tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246254752024-03-07T18:22:29.928-06:00Mickey's Gold Bead Adventure - Treating Wobbler Syndrome and SpondylosisThis site is a record of our experiences treating my Great Dane Mickey for Wobbler Syndrome (cervical vertebral instability) and Spondylosis (spinal arthritis) with Gold Bead Implants. The procedure was performed by Dr. Terry Durkes at Western Animal Hospital in Marion, IN. I have included pictures of the implant sites, and Mickey's neck wrap.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-7673092724354358752012-03-18T20:51:00.006-05:002012-03-18T21:02:56.527-05:00Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love will "Ruff" you up...It's rare I speak out against rescue organizations. I have known a few to do some pretty awful things to potential adopters that offended them for one reason or another, but in the big picture I tend to overlook those terrible few for the common good.<br /><br />In this case I just can't keep my mouth shut.<br /><br />I saw this post on the Facebook page for Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love:<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: italic;">"Our sweet girl Lillie is back with us in the rescue....by absolutely no fault of her own. <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Inexperienced adopters</span>.....she tore up some things in the house...they weren't willing to crate her...like she has been used to. They also said she had problems meeting other dogs.....she was at Mass O Danes today with 10-15 others dogs and was great!!!! This is her showing how she feels about not being given a chance to shine..pppbbbbssstttt</span><br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: italic;"><br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: italic;">She is available for adoption and is great with other dogs....loves kids and good with cats. She does need someone who will be patient to work with her on her shyness and insecurities when out in public but man is she a LOVE BUG!!!!"</span><br style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: italic;"><br />So I posted and said somewhere along the lines of (paraphrasing because they deleted my comment) "it's terrible the adoption didn't work out, but slamming a family because of that is not professional...IMHO.<br /><br />This was their response:<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">"...we have a very rigid screening process...unfortunately it is hard to screen for commitment and dedication. We were not "slamming" just putting truthful facts out there as to why she was returned so people would not think that there was something wrong with HER. And they did not try....they had her less than 2 weeks before giving up...<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">they were told she needed to be crated</span>...they decided they didn't want to. <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">They were told of her personality and her past and that she would need time and patience</span>....they didn't even ask for training tips...look at area trainers or even try to help her adjust. We have a whole pamphlet we ask adopters to read about rescue dogs and what they are getting into and on the application ask them to sign that they have read it and understand it. We have all of our dogs in loving foster homes. They are not kenneled, they live inside with their foster families and get as much love and training as they can possibly get! We give ALL of our orphans thorough evaluations before placing them up for adoption, so we know as much about their issues and needs as possible. You would be amazed to see the leaps and bounds they make in foster care, and you will be thrilled to see what they can do, given time, in your home.</span><br style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">That said, you will not have an instant “wonder dog” the day you bring them home. In fact, I will most likely take a MINIMUM of 30 days before they are relaxed and comfortable enough with you to let their “true” personality shine, and feel safe enough in your daily routine to start the bonding process."</span><br /><br /><br />Now this entire rant was after they admitted the adopters were inexperienced in their initial post and that this dog had some behavioral issues in the later post. Obviously their screening process could use some improvement, my suggestion to them on that was also deleted. I think that their public shaming of this adopter(s) was horrible, it was unprofessional and disappointingly immature. I hope they will consider the hypocrisy of their own behavior and consider a major change in their staff in order to avoid embarrassing the Great Dane rescue community. I myself have given uncountable hours and a great deal of donations in money and supplies to rescue, so I feel I have a vested interest and the right to a "voice" on this matter.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-75941201805138399582009-10-12T17:00:00.004-05:002009-10-12T17:07:59.710-05:00Goodbye to FigmentIt is with a sad and heavy heart that I say goodbye to Mickey's little sister Figment. Most of you will remember her from this picture here:<br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6074/2555/320/giggles.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6074/2555/320/giggles.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Figgy</span> was such a special girl, dainty compared to her oaf brother, but sure could give him a run for his money. She could <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">rassle</span> with the crazy boys, run rings around 'em.<br /><br />According to her dad, Figgy was having cluster seizures that were causing brain, heart and liver damage. <br /><br />My condolences to Figgy's family, her Mom, Dad, little brother, and soon to be sister. Please know that our thoughts are with you guys, I know Figment was <strong>blessed </strong>to have you as her family, and she blessed you all in return.<br /><br />XOXOUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-79366739928811673732009-06-10T10:44:00.004-05:002009-12-03T11:13:17.547-06:00Dr. Jean Dodds recommended vaccine protocol<div><strong></strong> </div> <div><strong>Dr. W. Jean Dodds Latest Vaccination Schedule</strong> </div> <div> <hr style="color: rgb(209, 209, 225); background-color: rgb(209, 209, 225);" size="1"> </div> <div>Here is Dr. W. Jean Dodds' Latest Recommendation Vaccination Schedule for those of you who are interested.<br /><br /><a title="http://www.weim.net/emberweims/Vaccine.html" href="http://www.weim.net/emberweims/Vaccine.html" target="_blank"><span title="http://www.weim.net/emberweims/Vaccine.html" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 156);">http://www.weim.net/<wbr>emberweims/Vaccine.html</span></a><br /><br /><b><u>Dr. Jean Dodds' Recommended Vaccination Schedule </u></b><br /><br /><b>Distemper (MLV)</b><br /><i>Initial</i> (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy) 9 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 - 20 weeks<br /><i>1st Annual Booster</i> At 1 year MLV Distemper/ Parvovirus only<br /><span style="color:darkred;"><i>Re-Administration Interval</i> <b>None needed.</b></span><br /><b>Duration of immunity 7.5 / 15 years by studies. Probably lifetime.</b> Longer studies pending.<br /><i>Comments </i>Can have numerous side effects if given too young (<>Parvovirus (MLV)<br /><i>Initial</i> (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy) 9 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 - 20 weeks<br /><i>1st Annual Booster</i>At 1 year MLV Distemper/ Parvovirus only<br /><span style="color:darkred;"><i>Re-Administration Interval</i> <b>None needed.</b></span><br /><b>Duration of immunity 7.5 years by studies. Probably lifetime</b>. Longer studies pending.<br /><i>Comments </i>At 6 weeks of age, only 30% of puppies are protected but 100% are exposed to the virus at the vet clinic.<br /><br /><b>Rabies (killed) </b><br /><i>Initial</i> 24 weeks or older<br /><i>1st Annual Booster</i>At 1 year (give 3-4 weeks apart from Dist/Parvo booster) Killed 3 year rabies vaccine<br /><i>Re-Administration Interval</i> 3 yr. vaccine given as required by law in California (follow your state/provincial requirements) <span>[It's the same in WI]</span><br /><i>Comments </i>rabid animals may infect dogs.<br /><br /><b><u>Vaccines Not Recommended For Dogs </u></b><br /><br /><b>Distemper & Parvo @ 6 weeks or younger</b><br />Not recommended.<br />At this age, maternal antibodies form the mothers milk (colostrum) will neutralize the vaccine and only 30% for puppies will be protected. 100% will be exposed to the virus at the vet clinic.<br /><br /><b>Corona </b><br />Not recommended.<br />1.) Disease only affects dogs <6>Leptospirosis<br />Not recommended<br />1) There are an average of 12 cases reported annually in California.<br />2) Side effects common.<br />3) Most commonly used vaccine contains the wrong serovars. (There is no cross-protection of serovars) There is a new vaccine with 2 new serovars. Two vaccinations twice per year would be required for protection.).<br />4) Risk outweighs benefits.<br /><br /><b>Lyme</b><br />Not recommended<br />1) Low risk in California.<br />2) 85% of cases are in 9 New England states and Wisconsin.<span> [I still won't use this vaccine even though I live in WI]</span><br />3) Possible side effect of polyarthritis from whole cell bacterin.<br /><br /><b>Bor<span>d</span>etella</b><br />(Intranasal)<br />(killed) Only recommended 3 days prior to boarding when required.<br />Protects against 2 of the possible 8 causes of kennel cough.<br />Duration of immunity 6 months.<br /><br /><b>Giardia</b><br />Not recommended<br />Efficacy of vaccine unsubstantiated by independent studies<br /><br />There are two types of vaccines currently available to veterinarians: modified-live vaccines and inactivated ("killed") vaccines.<br /><br /><b>Immunization Schedules</b><br /><br />There is a great deal of controversy and confusion surrounding the appropriate immunization schedule, especially with the availability of modified-live vaccines and breeders who have experienced postvaccinal problems when using some of these vaccines. It is also important to not begin a vaccination program while maternal antibodies are still active and present in the puppy from the mother's colostrum. The maternal antibodies identify the vaccines as infectious organisms and destroy them before they can stimulate an immune response.<br /><br />Many breeders and owners have sought a safer immunization program.<br /><br /><b>Modified Live Vaccines (MLV)</b><br /><br />Modified-live vaccines contain a weakened strain of the disease causing agent. Weakening of the agent is typically accomplished by chemical means or by genetic engineering. These vaccines replicate within the host, thus increasing the amount of material available for provoking an immune response without inducing clinical illness. This provocation primes the immune system to mount a vigorous response if the disease causing agent is ever introduced to the animal. Further, the immunity provided by a modified-live vaccine develops rather swiftly and since they mimic infection with the actual disease agent, it provides the best immune response.<br /><br /><b>Inactivated Vaccines (Killed)</b><br /><br />Inactivated vaccines contain killed disease causing agents. Since the agent is killed, it is much more stable and has a longer shelf life, there is no possibility that they will revert to a virulent form, and they never spread from the vaccinated host to other animals. They are also safe for use in pregnant animals (a developing fetus may be susceptible to damage by some of the disease agents, even though attenuated, present in modified-live vaccines). Although more than a single dose of vaccine is always required and the duration of immunity is generally shorter, inactivated vaccines are regaining importance in this age of retrovirus and herpesvirus infections and concern about the safety of genetically modified microorganisms. Inactivated vaccines available for use in dogs include rabies, canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus, etc.<br /><br />W. Jean Dodds, DVM<br />HEMOPET<br />938 Stanford Street<br />Santa Monica, CA 90403<br />310/ 828-4804<br />fax: 310/ 828-8251<br /><br /><strong>Note:</strong> This schedule is the one I recommend and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It's a matter of professional judgment and choice. For breeds or families of dogs susceptible to or affected with immune dysfunction, immune-mediated disease, immune-reactions associated with vaccinations, or autoimmune endocrine disease (e.g., thyroiditis, Addison's or Cushing's disease, diabetes, etc.) the above protocol is recommended.<br /><br /><strong>After 1 year, annually measure serum antibody titers against specific canine infectious agents such as distemper and parvovirus. This is especially recommended for animals previously experiencing adverse vaccine reactions or breeds at higher risk for such reactions (e.g., Weimaraner, Akita, American Eskimo, Great Dane).</strong><br /><br />Another alternative to booster vaccinations is homeopathic nosodes. This option is considered an unconventional treatment that has not been scientifically proven to be efficacious. One controlled parvovirus nosode study did not adequately protect puppies under challenged conditions. However, data from Europe and clinical experience in North America support its use. If veterinarians choose to use homeopathic nosodes, their clients should be provided with an appropriate disclaimer and written informed consent should be obtained.<br /><br /><strong>I use only killed 3 year rabies vaccine for adults and give it separated from other vaccines by 3-4 weeks. In some states, they may be able to give titer test result in lieu of booster.<br /></strong><br />I do NOT use Bordetella, corona virus, leptospirosis or Lyme vaccines unless these diseases are endemic in the local area pr specific kennel. Furthermore, the currently licensed leptospira bacterins do not contain the serovars causing the majority of clinical leptospirosis today.<br /><br />I do NOT recommend vaccinating bitches during estrus, pregnancy or lactation.<br /><br /><strong>W. Jean Dodds, DVM<br />HEMOPET</strong> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-66021841063162661182008-11-12T11:14:00.003-06:002008-11-12T11:30:02.939-06:00Happy Birthday Mickey!!!Can you all believe that our little Mickey turns 5 years old today?? <span style="font-weight: bold;">5 YEARS OLD!<br /><br /></span>When we began all of this, I never thought he would still be here with me at 5, let alone still doing so well. I have met so many dog owners through this blog, and I am thankful every day that I was able to help so many of them. Unfortunately there have been some that lost the battle and that tears at my heart every time I look at my little boy. I know we are lucky.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/Misc%20dogs/?action=view&current=KarmaCollar3_10_08small.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/Misc%20dogs/KarmaCollar3_10_08small.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />What makes me most happy is that Mick is living proof that Wobblers and Spondylosis CAN be managed, your dog CAN live a relatively full life. Mickey runs, he jumps, he plays, he does long walks in the forest preserve. Of course he gets tired more quickly than his brother, but he's a trooper, and you can really tell he enjoys the hikes!<br /><br />Medically, I am not doing any supplements or pain meds right now. He VERY OCCASIONALLY gets 5 mg of Prednisone only when he's really wobbly. This seems to happen most during the summer and when his allergies are flaring up. He is still eating a raw diet, though now it is ground low-fat meats only due to his Pancreatitis. He also gets greens and starches mixed in to provide necessary fiber, that helps keep the Pancreatitis from flaring up.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>I massage his limbs and joints quite often, and we do stretches to keep everything limber. Mickey really enjoys this time together and will often bark from the "dog room" to let me know he's ready to be rubbed. :)<br /><br />Thanks to all who have followed us almost the last 3 years, and to all of you who pass on Mickey's story to others who are struggling with how to treat their dogs' wobblers. <br /><br />Enjoy the holidays!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-15565829054087283572008-02-25T18:19:00.005-06:002008-11-12T10:57:25.723-06:00Sending a shot out...A big HELLO to everyone, hope your 2008 is going well!<br /><br />Mickey is still plugging along, can you believe it's been almost 2 years since he had it's gold beads done???? He is still doing so well, I can't say there there's been a noticeable improvement in the last year, but more importantly he is stable and can get around quite well.<br /><br />Here's a pic of Mickey with his big brother Java, taken just this winter...<br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/Misc%20dogs/?action=view¤t=snowdogs2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/Misc%20dogs/snowdogs2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Thanks to all who have kept up with Mickey's progress! As always, please drop me a line and let me know how your babies are doing.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">A special shot out to my friend Anthony. ;)</span><br /><br />'til later!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-56015607848899732532007-07-31T21:15:00.001-05:002008-11-12T10:58:09.936-06:00Tribute to Tenchi....<a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/Misc%20dogs/?action=view¤t=tenchi3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/Misc%20dogs/tenchi3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-79608645808407382162007-06-29T09:53:00.001-05:002008-11-12T11:01:31.262-06:00It's almost July!Where is the year going??? It's almost July already, geesh.....<br /><br />Mickey is doing GREAT, allergies have been acting up a bit, but some days you can literally see the pollen and stuff floating through the air. It's been hot as hades here in Chicagoland, but finally the temp is starting to go down to a reasonable level. Today's going to be 78, now that's beautiful. The gold beads continue to do their magic, and I would have to say that Mickey moves better now than he has since he was a year old.<br /><br />I'd like to send good thoughts out to Christina and Fenway, Fenway is going on Monday to get gold beads for his spondylosis. Let us know how it goes Christina!<br /><br />The whole family is packing up next weekend for a trip to North Carolina, and on the way we're going to stop to see our friends Sherri, Taz, Cruiser, Spirit and Gus!!!! (Oh yeah, and Kevin, can't forget him :) ) Sherri and I have been friends for years now, but have never actually met in person, so this is really exciting for me! Turns out her house is about 1/2 way to our final destination, so we're going to stay overnite in her area. The drive is really too long to do in one day, the dogs would go crazy. <br /><br />The cabin/house we're staying at is in the Blue Ridge mountains in the northwestern part of the state. It's on a Christmas Tree farm, it looks like there will be tons of land to wander about. We also plan to do a lot of geocaching, and spend some time combing the local mines for interesting gems and rocks.<br /><br />I'm sure there will be LOTS of pics for me to post when we get back!<br /><br />That's all for now, I'd love to hear from some of my regular readers, drop me a note or leave a comment!<br /><br />Oh yeah, and I put links to Mickey and Java's Dogster pages at the bottom of the sidebar for anyone who is interested.<br /><br />Now, some pics:<br /><br />Mickey and my good friend Kristi, Mickey's hoping for a bite of her yummy pizza:<br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=mickeynkristi-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/mickeynkristi-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Java sitting in his favorite chair:<br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=Java25_31_07.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/Java25_31_07.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-79095094186688009302007-04-28T22:05:00.000-05:002007-04-28T22:20:43.016-05:00SadnessPlease everyone send good thoughts out to my friend Sherri who had to let her sweet Bella cross the bridge on Friday. Bella just had the Gold Bead procedure done by Dr. Durkes a few weeks ago, and the beads at first really seemed to be helping her. What they didn't know, was that Bella had another much more serious health condition, one that would a much greater effect on her well-being.<br /><br />Bella took a turn for the worse a week or so after the procedure, and her Mom and Dad took her to see Dr. Durkes on Friday to see what he could do to help. The weight Bella had lost the past few weeks alarmed everyone, and when the neck brace came off they realized there was a much more serious issue. Bella seemed to have a form of Muscular Dystrophy that had reduced her muscle mass and was obviously causing Bella's distress.<br /><br />Sherri and Troy then made the loving and courageous decision to ease Bella's suffering and send her over the bridge where she would feel no more sickness. She is SO blessed to have parents that were willing to follow through on her care, but more importantly know when it was time to let go.<br /><br />My heart goes out to you and your family Sherri, your grace in handling this situation has been a great example for me.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-68788215597814221102007-04-19T12:50:00.000-05:002007-04-19T13:09:00.655-05:00Weird stuff...I don't know why it seems the change in seasons can be so weird on dogs. A couple of weeks ago Mickey pooped ONCE in a week and a half!!! Don't worry, we went to the vet, did full blood panel and physical exam. The vet wasn't concerned because he was still eating, drinking and not vomiting. Well, all of a sudden he pooped like six times in 48 hours, hallelujah!<br /><br />Mick's also been unusually unstable on his feet the last few days. I can't think of any obvious reason for this change, but my suspicion is that it is somehow allergy related. He's been itchier than normal too, and allergies are basically inflammation. Inflammation is bad for arthritis and wobblers. Are you following me? :) So I'll just give him a small dose of prednisone every few days and keep my fingers crossed that this will pass.<br /><br />Poor Java has come up with some weird spasm in his right neck/shoulder/arm area. I'm HOPING it's not seizures, but just a minor irritation of the nerves. So now I have to take him for x-rays, and he's never been under anestesia, so I need to find a place with the patience to try without that. :( I'm going to try the <a href="http://www.vetspecialty.com/">Veterinary Specialty Center</a>, they somehow managed to do films of Mickey's spine without sedating him.<br /><br />So that's all for now, happy spring everyone!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-63875257176490310072007-04-16T23:25:00.001-05:002008-11-12T11:02:49.989-06:00Something to warm your heart!I am so incredibly lucky to have two boys that simply adore each other 98% of the time (everyone has a bad day once in a while!). Last Saturday I snapped this picture of Mickey and Java sharing the same patch of sun in our 3-season room.<br /><br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=sunbath.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/sunbath.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-12992214832006379062007-04-16T09:34:00.000-05:002007-04-16T11:34:08.189-05:00Sounding off about the pet food recall.... (Long, but worth the read)When Mickey started getting sick as a puppy, I did research trying to figure out WHAT in his environment I could change to improve his overall health. There were two factors that really stood out, vaccinations and diet. I will post more on the subject of vaccines later, what I would like to concentrate on today is diet.<br /><br />I have been closely following the recent pet food debacle that has resulted in the chronic illness and death of many beloved furry family members. This whole thing just breaks my heart, I am thankful that I switched Java and Mickey to a raw meat diet years ago. After researching canine diet and dog food ingredients, I decided that there was really no way to control exactly what was going into my dog's body by feeding kibble. I didn't want him eating grains, many experts suspect that grains cause inflammation and contribute to the propensity for cancer. Obviously I wasn't interested in his eating chemicals. Even the supplements added to kibble are only there because cooking the meat has changed the composition of the meat, such that the ingredients beneficial to your dog must be added back in.<br /><br />I am not naive enough to think that most pet owners even bother to read the ingredient list on the food they buy, if they did brands like Alpo and Science Diet wouldn't even exist.<br /><br />Please read the below rebuttal to the pet food industry's response in the senate hearings regarding the recall:<br /><br /><em><strong>Rebuttal to Pet Food Industry Response to Hearings Held April 12, 2007<br />Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins DVM<br />All About Cats Clinic<br />Yorba Linda, California</strong></em><br /><br />Today, April 13, 2007, the pet food industry has issued a broadly published statement and Q & A to counter testimony and questioning that occurred yesterday in Washington DC before the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee investigating the recent pet food contamination recalls. Much of what has been published is incorrect and the industry’s way of trying to do damage control. The following is the text of the industry’s message and my rebuttals to that message: (pet food statements are in italics, my rebuttal in bold):<br /><br /><em>The pet food industry remains a partner in the investigation with the FDA and has cooperated with state and federal regulators since evidence leading to the recall first surfaced. The industry will continue cooperate fully with any other official investigations relating to this incident.</em><br /><em><br />The FDA’s investigation is ongoing and has not reached any conclusions about how any foreign substances entered the process. I think it’s presumptuous to additional regulatory measures at this time. Only when we have this information can we make an accurate and informed decision.</em><br /><strong><br />The industry representative insisted that the industry is cooperating fully in this investigation, yet when asked how long it had taken Menu Foods to report to the FDA about the toxins in their food, he admitted that he did not know. The time to report, which is well documented at 3 weeks, would have been something he would have known had the industry been fully involved and cooperating with this investigation. The industry wants this to go away, not be fully investigated so that better quality control measures can be implemented.</strong><br /><em><br />How Pet Foods Are Regulated<br />Pet foods are one of the most highly regulated food products. They are required by law to provide on their labels more information than most human foods. State departments of agriculture provide standards and enforcement policies for regulation of manufacture of pet foods resulting in safe foods. Ingredients in pet food must be acceptable to state authorities. In the March 23 press conference Sundlof also stated that regulation of pet foods is the same as human foods.</em><br /><br /><strong>Pet foods are far from regulated as human foods are. 4D meat (meat from dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals) CANNOT be used for human food, but it CAN be used in pet foods and is used routinely by at least some manufacturers. Other ingredients that would not be allowed in human foods, such as rendered tissues, are allowed in pet foods. Further, human food health claims are very difficult for human food makers to get. Virtually ALL pet foods contain unsubstantiated claims for safety, completeness and balance that NO HUMAN FOOD in the world would ever be able to get. <br /><br />While some pet foods are likely to be adequate food for pets, many are not, yet there is no testing done to differentiate the good from the bad in this self-regulated industry. FDA has delegated the responsibility of pet food regulation to an association known as AAFCO. AAFCO itself ADMITS it has NO regulatory AUTHORITY or enforcement capabilities, so although there are several layers of APPARENT regulation, there is actually no regulation of pet foods today.</strong><br /><em><br />Pet food manufacturers are responsible for producing safe products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and state governments provide the rules, guidance and oversight under which safe pet food is produced. FDA requires pet food to be wholesome, contain no harmful or deleterious substances, and to be truthfully labeled.</em><br /><strong><br />Yes, pet food companies are responsible for producing safe products, and they have failed many times in the past, at least 3 times in the past 18 months. To say they are responsible for doing something is quite different from saying they are ACTUALLY doing it. The facts speak for themselves on this point. The pet food industry has breached the FDA’s mandate of them because they are self-regulated!</strong><br /><em><br />How Ingredients and Finished Pet Foods Are Tested<br />Pet food ingredients undergo significant testing for safety and quality assurance including screening for mycotoxins (including aflatoxin), bacteria (including Salmonella and E.Coli) and nutrient content. Furthermore the finished product is analyzed to ensure appropriate nutrient levels, evaluating protein (including 11 amino acids), fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.</em><br /><strong><br />This is an untruth. Many if not most pet food ingredients undergo no testing whatsoever. If this statement were true, we would not have repeated pet food aflatoxin toxicity problems as we do. We also would not have had a recent and very serious toxicity problem in a major pet food from excess Vitamin D supplementation. This statement merely describes what is SUPPOSED to happen, not what really DOES happen. The facts speak for themselves.</strong><br /><em><br />A Consumer's Guide to Pet Food: Valuable Information for Pet Owners<br />Veterinarians agree that pets are living longer, healthier lives since the use of commercially prepared pet foods became widespread. Decades of research have gone into the development of pet food to make sure the special nutrition needs of pet dogs and cats are met.</em><br /><strong><br />Veterinarians DO NOT agree about this, they can’t, it is totally unproven. Evidence about changes in the life span of pets over the past several decades is sparse, and no scientist would dare draw the conclusion that pets today live longer on average than pets 30-40 years ago because of commercial pet foods, for example. What does seem clear is that today’s indoor pets live much longer than those that live outdoors. The evidence for this conclusion is strong.<br /><br />Those who would give commercial pet food even partial credit for this increase in life expectancy in the indoor pet, however, have absolutely no evidence to back up this conclusion. There are many factors that affect the life span of pet animals under indoor and outdoor circumstances. Indoor pets are more protected from death due to automobiles and predators, they are more protected from exposure to infectious disease and often receive more medial care than outdoor pets, to name just a few of the important differences between these two groups. It is easy to sweep commercial food consumption right along with all of these other factors as contributing to longer life in today’s pets. Unfortunately for this particular factor, there is no reason to believe it has anything to do with the longer life of house pets. Let’s look at an analogy to understand how this might be so.<br /><br />Humans in the US enjoy longer life expectancy today than they did fifty years ago. During those decades of improving average life span, those same people have consumed ever-increasing amounts of fat-laden, sugary, carbohydrate-rich “fast” food and other types of over-processed “convenience” foods. We are far more obese today than in decades past, and human nutritionists nag us endlessly about changing our diets to include better quality, fresh whole foods. <br /><br />Imagine anyone believing that this increasing consumption of highly processed “fast” foods and increasing obesity is the reason, or even makes a positive contribution to our increasing life spans! We are living longer in spite of our diets, not because of them. Many other factors, such as less tobacco smoking, the use of seatbelts, better prenatal and postnatal care, and astonishing high-tech medical advancements for defeating disease and injury account for our increasing life spans. Our convenience-oriented diets are actually working against longer life, but cannot defeat all of these other strong protective factors in our lives.<br /><br />So it is with our pets. When they live indoors, they live longer than if they lived outdoors, but commercial foods likely have no part in adding those extra years. Like our own “overprocessed” diets, they may even be depriving our pets of even greater health and longevity. If you hear anyone make the flat statement that pets are living longer BECAUSE of commercial foods, demand to see the scientific data for that statement!</strong><br /><br /><em>Question<br />What does "complete and balanced" mean?</em><br /><em><br />Answer<br />Unlike most foods for people, many pet food products are designed to be the sole source of nutrition for a pet dog or cat. Products that are labeled "complete and balanced," as defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), have been tested to make sure they meet the complex nutritional requirements of a healthy dog or cat.</em><br /><br /><strong>No, they have NOT been tested to make sure they meet the requirements of healthy pets! Only a very few “sample” diets have even been tested on any animals for even 6 months. Considering that cats have a natural lifespan of 20 years or more, and dogs can live 10-20 years depending on breed, 6 months is NOT long enough and 6 animals is not anywhere close to a statistically valid number to even prove a 6 month claim. This is one of the most serious and most misleading of the untruths that pet food companies make about their foods.</strong><br /><br /><em>Question<br />What does it mean on a pet food label that a product has been tested using animal feeding trials?<br /><br />Answer<br />There are two ways a pet food company can test the nutrition of its products. One method is the use of standardized animal feeding trials, designed by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), to make sure their products meet the complex nutritional requirements of dogs and cats. The animals in these tests are fed the food for six months and are closely monitored to make sure they stay healthy. A product using this test will have language similar to the following on the label - "Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that Nancy's Food for Dogs provides complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages."</em><br /><br /><strong>This is almost a completely truthful answer, because it admits that this “study” only last six months. This answer omits two important factors: there are only a handful of animals tested, and only a few sample diets are even tested on those few animals for those few months.</strong><br /><br /><em>Question<br />Are fillers used in pet food?<br /><br />Answer<br />Every ingredient used in pet food is there for a reason. Decades of research have gone into making pet foods that meet the nutritional needs of dogs and cats. The makers of pet food do not put in anything that's not needed.</em><br /><br /><strong>There is almost no research on any pet food anywhere that can be considered scientific by any genuine scientist. Whether reused vegetable oil and rendered animal scraps and wood cellulose is “needed” by any dog or cat is very highly questionable by intelligent and well trained experts. The cat has absolutely no need for carbohydrates, for example, yet all dry cat food has PLENTY of this cheap ingredient that is required for dry food processing. Further, the acids that pet food companies put into “urinary tract diets” can and do even cause other diseases, proving that those acidifiers are not only not needed, but are even harmful to many cats. Pet food companies absolutely DO put things in pet food that are not needed and that can even cause harm.</strong><br /><br /><em>Question<br />What is ingredient "splitting?"<br /><br />Answer<br />Some people incorrectly believe pet food makers split up ingredients to give the illusion that some ingredients are at higher concentrations than others. Pet food makers are required to carefully label their products according to stringent government regulations. Just as the case with food for people, pet foods must clearly state what ingredients are included in the product. Each ingredient in pet food is there for a reason and to serve a nutritional purpose.</em><br /><br /><strong>The "stringent" ingredient regulations have been developed by the industry in concert with AAFCO. AAFCO has no real authority over the pet food companies, and goes along with the desires of an industry that, by the admission of the FDA, is a good way for by-products of American agriculture to “dispose” of those by-products of agriculture that are not fit for or undesirable for humans to eat. Many ingredients in pet food serve no nutritional purpose in our pets, but keep farmers and ranchers from having to throw them away.<br /><br />An example of ingredients splitting: Pet food companies who wish to disguise the amount of cereals in their products will list several different cereals in stead of using just one (not top quality cereals either) so that what meat IS in their products will legally be listed as the one of the first ingredients. In many, if not most of these foods, cereal actually makes up the majority of the food, but consumers see “chicken” as one of the top 2-3 ingredients and think that chicken is a predominant component of the food. This is “smoke and mirrors.”<br /><br />The regulations may demand that the ingredients be listed in order of predominance, but there is NO prohibition against the sleight of hand described in this example.<br /><br />The pet food industry is an ineffectively regulated 15 billion dollar industry that produces everything your pet eats, day in day out. This should make you want to know a lot more about what is going into those cans and bags, and into your pet!</strong><br /><br />The only way to guarantee what goes into your dogs system is to feed it a species appropriate diet of raw meat, bones and organs. The approximate ratio is 80%, 10%, 10% respectively. It's easy, not very time consuming, and if you shop around, it shouldn't cost more than a premium pet food.<br /><br />Anyone interested in feeding a raw diet can find an immense amount of information on the internet.<br /><br />I would suggest starting with <a href="http://www.rawmeatybones.com/">Tom Lonsdale's</a> web page and the books he has authored. Tom is straight and to the point.<br /><br />There are also many discussion boards out there for those looking for advice or a mentor. <a href="http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/RawMeatyBones/?yguid=157349044">RawMeatyBones</a> is a good one.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-41458131956039058512007-03-29T10:50:00.000-05:002007-03-29T10:52:37.675-05:00Template TroublesI know a lot of you have had troubles viewing Mickey's blog, so apparently just reloading the template has fixed the problem.<br /><br />PLEASE, if anyone is seeing weird things, contact me at Mickeysgoldbeads @ gmail . com (take the spaces out).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-83759606840156267432007-03-29T10:17:00.000-05:002007-03-29T10:50:19.472-05:00It's been a year already!I can't believe it's already been a year since Mickey's Gold Bead procedure. The best part is, that through this whole experience I have been given the ability to help others who's danes are afflicted with Wobblers. <br /><br />Just this morning, I received a call from an ecstatic dane owner who took their baby to see Dr. Durkes just last week. I believe Bella is about 5 years old, and was experiencing serious instability and restricted movement in her right hind leg. According to Bella's Mom, when they picked her up after the procedure, she already had increased movement in that leg.<br /><br />There is no other way I would want to start my day than snooze while I snuggle with my boys, and get a phone call from yet another one of Dr. Durkes' success stories.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-38958553245087933282007-02-19T09:36:00.000-06:002007-02-19T09:41:41.823-06:00General UpdateHi All! <br /><br />Mickey is doing very well, it seems like even almost a year after the procedure he continues to improve.<br /><br />I have some sad news, I just found out through Mickey's breeder that his brother Quinn was put down recently due to Wobblers. This makes me sad on so many levels, and while I could sit here and talk about the could've should've side of the story, what's done is done. RIP little guy.<br /><br />I added a link to the right for a site called "DMOZ Open Directory Project". Mickey's site is listed there, and within the directory you will find links to just about any subject imaginable. Each site is reviewed for quality, content and legitimacy before it is listed, so you won't find a bunch of junk like if you did a google search for something. Check it out!<br /><br />Lastly, I've been in touch with another Wobblers mom. Her name is Sunny, and she just had gold beads done on her 7-year old dane Kavi. Kavi was completely immobile, and had to be carried to go outside. The last time I spoke to Sunny, just one week after the procedure Kavi was already learning to stand on his own again. Mickey's site and my testimony were the catalysts for Sunny taking Kavi to Dr. Durkes, and it's stories like this that make this whole thing meaningful. I am so lucky to be able to help others out with my experiences!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-34959590964849313492006-12-20T09:48:00.000-06:002006-12-21T09:59:20.207-06:00Happy Holidays<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Mickey continues to do SO well. We are actually having problems with allergies more than anything this year, probably because it's been warmer than usual. When it snows and everything is thoroughly frozen he's definitely happiest.<br /><br />It's been about 8 months since the Gold Bead procedure, can you believe it? I couldn't be happier with the results. It's funny, I still haven't stopped watching him like a hawk, waiting for that too-good-to-be-true moment and for him to regress back to where he was. I worry that something else will go out in his body, something I won't be able to fix. It's so crazy for me to think that way, but it's almost like I don't want to let my guard down for fear of being devastated again. There just isn't anything rational about loving these guys.<br /><br />But it's the holidays, so I should be thinking happy thoughts. For one, I am forever grateful for those of you out there who have stuck by Mickey and me throughout this extremely difficult ordeal. It's such a cliche, but during these last few months it has become abundantly clear that I am blessed with some truly incredible friends. People whom I have never even met in person have offered their love and support, whether we needed it right then or not, and no matter how unpleasant or tough the situation has been, you were always right there.<br /><br />To me, a person's ability to be so incredibly generous with their time a spirit is the ultimate measure of their integrity and humanity. It's so easy to withdraw, not that I look down on those who do. Standing tall for yourself is difficult enough, to do it for others is only for the truly strong. If I have learned anything this year, it's understanding even further the kind of person I want to be, and the kind of people I want to surround myself with. I am not an easy person to stick by, I know that. I can be thick-headed, insensitive, selfish and downright bitchy, but please don't ever doubt that I wouldn't be there for any of you in a heartbeat. It doesn't take much to get me to pull my head out of my ass, a gentle nudge will do. :)<br /><br />So to all of you out there, have a <span style="color:#33cc00;">Merry</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">Christmas</span>, a <span style="color:#000099;">Happy</span> <span style="color:#ffff00;">New</span> <span style="color:#333399;">Year</span>, and <span style="color:#ffcc00;">Cheers </span>to those of you who celebrate other things. 2007 is going to be an incredible year, I can feel it!<br /></span><br /><div style="width: 280px; text-align: left;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w54.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/christmas/1166301228.pbw" height="360" width="280"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/getyourown.gif" style="border-width: 0;" vspace="1"></a></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The Boy's Aunt Kristi sent some presents to us, this is Mickey playing with his favorite of the bunch.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-15850573094552568912006-11-27T10:38:00.001-06:002008-11-12T11:05:06.882-06:00Mick LOVES his Auntie Mandi!!!!Mickey and Java finally got to meet my bff Mandi this weekend. I cannot believe how much Mick adored her!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=micknmandi2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/micknmandi2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Nothing like being pinned to the couch forced to endure Great Dane kisses! :)<br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=Mickeykisses2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/Mickeykisses2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-43759087201117405262006-11-13T10:46:00.001-06:002008-11-12T11:06:52.155-06:00More Pictures!<a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=portraitJava.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/portraitJava.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=yagotme.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/yagotme.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=mickmick.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/mickmick.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-43323434046505616182006-11-13T10:28:00.001-06:002008-11-12T11:08:11.864-06:00Pictures!!!!Here are some pictures I took this weekend on our walk....<br /><br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=walkies4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/walkies4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=walkies3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/walkies3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=walkies1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/walkies1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=walkies2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/walkies2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-78123214543085907562006-11-13T10:11:00.000-06:002006-11-13T10:27:46.835-06:00Happy Birthday Mickey!I'm a day late, but yesterday my baby boy turned three years old. <br /><br />I am so proud of him for hanging in there, and making it this far. <br /><br /><em>Buddy, I know life has been tough for you, and I know there has been a lot of pain. But your dad and I love you more than anything, and we appreciate that you always had a tail wag and a kiss for us, no matter how bad you were feeling. I love you Mickerson, so much it makes my eyes tear and my heart swell. Thank you baby boy for hanging on, and trusting that I was doing the right thing. Now I see you running and jumping and doing all the things I never thought you'd be doing at three, and I thank my lucky stars that you are here with me.<br /><br />Happy Birthday Mickey!!!!<br /><br />Love, <br />Mom, Dad and Java </em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-26599815210801065492006-11-07T09:13:00.001-06:002006-11-07T09:13:46.295-06:00Warm Fuzzy<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/p.swf?video_id=vr3x_RRJdd4&j">FREE HUGS</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-76910566208194054332006-10-19T09:04:00.001-05:002008-11-12T11:09:40.293-06:00October UpdateHi Everyone! Thank you all so much for your patience waiting for updates on Mickey, work has been horribly busy and in this case, no news is GREAT news! Mick is doing incredibly well, some days it blows my mind to watch him move. Here's a video of him going down the stairs, I swear 6 months ago he absolutely could NOT do this:<br /><br /><embed style="width:400px; height:326px;" id="VideoPlayback" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=522346119411304707&hl=en"> </embed><br /><br />The first half is sideways, just tilt your head to the left. :) The second half of the video is Mick ignoring my attempts to get him to say "hello" to all of you...<br /><br />I started Mickey on a new supplement called <a href="http://www.doggonepain.com">Dog-Gone Pain (DGP)</a> four days ago, and I swear to you I am already seeing improvement in his movement! In addition to Wobblers, Mickey has severe Spondylosis (osteoarthritis) in his back, which I imagine causes him a lot of discomfort. DGP is a herbal supplement designed to reduce pain and support healthy joints. Here's a list of the ingredients:<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong> 600mg per chewable is a proprietary blend of Feverfew, Celery Seed, Wheatgrass, Boswelia, Bromelain, Papain, Corydalis Root, Cayenne, Turmeric, Shark Cartilage and a Proprietary Blend of Native Australian Herbs.<br /><br /><strong>Dog-Gone Pain contains the following:</strong><br />Feverfew: Anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.<br />Celery Seed: All-around calmative and anti-inflammatory. Mild diuretic.<br />Boswellia: Strong anti-inflamatory and analgesic.<br />Bromelain & Papain: Digestive aids.<br />Corydalis: Tonic for the circulatory system.<br />Cayenne: For gastrointestinal health.<br />Wheatgrass: Rich in nutrients and minerals.<br />Turmeric: Potent anti-inflammatory and digestive aid.<br />Shark Cartilage: An excellent dietary source of chondroitin sulfate and other glycoaminoglycans that rebuild cartilage.<br />Other ingredients: Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc and other bone building minerals; a Proprietary Blend of Native Australian Herbs. <br /><br /><em>Precautions and Warnings:<br />If your dog is already on medication, discuss using DGP with your vet before using. The enzymes it contains have the potential for altering the rate of absorption of medications, such as antibiotics, anticoagulants, and NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs). Also several ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties that could possibly enhance the blood thinning properties of anticoagulant drugs. And keep out of reach of children.<br />DGP is produced under the strictest pharmaceutical guidelines at an Australian government-approved facility. Batch-to-batch bioassays guarantee consistency and effectiveness.</em><br /><br />In the last few days, he has started fully stretching out his body while standing, whereas before he would stretch, but never this far. His overall demeanor has improved, he's normally a goofy boy, but he's definitely even more so now. And when he takes off to run, I used to see a pause where he seem to gather himself before moving, yesterday he took off after Java and there was no pause or hesitation.<br /><br />It seems way too soon for me to be seeing this great of a benefit, but I hope and pray that what I am seeing sticks around. Whether it be the DGP, or the gold beads continuing to do their job, I don't know, but I don't plan to stop giving the DGP any time soon.<br /><br />And lastly, here's one of my new favorite pictures of Mickey and Java:<br /><br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=octoberboys.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/octoberboys.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-29829566802748663522006-09-15T12:10:00.001-05:002008-11-12T11:11:12.276-06:00How handsome is he???I took these pics this morning of Mickey and thought they were stunning, so I had to share!<br /><br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=Handsome2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/Handsome2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/?action=view¤t=Handsome-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g81/ec1659/moved/Handsome-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-31413786560535018022006-09-08T11:23:00.000-05:002006-09-08T12:51:08.107-05:00I'm a bad BAD Blogger!!!Boy, it's been a looooooong time since I have posted any updates! It was brought to my attention that people don't want to ask about Mickey because they're afraid something bad has happened. <br /><br />He's doing VERY well, I swear!<br /><br />He's now doing the stairs every day, and not just sliding down them, but actually walking down them.<br /><br />I will take some pictures soon and post them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-1152582067975130672006-07-10T20:32:00.000-05:002006-08-03T23:00:26.166-05:00Back on PredMickey had a bit of a setback on Saturday, he got really wobbly after his weekend walk in the field and was slipping on the floors a bit. I gave him 5 mg of pred on Sat PM with dinner, another 5 mg Sunday AM, and then 5 mg tonight with dinner. He's doing great again!<br /><br />I wish I could think of some event that may have caused this, but I can't. I'll probably finish out the week giving him pred every day and a half and see how he does next weekend. If he regresses again I'll put the neck wrap on for a week or two.<br /><br />I guess it's like anything else, there are good days and bad days.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24625475.post-1152409105182760862006-07-08T20:37:00.000-05:002006-07-08T20:41:59.580-05:00Response to TeresaTeresa, I got your note and tried to respond, but it bounced back as undeliverable. :(<br /><br />Here is my response, I hope it gets to you...<br /><br /><em>Hi Teresa! I'm so glad you found Mickey's blog, I had created it because I myself was so frustrated with the lack of "real life" information out there. :)<br /> <br />Now I have NO veterinary experience, so I am giving you advice based purely on my own research and observations.<br /> <br />From the information you gave me, I would guess your girl has either Wobblers or has had a minor stroke. It is unusual for a dane to get Wobblers so late in age, but certainly not unheard of.<br /> <br />The first thing I would do is contact Dr. Terry Durkes, he has probably seen more Wobblers dogs than any other vet. I can't find his e-mail, except for an outdated one on the web, but here is his phone #: (765) 664-0734<br /> <br />Dr. Durkes would be able to refer you to someone in your area who could help diagnose and treat your dane if indeed she does have Wobblers.<br /> <br />I will be thinking healing thoughts for your girl, please keep in touch and let me know if you get a hold of Dr. Durkes. He is a wonderful man, I think you will be quite pleased.<br /> <br />Best Wishes,<br />Ericka - Mickey's Mom</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0