Val

I posted earlier regarding my 7 yo Remi. We had the knee surgery scheduled for today. We have had 4 vets looks at his knee and all said that under physical exam the knee was loose but not totally loose. Their explanation for this was that the ligament was partially torn but not completely at this point. We had one examination under anesthesia immediately following the injury, at that time they said the knee was loose but not horribly loose. Again...they told us that meant there was a bit of a tear but not a total tear. On this same leg we had a cemented hip replacement done 3 years ago, immediately following the injury we had xrays done and sent to his original ortho surgeon. He told us that the hip looked great...no problems at all. Well...today we get a call from the vet telling us that prior to cutting he did an exam (with Remi under anesthesia) and did not find anymore laxity in the knee. He ran xrays and now says that the hip replacement looks loose. When I picked him up the vet had left (don't get me started on this) so I couldn't speak with him. I have looked at the xrays and there is no noticeable shadowing. In the written report the vet stated that he felt that the hip had loosened or that Remi had an infection. Again, he did not mention the infection possibility to me so I am at a loss for that. I just don't know what to do. I don't understand why the knee has been totally ruled out. Can a meniscs or cartilage tear not be a possibility? And what are the options for fixing the hip? When I asked on the phone the vet told me that they just take it out and let scar tissue build up. I am just at such a loss..... On top of all of this they shaved him..... Any advice or help is really appreciated.

My 7 yo non herding bc injured his acl playing ball. We need to make a decision as to which acl repair is best but it seems the research is very gray. I have tried searching the board regarding experiences with repairs but have been unable to find any real information. So I guess my real question is, for those of you with experience with this injury which repair did you choose and why? Thanks for the help! I am wicked stressed about doing the right thing for my pup.

We recently moved into a new house and I have discovered that the area is overrun with ferral cats. They come into the front flower bed and leave presents and they come into the back yard. I need to find a way to deter them from the yard for the safety of my 2 dogs. As we all know cat poop=yummy goodness to our dogs! Does anyone have any suggestions that are both effective but safe for my dogs? Thanks

Hi all! I need some advice and help, hopefully you guys can give me some advice and tips. My beloved Remi (7yo male) was diagnosed with hip dysp. many years ago. The diagnosis was bilateral, with his left being a lot worse then his right. We waited until it was obvious that he was having difficulty. Almost 2 years ago we had his left hip replaced. The surgery was almost an immediate success. After a slow summer and rehab swimming he returned to almost normal activity. He doesn't seem to run as fast as he did as a pup but you would never know he had had surgery if you didn't know him. We are very active with our dogs, ball, frisbee, walking, running, swimming. Both dogs are in excellent shape, not overweight and have excellent muscle mass. We are constantly aware of his hip and are careful to keep him active and safe. Friday we were playing ball- Remi went after a ball and seemed to land funny on his hind legs. I have seen him wipe out way worse then that but this time he pulled up lame. There was no squealing, wimpering, or any indication that this was anything other than a "funny landing" I immediately took him inside to rest. Of course it is his replaced side that he seems to have hurt. He seemed to put almost no weight on it immediately after but after several hours of rest he was using the leg gingerly. We have rested him since Friday and have seen some improvement but not a lot. He is placing weight on the leg but there is a noticeable limp. When he tries to go faster than a walk he bunny hops. His left foot also seems to be turned out. I took him to a new local vet (we moved 3 weeks ago to a new state) yesterday who suggested we wait a week until we do anything. She did a physical examine that seems to show his elbow and foot are ok. He is tender near his hip but the discomfort seems to be minimal. My questions for you are 1) Should I demand and xray today to confirm that the implant is ok? 2) what are the signs/symptoms of a failed replacement 3) are there any internet resources that you can suggest? I am 7.5 months pregnant and a bit of a hormonal wreak. I have been crying all night and am rather worked up over this. I understand that this situation is not critical but I am having a bit of trouble dealing with the possibility that something is really wrong with him. I really appreceiate all of your help and understanding.

I wanted to update everyone on Remi. You have all been so wonderful that I feel like I have family on the boards. Remi?s surgery was supposed to be this Wednesday, but we have to postpone it for 2 reasons. The first being he has a mild infection in his foot again. We took him to the vet who didn?t seem concerned and the antibiotics have already made a big difference but we feel it is better to wait until it is completely cleared up for safety reasons. Unfortunately I don?t know when we will be able to do it. I have had a pretty bad relapse. I think I said that I was really sick when Remi was a puppy and he took care of me. Well I have taken a turn for the worse per se. They are running some more tests but everything is pointing towards surgery very soon. Obviously I can?t have Remi recuperating while I am in the hospital. I just feel awful for him. I have been telling him for a month that he would feel so much better in September and now I don?t know if we will be able to have the surgery until next year. I am also worried about what affect this will have on the success of the surgery. I don?t know I am just worried I guess. I have another story that I will post in the copanion section. Sorry if this post makes no sense I am on a lot of narcotics and am easily confused. Again, thank you to everyone that has calmed my fears and made me feel better.

As far causes, got me. But they do make ear cleaner that they sell at Pet stores. I am sure that there is some homemade kind that you can use but I am not that crafty! I only used it on Remi when he was a baby; both of mine have fairly clean ears so I don?t have to worry about. I can?t offer any expert advice on the ear cleaner, I?m sure it is probably diluted alcohol or something. But it did seem to do the job when he was little!

How is she feeling now?? Back to normal I hope!

Bella used to ?blow her glands? all the time. It is not a pleasant experience. We worked on getting her used to things more. Like the car, short rides to McDonalds for some fries! We also enrolled Bella in daycare a few times a week. The initial reason was to give Remi a break. Since he doesn?t feel well he was becoming perturbed with her being in his face during the day. However it did wonders for her confidence level. Perhaps something about being there without Mommy or Remi to protect her. In fact this last time I took her to the vet not only did she not blow but she didn?t pitch nearly the fit. Good luck, and purchase shampoo in bulk to deal with the aftermath! P.S. our vet suggesting getting her stools harder to help eliminate the liquid when she pooped. I never tried it because I was too concerned about accidentally getting her plumbing backed up. But thought I would pass on what he said!

Yeah I soon will be in debt too. But it will be well worth it! Remi is doing OK. We are busy getting everything ready for his surgery. Doing some furniture moving, bought a crate and a bed. And of course a lot of loving and swimming in the pool. Bella (Remi's younger sister) is being spayed Friday. We were going to do the first of this summer but it was postponed due to Remi's foot infection. Ohhh... what a month August is turning into!

Oh what great news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cookies all around!!!!!!!

Remi?s surgery is set for the 27th of August. I know that that is several weeks away but I want to be prepared. Does anyone have any suggestions on anything I should do to get him ready for surgery i.e. vitamins or supplements? I have searched the internet and can?t seem to find much. Also, does anyone have any suggestions on the post op period? I can?t find much information on PT or much of anything. Should I get a mat for his crate? I was wondering if that would make him more comfortable but then I was worried that the surface would be uneven when he stood up? As always any help is greatly appreciated!

Let me preface this with ?this works for most dogs?. There are some dogs that just like stinky stuff. That being said. When you fill in the holes that she has dug, or even make some new ones in the area that she is attracted to. Place fresh poop in the hole, then cover again with dirt. Don?t pack the dirt down just loosely cover to ground level. When she goes back there and starts digging she hits a very unpleasant surprise. The only problem that I have seen with this method is that some dogs are very motivated and will go find a new ?favorite? spot. But I have found that if you just keep this method up they do seem to give up. Hope this helps!

First, I want to thank everyone for their support and kind words. I have been coming to these boards for years. I was actually one of those people that found them pre-puppy to ?prepare? for the border collie addition! It has been so much more wonderful than I could have ever imagined. Not long after I got Remi I became very ill and had a long road to recovery. He never left me, if I lay down he would lie down, if I was up trying to walk he was always there by side. Step for step. Its funny I still have bad days and he still stays with me. Trying to protect me from what ever is making me feel bad. He always seems to know when I am hurting even if I don?t say a word. After a long night, and the encouragement from all of you. I sat Remi down this morning, actually it was more of a cuddle on the couch, and had a long talk with him about the surgery and how much better he will feel afterwards. And how he will be with Momma for a very long time. Remi never turned his back on me in my time of need. I refuse to do that to him. No matter what people say I will help him in any and every way that I can I can?t express to each of you how much your words meant to me this morning. I have been so worried about making the wrong decision. I should have known to simply follow my heart and not the crowd. After all the border collie doesn?t follow the flock he directs it. The older I get the more I strive to be like my dog!

Sorry.. I just realized that I should answer the first obvious questions. Remi is at a good weight that I watch like a hawk. He is own chontriditin (sp?), as well as an anti-inflammatory and pain med as needed. We bought him a big swimming pool this year that he swims in daily, as well as pt that I do with him in the pool. He limps a lot, and has been lifting the leg up totally at times lately. On physical exam he yelps and tries like mad to get away from the vet. Also the doc today was the third that we have discussed this with. Again?sorry this is so long I am just worried.

I took my baby to the ortho today for a consult. Remi is a 4 year old altered male. He has had few health issues in the short 4 years, epilepsy and the foot infection that I posted on previously. Two years ago the vet x-rayed him due to a chance that he had torsion. He did not, but the vet got a pretty decent shot of his hips which showed very early dysplasia. They told us to wait until he was having ?trouble? and speak with a surgeon. Unfortunately, the trauma of the foot infection seemed to put his hip dysplasia on warp drive. He has been limping a lot and not being nearly as active (letting the other dogs chase the ball). So we thought it was time to speak with the surgeon. I have thoroughly searched the board, and the internet as a whole, regarding the medical issues with the surgery. But my concern is whether it is ?right? to do this? Everyone that I have told today regarding the surgery has seemed, well, not very understanding. Their argument is that this is too extreme of a measure to take. I am not sure if they are right or if they just don?t understand the connection I have with Remi. You know the whole, ?good Lord it?s a dog reaction?. I had back surgery a few years ago, and he never left my side. I would sell my soul to the devil for him if I had to. This leads to my question do you think it is right to have the surgery for him or am I doing it for selfish reasons that I do not see? I do not want to do wrong by him at all, and I am afraid that all the negative remarks I have received today have really gotten to me. Am I being crazy? The vet said that he would have a hard recovery but once he was healed would be back to new. The only persistent health condition he has is epilepsy but I have not witnessed a seizure or found any seizure activity for over a year. I am sorry for the long post but I am just not sure what to do. I guess in short I am asking if this were your best friend what would you do? Thanks for listening?