violet was just a little thing, I'd try to squeeze washing dishes in or something like that while she was napping and Rose was ALWAYS the first one into the nursery when Violet woke up, crying or no. If I didn't get there RIGHT on time, Rose would come into the kitchen and "talk" to me as if to say, "the baby is awake! Hurry!"...So, it's fairly fitting that Violet learned her name first 
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Sep 15 2010 : 09:50:43 AM
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Rose sure is a beauty! I hope the vet can help her, keep us posted.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World! |
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nut4fabric
True Blue Farmgirl
885 Posts
Kathy
Morgan Hill
CA
USA
885 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 08:12:36 AM
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Jonni Funny that Violet said her name first, my sons first words were Good Dog to Mitzi. He loved her so much and she was so patient with him, would lie next to the crib my mom had in her home while he slept. Shepards are amazing dogs. Hope she continues to get better.
Kathy |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 08:53:21 AM
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How is she doing today, Jonni? Sky won't touch her rear right foot to the ground when she runs, so I am thinking she might have pulled somthing when we were out at the barn. So I am going to try to keep her comfortable with pain meds and glucosamine and let her heal.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 08:55:40 AM
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She is about the same as yesterday. Not favoring as much, but it seemed to be sortof "trembling" this morning. It's grey and rainy here, so the weather might pain her a bit.
Poor Skye. Maybe an x-ray is in her future, too.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
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LauraJane
True Blue Farmgirl
56 Posts
Laura
Denver
CO
USA
56 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 09:23:59 AM
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What an adorable friend you have!!! My dog is half german shepherd. I also will say a prayer for Rose. It's hard to see one of your best friends struggle. I don't have any good ideas, but I bet your vet certainly will, and will probably let your mind more at ease about the whole thing. Please let us know how Friday goes!
Laura Jane
Farmgirl #2005
"May you be happy, may you be well!" |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 10:29:33 AM
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Thanks, Laura...it really is difficult to see her having trouble. She's simply the best dog--well, we have 3 other fabulous dogs, but she's really near and dear to my husband's heart, and to our little one, as well.
I think it will be fine--it's just part of growing old and being a big ole girl...we just need to make sure she's in little to no pain and be realistic about what lies ahead (for all of our fur-friends...)..
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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rschaaf
True Blue Farmgirl
174 Posts
Renee
Wooster
Ohio
USA
174 Posts |
Posted - Sep 16 2010 : 11:36:10 AM
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I was recently talking with my vet about a new product she is recommending called PhyCox (www.phycox.com) I haven't tried it yet on my own old guy, but will be soon. She said it has had very positive results.
The weather here is rainy today and Tuffy, my old guy, doesn't want to be out long. Normally you can't get him inside. He does worse on damp cool days. He's a living barometer. High pressure days are good, low pressure days you can tell he's a little slower. My old horse was the same way. I would definately recommend the glucosamines or the PhyCox. Though, stay on it a while. It takes several weeks to notice improvement. Lots of people try it and go off because there was no instant gratification. Tuff's been on glucosamine since he was 8 and he's still doing very well. He would jump in the back of our pick up if I let him. I want to save his hips, so no more of that. His hardest time is trying to go up steps if he's been laying awhile. It takes time for the back end to catch up with the front.
The pictures look great. She looks very well cared for. Make sure the vet tests for arthritis and dysplasia. Rimadyl and Deramaxx are two anti-inflamatories I've used that work well. Good luck.
"There is beauty, there is grace, in my peaceful country place!"
See what I'm up to at: http://www.lifeonctfarm.blogspot.com |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Sep 17 2010 : 07:59:22 AM
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Good news! Rose is ok! She might have a slight sprain, so he's giving her some pain killers and she also has an infection in her anal glands (yuk) so she's got an antibiotic. She has a follow up October 2, but he was very happy with her diet (she's down to 101) and he'd like to see her down to 90 as an older gal. But, we're doing well. He did suggest we keep giving the Glucosamine and he said she's as healthy as an ox!
Thanks so much for your good wishes...we've been very worried, and each time Violet says her name, "Rose" with her little roll of the "R", it's been a bit bittersweet. Here's to good vets and being on the mend!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Barnyard Buddies: German Shep-Rose Vet UPDATE :) |
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German Shep-Rose Vet UPDATE :)
