Monday, May 16, 2011

4 Down, 6 To Go

Today Samba, Tsar and Morgan went to visit Dr B. It's their annual check up and we had lots of things to discuss.
Tsar went first. He has some arthritis is his lower back.  Dr B drew some blood and when the results come back, we'll decide on something to relieve the pain he's feeling.

Morgan  went next. She also has arthritis in her back and hips. We drew blood and discussed changing her diet. We'll also consider making some changes in her pain medication. Over all she seems to be doing well, just showing signs of age.

Samba was last. She has the most serious medical problems but the news was pretty good. Her facial paralysis had left her unable to blink, but the blink reflexes are coming back nicely and she should have full recovery.

She's not exhibiting any pain in the jaw when Dr B pushes on the damaged muscles and she now lets me brush her teeth. For a while she didn't want me opening her mouth.

We discussed her insomnia and he gave me a few options to try to help her fall asleep at night. We're also going to try decreasing her Prednisone again which should also help her relax. She's lost five pounds since February so she can have a little more food each day, but he wants her to keep her weight down to help her condition. I'm nervous about decreasing her steroids and don't want her to have another relapse of the MMM, but with the high Omega 3 diet she's on, the doctor feels we can take a chance.

Norma Jean had her check up before starting school, so tomorrow Fudge, Sky and Bailey will visit Dr B and on Wednesday Tess, Lola and Noah will have their turn. Then I can relax again.

15 comments:

Tracy said...

Sue,
They are all beautiful! Doesn't your heart just ache for them when they are in pain or something is wrong?
Too bad love is not easier....

SissySees said...

Glad the news is pretty good thus far. Sissy says she's delighted Samba can have a bit more to eat. She wants to know if you ever go away and let Rob feed, because Sissy likes it A LOT when Mama goes away and Dadaw feeds...

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I'm also glad that the news for your pups is good--Samba especially!! We'll hope that this news continues!

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We hope all three can get what they need to make life happier for each of them. Maybe it will help Samba's behavior now that she can have a bit more to eat. Will you be adding it as another meal or just adding more to existing meals? Just curious.

Thunder is due for his annual and Ciara needs some vaccination, canine influenza maybe. Phantom needs his bordetella. And with a boarding coming up in June, we need to take care of all. And the Momster is curious to get a weight check on all.

You have a busy week. And hope the checkbook is full too.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Kristin Avery said...

Pip has some arthritis in his back legs and it seems to be getting worse, poor guy. He kind of limps around sometimes. It is so hard when they get older ...

Two French Bulldogs said...

We will keep our paws crossed the news will continue to be good...poor baby, sometimes mom wishes we could talk words
Benny & Lily

gMarie said...

Hope all the blood tests come back perfect. I know how you feel when the dogs go in. I'm sure Samba will love hving some more food. g

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Sort of a vet relay!

Good news about Samba and Thor! Hope they just keep getting better.

XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

Jenner said...

Was the facial paralysis Bells Palsy? I had that as a child. We have a vet appointment tomorrow night, thankfully just vaccinations for my Sparky boy though!

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Golly Sue...you have plenty to keep you busy!....worth every minute though...I have fallen for them all!
Susan x

Molly the Airedale said...

This all sounds like good news. Paws are crossed that everyone gets a good report!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Christine said...

Lots of dogs! Lots of things to worry about. Good dog owners are so special. :D

Lapdog Creations said...

All paws & fingers crossed for good blood work results!

Marjie said...

That's a lot of quality time with Dr. B! I'm happy to learn that Samba is doing better, poor thing!

Chris said...

sounds like you really have your hands full. Glad to hear all your pups are doing ok. Your vet bills must be enormous! And my family thinks I have a lot of pets - down to 3 now but we used to have 5 before we lost our Abby and Jackie.