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View Full Version : Jax update-not good-update #21, possible surgery



Tex
07-01-2008, 07:25 AM
Ok, first, I already have a call into the vet (had to leave a message) and will try them again when they open.

Jax was doing well. We are being very strict with his crate rest. We set up the x-pen in the yard so he has a place to potty and can't wander around. Last night I set him in the x-pen to go potty at about 8 pm and he seemed wobbly to me. I called John over and he saw it too. I had backed him down to one pain pill a day, and John thought that he just might be hurting (I didn't buy this, but ok) so we gave him a pain pill at about 8:30 pm.

This morning, I take him out of his crate and set him in the x-pen. He's shivering (hard to go by because John puts the temp. so low for sleeping-he could just be cold???). I set him down, and he still seems wobbly. He pees, I feed him and give him his meds *. When I pick him back up to put him back in his crate, he whimpered. Kinda like he did the Sunday that we knew something was really wrong.

The only thing that has changed, is I started giving him his meds in pill pockets as of Sat. I was wondering if it could be that the pill pockets aren't dissolving and he's not getting his meds.:scratch: I dunno. It still doesn't seem like he would be back to square one if that were the case, considering he was only prescribed 2 weeks of crate rest to begin with (which I found to be kinda short-but I can only compare to what people here have gone through, which usually seems to be 4-6 weeks of crate rest.....).

Anybody have a similar experience with pill pockets? Could that be it? I want to get Jax back in to see the vet ASAP in case it's not that simple of a fix.

Any spare :bigrayz:s for Jax (and some anti-heart attack :pray:s for me) would be appreciated. I just want my boy to get better!

Tanya
07-01-2008, 07:44 AM
Poor Jax...a million :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for the smiley boy! I have never used the pill pockets. I hope the vet has some good insight into what is going on with him. :hug99:

Courtney
07-01-2008, 07:57 AM
Seeing as bones dissolve in a dog's stomach, I'd bet it is not the pill pockets (which I've used before, they are great). I'd take him to the vet ASAP. :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:

Tex
07-01-2008, 07:58 AM
Unfortunately, I'm inclined to agree that the pill pockets aren't the problem..........I hope I can get him in today!!!:crossfin:

Rae
07-01-2008, 08:40 AM
:bigrayz: for Jax and his worried parents. Definitely back to the vet.

I am not one, but Dr Chuck has always told me that instead of one pill 1 x a day while "weaning" HRH off, to give 1/2 pill 2 x a day to keep a more continuous stream of anti-inflammitories in her system...

:dunno:

Please keep us posted... :bighug:
I know how it feels seeing your precious baby wobbly and in pain, and it SUCKS and I hope he gets 100% better pronto.

quavec
07-01-2008, 08:45 AM
:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: and :hug99: :hug99: :hug99:

When Cricket got weeble wobble - ish, the vet was really good about getting me in if I noticed ANY change; I'm sure yours will let you bring him in as soon as you can.

Tex
07-01-2008, 08:53 AM
That's a good idea Rae, I hadn't thought of doing his prednisone that way. He was on 2 pills a day from last Mon.-Fri., then is supposed to be on 1 pill a day from this past Sat.-tomorrow.

I was able to get him an appointment today at 4:30 pm. This should give the pain pill in his system enough time to wear off (not trying to be mean, but I wish he would whine at the vet's office so he could see/hear what Jax is doing).

I will update as soon as we get home!

lotsadox
07-01-2008, 08:56 AM
I agree with Courtney, I don't think the pill pockets are the problem.

:crossfin: That the vet can get you in asap. My vet also had me give a lower dosage of the pills 2x a day when weaning for the same reason.

Alex's Mom
07-01-2008, 09:03 AM
In my experience, the pill pockets can be a problem if the digestive system isn't working well. I use them to give Alex her meds, but always make sure that at least part of the pill is sticking out. (She's such a pig that she doesn't even notice the pill's there! :rolleyes: ) I used to wrap them completely, but they often wouldn't digest then (the evidence was obvious in her nightly :vomit: :sosad: ). However, if Jax's system is working ok, then they shouldn't be a problem. Oh yeah...I use the big ones but break them into 3 or 4 pieces so that there's just enough to cover the pill. And Alex doesn't tolerate the beef ones very well...if you look at the list of ingredients, the first thing is chicken, which is OK, but whatever they use to give it that lovely artifical smoked beef flavour (!) really doesn't agree with her.

:crossfin: that it's just that he needs more pred and crate rest!!! Sending tons of :bigrayz::bigrayz::bigrayz: Keep us posted, ok, Tex?

Rae
07-01-2008, 09:11 AM
That's a good idea Rae, I hadn't thought of doing his prednisone that way. He was on 2 pills a day from last Mon.-Fri., then is supposed to be on 1 pill a day from this past Sat.-tomorrow.

I was able to get him an appointment today at 4:30 pm. This should give the pain pill in his system enough time to wear off (not trying to be mean, but I wish he would whine at the vet's office so he could see/hear what Jax is doing).

I will update as soon as we get home!

I am totally NOT a vet - just sharing, and it makes sense since pred is not time-release...
4:30 my azz. That's long time... did you turn on the waterworks and make sure they understand how TOTALLY FREAKED you are?
(sorry, I am vet-spoiled and used to getting "bring her on down, we'll work you in" from Dr. Chuck's office.)

:bighug: for you both and :bigrayz: :bigrayz: on the side. Love ya.

Jen
07-01-2008, 09:18 AM
Oh no! Sending a :bighug: for you and lots of :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Jax.

I totally know what you're talking about--Tasha would be hunched and shaking at home but normal at the Vet, very frustrating.

LUVMYGUNNER
07-01-2008, 09:32 AM
Here are rays for him.:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:

Barb
07-01-2008, 09:35 AM
Rays on the way for both of you... please let us know after you see the vet....hang in there mom......

Tex
07-01-2008, 09:45 AM
I am totally NOT a vet - just sharing, and it makes sense since pred is not time-release...
4:30 my azz. That's long time... did you turn on the waterworks and make sure they understand how TOTALLY FREAKED you are?
(sorry, I am vet-spoiled and used to getting "bring her on down, we'll work you in" from Dr. Chuck's office.)

:bighug: for you both and :bigrayz: :bigrayz: on the side. Love ya.
I'm actually ok with the 4:30 appointment. It works the best with my schedule (running out of vacation time at work!), and I really want the pain pill that I gave Jax this morning to have time to wear off as much as possible so that the vet can see what he's doing at home....hopefully.....

I don't really think it's the pill pockets either, but I may stop using them just in case.....

lotsadox
07-01-2008, 10:58 AM
Pred pills are pretty small. You could just put it in a bit of cheese or meat. If he's like mine, he'll scarf it down without even knowing it's there.

ebmw1975
07-01-2008, 11:06 AM
Oh no poor Jax, major :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for him! And some :hug99: to you too!

Kasianni
07-01-2008, 11:28 AM
Pred pills are pretty small. You could just put it in a bit of cheese or meat. If he's like mine, he'll scarf it down without even knowing it's there.

Thats what I do too, put the pills in some cheese they don't even know its there. :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Jax.

Teddysmom
07-01-2008, 01:58 PM
I use the old, reliable piece of cheese if I have to give my puppers any pills. So sorry to hear about Jax's problem. Keep us updated. Sending tons of :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for him and a bunch of :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: for you.

LexieLuvr
07-01-2008, 07:58 PM
I've had my best luck with pills dipped in Cheez Whiz! Worked every time. Adding my TON of Texas :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: ! Please let us know what the vet said!!

TheDoxieHaus
07-01-2008, 08:48 PM
Here are some rayz for Jax,:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: hope the appointment went well!

Tex
07-01-2008, 09:12 PM
Update: Sorry I'm short on time here. Will update more in the morning. We have an appointment with the surgeon who takes care of all the ctdr pups in Austin tomorrow at 9:30 am. I will update then. Right now it looks like he will need surgery, as he is very wobbly, and fails the toe test. I have no idea where we will come up with the money, but we will. Getting Jax better is our top priority.

LUVMYGUNNER
07-01-2008, 09:22 PM
Check into Care Credit. Sorry to hear that. Here are rays for him, :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:

Otto'sMom
07-01-2008, 09:42 PM
Yep, Care Credit if they take it. If not, you can probably apply for a signature loan at your bank. I know about having to make money appear from nowhere.:sosad:

JanUet
07-01-2008, 10:17 PM
:holyshp: I am just reading this now! :holyshp:
Sending a Gazillion Magical DLC :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: to Jax and some to your cheque book.

I am so sorry to read this about Jax

Azaren
07-01-2008, 10:17 PM
:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Jax! I'm sure it's very scary for you. :hug99: all around.

lotsadox
07-01-2008, 10:28 PM
I'm so sorry, Tex. Sending tons of :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Jax and your pocketbook.

Tanya
07-01-2008, 10:31 PM
I'm so sorry Georganne!!! :hug99: Major :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Jax. Please give him a kiss from Peaches Wiener.

Frzframe
07-01-2008, 11:24 PM
awwwwwww man! I surprised they aren't trying crate rest a little longer. But, hey here in KS we go at a much slow pace at everything. Hope Jax is feeling better soon. :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:

Rileybugg
07-01-2008, 11:51 PM
:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hearts:

jenfer
07-02-2008, 12:11 AM
:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Jax!

Patt
07-02-2008, 02:17 AM
Sprry to hear Jax might need surgery. Sending many of our DLC magical :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: to your little man. Lots of :hug99: for you.

Alex's Mom
07-02-2008, 05:55 AM
Oh Tex, I'm so sorry ... sending tons of :bigrayz::bigrayz::bigrayz: for Jax and your pocketbook and just as many :hug99::hug99::hug99: for you guys.

bittyup
07-02-2008, 06:32 AM
Sorry I'm so late with this. Poor Jax! Sending lots of :love9: and:please: :please: :please: and a very gentle:bighug: and tons of Jax get better:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: and a :hug99: for the worried hoomans.

Jill
07-02-2008, 08:04 AM
:bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Jax!

bsquared
07-02-2008, 09:07 AM
So sorry to hear this! :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Jax and :hug99: :hug99: for you!

Rae
07-02-2008, 09:11 AM
oh no... :bighug: to you all.

But three cheers to you for being such a good mommy and seeing "something ain't right!" and getting on it ASAP. I have always heard quick response is key to recovery and I sure hope that is the case with Mr. Jax.

:hug99: :hug99: :hug99:

Tex
07-02-2008, 09:21 AM
Yep, Care Credit if they take it. If not, you can probably apply for a signature loan at your bank. I know about having to make money appear from nowhere.:sosad:
I applied for care credit. They gave us a limit of $500, which might help with today, but won't get us surgery. I'm hoping the surgeon might work with us a little. Then I'm hittin' up mom and dad for one of their credit card numbers.........

Our bank (or any bank) for that matter won't give us a loan of any kind. Too much debt to income ratio, gotta love buying a house.....:rolleyes: I don't care if we have to start setting things on e-bay, if he needs surgery, he'll get surgery.

lotsadox
07-02-2008, 09:31 AM
:hug99: :hug99: :hug99: If it turns out that Jax does need surgery, do talk to the surgeon. Sometimes they'll let you make a down payment and then make monthly payments.

There's eBay and garage sales. I've done both for extra money. Also, I don't know if you have any experience or interest, but working as a waitress in a club can bring in some good money fast in a couple nights a week.

LUVMYGUNNER
07-02-2008, 09:45 AM
I would do garage sales. How about making those cute bags you made and sell them there. I know a lady that made snuggle sacks to sell, so she could pay people back, for her dogs surgery.
The 500 is a start. I know a lady that works at Pizza Hut and she lives in Phoenix--she just spend 5,800 for her dogs surgery. Don't know yet how much Michelle is paying for Chapo. I know thru dodgerslist there is a vet in Texas that does the surgery for much more reasonable prices than AZ and Ca.
I don't know if this is her but her name is Elaine Caplan she is a specialist-you might want to check with her.
I think the key to a good recovery is to get it done before the dog is completely down. Chapo had his surgery late one evening was up walking around the next day.
Here are rays for him:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:

viener weiner
07-02-2008, 09:56 AM
Just to let you know you and Jax are in my thoughts and prayers :).

quavec
07-02-2008, 10:05 AM
continued :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Jax.

Could you get a second opinion on the surgery? The second opinion might have alternatives to surgery that could be just as effective but cheaper? Just a thought.

:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:

:hug99: :hug99: :hug99:

Lisa
07-02-2008, 10:39 AM
Dear Georganne, I am so sorry to read this! Lots of :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: and :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: coming your way.

alfina
07-02-2008, 10:48 AM
:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Jax and for you.

Jen
07-02-2008, 10:53 AM
Oh Tex, so sorry it may be surgery. It sounds like you trust your vet, but it never hurts to get a second opinion (except for the wallet). I sell on ebay and would be happy to answer any questions you have if you go that route. :hug99: :hug99: for you and :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Jax.

ebmw1975
07-02-2008, 11:19 AM
Poor Jax! Tons of get well :bigrayz: for him and some money :bigrayz: for yall. If there is anything I can do to help I would be glad to.:hug99:

LUVMYGUNNER
07-02-2008, 04:51 PM
I would get an MRI done and then surgery if he needs it. Chapo had an MRI done and while still under they did the surgery.

LexieLuvr
07-02-2008, 05:21 PM
So sorry Jax isn't better - sending a TON of Jax :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: ! Please keep us posted!!:hug99: And I, too, have heard absolutely WONDERFUL things about Dr. Caplan, who does most, if not all, of the CTDR dogs' surgeries, with great success!