Prayers for Hanky

[smurfalicious]

I took my Australian Shepherd, Hank, in to work with me today. He was chilling in the back room with me when all of a sudden he crashed into something. I turned and saw him flip/roll over a few types while yelping bloody murder. I got him calmed down and then realized that he wasn't able to stand up. He was panicky and drug himself around by his front legs. Nothing in my dog mommy life was as painful to watch as that pathetic display.

A coworker came back and I asked him to call our manager so I could tell her what was going on, and that I'd be leaving. Someone called a few vets to see if anyone could get him in. By the time we found someone he was making a pathetic effort to stand. I carted him out to the truck, and set him down while I opened the door. Always one for a ride he tried twice to dive into the truck and my heart broke again.

At the vet's office they sedated him and took x-rays. Turns out he has two vertebra that at some point were fused together by arthritis and when he fell and went boom that fusion snapped apart. They gave him steroid shots and some laser treatment to get vertebra to heal. $550 later I called my mom through teary eyes to borrow the money as my meager savings were depleted when I got fired.

I feel awful! Poor guy is still looking all hunch backed and I have to give him ace to keep him quiet. The worst part is my other dog Lucky who is usually very intuitive to pain and illness in people is being a pushy jerk to him. The vet wants to do more laser treatments but right now with my crappy hours at work I have to see what kind of money I pull down at the bar.

I can't stop crying, I feel terrible. Someone once told me dogs don't feel sorry for themselves, and that is so true of Hank. He's being so stalwart. Nope, it's just me feeling sorry for myself. My mom hinted at putting him down if I have to keep doing the laser treatments, but I can't. He's my buddy. When no one else wanted to go for mountain bike rides, Hank did. When a breakup left me sleeping alone in a cold bed, Hank was there to cuddle. I couldn't go on right now if I didn't have a bratty little boy demanding I scratch his butt.

So keep Hank in your thoughts and prayers for me. He's my strength in this tough part of my life and if it means selling my bike, camera gear, DVD collection, whatever, I will make sure he's taken care of. He's my fur baby, and anyone who tells me I won't understand until I have "real kids" should see how red, puffy, and teary eyed I am right now.

[salsabike]

I would do all that too, Smurf, until it didn't work for him anymore--sell everything, do whatever it took.

About Lucky--any chance you could rent a big kennel and let Hank hang out in it in the house so he gets some peace? I am not a dog person, don't know much, but my dog-loving buddies say dogs don't mind that kind of thing...

[lph]

Oh smurf, I'm so sorry :( Lots of hugs to Hank and wishing you both good luck!

[crazycanuck]

:( Poor doggie :(

I hope his health improves soon!

I understand what our furry friends mean to us! Your doggie will love you for all that you do for him!

C

[OakLeaf]

(((((Hank & Smurf))))) Praying for both of you.

[Velobambina]

Sending lots of good karma yours and Hank's way. Kisses, too, from my golden retriever girls.

[DebG]

Sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way. It's so hard when our fur kids are in pain, you just want to hug and kiss them and make it go away. I hope that Hank will recover quickly.

[Becky]

You, Hank, and Lucky are all in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted on Hank's condition, and let your TE family know if there's anything that we can do to help.

[sbctwin]

{{{{{Smurf and Hank}}}}} I will keep you in my prayers...

[makbike]

smurf please contact some of your local rescue organizations. They often have funds set aside to help pet owners in an emergency.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your buddy!

[NoNo]

Oh, poor Hank:( Wishing him a very speedy recovery and you some peace in this rough stretch in your life. xx

[fastdogs]

prayers for fast healing for hank.
There's lots of modalities out there for pain management and healing- if the laser is cost prohibitive, ask for something else. Laser is great, but there is acupuncture (probably just as expensive as laser and requires multiple treatments), alpha stim treatments (renting a unit to do it at home), underwater treadmill for therapy, chiropractic, massage. Many of the therapies you can do at home. For now, pain management is key.
keep us posted.
vickie

[roadie gal]

My prayers go out to you and Hank.

Talk to the vet about payment plans and other modalities. They should work with you to do the best for Hank.

[LBTC]

Oh, smurf! I've got tears in my eyes - I know how awful it is to see our fur babies in pain, and still wanting to please. Sending big calm healing green butterflies to Hank, relaxing calm blue butterflies to Lucky to mellow out a bit, and every kind of butterfly to you to help you get through this, to find solutions, to not be worried, to feel the joy and love of Hank, and for the money you need to be found easily. It's not easy having your heart walking around on furry legs outside of your body, but it makes us all more human.

Hugs, too
~T~

[solobiker]

Positive energy heading your and Hank's way.

[Iris616]

Here's to a full recovery for Hank. My thoughts are with both of you.

[rij73]

Poor Hank! And poor you! I completely understand how you feel and would also make any necessary sacrifices for my Hudson.

Hang in there, and give him lots of love. He'll be okay. :)

[Smilie]

Sending lots of good vibes to you and Hank. He IS your kid. Some people just don't understand.

[smilingcat]

Hi smurf,

You are doing the best you can and I wish Hank a speedy recovery. Many of us have been in a similar situation, so when you need to talk to get it off your shoulder, don't hesitate to write. Our thoughts are with you and your buddy Hank.

sincerely,
smilingcat

[BethG]

Hugs for you, and hugs for Hank.

I know where you're coming from: the fur-babies in my life have brought me more joy, and kept me out of more dark places, than I can count. That is very, very real, no matter what the insensitive clods of the world think or say.

More hugs for you, and more hugs for Hank.



About Lucky--any chance you could rent a big kennel and let Hank hang out in it in the house so he gets some peace? I am not a dog person, don't know much, but my dog-loving buddies say dogs don't mind that kind of thing...

I think this is a good idea if possible - it would not only give Hank some peace, but help him stay calm while his back heals. (and don't be too hard on Lucky - yes, dogs usually are very sensitive to pain, but she's probably also very aware that not only is Hank in pain, but Momma's upset. That can really rattle a dog, and I'm sure she's coping the best she can. You all are)

[andtckrtoo]

Oh big furry doggie hugs for you and for Hank! I have an Aussie, too, and know just what incredible dogs they are and I would, too, sell everything to keep my baby alive. Hank is definitely in my prayers! I hope the big guy comes out okay. Poor him and poor you. Keep us informed!!!

[Zen]

Smurf, there is an organization that helps dogs and their people in cases like this, I can't think of the exact acronym but it's something like MOM(?)

I'll find it.

Ah, here it is, IMOM (http://www.imom.org/)

There's a whole list of other organizations here (http://www.petandwildlife.com/dog-info/where-to-get-help-paying-vet-bills.html)

[smurfalicious]

Thank you all soooo much. I went to bed thinking healing thoughts about my boy and praying furiously for him. He looks worlds better this morning! Still taking it real easy but that's good. I'm gonna keep giving him half an ace to keep him mellow. Doc said he can have aspirin for pain relief and if that doesn't work I could come in for something harder. Honestly don't like giving critters a lot of pain killers for these type of injuries because often the pain killers make them forget the injury and act stupid.

I've been looking into financial aid for the laser treatment. I just don't know if it's necessary and the doctor couldn't really give me a good reason why we had to keep doing it. I got the feeling it was a new toy they wanted to play with. Without another expensive set of xrays I have no way of confirming anything is different. *sigh*

Hank is getting the bedroom to himself today. Lucky can run around the house and outside. I just got mad at her for stealing the dog bed from him, and pushing him around at meal time. Mebbe she's a bit jealous too that Hank gets all the attention right now. Who knows...

[Blueberry]

Hugs to you both.....

I've been there. It's hard. Let Hank guide you as to how much treatment and when.

CA

[fastdogs]

pain meds are essential for quicker healing. Without them, the dog cannot rest and heal as quickly.
The thinking on pain meds has changed- vets used to tell us not to give them, because then the dog would "move around too much". Pain studies tell us that animals will do what they have to do- they will move to get water and food, and will try as best they can to appear outwardly normal, but if they over do it, they will feel it just like we would.
The pain meds he'll get will enable him to be comfortable, they won't immobilize him or numb the sore area. Animals have an instinct to appear normal, regardless of pain or injury- this is more pronounced in prey species, but dogs are much the same. Their instinct is to not stand out from the pack as the weak one. With or without pain meds they feel like they should act normal. So they might as well put all their body's strength into healing, rather than dealing with pain and it's affects on the body and healing. The ace will sedate him, but the aspirin will help ease the pain so he can rest.
Sorry, this is a soapbox for me. Our pets no longer have to endure pain following surgical procedures or injuries. They can be comfortable and be able to rest without constant pain (that they would never let us know they are feeling).

It sounds like he's doing better, I hope he continues to improve.

I've had a couple of dogs that had spinal injuries- one had alpha stim treatments and underwater treadmill therapy, but both recovered- one fully and the other just some incoordination remaining. Neither had surgery.
vickie

[LoriO]

Sending lots of good thoughts for Hank. I'm also owned by an Aussie. They are tough dogs and it is amazing how well they can heal and the injuries they can survive from.

Harley, my aussie, was intentionally ran over by a pickup truck before we adopted him. He had a shattered hind leg, a broken sacrum and multiple other injuries. Today except for a limp in front from nerve damage and a paralyzed tail (yes, an aussie with a tail) you would never know what he went through.


I'm sure Hank will recover and be his old self soon.

P.s. A great supplement for arthritic dogs is Hylasport Canine made by Horsetech. www.horsetech.com I use it for Harley and it has done wonders for him. If you aren't sure if it will help or if he will eat it in his food, just ask the company if they can send you a sample. Their customer service is top notch and they will usually send a couple weeks worth of product so you can try it out before buying.

[nancielle]

Poor Hanky! :(

Chloe sends out her wishes for a speedy recovery

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb273/nancielle/Chloetoys-2-1-1.jpg


(Sorry 'bout the big honkin' border. Haven't figured out how to get rid of it.)

[short cut sally]

Smurf, HUGS to you and to Hanky. I had tears in my eyes reading the story..
When my cat (I know not the same) had to have emergency surgery they had at the clinic papers to fill out for a Vet VISA. Yep, just like a regular VISA credit card and is used the same way. They offered a 3 month grace period before they started racking on any finance charges, and mighty steep percentage rate at that...It is an option if all else fails..

[Pax]

Soft snuggles to Hank, hope he's feeling all better real soon.

[spindizzy]

Sending an ear scratch to Hank and a hug to you.

[Biker Jo]

Big hugs to you and Hank!

[Wahine]

Smurf!! That's a terrible thing to have to go through. I'm thinking of you and Hank and sending out lots of healing thoughts. As for the laser... we have one where I work, it's not clinically proven but it's also not harmful. Anecdotally I can say that it does seem to facilitate healing in some conditions, fractures being one of them. The inflammation seems to go down faster and range of motion increases more rapidly. But I have also seen it do absolutely nothing for some people. My advice, see how it goes without and if he doesn't continue to improve, think about going back in for another treatment. You should not have to commit to a series of treatments, you should be able to do it as needed.

[smurfalicious]

Home from work today and Hank is just dopey and lazy which I guess is good. He's awful quiet for the little acepromazine he's getting. Just half a 25mg pill before and after work. He seems a little confused and wobbly but I'd rather that because he is one bouncy boy under normal circumstances so resting is good.

I got him some aspirin in the interim because the vet couldn't bother to call me back about the pain killers until 6 or 7 hours after I called. Gee, thanks, not like my dog is hurting, it can so wait. Hopefully the aspirin helps a little because he is way swollen.

He has lost his appetite which is sad. I did sit down with him and keep shoveling wet food into his bowl. Hey, the little prince can be spoiled rotten for a few days, fine by me! It did break my heart when he only ate half of his favorite duck breast jerky treat.

I'm gonna talk to the vet in the morning when I get the pills and follow up and make sure he's doing okay. I also want to ask a little more about the whole laser thing. I don't think it will kill him to wait until Saturday or Monday, and I'd rather spare him the trouble of loading him in and out of my truck until he's had longer to heal.

Thanks again for the warm fuzzies, I need them, so does Hank.

[Deborajen]

Hope Hank is feeling better today - poor guy. We had a four-year-old Siberian Husky go through some awful stuff about ten years ago. He had lots of problems and one was a ruptured disk. He literally screamed in pain when that happened - it was horrible - so I know you're going through a nightmare.

I don't know if you've checked into this or the likelihood of it working, but have you contacted your state's veterinary school? When Han, our Husky, had a degenerative bone/joint problem with a leg and the local vets couldn't figure out what was going on with him, I contacted the veterinary school at Oklahoma State University and they expressed interest in his case and seeing him at their clinic. We never ended up taking him there because our vet in town ended up sending some biopsies to Kansas City and eventually to Boston and got some answers and a treatment plan. I don't know if vet schools have reduced cost, but as an educational facility and with government funding I would think they might - ? It couldn't hurt to check it out.

I do hope he's feeling better. Hugs and warm fuzzies from our group.

Deb

[ikkin]

oh! poor hanky! vibes to him and you!!!

[BethG]

Augie sends a get-well tennis ball:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d606b3127ccec4a3a43e05c400000040O00QcNGrJo4bsQe3nww/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/

(but he'll hold on to it until Hank's up for playing ;) )

I don't know if this will be helpful, but http://www.dogwise.com/forums/ has a health and wellness forum. Some of the posters there are quite knowledgeable. They might be able to help you sort through treatment options and/or point you to other places you can do research.

More hugs {{}}

[smurfalicious]

Augie sends a get-well tennis ball:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d606b3127ccec4a3a43e05c400000040O00QcNGrJo4bsQe3nww/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/

(but he'll hold on to it until Hank's up for playing ;) )

I don't know if this will be helpful, but http://www.dogwise.com/forums/ has a health and wellness forum. Some of the posters there are quite knowledgeable. They might be able to help you sort through treatment options and/or point you to other places you can do research.

More hugs {{}}

Awwwwh! He's so kyoot! Is he a blue heeler/mix? I love heelers, had a blue heeler/springer spaniel growing up that was a total nut case but we loved her.

Hank seems to be motoring on much better. Ace be damned he was going to show some enthusiasm when I got home tonight! He still only wants his wet food, such a spoiled brat. I'm gonna see if the Merrick rep will hook up some freebies in light of the situation.

I checked out that forum and hopefully will get some feedback on the laser in dogs. I read some posts and it sounds like conversations from the natural pet food store I work out. Good group of people.

Anyway, here are some pictures of Hank when he's his normal self.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g50/hillbillary/_DSC0007.jpg
Can't catch me! I'm the stinky cheese man!

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g50/hillbillary/_DSC0005.jpg
Oh neener neener, right over ya!

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g50/hillbillary/_DSC0002.jpg
Surrender to the cow dog stare!

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g50/hillbillary/_DSC0001.jpg
This is how I say "I love you."

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g50/hillbillary/012.jpg
Your campsite, I guards it.

[LoriO]

Aww, what a handsome boy!

[ibcycling]

Hank is gorgeous! I hope he recovers and is back to bouncing around (safely) soon.

Lora

[rij73]

Oh, Hank is a beauty! I hope everything turns out just fine for him and you. I can tell how much you love him... ;)

[BethG]

Awwwwh! He's so kyoot! Is he a blue heeler/mix? I love heelers, had a blue heeler/springer spaniel growing up that was a total nut case but we loved her.

yes, indeed - Augzilla is a blue heeler mix. We think the other half if Corgi (the kind with the tail) because he's rather low-slung. And he says "I love you" to his dog friends the same way Hanky does - unless their either a) puppies or b) very small dogs, in which case he lets them chew on HIM. It's really sweet to watch.

Good luck with the drug rep, I hope they cough up. Wish we could get rimadyl freebies. Our older dog Oliver (a keeshond) has arthritic knees and gets rimadyl daily. Speaking of, he has a hug for you:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7ce38b3127ccec23348386fb200000010O00QcNGrJo4bsQe3nww/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/


Glad to hear Hank seems more comfortable!

[Bad JuJu]

I'm just catching up with this event--been off the forums for a while. Cocoa and I are thinking strong, healing thoughts for Hank and you. I don't know what I wouldn't do to get the Coke-meister better if it became necessary. Hang in there!

[Aggie_Ama]

Good luck with the drug rep, I hope they cough up. Wish we could get rimadyl freebies. Our older dog Oliver (a keeshond) has arthritic knees and gets rimadyl daily. Speaking of, he has a hug for you:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7ce38b3127ccec23348386fb200000010O00QcNGrJo4bsQe3nww/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/


Glad to hear Hank seems more comfortable!

Threadjack- I love your Keeshie! I had a Keeshond/German Shepherd mix growing up named Blackie Bear, best dog ever. No dog has lived up to him yet and probably never will. We got him shortly after I turned 1 and he lived 12 years.

[sundial]

Smurf, I'm so sorry your boy is not feeling very well. Niki sends a kiss and we will keep you near in thought.

[nancielle]

Who's the interactive chew toy that Hank is playing with? :D

[Aggie_Ama]

Smurf- Any updates?

[LoriO]

Harley and Efan want to know how Hank is doing?

[smurfalicious]

Sorry guys, life has been nuts and I got caught in a vicious cycle of work/sleep/work and nothing else. Thanks to all your healing energy Hank is doing AMAZING!!! His back is totally normal looking and seems to think he needs to chase squirrels. He's still getting both pain meds and sedatives but I had to bump the ace way up because he's "pushing past" it. The vet said at this point he would seem a lot better but still need to stay quiet.

So good to see him returning to his normal Hank the Couchdog self. His appetite is coming back but the kindly Merrick sales rep is sending me free case coupons too so that will help out.

Now onto the business of paying mom back, ugh!

[DDH]

I'm just reading this, and am so glad to hear that he is doing better. I hope he continues to heal and do better.

My thoughts and prayers are still with you, for his complete healing and your peace of mind.

[Wahine]

Great news Smurf!! I'm so happy Hank is doing better.

[OakLeaf]

keeping the karma-meter pegged... thanks for the update.

[LBTC]

oh, yay! The butterflies are doing cartwheels and somersaults, they are so happy for Hank and you! And they are even more healing when they are happy! Keep us posted,
Hugs, too
~T~

[ibcycling]

Great to hear! Give Hank a scritch for me and tell him to take it easy. :D

[smurfalicious]

Who's the interactive chew toy that Hank is playing with? :D

Ha ha! That is absolutely priceless! I think when people ask at the store for interactive toys I'll tell them they are available at the humane society!

The chew toy is Lucky, she's a terrier mutt I got at the pound a few years before Hank. I went in looking for a Hank type dog, and all they had was a border collie puppy that was abused. We spent about half an hour trying to catch her in the kennel, and all the while Lucky was watching and following us in the next kennel as if to say, "Hey! Pick me!" Turns out she was there nearly three months and we hit it off immediately. She is totally defiant but I love her to bits.

Anyway, more good news from today. I was manning our booth at the Boulder Home Town Fair and we were right next to a chiropractor. He does laser treatment and yes, he works on dogs. He's running a special right now for $50 off the first visit so Hank is getting adjusted and lasered for $25!!! Hurray! Everything, everything, everything for a reason!

[andtckrtoo]

I'm so glad to hear he's doing better! Fate is interesting, isn't it? I'm happy to hear Hank will be getting some reduced cost laser treatments!! He looks so much Jimmy who sends big sloppy puppy kisses for fast healing...

Here's my boy while out hiking with us. I cannot even imagine how you felt when this happened - I would have been beside myself...

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1308/4836116/10006168/316876837.jpg

[LoriO]

Harley says that Hank is welcome to come on over and have a shot of JD with him. Says that will fix what ails him... ;) !

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/bunniboop/harleyjdbottle2.jpg

[bmccasland]

Glad to hear Hank is doing much better! Hope the chiropractor can help him even more.

And tell Harley to watch the JD intake, the morning after is no fun. A wee nip for medicinal purposes only...

[LoriO]

You mean like this??

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/bunniboop/harleyjdbottle.jpg

[LBTC]

'Cuda and Diva are sending lots of happy doggies hugs and kisses (yes, they do hug, too), and I"m sending butterflies and scratches.....

So glad you're finding some alternatives and that Hank is doing better. Life has a way of turning out.....

What's happening with your job?

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[jesvetmed]

Smurf: Just came off 3 nights work and found this thread. I'm sorry for what you and Hank had to go through. But am so glad things are going better! I agree with the pain control need in these guys. Also, if this ever occurs again, muscle relaxers can be a nice combo with pain meds to help them relax (you mentioned he was "hunched up" -- this helps them relax).

Fate is funny -- glad you found a way to get some treatments for him that are affordable and may help him. I have no experience with the laser treatments for this -- it's kind of new to our profession. Would love to hear your thoughts if you take him for the treatments.

Here's to Hank frolicking freely again soon! (OK.. not TOO soon!);)
Jes

[NoNo]

Awesome news! Ruthie raises a glass in honor of Hank.

[tangerinepuddle]

you got em. :)

[nancielle]

Glad to hear Hanky is doing better.

Chloe sends a scratch behind the ears...and one for Lucky too. :D

[LoriO]

LOL, is it me or do we have a lot of alcoholic pets here? :D

[snapdragen]

LOL, is it me or do we have a lot of alcoholic pets here? :D

Nah, my Chloe is a drug addict --- Rimadyl is her drug of choice, but she has to settle for glucosamine.

[NoNo]

LOL, is it me or do we have a lot of alcoholic pets here? :D

I try to limit her intake to once a week:p

[bmccasland]

When I was a teenager, we lived in Tucson, and had the obligitory pool in the back yard. Our dog, a schnauzer, would chase us from the side, back and forth as we'd swim laps. So Dad comes home, pops a beer, leaves it at one end, dives in to cool off, and begins to swim laps. Dog starts chasing him. At some point the dog knocks over the beer. BEER! And laps it up.

Next day, Dad does the same thing. Leaves open can of beer at one end. Begins to swim laps.... dog starts chasing him, then midway, does a quick reverse, runs over and knocks over and helps himself to the beer.

Dog with hangover is not a pretty sight. But he repeated this new trick until Dad learned his errant hand was not knocking over the beer, but his beloved dog! The rest of us thought it was hysterical.

Back to Hank.... How's the treatment going? Is he feeling better? Nala sends good cheer.

[smurfalicious]

Hank is doing awesome! A little too good if you ask me!!! I totally scored while working out booth at the Home Town Fair and got him laser/chiro treatment from the booth next us for $25!!!

I'm going to run the course of pain pills just to be safe but otherwise he's the same old goofball! He wants to chase squirrels and generally by an Aussie.

It feel so good to have my boy back! Now if I can get mom paid off so I can pine for a new bike!!!

[OakLeaf]

Oh that's great news! I'm so glad for you both!

[LoriO]

that is great that Hank is doing better. YOu just can't slow those Aussies down

[wildhawk]

Smurf: I am fairly new here and did not see your post until tonight - glad that your Hank is doing better! We have an adorable little Corgi (Darcy) that we have had since she was 8 weeks old. When she was 3, her symptoms were the same as Hanks- she went down suddenly and was in excruciating pain and could not walk. Unfortunately x-rays revealed a ruptured disc in her back. We had a very expensive emergency surgery to relieve the pressure against her spinal cord (she was paralyzed). Then began extensive rehab treatments - including lazer, water treadmill, electro-acupuncture - everything that there was - for 3 years. She has never regained her ability to walk - apparently the spinal cord was permanently scarred. She does have complete feeling everywhere - no paralysis and is so spunky and full of life!! One thing about disabled dogs - they do not realize that they are disabled. We help Darcy get around, have a wonderful vet who takes excellent care of her and she will soon have her custom made K9 cart to get around better. I can tell you that it is a blessing to have your pup up and walking again - much hugs to you and continued prayers for his recovery!!