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  1. #1
    Senior Dog Mr Kleb's Avatar
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    Honourary Lab Achilles check in

    Thought I would check in with our ACDx Achilles’ latest.

    He’s probably at least 14, possibly (though unlikely) as old as 18. He’s perhaps one of the last pups around from the original Lab Board way back in 2005.

    You may recall that last November our vet diagnosed upper and lower lumbar trouble, and recommended 37mg Deramaxx 1x daily to manage the discomfort.

    We recently saw that he is less easy in his movements, being more stiff and less willing to move around so I scheduled a vet visit.

    Our vet evaluated Achilles and observed that he was indeed uncomfortable. Her recommendation was that, instead of increasing the Deramaxx dose or going with Metacam, to try gabapentin. So we are trying 100 mg gabapentin 2x daily to complement the Deramaxx. After only few days I feel certain Chili dog is more comfortable.

    At this stage I believe helping Chili Dog be comfortable is more important than extending his life. Achilles still wants to eat, wants to drink, wants to go for car rides even if they end at the vet. Though he sleeps a lot, when he’s awake Is interested in what’s going on. After he takes a dump he runs and takes a big jump onto the deck. So I think life is still OK for him.
    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 .

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    labsnewfy (09-10-2018), luvleeloo (11-26-2018), Mollysmomma (09-06-2018), smartrock (09-13-2018)

  3. #2
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Achilles sounds like you are doing just fine. I agree, comfort and quality of life is the most important now.
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    Mr Kleb (09-06-2018)

  5. #3
    Senior Dog janedoe's Avatar
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    If you find that you have to cycle through pain meds, we went from Metacam to Galliprant for Nikki. Worked like a charm.

    All good thoughts for your boy. We call it marathon sleeping or "if sleeping was an Olympic sport, Nikki would win the gold".

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    Mr Kleb (09-06-2018)

  7. #4
    Senior Dog Shelley's Avatar
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    Awww Achilles, he does sound like he has joy and loves life still, its not his time! Bless you for keeping him comfortable as you can, ghat is the most important thing right now.

    It's so hard to watch them age....

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    Mr Kleb (09-06-2018)

  9. #5
    Senior Dog
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    Good to hear that the galliprant is helping Chili...I'm sure he appreciates the relief.

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    Mr Kleb (09-06-2018)

  11. #6
    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    BEing able to run and jump after the dump I think is very telling. I bet it becomes your marker of his feeling. You keep doing that, Achillies.
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    Oct. 15, 2007 - June 13, 2021
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  13. #7
    Senior Dog Jollymolly's Avatar
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    Quality of life is important and it sounds like the meds are helping. Good thoughts your way

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  15. #8
    Senior Dog Mr Kleb's Avatar
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    Fran, thanks. He is a treasure and I want him to be as comfortable as possible.


    janedoe, we discussed Metacam and it is a bit out of favour with our vet because of kidney concerns.


    That’s right. Shelley! He still wants to eat, drink, go out, solicit carrot shreds and broccoli stems. It’s been a beastly hot summer so Mr. Furball spends much time in the air conditioned bedroom.


    Barb I’m convinced it helps.


    Snowshoe that’s very telling indeed. It’s amusing, endearing, and encouraging.


    Jollymolly, we appreciate your good thoughts.
    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 .

  16. #9
    Senior Dog Blackboy98's Avatar
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    The G
    abapentin is a very good pain reliever. When my Cracker was nearing the end and his other meds did not help the G
    abapentin was good. It has no side effects and works. Sounds like
    Achillies still has life and love in him if he feels good after dumping, don't we all!!!

    Sending Lab Board MOJO for your sweet boy.
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    CRACKER-My Heart Dog FOREVER 6/10/2005-7/9/2011

    Mike and Gabe--GOTCHA 7/25/2011

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    Mr Kleb (09-06-2018)

  18. #10
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    Sounds like he's doing pretty good for his age!!!!

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    Mr Kleb (09-06-2018)

 



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