vonny Posted December 21, 2010 Report Share Posted December 21, 2010 I can't see another vet saying that much different? I mean, I wouldn't put him through surgery as it is quite a long haul ( reading up on this) so I don't disagree with her with regard to this. I was a bit surprised at getting no more pain killers (for when needed)? Or being offered anything else? Charlie hasn't had another episode since yesterday morning. Longest we've went without one - he had a 1/4 of pain killer yesterday morning and nothing since. The most scary part is when he eats but last night and this morning went well. I hope this is a something which will continue. What I have noticed is that his front paw is normal. Previously his right paw sometimes would not open fully. He is still a bit wobbly on back end although I notice this more when he goes into the garden - snow and hard grass does not help. I can fully understand that you do not want surgery I put one dog through it but never again. I cannot understand the no more painkillers bit though In the past I have had dogs on long-term Steroids or Metacam to keep them pain free until the end. I have never had a Diabetic dog though so perhaps this is why the Vet is hesitant. I hope Charlie stays happy for a long time to come Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnasher Posted December 21, 2010 Report Share Posted December 21, 2010 Glad to hear he is doing well now You have mentioned a few times though putting him on the sofa please do not let him jump onto or off the sofa himself (or anywhere else for that matter) as if he has a disc problem this will be making things worse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happylittlegreensquirrel Posted December 21, 2010 Report Share Posted December 21, 2010 I would advise talking to your vet again to get some clarity in your mind about why you are not being offered long term analgesia or medication Your vet like you does not want to see Charlie suffer , its just a matter of making sure you both understand each other fully and together can make the best choices Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackmagic Posted December 21, 2010 Report Share Posted December 21, 2010 I would advise talking to your vet again to get some clarity in your mind about why you are not being offered long term analgesia or medication Your vet like you does not want to see Charlie suffer , its just a matter of making sure you both understand each other fully and together can make the best choices I agree you need to ask the vet why more painkillers/ anti- inflammatories would not be appropriate when they are obviously helping him. I don't want to upset you, but if they will hasten the end surely he is entitled to a painfree time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pottydotty Posted December 21, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2010 Charlie has always been on the furniture and since he can't see, it is far safer to put him on the sofa/arm chair where he is happiest and content. He's pretty good at staying put but there are cushions galore to prevent a long hard landing if he chose to leave the sofa with out me noticing/being there to prevent this from happening. It's difficult but so far all has been good. The vet believes that if Charlie is given any more pain killer than already prescribed, any further pain would be masked and the condition could get worse. If I use up the tablets that I have left (1 and 1/2) and then Charlie continues to have episodes, I have to go back to the vet - it will be then (based on what she has to say) when I decide to seek advice from a vet in another practise. As far as this vet is concerned, if Charlie is recovering, then additional pain relief will not be needed. When first prescribing pain relief (Rimadyl), the vet said this would not interfere with his diabetes. As of this moment (9.38pm) we have been doing ok. His last episode was Monday morning and he has not had or needed any pain relief since, Monday Morning. He's in my bed now fast asleep. Before Charlie was diagnosed with diabetes, he was on cortaflex but then I took him off it. I have put him back on it. It might not help this condition but it certainly won't hurt him - vet not convinced at all with cortaflex. I'm trying to stay positive. I know that things might go down hill, but for now, we have done so well. The pain relief I have left will last 6 more times. Hopefully he'll never need it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackmagic Posted December 21, 2010 Report Share Posted December 21, 2010 That sound promising. I hope he continues to improve. The owner of the kennels I use had just put his elderly beardie collie on Cortaflex. He says the dog has gone from hobbling about to chasing next doors collie through the fence. He is very sceptical of these sort of things but he is delighted with the result which was apparent after three days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merledogs Posted December 22, 2010 Report Share Posted December 22, 2010 (edited) I can't see another vet saying that much different? I mean, I wouldn't put him through surgery as it is quite a long haul ( reading up on this) so I don't disagree with her with regard to this. I was a bit surprised at getting no more pain killers (for when needed)? Or being offered anything else? I'm not suggesting you should put him through surgery (and I probably wouldn't either in your position). The reason I would consult another vet (I would ask for a referral to a specialist) would be to get the relevant MRI/tests or whatever done to get a firm diagnosis. Obviously that's my personal preference as I'd prefer to know exactly what I'm dealing with and how bad it was Pleased to see he's slightly improving, hope it continues to be the case Edited December 22, 2010 by merledogs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pottydotty Posted December 23, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2010 It's Thursday night, doggies tucked up in bed and still no more episodes (Monday morning being the last one. I'm unsure why we're not having any more episodes, but thanking god and being very grateful at the same time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackmagic Posted December 24, 2010 Report Share Posted December 24, 2010 Hope you have a peaceful and painfree Chirstmas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacobean Posted December 24, 2010 Report Share Posted December 24, 2010 Hope it continues to be pain free for him. Maybe he did himself a bit of a mischief and is now feeling better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pottydotty Posted December 24, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 24, 2010 Hope it continues to be pain free for him. Maybe he did himself a bit of a mischief and is now feeling better. I do hope so. He's in a very playful mood this evening. I taught him to wave about a year ago and he keeps waving at me, or at least he thinks he's waving at me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pottydotty Posted December 24, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 24, 2010 Hope you have a peaceful and painfree Chirstmas Thank you! Happy Christmas! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pottydotty Posted December 30, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2010 A little update on Charlie. He's still doing fine. Not had any more episodes. Here's Charlie and, Sam. My babies... :wub: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merledogs Posted December 31, 2010 Report Share Posted December 31, 2010 Awwww Pleased to hear he's better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ranirottie Posted December 31, 2010 Report Share Posted December 31, 2010 what a lovely pair x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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