wizard-of-roz

23 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

I'm so glad to hear that with the right meds Horton should be back to his normal self soon! Such a scary time with everything else going on. Happy retirement Horton and I hope your successor dog is available soon.

Thank you.  It's a difficult time for CCI, as it is for most Org's right now.  I, too, hope that the Successor Dog process happens sooner rather than later but I'm not the only person looking to receive a canine partner and there some folks who have been on the waiting list much longer than me.

23 hours ago, Mavis and Me said:

I have had phenomenal results using MSM on arthritic dogs!  I give it 2x/day to bowel tolerance for a couple weeks, then back off to about half as much/day for maintenance.

 

Happy to hear that sweet Horty is feeling better, Roz!  That sounded terrifying!

Terrifying is a very good description of last week.  Horton is back to sleeping in my room, in his bed, and he's interested in going out and checking out the world.  I'm so happy for him.

23 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

I'm so glad to hear that with the right meds Horton should be back to his normal self soon! Such a scary time with everything else going on. Happy retirement Horton and I hope your successor dog is available soon.

Thank you!  I'm praying that we will be able to buy Horton more years!!!  Most importantly pain and illness free!

9 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

Oh, no - poor Horty! And poor Mama Roz!! I just saw your post and my heart almost stopped, too. So thankful that Doctor Chris came so fast with his helper. And that you have access to such a wonderful mobile vet service.

 

It eased my mind to keep reading and learn Horty was doing much better with his mobility and his pain has been relieved. We all know it would be such a terrible, frightening feeling if something like this arose, so I hope you can take a few breaths now. Sending healing thoughts for Horton, and fingers are crossed that the blood work shows no issues and he can continue to feel better.

 

Edited to add - just realized there was a next page, and read the blood work update. How wonderful the doc got this information to you so fast! And it was good that he quickly identified a diagnosis and some immediate steps to take.
 

It was wonderful to read that with the change in diet and his new meds, he should do well in his honored retirement. Give Horty a big kiss for all of us.

Thank you so much Chris.  It has been a very stressful and eye opening week for me!  We all have or have had a wonderful being in our life that we feel "completes" us and just makes our world a better place.  Well, Horton is all that and more for me.   

I was amazed at the speed of the test results and so pleased that I found this remarkable, efficient and caring Vet.

I am hugging and loving Horton a bit harder these days.

3 hours ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

A huge puppy lick for each of you.  Tears are flowing.  I know I don't have to tell you to give that boy big hugs and kisses a gazillion times.  I know he is in the best care possible.  Purrayers Big Boy!  Eat all that chicken momma makes for you.  You might even give it a try and act like you don't like it and I bet momma would sit with you and hand feed you! We all love you To the moon and back! 💖

Thank you Nancy 😘  Yes, I would do whatever it takes to keep him happy and here!!!!

54 minutes ago, lindaler said:

Prayers Roz. 

Thank you!

11 hours ago, puppycanducruise said:

I'm typing with teary eyes and sending prayers to you and Horton.  I hope he has a little buddy living with you soon.

Thank you again!!!!!!  I too hope that the Successor process is moved along.  He'd love the company of another CCI dog, as would I.

You know what makes me feel sad is that Horty didn't get to complete his 15th cruise, like Brenda did.  Can you imagine how more awful this would have been if my cruise on the 30th were still in place?  It's really weird how the timing on all of this has worked out.

As long as Horty continues to do well and sustains his ability to walk and enjoy his days as pain free as possible, I will be happy.

Horton's blood test is in.  It's so complicated......He has: 

Lymphopenia [sp]:  Weakness in his immune system [all this social distancing is creating the "dog in a plastic bubble" effect.]  I need to be careful about his environment.  What timing on this one!

Phylangeal Hepatitis:  Ducts of his gall bladder are leaking onto his liver [this is probably an old age issue.]    This usually causes a cancerous gall bladder.  Right now there does NOT appear to be cancer.  This, hopefully will be controlled by diet.

Hypothyroidism:  He will need to be on med's for this the rest of his life.

The above issues were causing him nausea and an upset tummy, along with the tremendous pain in his spine.  Poor guy.  When dogs get health issues it comes on so quickly and literally pulls you off your feet!

Horton's diet must be NO FAT and for now he'll remain on all med's Dr. Caudle gave him, with the added Thyroid meds.

You should see me in the morning and at his afternoon meal time......I look like a mad scientist.  I used to give him cheese when he first started his meds now he gets a piece of chicken [not too bad!]  He's never had chicken before, he loves it!  And, he's eating like a Lab again.........

The doctor said that because Horton's heart is strong and his lungs remain clear, in spite of his age, and if he remains on meds, he should do well.  

There's no crystal ball here but I'm taking all prayers for Horton to have a good recovery and some more good years.   I'm thrilled to have him with me every single day!!!!! ❤️

I've spoken with CCI twice [one phone call was filled with both me and the CCI Associate crying through every word.]  Dogs are now being returned to Santa Rosa from foster care to start the advanced training process.  And, they know how important it is for me to have a working dog in my life.  Horton is done working, he has now, formally, been placed into retirement/medical leave.   My application for a Successor will be moved along the process and hopefully Horton will be able to have a buddy living with him quicker than we thought.  He'll be so happy.  He loves dogs!!!!

Thank you all for your wonderful and kind words of support and especially your prayers for my amazing boy.  I love you all for your cyber hugs!!!!  ❣️

15 hours ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

OMD, Roz.  My heart stopped beating.  Big ole Horty no more scares!  I just can't even imagine it.  I have no words, except I love you Roz and Horty.  Have some nice quiet time and rest that back, baby boy.  No wonder he didn't want to get in the truck.  It's a good thing we are quarantined and you weren't going out all that much.  Or, heaven forbid you were on a cruise.   HUGE healing vibes for you guys. 🐾💗💖🌵

Thank you so much Nancy.

14 hours ago, puppycanducruise said:

Sending good thoughts for Horton's recovery.

Thank you so much!

8 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

I am so sorry to hear about Horton - you must have been a wreck (I know I would have been). When these labs stop eating you know its serious.

 

Prayers for a speedy recovery for Horton.

Yes, it is so true.  When he refused to take in anything I knew something bad was happening.  

6 hours ago, Plant said:

Roz, good thoughts and prayers are coming to Horton and you.  

Thank you so much.  I do believe in the power of prayers.

7 hours ago, Algebralovr said:

So glad to hear Horton is responding to treatment!

 

We have a friend with a pet dog that is about 12 years old.  They thought their family pet was ready to go, but she is holding on.  She met the new pup that the family is going to be adopting in June, and they believe she is hanging on until there is a new dog to care for her little girls.  
Our dogs are amazing creatures.  

Such a sweet story.  Yes, they are the most amazing beings!

8 hours ago, rpclmc said:

Oh my.  My heart stopped when I read that he wasn't eating.  Sending healing thoughts his way.

 

Rich and I had a friend, 47 years old, pass yesterday.  She had a massive aneurysm in her spinal/neck stem and then a stroke. 

 

Linda and Halo 

Linda, I'm so sorry for your loss, so sudden and sad!

8 hours ago, DUTRAVEL said:

I am so sorry to hear about Horton - you must have been a wreck (I know I would have been). When these labs stop eating you know its serious.

 

Prayers for a speedy recovery for Horton.

Thank you so much.....I will take all the prayers I can!  I am just not ready to say good bye to my Horty.

8 hours ago, Caribbean Chris said:

Keep us posted after the vet visit, Roz. My vet said there are injections that can help (pricey, of course). So far, Raylene’s doing surprisingly well with more Cosequin and fish oil, plus the addition of turmeric capsules. Her limping went away completely.

Thanks for asking Chris.  The Vet visit was moved to Thursday because Horton stopped eating, and all body functions.  He couldn't get up and down, would pant heavily and he looked like he was in so much pain.  Talk about the fear of God put into me.

I called the Mobile Vet, Dr. Chris Cauble.   He came to me on an emergency visit and did a complete exam.  He comes with an assistant who charts everything and starts preparing meds as he's speaking.  He said Horton's heart was beating strongly and his lungs were clear.  Thank goodness!  After a thorough exam he decided that Horton had suffered a collapsed disc in his lower spine [just by palpation and rotation of his legs] and that the pain was causing him so much distress he was physically shutting down.  Every time he attempted to move he would start panting, it scared me to death.

He gave Horton a vitamin injection, a steroid injection and an antibiotic.  He started him on oral pain meds, Amoxicillin, Gilycoflex, specifically for joint [he'll stay on this].  And left me with appetite stimulants in case he shuts down again.

He drew blood and as long as his blood panels are good it looks like Horton injured his spine and is suffering with arthritis and a possible infection in his spine.  We'll know more about that after the blood work.

Today he's walking much more normal, getting up and down easier and is acting more like himself.  I, of course, have aged about 10 years.

I can't say enough about this Mobile Vet, he is and always will be a true hero to me.  He and his assistant Claudia took care of Horton like he was their very own.  I am so grateful.  

I wish you all a good weekend, I know I plan on spending mine with my wonderful Horton - THANK YOU DR. CHRIS.

1 hour ago, springredheadsdd said:

My service dog Bella is an English lab. We have her on cosequin daily. She also gets plain yogurt and pumpkin daily. Every few days she gets Fortiflora. She has some digestive issues that result in loose stools, hence all the supplements. My other 2 dogs also get the cosequin. Sasha our 2.5yrold mutt developed a luxating patella  at 19 months. The vet said to try cosquin. If that did not work she would have needed a $5000 surgery. After 10 days on cosequin she was cured. I swear by that stuff. 

 

We are not cruising this year and are not sure when we will again. We were supposed to leave for Las Vegas on Saturday and spend a week doing national parks including the Grand Canyon. We have cancled that trip and gotten a refund for everything. We are still booked on a trip to Yellowstone and Glacier national parks in September. It will be Bellas first time flying. 

Horton has started some issues with his back and hips and it's worrying me to death!  Poor guy just looks miserable and doesn't want to get up and down.  He's breaking my heart to watch him in pain.

Vet visit on Friday will tell all!

1 hour ago, springredheadsdd said:

My service dog Bella is an English lab. We have her on cosequin daily. She also gets plain yogurt and pumpkin daily. Every few days she gets Fortiflora. She has some digestive issues that result in loose stools, hence all the supplements. My other 2 dogs also get the cosequin. Sasha our 2.5yrold mutt developed a luxating patella  at 19 months. The vet said to try cosquin. If that did not work she would have needed a $5000 surgery. After 10 days on cosequin she was cured. I swear by that stuff. 

 

We are not cruising this year and are not sure when we will again. We were supposed to leave for Las Vegas on Saturday and spend a week doing national parks including the Grand Canyon. We have cancled that trip and gotten a refund for everything. We are still booked on a trip to Yellowstone and Glacier national parks in September. It will be Bellas first time flying. 

Horton has started some issues with his back and hips and it's worrying me to death!  Poor guy just looks miserable and doesn't want to get up and down.  He's breaking my heart to watch him in pain.

Vet visit on Friday will tell all!

46 minutes ago, lindaler said:

I am more worried about flying then any other form of travel. Right now they are talking about a sterilizing tunnel of mist that you have to walk through. Dogs don’t understand misting chemicals. Or having your dog wear a mask on a flight. One report said they could draw blood. That would make me crazy to have amateurs try to get blood from me or my dog. I hope someone tells us about their air travel. For now I plan to take a train to our late fall cruise. 

I don't blame you for worrying about flying.

Dogs cool down their bodies by breathing through their mouths and noses.  Wearing a mask is not doable for a dog!

1 hour ago, rpclmc said:

Halo, almost 5, lab/great dane, seems to be getting stiff in the hips after he plays hard.  He had x-rays at 6 months on his hips and they were great and he was approved to do service dog work.  I will make an appointment to have more x-rays taken and see what his status is now.

 

However, I was wondering what people on here recommend for supplements.

 

I have a cruise scheduled for late September, a B2B, out of Miami.  I booked it almost a year ago.  Will be interesting to see if it is a go and if I feel comfortable to go on it.  Riki, my daughter, is supposed to be my cabin mate.  As she just graduated college and is now in the "adult" working field, we will have to see about her getting off the time.

 

Since it is so expensive here in Idaho and we own 1 acre and Riki wants this house to raise her kids in, we are researching doing a mother in law house on the property.  Riki loved the idea and it is looks like it might work.  We would stay in the big house until she started a family or up to 10 years.  Rent it to her and then switch.

 

Linda and Halo

Horton's on chewables; Max Triple Strength Glucoscamine/Chondroitin but as of lately, it appears he's having some sort of back or hip issues.....he has a doctor's appoinment on Friday, we'll see what the doctor says.

I'm making very light of this because I don't face health issues with Horton very well.  I adore this dog and the fact that he's aging and may not be able to work with me makes me more than crazy, it actually sickens me.

Change of subject;  I can't even imagine what the changes will be in cruising in a few months.  Actually, I can't imagine cruising without Horton!

47 minutes ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

Keith's oldest brother died of Covid 19 on Sunday.  He had been in the hospital and released to a rehab.  He had to be taken back to the hospital.  They didn't call his daughter for 5 days to let her know! They called her and told her she needed to get there, like now.  She is an hour and half from the hospital, but she made it.  They let her go in and see him for about 20 minutes.  They had her dress up in basically a "hazmat" suit.  After she came out she was still there and he passed.  He was waiting for his baby girl to come see him.  No excuse for the hospital not calling her.  They said it had been so busy!  Don't care, need to let loved ones know, 5 days is unacceptable!  

 

So with all that said, I wish the people around our city would take it seriously.  In the paper it said we are the highest number % size in the county for number of those having Covid and deaths! 😮 Smaller population than Phoenix or Tucson, but numbers size higher.  I have limited leaving the house to "have to".  Even have been ordering groceries for pick up.  So far so bood, but wish I could leisurely wonder the store.  I always see things I forgot to put on the list.  

 

Hope everyone is well and those furkids are fabulous!  💖  

 

 

Oh! No!  I'm so sorry about Keith's  brother.  It's so sad.  Take care of you and each other!

1 hour ago, Algebralovr said:

I look forward to it.  It is just over 7 months away.  

We've had so much cancelled this year so far.  It is amazing.  We've been lucky in my community, only 3 people have tested positive for COVID, and they have all recovered.  The adjacent county had two more and they have also recovered.  

 

I promise before too long we will be vaccinated against this monster that has killed and sickened so many.

I'm a very social being......this social distancing goes totally against my grain.  I've never talked to myself and my Service Dog so much in my life!!!! 

1 hour ago, Algebralovr said:

Our next cruise is over the holidays on Celebrity Constellation out of Tampa.  I’m praying it happens.  I will need it

I hope it happens for you.  Then you can tell us all how the ships are handling all the lines, elevators, and dinner together.

4 hours ago, Miki_moto said:

I lived in Vancouver for years (mostly Yaletown in an amazing warehouse conversion that I still miss!) and now we’re on Vancouver Island.  Both places are very visit worthy!

 

We’re looking into the June 2021 Vancouver/Vancouver cruise.  They do cruises from Victoria - which would eliminate a ferry ride - but only starting in July.  I’d rather be ahead of the summer school closures even though Cunard isn’t usually the first choice for people with children!

My darling husband and I took a car ride from L.A. to Vancouver and I must tell you it was one of my most favorite vacations ever.  He actually visited a realtor to look into purchasing property in Vancouver.  It never happened but I know he fell in love with the area as much as I did!

50 minutes ago, S.S. Cruisers said:

I knew, either Cindy would say something or it really wasn't an issue.  We are interchangeable, aren't we?  LOL

I wish you would come on board a cruise with me one day.