Wobblers syndrome

[Big Dog]

Kelley,

I wish I had helpful words for you in this difficult time.

From your warm and thoughtful postings here I feel certain you did the best for Miah and that you've now eased her along the way once again.

At times like this I'm reminded how much it hurt to see Ansel pass and how much I miss him.

My best wishes are with you and your family.

Miah was blessed to be a part of your pack.

Craig

[Kelley]

Hi all, I cant express how nice it is to have so much support.  I thought i'd post more info on what happened.

On the week before I'd noticed she wasnt as energetic and although seemed happy enough, there was something wrong that I couldnt put my finger on, and then I noticed that she was passing blood when going to the toilet.

I left it a couple of days to see if it would clear up, as I knew it was a side affect of the medication, however it didnt stop and progressively got worse.  I also noticed she was becoming pale on her gums and they werent pinking up.

After 2 days of no improvement, I called the vet for advice.  He confirmed it was most likely the onset of the affects of long term use of a high dosage of steriod and that it was internal bleeding.  He agreed to come out to see her and after checking her over he agreed there was nothing more he could do.  He said he believed she wasnt in any pain, however it was most likely that the bleeding would not stop and that some was being retained internally so it looked lesser than it was, which also explained the reason for her tiredness.  From this I decided I couldnt leave her any longer, and from the many conversations I'd had with K9, I knew Miah's quality of life was going to go down hill and I couldnt do it to her, I wanted her to go at a stage before she had reached any pain, and so I decided there and then that we needed to make that decision.

My mum came to see her and we were both there when the vet injected her on her bed and she just went to sleep.  It was very calm, very dignified and probably the best it could have been.  I even managed to control my emotions until she went so that I didnt worry her.  The vet took her with him and we received her ashes back last Thursday and i've decided that i'm going to buy a very large plant tub and plant a weeping willow in it in her memory and scatter her ashes in it so we can keep a little of her alive.  I can also move it with me if I end up moving house.

I've booked a week off of work to try and tidy things up around the house and tie up ends that I need to take time out to do like moving her bed and harnesses etc. but am struggling to get it together enough to do it.  To try and get things sorted I called the Dog Trust, our local dog sanctury, and i'm going to take a lot of things to them that belonged to her.  I spent quite a lot of money on a special orthorpaedic bed, protective boots for her paws, specialised food, physio harnesses, raised feeders etc which has totalled over £200 and they are all in good condition and so donating them to needy dogs makes me feel Miah's death hasnt been the end, and some other dogs can benefit from her things.

I've kept some special things for memories like a collar I got with her name in diamonds on it, and her old walking collar that has probably got more of the local lake plant life on it than what is actually in the lake it makes me smile when I see these as I remember what she loved the best, but it still hurts like crazy.

I had to cancel the pet insurance on her and that was very hard, I ended up blubbering on the poor guy on the other end of the phone, even though it's been nearly 2 weeks now it feels like yesterday.

I do sometimes think why did it have to be her and can look at other dogs and think why wasnt it them, but I can only think that it was kind of lucky it was her as the other dogs probably wouldnt have been cared for as well as she was and I have that as comfort and I know I tried my best.

I'm a little worried that i've not heard from you K9 and really hope Shadow is doing ok.  Thanks to everyone again for listening and for your support.
Kelley
x

[K9 Obedience]

Kelly.
I had no idea that Miah had been put to sleep. I am so very sorry. There are no words that can express how much I feel for you and the pain you must be going through. Every day when I switch on the computer I check to see if there is any reply notification from dogexplorer but haven't recieved anything till this morning. I admit I have been reluctant to contact you as I knew deep down from when we last spoke that Miah did not have long with us. You are an amazing person that did everything humanly possible to help your beloved Miah. I cannot write more just now as my eyes are filled with tears. So many of us here in the forum will be feeling the loss of your special friend and we all send our love to you.

Dog Lover.

[Kelley]

Thank you for your kind words.  They are some comfort that at least others appreciate how much I tried with her as some people haven't agreed that I even had the op in the 1st place, but I know if I hadnt there would have always been a 'what if' in my mind.

I purchased a tree for Miah's ashes to be scattered under on Easter Monday.  It's a minature Pussy Willow tree and I bought it as it flowers in March, which is the month Miah was born and also the month she left us and so hopefully her ashes will grow into the tree and remind us of her birthday every March for years to come.

I really hope Shadow is doing well, please give him a big hug from me, i'm missing being squashed by a fat Dobie.  Unfortunately I can still breath when my Jack Russell sits with me 

Thank you again everyone on here for the time you all spent to offer your support
Kelley
x

[K9 Obedience]

Kelly.

You are so brave and strong and we are all supporting you and have done all through the dreadful time you had with Miah. I have booked two days off from the world to spring clean the house so I didn't pick up your message till just now. I hired a carpet cleaner, (one of those industrial ones) so I have been trying to push this great beast around the house cleaning the carpets. Shadow took an instant dislike to the whole proceedings especially the cleaner. He buried himself under his quilt and whined constantly. I finished the upstairs yesterday and everything was spick and span, went down stairs struggling all the way with this beast of a machine only to find Shadow had thrown up on the sitting room carpet despite the back door to the garden being wide open.  Of course I had to attatch myself to the monster cleaner and do it all again!

Shadow has had some really bad days but is ok at the moment. He gets that he really wobbles around as he walks, has difficulty lifting his leg to pee and is in pain. I know when he is really uncomfortable as his ears kind of twist and roll backwards. Then I keep him on two 500gm Zubrin a day and he perks up. I cannot understand why anybody would crop a Dobes ears, (or any other dog) as they can really comunicate their feelings with their ears. Like if he has been naughty as in pinched and eaten something he was told not to touch namely MY CREAM SCONE TREAT FOR CLEANING THE HOUSE..... his ears fold flat to his head and hang dropped down. Anyway enough of my rambling.. I have to deliver this monster machine back to the shop before 9.am or I have to pay for another day...

Please keep in touch with us all Kelly. You could tell us about your other dog or just let us know how you are. I really need the support of someone who has been through the situation I am living with every day. Big hugs...

Dog Lover.

[Kelley]

Hi, of course I will keep in touch.  I'd love to get updates on how Shadow is doing and will of course be here, even just as an extra ear to listen to how it's all going - good and bad times.

As you say I've still got other animals to care for (no not the boyfriend - although sometimes I do wonder!).  As a quick introduction... i've got Ellie, my 8 yr old Parson Jack Russell Terrier, Oscar my 11 year old miniature spotted shetland pony and Benson who we do think is a horse but he's grown to be so big we reckon he has to be cross giraffe or something  .

I'll probably update with some posts in the Parson section of this as Ellie does have a mind of her own and can really puzzle me at times, and although she's 8 now she still acts like she's a puppy.

I'd also like to come back on here to remember Miah, and although the posts arent all positive they do remind me of the time we've had with her.

I've just arranged to have a couple of pictures of Ellie and Miah printed onto canvas to mount them in my hallway.  I've found some great pics of them both which make me smile and it's when they are both very happy.  I've tried to copy them into this post but it doesnt seem to like it.  I could get them on my photo bucket account and add them as a link if that would be with you Big Dog?

Keep in touch
Kelley

[K9 Obedience]

Hi Kelley. Just wondering how you were getting on and whats happening in your life. I haven't forgotten you or Miah and both Shadow and I send our love.
He was really ill last week. He had the runs, was in pain and had his tail tucked between his legs, folded right up along his belly. (a sure sign that something is not right) I am not one for charging off to the vets and just kept him quiet and gave him pain killers and rehydrate solution so he did not become dehydrated.

When I was in Turkey last September a woman in a shop gavew me some tiny good luck charms. Shopkeepers pin them onto you as you leave the shop to bring you good luck. They also sew them onto tablecloths, cushions, clothes and just about anything. They are tiny little blue eyes on tiny saftey pins. that ward off the devil... I had bought a throw but the woman had not had time to sew the little glass charms on so she gave me about twenty of them wrapped in a tissue. When I got home I put them in my spare bedroom planning to sew them on at a later date.

On the third day of Shadow being really unwell, I discovered why. Several times Shadow had done a poo on the kitchen floor during the night. As I cleaned it up on the third day, there under a pile of mess was 15 of these lucky charms still attached to the little safety pins..My dopey Dobe had eaten them, packaging and all      

He is back to normal now but I never did find the rest of the pins. What must he have been thinking of as they did not smell of food or anything that may have tempted him to eat them? I still haven't found the rest of them...Damn dog...my throw looks boring without them sewn onto it...S'pose I will have to go back to Turkey for a holiday to get some more..

Ah well, please stay in touch,
Loads of hugs
dog lover and shadow.

[Kelley]

Phew it's good to hear it was just that, I thought it was some reaction to him not being able to go to the toilet when we were discussing it before.

I'm doing good, not sure if I mentioned before but I have scattered Miah's ashes with a weeping willow tree, which flowers with tiny furry flowers that feel just like Miah's ears.  These flowers will come every March which is the month she was born in.

I'm still missing her like crazy and on the bad days I can feel a physical pain from her not being here but I just remember her dippy dobie ways and it makes me smile again.  I've had some photo's of Ellie and Miah printed on canvas and mounted them in my hall so I get to see her every day.  Ellie is still missing her too and pines when she is left alone, if anyone has any advice on how I can ease this it would be gratefully received.

I made a donation to the Doberman Rescue Website in Miah's name and will do so every so often so I can continue to help others in her memory.  I cant believe it's already been 2 months since she has gone.

Give Shadow a big hug for me, I miss my big dobie kisses around my ears

Great to hear from you, keep in touch i'd love to keep getting updates on Shadow's progress
Thinking of you
Kelley

[dobe04]

Hello everyone,

I have a 7 year old doberman whos name is brandy and she was just diagnosed with wobblers.  I am devasted and confused.  My vet thinks I should have the surgery but I am just not sure about that.  This is my baby and I just do not know what to do with her.  I have heard of the gold bead and am seriously considering trying it, she is on steriods right now.  She is not showing serious signs and actually was doing really well until I think she figured out something was wrong, sounds weird but she can be a bit of a worrier 

I have read the posting that you guys have posted over the past year and thought maybe you might have some advice.  Has anyone here tried the gold bead therpy performed in marion indiana?? 

Kelley-I am so sorry about miah.  These dogs a like little children and they are so dependant upon us, we look into their trusting brown eyes and we hope that we can make the right decision for them.  But unlike children they cannot tell us where it hurts, it is up to us to determine that.  I have read your posting and without even knowing you I know you made every decision for miah out of love and in that you could have not failed her.

[Kelley]

Hi Dobe

Words can't express what I feel for what you're going through at the moment.  I am so sorry to hear that Brandy has been diagnosed, I do know how you're feeling. Things like why me? why not someone elses dog? have I caused this using a collar or encouraging her to play too roughly?  I still think things like this, but I realise there is a positive to it, at least I know I gave Miah everything I could and she was properly cared for, rather than just being put to sleep or dumped in rescue centre as undoubtedly some people would.

You said it in your words above, that only you know what the best options are for Brandy.  Don't be pushed into it by any vet/ friend/ family member, Brandy is your dog and you know her needs.

There are benefits to both of the ways that K9 and I have treated Miah and Shadow.  It really is dependant on your own circumstances and your dog as to what options you have.

There is a lot of information on this forum, however should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, if I can help I will.
Both K9 and I have done a lot of reseach on the options available, which most of it is on here with links too detailing different procedures.

I did read up on the beads, however it wasnt an option I could consider as i'm based in the UK, and unfortunately we don't have this procedure available.

There's not much else I can offer, other than immediate action you can take to make Brandy more comfortable and reduce any further damage would be to use a harness instead of a collar, try raise her feed so it's level with her shoulder, and (if possible) make sure she doesnt jump around too much, pick toys up off the floor etc in other words minimise any activity that would put strain on her neck.

Thank you for your kind comments about Miah, I cant believe it's already over 2 months since she went, it feels like it was yesterday, and I still miss her soooo much.

Sending all my best wishes and as mentioned if you need me just shout.
Kelley

[K9 Obedience]

DobeO4...Sorry you have had such devastating news. As Kelley says we have both done massive amounts of research on Wobblers and quite honestly I believe it is down to luck as to whether your Dobe will benefit from the operation or not. One thing I am sure of and that is that you must NOT be forced into making any hasty decisions. The condition is not going to deteriorate rapidly so give yourself plenty of time to read through the posts Kelley and I have made and talk to your vet as much as possible. If at any stage you do not feel comfortable with your vet, or feel that you do not understand, then change vets. None of us can make up your mind for you. In the end any decision you make will be the right decision even if your dog does not benefit as a result. You love your dog and you want to do the best you can for the best friend you will ever have. No two cases are the same. No two vets are the same. Like you I have considered the gold bead therapy and still might except that I am in the "wait and see" stage with Shadow. Keep in touch with us even if just to have a good old moan. We are here to help in what ever way we can.
Dog Lover

[K9 Obedience]

Kelley Shadow has developed two massive lumps in his neck. On one side the lump is as big as a small egg and on the other it is as big as a conker. They seemed to come up very quickly. I was stroking him on Friday and felt the lumps. I thought that they were swollen glands but cannot understand it as swollen glands would indicate an infection but Shadow is in pretty good health (Wobblers aside). The last spel;l of hot weather meant he was swimming a lot which helps with mobility. He has been eating, drinking and eliminating as normal.
Got a late appointment at the vet's. Lucky seeing as it is Bank Holiday weekend. The vet  (havent seen this one before) was shocked at the size of the lump and said he had never felt anything like it before. Not swollen glands then! The lumps are mobile and Shadow shows no pain when they are manipulated.
Anyway he inserted a long needle into them and took a biopsy. He was surprised to find that the lumps had fluid in them (blood/fluids) He said this may indicate an infection so put Shadow on strong antibiotics. I voiced my feelings on the fact that Shadow was far too well to have a massive infection but he said that the infection can sometimes be contained and cause no outward symptoms (s'pose that sounds reasonable) He took lots of blood for tests.
My poor old dog stood perfectly still and quiet while his leg and neck were shaved and while all theser needles were poked in him. Shadow is wonderful with this sort of thing as long as I am stood close to him. He just stands and looks at me with those big eyes as though to say, "Whats going on mum"
The results will not come back till Thursday cos of Bank Holiday Monday so till then I suffer. I am trying to keep busy and am working all over the holiday. This rotten rain does not help as I am worring about Shadow getting soaked out walking. Don't get me wrong the dog is as normal. In fact he is loving all the fuss.. like I have switched the central heating back on to keep him warm and bought him some lamb ribs and cooked him up a lamb stew (his favourite)
I have this gut feeling that it is not going to be good news....Will let you know as soon as. Pray for Shad's
Dog Lover

[Kelley]

Poor Shadow, this Wobblers makes it seem like it never rains but it pours.

It's never something small is it, and it always happens to the best.

All you can do is wait as you say and at least be comfortable in the knowledge that he isnt feeling any of this. 

Lumps unfortunately as you know are one of those grey areas where health is concerned, but at least you've caught it early and got the biopsy done and off as soon as you could.

I've always been told by all the vets i've ever spoken to, that it's good news if the lump is mobile as it means it isnt attached to vital organs or bone.  Keep this thought in mind and just hope that it's some sort of strange reaction to something he might have got near (or eaten! you never know it might be some of the good luck charms fighting their way out ).  It could even be some sort of insect that has maybe burried into him or laid eggs under his collar? you know what kind of strange things you find in natural ponds.

I will be thinking of you, and praying that it's just some freaky bug that's decided he tasted a bit too nice.

Was going to post on here today too to see what you think I can do to ease Ellie's pining, she seems so lonely and after having my dads dog here for a couple of days while he went away she seemed to perk up, however since she left yesterday afternoon she's gone back into her shell again.  I don't know what the best thing to do it, whether to leave it and hope she gets better or whether to look for another dog?  On one side she has only ever been in a multiple dog house, however I don't want to get another as I don't ever want it to seem like i'm replacing Miah.  I could never do that, i'll never forget her.

Please let me know how Shadow gets on, i'll be waiting for the news, good or bad

Best wishes and i've got everything crossed
Kelley

[K9 Obedience]

Kelley. I don't know what is happening but I am not being informed via e mail of replies to my posts in the forum. I did not know you have replied. Must ask Big Dog about this problem.

Anyway Thanks for your kind words. Went to the vets last night. I had an appointment to see the chief vet whom I trust as he knows dogs but turns out he is playing golf (again when I need him) and it is a new vet. Well NEW was the right word. This slip of a girl was absolutley fresh out of college and was nervous and panicky. She wanted to muzzle poor old Shadow as soon as he stepped in the room. I virtually took control of the situation. I read the results on the computer then I asked her questions. She had not got a clue. She had not even bothered to look at Shadows notes so there was me paying £28.00 for an eight minute session instructing her as to Shadows lumps and medical history.      

All the blood tests and biopsy had come back pretty much negative for Cancer or un-toward bacteria. She still wanted to perscribe another course of antibiotics (£32.00) but I refused as it was so clearly not a bacterial infection as I knew all along. The result is it is "Thought" that Shadow has an enlarged, swollen salivary gland. She wanted to perscribe Zubrin to bring down inflammation until I pointed out that he was on Zubrin anyway. To conclude I am upping his Zubrin to one morning and night to see if it brings the lump down. I don't know whether to laugh or cry...I am so glad that it is not lymph cancer but so annoyed that it has cost me nearly £300.00 to find out.

Had to leave off just then to hang my head out of the window as Shadow just passed wind. Did I mention that Zubrin seems to increase his already smelly wind problem???

It was only whilst lying in bed last night that I remembered the gold pins and lucky charms that he ate. Hmm could be related salivary gland and Turkish lucky charm     

Will adopt the usual method of "Wait and see"

Will keep you all informed if anything develops.

Great to hear from you Kelley and would love to know how things are in your llife. Keep in touch..

Dog Lover....Remembering Miah with love...

[Kelley]

Oh bless him - big phew!

Such great news that it's not serious, but something that has sprung to mind is we have horses at our yard who have come in with swellings around their throats and cheeks and after many vet visits and confusion we've found out it's a reaction to hawthorn bushes that we have as hedges surrounding the fields.  Wonder if it's linked??

It only happens when they start to flower which lasts until mid June and we've been told it's irritation in the saliva glands, which will go down on it's own.  They look very strange and the swelling makes them look like they have hamster cheeks.

All is ok at the moment, i'm just still at a loss with what to do with Ellie.  She is becoming more and more clingy and we cant even go to the loo without her trying to sit on your knee 

I'm going to consider fostering a dog from the local Dogs Trust to see if it makes a difference and if it does I might see if I can rehome another dog.

I cant believe it's only over a week to being 3 months since Miah went.  I still miss her like crazy and expect to see her around the house or having a mad half hour in the garden.

Big hug to Shadow and even though he might have a lumpy neck you can assure him he's still handsome as ever 

Best Wishes and hope the swellings go down
Kelley