Tasker went to the Vet last night
The Vet feels that he is completely blind in his L eye and has limited sight in his right. Recently I have noticed that he runs full tilt into things. At home he is fine but he is familiar with the lay out. Last weekend he ran full tilt into a FIRETRUCK at the firehouse. He is also losing his hearing, L worse than R, but is not yet completely deaf. He's gotten very stiff over the last few months and xrays confirm that he has arthritis in his hips a degenerative disc disease in his back . We are starting him on Previcox, anyone here use it? It's about $3.00 a pill and for the firt time I am actually considering going to an "Online" source for meds. He also has a lipoma on his side that has quadrupled in size in a short time. The Vet feels it is atypical and needs to be removed. It has gone from the size of a golf ball to the size of a large orange since July. He also has some kind of tumor in his R ear (the GOOD Ear) that needs to be taken off. Last night they drew tons of blood work to make sure he's ok for anesthesia. He is scheduled for surgery on 12/18. They will remove the two tumors, do a deep cleaning on his ears and since he is asleep anyway do a dental (I've been putting it off). My big old bubby, I hate that he is getting old. I know these are all minor in the scheme of things but I just wish hew would stay young and healthy FOREVER 
I also had the joy of obtaining another urine specimin, I'm becoming a pro at chasing a dog with a long handled pot  |
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| Never used Previcox, but I used Deramaxx for a long time with my Winston. It too, was very expensive. I started ordering from petmeds.com, it was so much cheaper.
My thoughts are with you and Tasker. |
| Sorry to hear about all of Tasker's ailments. Poor guy. Did you vet give you any other options besides the previcox? Can you supplement it with Gluco-Chondroitan and give the tablet every other day or as needed? |
Aw, it SUCKS when they get old . Tasker has had such good medical care his whole life I'm sure he'll do fine, but it is scary to put them under at any age.  |
| poor tasker yuki is sending good doggie vibes for your furkid and hopes for good things! *paws crossed* |
VerveUp wrote: Sorry to hear about all of Tasker's ailments. Poor guy. Did you vet give you any other options besides the previcox? Can you supplement it with Gluco-Chondroitan and give the tablet every other day or as needed?
He did talk about the G/C but didn't seem too keen on it....... I'm not sure why other than he said it only worked about 50% lf the time. I know I have arthritis in my knees and hips and tried it without much luck. It sounds like it's an all or nothing thing, either it works or doesn't. Does anyone use it now? I wish I had started him on something like that sooner but he has always been so limber. |
| Hi Ginny:
I'm sorry to hear about Taskers problems. Regarding his lipoma - we had a large lipoma removed from our 15 year old American Eskimo, Sharkey, this year. We had thought about it for awhile due to his age, but finally got it done. Sharkey came through surgery without a problem and was prancing around within a couple of days. Hopefully Tasker will too. As for the arthritis, do you have a chiropractor nearby? Sharkey goes every six weeks for his arthritis (as well as getting MSM supplements) - and it seems to help as he is still able to keep up with our two sheepies on their regular 2 mile walks. Jennifer, Baxter, Cassiopia and Sharkey |
| I did the G/C series of 4 shots, with no success. I used Joint Care 3, it was like a miracle for Winston! |
| I feel your pain, Ginny. I've had Lucy on glucosamine chondriotin since she started getting so weak in the last year and it does help her considerably. In fact, that alone has been more helpful than actual medication. Unfortunately, we have yet to find a really good cocktail of meds to help with her pain. Like Tasker, she has poor vision and has almost completely lost her hearing. She now shows most of the signs of Alzheimer's. I just want her to be young again.
She tried Previcox but we really didn't see a lot of improvement on it. Not to mention, the pills were very big and hard for her to take and she'd get so upset and stressed out (even from a fast pill pop down the throat) that she'd collapse after I gave it to her. For all the trouble it was to give it to her, there were almost no benefits. Now she takes a daily dose of Metacam, which is a liquid and it goes right in her food. This seems to help a little-- and I do mean a little. I actually just took her off of it for a few days to see if I can see a difference because I'm not going to give her meds for no reason. I'd prefer to continue looking for a better solution than fooling myself that it's working. I try to do a lot of massage on Lucy now. I went to this dog massage seminar (it was more like an hour long class) that taught you different places to massage to help loosen the joints. On bad days, her whole back end almost starts to curl under and it's heartbreaking. I put her on the floor and fingertip massage all the way down her spine, rotate and rub down her legs and then repeat. I think it's sore while I'm doing it but when she gets up, she's obviously loosened up so I can tell it helps. It's so hard to watch your best friend get old in front of your eyes and even harder when it seems so hard to find a way to help them be more comfortable. I hope you find a solution that works for Tasker and gives him some relief to his pain. I'm with you, kid! |
| Hey THANKS Jill, one of my patients (who should be here shortly) is a VET TECH at Cornell. I am going to ask him if there is a massage class available. |
| Good idea on the massage class, especially if it's working!
We have Rebecca on G/C because she was showing signs of stiffness and she'll be 8 in January. It's worked really well and she's been a bit more active on it too. When our 1st OES was a senior we had him on Rimadyl first and then on Deramaxx. But that was several years ago. I'm sure the Previcox must be the best new drug out there but it stinks that it seems like the prices just keep going up for arthritis meds. |
| That does sound like a good idea. It is so hard to watch them get old and try to keep them as comfortable and healthy as possible. I wish there was a way to keep them young forever, too. |
| Vet gave me a trial package of Previcox for MO and it worked well! However the $3 a pill and the crazy way of filling the prescription pushed us back to Rimadyl. Friend in Taos said Previcox is far more damaging to the liver than anything on the market, but she gave no proof, just chit chat on various dog chatrooms.......plus, let's face it, people in Taos are a bit nuts any.
Sooo sorry about Tasker. I hope he heals quickly from the surgery . |
| We had Norman on Flexicose and it worked great. I think Chris still has Drezzie on it too. |
| So sad to know all of this. Hugs and kisses to you. |
| I didn't realize all the health issues these oes's face when they get older. I thought I had old age related issues. Sorry to hear about Tasker. Hope you find something to help him get around. |
| Sorry to hear about all the aging related changes ganging up on Tasker. .
My Macy had a tumor removed at 12, and I was so afraid of the anesthesia too - but she made it through. She had been quite sick before, so her recovery was slow. It was not a good thing for me - always doubting if I made the right decision. Then several months later she snapped out of it and was back to her normal self. I was SO glad I hung in there for her! She is only on good quality dog food now - no meds or anything. She has some nerve damage from the huge tumor removed from her groin, so she is a bit wobbly on one back leg. But no pain, thank goodness. And is stone deaf, but has adequate vision. She is 14 1/2 now. I put Simon on G/C with MSM about a year ago. He is 8 now. With those funny basset dwarf joints, I wanted to prevent any problems if possible. Seeing he was fine when I started, I can't really say if it has "helped". He is still just as limber and athletic of a hound as he was at age 6 (when I got him), so I am keeping it up. It is easy and rather inexpensive to do. I have a friend who is giving Previcox to her beagle, but I don't know if it is working. Plus the dog is grossly overweight! I think a diet would do more than all the costly pills, with none of the side effects. |
SheepieBoss wrote: Vet gave me a trial package of Previcox for MO and it worked well! However the $3 a pill and the crazy way of filling the prescription pushed us back to Rimadyl. Friend in Taos said Previcox is far more damaging to the liver than anything on the market, but she gave no proof, just chit chat on various dog chatrooms.......plus, let's face it, people in Taos are a bit nuts any.
Sooo sorry about Tasker. I hope he heals quickly from the surgery . Our vet said exactly the opposite, which was why she suggested it. Now I have to look it up... |
Mony & Laci's Mommy wrote: I didn't realize all the health issues these oes's face when they get older. I thought I had old age related issues. Sorry to hear about Tasker. Hope you find something to help him get around.
ABSOLUTELY!!! It's one of the reasos I always chime in when folks talk about getting two puppies, NOT A GOOD IDEA because you will have two geriatrics down the line. Last night alone, for just blood work and exrays (and medication) the bill was almost $400.00. I don't even what to think about what the surgery bill will be in a couple weeks. I can't imagine paying the health expenses of two aging dogs. |
Mony & Laci's Mommy wrote: I didn't realize all the health issues these oes's face when they get older. I thought I had old age related issues. Sorry to hear about Tasker. Hope you find something to help him get around.
This not just an OES issue - this is any breed of dog. In fact, there are many breeds with even worse health issues that are common to their breed. |
Maxmm wrote: We had Norman on Flexicose and it worked great. I think Chris still has Drezzie on it too.
I do have Drez on Flexicose and have had her on it for about 2 years now. I really do see a difference in her. Of course, it's not a cure (at her age, massive invasive surgery is out, so there really is NO cure), but it works well enough to keep her on it. She is also nearly deaf - if she's asleep when we come in, not even the banging of the door wakes her up. And her brown eye looks like it's developing a cataract, although the vet hasn't confirmed that yet. It truly is heartbreaking to watch them age. I'll keep my fingers crossed and keep Tasker in my thoughts as he goes through the surgery. |
Oh, poor Tasker! I hope all this helps him and that he goes back to being a puppy! (I know that won't happen, but you know what I mean). Barney walks into things like firetrucks, so he literally feels Tasker's pain with that one! (And he doesn't have the excuse of being blind  )
Give him a squeeze for me... |
| Give big sweet Tasker a hug from me. I will be wishing him well through the surgery and everything else. Hang in there yourself, too. |
| Big hugs to Tasker and you too!! |
| I'm sorry for all of what Tasker is going through now. It really sucks when they start getting old.
Best wishes for his surgery and to you. |
| Ginny,
im so sorry to hear about sweet bubby tasker. i also have had panda on metacam, and she does great on it (for her leg inflamation).... give the big boy lots of kisses from me |
Ginny I agree sucks getting older, give your special man a huge hug from us and Kelsey is sending extra sloppy slurps for the younger man. 
I am glad someone brought up about the other end of the spectrum with dogs. Puppies are a great deal of work and expense and so they are too when they get into their golden years. It becomes expensive and time consuming keeping our oldies comfortable and happy.
We will be thinking of you tasker and keep us posted to how it all goes with your special man. |
| Hi Ginny,
Your post touched my heart as you know I have aged Blue in my home and yes, it's hard seeing them develope old age affirmities. Panda is also blind in one eye and has hip dysplasia while Blue's eyesight and hearing is fading as well. I think you made an excellent point regarding getting two that are close in age..double the price as they get older. In my case there's more than 10 years apart but as you know Panda didn't get the best start in life and has health problems as a result. You've probably noticed that Tasker doesn't see as well in fading light either, and with winter the nights are longer. I found setting up motion detector lights helped somewhat when Blue has his bathroom duties as he used the lights a guides. How's Ty, Tasker's little buddy - does he help guide Tasker at all? My boys are too self centered to notice when Blue needs guiding but when Shaggy was going through the same thing..Blue became her sidekick and quided her around the yard. Now it's Blue's turn to be aged and it's tough as we wish they were young again. So far Panda is still okay but I couldn't imagine having to assist two dogs up stairs and up off the floor. Again good point you made about getting two pups at the same time. I hope Tasker is going to feel better soon with all the good care you are giving him and he's so lucky to have a mom that looks after him so well. Blue and Panda are sending him big sloppy kisses, Merlin sends him a good thoughts. I'm also sending big hugs to Tasker who I refer to to as the Gary Grant of dogs on this forum. Marianne |
| Thanks Marianne (and EVERYONE). I am usually such a reasonable realistic person, except when it comes to Tasker. But I know that just because he's strating to show his ages doesn't mean the end is near. With good care we can have amny years ahead of us.
It's funny because now that I know he can't see I notice things I didn't before. Yes. I have REALLY bright outside lights, which always go on to protect us from the bear and coyotes when we go out at night. But last night I noticed that Tasker always lets Ty go first and then follows him. I thought it was an alpha dog thing but I do think Ty is leading him around. Tasker never strays too far from either of us. This morning he did get turned around on the driveway and he stood there looking confused. Til I called him I really don't think he knew which way to go. I can see in just two days a difference in his stiffness with the medication. I also ordered a natural supplement from a place Jill suggtested (dancingpaws,com). The previcox does seem to give him loose stools but I'm just going to keep watching him for now. There are losts of good years left in the old guy, we just have to be a bit more attentive to geriatric care!! |
| Belle's been on glucosamin/chondritin/MSM since she was six (I now use it preventatively, so starting earlier with younger dogs) and also 1000 mg Ester C twice a day, and I do believe it helps. There are also adequan shots, chiropractic and massage. Accupuncture is also used to control pain, though I haven't had it recommended for any of my guys yet - our holistic vet's office offers all three modalities. Belle is also on Boswellia SOD which helps with milder inflammatory issues (she has spondylosis - arthritis in her spine). But for bigger issues, you generallly do need to bring out the big guns (NSAIDS: ie rimadyl, previcox, deramaxx and metacam)
My girls' breeder's then 12 year old was put on deramaxx because he was showing signs of arthritis and though it did probably help with the pain, he had what looked to me to be a reaction to it: went from being a very alert dog (his nickname was Einstein, very smart cookie) to almost catatonic in a matter of 2-3 days - just stood there staring into space. I believe it's caused seizures in some dogs. I insisted we take him off of it. We never got to try anything else with him - he bloated and died within a day or two. I don't see how the latter could be connected to the deramaxx and I hate to be a scaremongerer because it's probably like most things: it may work great in some dogs and cause side-effects in others. Still, I won't touch it. Her CA dog, on the other hand, had bad arthritis in his neck, diagnosed I think by age eight and probably from the lack of core stability the CA causes and the corresponding compensation. He was put on previcox. There was never an issue of side-effects: it was that or put him down. It worked well - and I mean if we ran out for even a day or two he deteriorated rapidly and significantly, so we had to keep him on it religiously. He took it until he was put down at 9 1/2 this past March without any apparent side effects. He was necropsied, so I guess if I had had my wits about me, I could have asked them to check his liver as well, but they were mainly interested in his brain and spinal cord (I know - gross, but necessary for the research  ) I think if metacam (which I do believe to be the safest available) doesn't cut it, and in more severe cases it often will not, that my first choice would indeed be previcox.
As for the massage: what a great idea! And you can learn to do basic massage yourself - look for a seminar - for day to day "upkeep". It is very helpful in many ways, but always keep in mind that with an older dog you don't want to do too much at a time: while massage itself is wonderful, it does release a lot of toxins that the body then needs to rid itself of and may tax those geriatric organs unduely. It can also be contraindicated in a dog with cancer. A certified massage therapist will know these things. And, yes, it stinks to watch them get older. But there are so many more things we can do for them now than 20 years ago. I guess that's something. Hugs to Tasker. Kristine |
| I will ask about the Metcam, Thanks. Since he seems to be responding so well to Previcox it maybe that something milder will help as well. |
Mad Dog wrote: Belle's been on glucosamin/chondritin/MSM since she was six (I now use it preventatively, so starting earlier with younger dogs) and also 1000 mg Ester C twice a day, and I do believe it helps.
Kristine At what age do you now start giving them this for preventative measures? Neither of my wigglebums have any signs of joint issues, but I know that doesn't mean they won't in years to come. Genny's hips were x-rayed last year when she had a torn cruciate ligament and they looked good. But, I haven't had any reason to put Beau under anethesia since he turned two and I didn't really want to do it just for the hip x-rays. Should I? 
Genny's four now and Beau's three (both just had birthdays). Should I consider putting them on this now? |
| Tammy, I have Barney on glucosamine as a preventative. The kind I get is from Costco and is for humans and is liquid and berry flavored. I just pour a glug into his dinner each night. He seems to love it. I think the bottle is like $16 or so, but it lasts a really long time since you just give a small amount at once.
I think I can tell a difference when he's on it. On the few occasions when we've run out and I can't get to Costco for a couple of days, by the end of that time he seems to have more trouble getting up. Some people might not notice it, but I'm obsessed with this dog's hips. But I really do think it helps. He seems a little more bouncy and quick on his feet while on it. |
big hugs to tasker from all of us and wilbur!  |
| i feel you pain hang in there!! i hate my 2 old girls are both going down hill way too quick |
Quote: Beaureguard's MomAt what age do you now start giving them this for preventative measures? Neither of my wigglebums have any signs of joint issues, but I know that doesn't mean they won't in years to come. Genny's hips were x-rayed last year when she had a torn cruciate ligament and they looked good. But, I haven't had any reason to put Beau under anethesia since he turned two and I didn't really want to do it just for the hip x-rays. Should I?
Genny's four now and Beau's three (both just had birthdays). Should I consider putting them on this now? You know, there's no real research either way. I was talking to my holistic vet one day and asked him flat out if I should put so and so on it, even though she was young (2-3 at the time?) and he said: Why wait till you have a problem? He believes it has a preventative effect. I thought about it and thought, hm, what have I got to lose? But I generally wait until they're 18-24 months. NO GOOD SCIENTIFIC REASON WHATSOEVER. <sigh> I wish they would run controlled studies on these things (there are some smaller studies, but nothing terribly widespread that I know of in canines). But the problem with the nutraceuticals or any substance that no one has a patent on is that there is really minimal financial incentive to conduct these studies. Bottom line: it's a little bit of a leap of faith, but it's one of those can do no harm things, so I do it - especially since I do agility with my dogs and it's hard on them physically . But I can't swear it matters one way or another. He also swears by the 1000 mg Ester C twice daily. Again, it's a matter (in my mind) of "I have nothing to lose". Honestly, I will no longer put my dogs under for hip x-rays - OFA or otherwise. I know it's the ideal, but if not for my vet's quick thinking, I could have lost Mad that way. My vet noticed her temp started to spike, abandoned the x-rays, and brought her back out of it. When I told her sire's breeder about it, she said, yes, she had lost a couple of bitches during OFA x-rays. Vet and I started thinking perhaps MDR1 gene mutation, but she came back normal, so I don't know what it was, but I just decided I'm not putting any of my dogs under again. Vet met me one Sunday morning and we redid the x-rays without putting her under. I know OFA prefers to have them knocked out, but I just won't risk it again. My holistic vet flat out refuses to put any dogs under for this reason. A good vet can get you very good x-rays without, so if you are concerned, ask around till you find one. I know I preach "get your dogs hips x-rayed". But unless you (a) suspect something may be wrong, (b) want to help your breeder out by providing him/her with valuable hip status information or (c) do something that requires a lot of a dog physically (agility/herding/obedience for instance), I don't know that I would necessarly feel obliged to get Beau's done. I would DEFINITELY put Genny on supplements, though. Even if she had her knee repaired, she is at risk of arthritis developing in the joint due to lesser stability. That's just me, though. It's really tough to advise on these sorts of issues. Kristine |
| Oh, Ginny!
Poor Tasker
Give him a rub for me. To pay for his treatments, you could always start a business knitting bright yellow doggie sweaters. |
| I'm so sorry about Tasker's health problems. We are thinking of you guys and wishing you the easiest road ahead!
Regarding the Glucosamine/chondroitin maybe the dosage determines how effective it is? Hannah gets 2 in AM and 2 in PM and she's doing great. And I give Copper 1 in AM and 1 in PM just for the heck of it as a preventative. |
| I hope Tasker gets some long term relief with the meds, and you find a supplement that works for him.
I always worry about anesthesia at any age, but it gets scary when it is an older dog. Finn is sending Tasker a big "hang in there", from one bad back pooch to another! Is Tasker not a candidate for a lami, or is it more than one vertebrae? Thank goodness you are so close to Cornell, if needed. I have friends that have horses that go out there and they work miracles. Here's to winning a lottery to help with the vet bills Hugs, Kim |
| Hugs to Tasker and to you too Ginny.
It is hard watching our babies grow old but they seem to have a will of their own and often compensate for their shortcomings - like sending Ty out first. What a smart and resourceful boy he is. I hope the meds give him some relief. |
| The Previcox is giving Tasker REALLY bad diarrhea |
Tasker's Mom wrote: The Previcox is giving Tasker REALLY bad diarrhea
Don't give him any more and call your vet's office when they open and tell them what's going on. If he's reacting to it in any way, better safe than sorry. He's not lethargic and there's no blood in his stool or any other symptoms, right? Kristine |
Ginny ring the vet to find something else to use, I would stop the Previcox as it really does not agree with him. Sometimes it is trying a few to find the one that best suits them. 
Poopy butts are not fun at all and it is obviously really upsetting his system |
| I didn't give him tonight's dose. Darn darn darn I'll call the Vet tomorrow (I'm at the firehouse tonight). |
Tasker's Mom wrote: I didn't give him tonight's dose. Darn darn darn
I'll call the Vet tomorrow (I'm at the firehouse tonight).Don't panic. I was just on the phone with my vet anyway (she's a friend) and mentioned your situation and this is NOT to be construed as any kind of diagnosis, but she didn't drop the phone in a dead faint. Evidenly GI events can be a side-effect and, like Lisa says, it's a matter of finding a drug that works well for him. Ask about metacam once his stomach has settled again. I ran my "metacam isn't as powerful" theory by her (I've known her to prescribe both) and she said, no, that's not it, it's usually what vet's feel the most comfortable prescribing, and may in part be dependant on who the client is as well - some of them evidently think a pill is easier to administer than liquid (not me!!) Kristine |
| Thanks!
Tasker has a very delicate GI tract. He eats a salmon and rice food because everything else gives him diarrhea so I'm not surprised that the pill upset him . We will just have to wait and see what the Vet says! |
Tasker's Mom wrote: I'm at the firehouse tonight Are you wearing your Peeps hat while typing this? |
| nope, not yet. But it's snowing and the roads are getting very slippery so I suspect we'll be wearing them before the night is over But the joke is. I don't have one yet, haven't had time to make one for myself |
| We went to the Vet last night, now trying Derramaxx. |
| Ginny-----
Millie, my beardie, had great results on Derramax--after just a couple of days, she was getting up painfree(no side effects that we could see----hopefully, it will work on Tasker ......... keep us posted..... |
| I hope it helps, with no tummy problems. |
| I don't know if anyone mentioned this already but you may want to give him milk thistle to support liver function. I've never tried it but Holly swore by it for her guys who were on Deramaxx. |
Where does one get MILK THISTLE??????  |
Tasker's Mom wrote: Where does one get MILK THISTLE??????
Why, one goes out in the back forty and searches for it - fresh, daily, of course  (How bad did you guys get hit yesterday? I used to live in the Syracuse area - my parents still do)
Actually, healthfood stores carry it, but so do most drugstores, along with the other supplements (vitamins etc) Not sure what the recommended dosage would be though...? Kristine |
| Yea, well the north forty is COVERED in snow. We got 6 inches and it's still snowing. But the worst is the wind is just whipping it around and making shoveling impossible. I was out with the dogs last night and watched the wind blow over 4-5 100 foot trees!! Pretty scarey. |
| Winter will be a northern event this year. I just drove up to the city as was amazing to see some trees with still green leaves, roses blooming in sheltered areas and asters blooming along side the roadway. Please end some of that northern moisture (rain, snow I don't care) south here. |
| It's snowing now in Chicago and we had tiny snow this weekend. The boys loved it!
Quote: I was out with the dogs last night and watched the wind blow over 4-5 100 foot trees!! Pretty scarey.
That does sound scary. I love snow but I don't like snow storms. |
| It is snowing here now too. Not supposed to be much, but it is pretty.
We still will be able to go to our therapy dog visit tonight!
Chewie and Simon are drying from their baths - and they are excited - they know something is happening for them.
How is Tasker doing? Is the new med agreeing with him? |
| So far so good, no diarrhea yet. But The other took about 3 days to upset him so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. He seems to be moving pretty well. |
| Keeping fingers and paws crossed ginny this will be OK for Tasker. |
Ginny, Hope Tasker is feeling better, give him hugs and kisses from me and the gang  |
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