Blackboy98 (02-10-2018), Mollysmomma (02-09-2018), POPTOP (02-09-2018), SamsonsMom (02-16-2018), Sandra (02-18-2018)
Thought I'd update y'all on our most special senior Achilles.
He was of unknown age when I adopted him in May 2006. We guess he's around 14, though he could be older. Late last year he had become uncomfortable on longer walks, was no longer trying to get on the bed which is pretty high, and not really playing with Fitzi. So we went to our vet in November.
Dr. Vallee preliminarily diagnosed degenerative lumbosacral stenosis in Chili's lower spine just forward of his hips. A definitive diagnosis requires an MRI or CT scan which would mean a trip to the Ontario Veterinary College. Given his age I'm doubtful that it's in his best interest to subject him to the necessary travel and stressful experiences. If I did opt for this the likeliest recommendations would be either surgery, which is not an option, or managing his pain.
So we discussed other options and settled on administering Deramaxx, 37mg 1x daily. I understand that its extended use can compromise kidney function; I believe that at Achilles' age helping him be more comfortable is more important.
He responded very well! He was more interested in walking and occasionally romped with Fitzi and Lucy. In mid-December we decreased the dosage to 25mg 1x. I didn't think he was as comfortable so in mid-January we returned to the 37mg dosage. We followed up on Jan. 29th with Dr. Vallee for an physical evaluation and blood draw for a kidney function check. Achilles' stride and posture are good and the bloodwork results showed no kidney impairment.
We looked for a cushier bed for Achilles to rest on and bought this insert for one of our LL Bean dog bed covers. We put a somewhat heat-reflective crate pad on top. He seems to like the combination.
Throughout all this his appetite is unchanged - he eats every scrap of food. He wants to go out, hops up on the couch, is interested in what's going on in the kitchen, at times even plays a bit with Fitzi and Lucy. He's obviously still interested in life and living.
Cattle dogs, and ACD crosses, have a blaze on their forehead. Achilles has one.
It's called a 'Bentley' after an ACD, known as Bentley's Dog (scroll down on the linked page), which had one.
There's a saying among ACD owners: 'Glowing Bentley here.' It means best wishes, kind thoughts, condolences. While we aren't at the last definition yet, not by a long shot, glowing Bentleys are always appreciated.
Andrew, Faye, Fitzi, and Lucy
Not gone, only gone on ahead - Bruno, Rex, BoJo, Kendal, Kingsley, Moonpie, Avis, Corndog, Stella, and now Achilles
I invite you to visit my blog, Hidden Content .
Blackboy98 (02-10-2018), Mollysmomma (02-09-2018), POPTOP (02-09-2018), SamsonsMom (02-16-2018), Sandra (02-18-2018)
He looks like such a sweetheart & I'm so glad he got a good vet report! I'm glad he is doing so well on the Deramaxx. Our 13 yr old Lab, Molly, can't take Rimadyl because that can have a bad effect on the liver, & since she already had an elevated ALT liver level the vet couldn't put her on that, so she put Molly on Galliprant, which is a new med for arthritis which isn't supposed to have such adverse effects on the liver.....she has been on it for a couple of years now, & so far, so good.
Mr Kleb (02-09-2018)
Good results and news! You rock, Chili! I love LL Bean products.
Mr Kleb (02-09-2018)
Mollysmomma, thanks for your comment. Rimadyl can be tough on the liver. While it is a possible next step for Achilles I'd like to see how far Deramaxx can take him. I haven't heard of Galliprant.
Black Labbies, I'm very, very pleased to have you comment. We were blessed with two big LL Bean dog beds as wedding gifts in 2006. While the covers are faded the beds are still in good shape.
Andrew, Faye, Fitzi, and Lucy
Not gone, only gone on ahead - Bruno, Rex, BoJo, Kendal, Kingsley, Moonpie, Avis, Corndog, Stella, and now Achilles
I invite you to visit my blog, Hidden Content .
All I can say is God bless him! Enjoy every day you have with this amazing boy!
Mr Kleb (02-10-2018)
Achilles looks so great!
You could look into giving wild salmon oil (I use Grizzly brand) and milk thistle. Both help with liver function. Sure helped Potion when she had a bad liver reaction to Rimadyl though on looking back at your post you noted kidney problems could arise. I'm all with you about now is the time for quality of life and sounds like Achilles is certainly enjoying that.
How I'm using this correctly: Glowing Bentley here!
Hidden Content
Kissing Bandit
Mr Kleb (02-10-2018)
'Glowing Bentley here.'What a wonderful expression for a beautiful pup, as Chili !!! Pain management is always better than the knife-My opinion.
I agree with Poptop on the Wild Salmon Oil (also use Grizzly's), been giving it to Gabe since day one when I got him and he was only 1 year old. It is also great for the skin and coat.
Love the first picture of sweet Chili!!!!!
When I was growing up, we had Boxers and one of the pups I got to raise, show and do obedience with had a white strip on his head from the beginning of hair on his nose, up past his eyes and over his forehead. We called it his flash (I don't know way). I told people that commented on it that it was my sign that I should always be straight and true in my life.
Wishing many good quality years with your boy!!!
Mr Kleb (02-10-2018)
Achilles does look like a sweet pup and I'm glad to hear he's doing well. I think you told us about the Bentley once a long time ago and I had forgotten about that expression. I like that sentiment. Good on ya, Chili, keep up the good work!
Mr Kleb (02-10-2018)
Barry, thanks. Every day he's here and feeling good is a gift. As you may remember I adopted him from a shelter. It's a pleasure to be able to tell the person who tipped me about Chili, as well as the ACO who was at the shelter, that he's doing well.
Fran, I had forgotten about salmon oil. Thank you for reminding me! Yes, that's correct - and perfect.
Mike you are very kind. A good story about your Boxer and a good lesson about what our dogs can teach us.
smartrock, he's perhaps the sweetest dog I've had. Every human is his friend.
Andrew, Faye, Fitzi, and Lucy
Not gone, only gone on ahead - Bruno, Rex, BoJo, Kendal, Kingsley, Moonpie, Avis, Corndog, Stella, and now Achilles
I invite you to visit my blog, Hidden Content .
Glowing Bentley Here...
This is Quinn, my Cattle Dog, he loved (I meant to type "lived" but left it at "loved" because he was such a love!) to be 15 years old. He passed in January of 2010, and i still think of him almost every day.
You can see his Bentley mark here. He was such a handsome dog, and the thickest coat I have ever seen, he made Labrador shedding seem like nothing.
My favorite picture of him, on our boat when the boat was new.
I am thrilled that Achilles got a good review at his check up, please give him kisses from me.
Mr Kleb (02-15-2018)
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