Adequan, Acupucture and Strollers oh my...

[Lisa]

Pixel is still not doing great (although I would say he is marginally better this morning). We started him on his Adequan series yesterday. He gets 2 shots per week for 4 weeks and then will get monthly boosters. Since it is not designed for IVDD the vet is not really convinced it will help, but he knows it won't hurt, and could help Pixel with arthritis down the road. He pretty much feels that since Adequan takes at least a month to help a dog, that is when they are naturally recovering from IVDD anyway, so the benefits of it could be just coincidence. But he is a huge fan of the drug itself and wished more of his clients would choose it over long term steroids or NSAID etc. to manage joint pain in their dogs. It doesn't work fast (again, it takes at least a month), but it is much easier on the system.

We are also starting acupuncture with him this Thursday. I will update after the appointment. Although I have had acupuncture, this will be my first experience bringing a dog, so I am a bit nervous. The vet we are bringing him to is very reputable and experienced, so I am sure he will be in good hands.

Finally, we caved and bought a stroller. However, we are referring to it as a "soft-sided elevated mobile crate." Pixel already thinks he is a baby, so we don't want to give him any more ammo He loves it, and I am able to get a lot more work done. Before he would lay on my desk (on an ortho dog pad) and it made it really tough if I was home alone. Now I can secure him and it gives me some freedom too.

We are only on day 5 from when Pixel started on his drugs and crate rest, but I truly hope he is as bad as he is going to get. Yesterday the vet was holding him and squeezing and Pixel started pooping. His anal control was not good. However this morning, he had no problems pooping and even did his little tail water pumping actions that he has not done since IVDD round two started. So I am cautiously optimistic. I know we are still in week one and have seven weeks to go so I don't want to get a head of myself. This really is a marathon battle, but am hopeful the little BLB can make it through a winner.

[alfina]

Big huge hug to you and Rafi! And mega for Pixel.

[areese]

This sounds pretty much like it went the first time...I think I'm remembering right. Slow start to the recover but then things got better...a few setbacks but pretty much steady progress.
poor guy has been through the wringer lately, hasn't he? and you and Rafi!!!

I did adequan with my old dog. Prob. waited too long (it was new then) but it did help her arthritis.
and since I helped my sister needle her dog I am fascinated with the accupuncture process and really was amazed by the effect.

[Lisa]

Yes Amy, I went back and read my old threads and it is following the same timetable, so I am hopeful for a similar outcome.

[Alex's Mom]

"soft-sided elevated mobile crate." I should try that one on Wendal and Jules :lol:

As Amy said, overall it does sound hopeful...it's hard watching minute by minute (if you're me ) to see what's going on, isn't it!!! Sending tons of and to all of you for getting better and sanity .

Alex had both adequan shots and acupuncture and they were great!! She wasn't great about the latter (very restless, and that's not helpful keeping the needles in...most dogs love it though, and basically just doze their way through the treatments, according to Laura), and we found that the chiro worked better on her, but when Wen has his acupuncture (we kind of switch it around with his chiro, depending what's going on at the time), I see such a HUGE improvement in him!!! that it's all helpful!!

[Rae]

big love for you all from Ky... TSNTJ.

The "soft-sided elevated mobile crate" will be your BFF, I swear. Duchie LOVES hers, and still sleeps in it at night.

Many for the whole Kharman family, furry and otherwise.

[RustysMom]

Many for Pixel!!!

[lotsadox]

It does sounds like Pixel is going about the same route he did before. for a good outcome.

The DH has never been able to bring himself to call it a "stroller", he calls it the Popemobile Whatever you call it, it saved my sanity. It does free you up to get things done without a dog screaming at you.

I'll be really interested to hear how the acupuncture goes. I've never done acupuncture with myself or a dog.

Sending and

[LexieLuvr]

My Jack had great results with acupuncture and VOM the first time he went down. He was good for a year afterwards, then had to have surgery. I've had acupuncture, with not very good results. Best of luck!!

[wawailc]

I sure hope little Pixel is feeling better soon.