Melvin

[Candace]

Sounds like you may be visiting Dr. Cochrane at the VEC. That is who Mocha, Salvador and Emi saw and now Pippin too. Best of luck. They may suggest an MRI, which is around $1400.

[blanche]

Actually, Dr. Cochrane is away for two weeks for the march break so likely it will be Dr. Kilburn or the other one whose name I can never remember.

Yes, Carol, GOOD thing you didn't stop the insurance.  It can be a wallet-credit saver.

[RockysMom]

Carol......pet insurance really is a blessing.  I rarely use mine thankfully, but the peace of mind I have knowing it is there if I ever need it is more than worth the $50 a month.

I hope Melvin improves soon!  It is rough for everyone (puggie and family alike) when they are sick!
Keep us posted!

[clummy]

I hope what is causing Melvin so much pain is found soon and that he can get on the right treatment quickly.

Pet insurance was not around (or at least not common) when I got my previous dog and I was extremely lucky that he remained healthy for most of his life, so when it came out I thought it was a bit of a crock. All I can say now is that I wish that I had it when Maude had her eye problems. I have it now but her eyes are excluded. I constantly remind her that she must only injure a part of her body that is insured. 

[Jennifer and Lilo]

Hi Carol,

Sorry to hear about Melvin. I hope he gets better. My Henry the husky has hip problems too.  He is on Metcam, but like Blanche said that's only anti-inflammatory. He is also on tramadol. That helps him alot with his pain. He has problems lying down and going down the stairs.
Lilo & I send you are love & will be thinking about you.

[Carol]

The  earliest appointment I could get is March 31st. I guess because Dr Cochrane is away for March Break.  Melvin is doing ok on the Tramadol. He walks great and climbs 6 stairs on the porch. He can't climb the stairs in the house so I am still his slave.  I think we might come to St Puggie Day tomorrow and see how well he does. I just have to watch Pinky as she likes to hump Melvin at the Pugalugs. lol

[pugmetender]

  I think we might come to St Puggie Day tomorrow and see how well he does. I just have to watch Pinky as she likes to hump Melvin at the Pugalugs. lol

Yes she sure does. Is it only at the Pugalugs? Hope to see you tomorrow Carol.

[keep on pugging]

Sorry to read all this. Hope things look up for him and everything can get figured out for him finally. 

[Carol]

Yes she sure does. Is it only at the Pugalugs? Hope to see you tomorrow Carol.

Pinky only does it when there are other dogs around or when Melvin and I are playing fetch. She is a bitch. lol

[Candace]

The  earliest appointment I could get is March 31st. I guess because Dr Cochrane is away for March Break.  Melvin is doing ok on the Tramadol. He walks great and climbs 6 stairs on the porch. He can't climb the stairs in the house so I am still his slave.  I think we might come to St Puggie Day tomorrow and see how well he does. I just have to watch Pinky as she likes to hump Melvin at the Pugalugs. lol

Mookie does the same thing, to Salvador and Mocha. With Salvador's bad back, I wish Mookie wouldn't do it either, but they are dogs and dogs like to hump!

[blanche]

The other thing that is going to be CRUCIAL, Carol, is getting weight off Melvin.  With a dog with HD, arthritis and disc issues, you really want them not just unfat, but lean. 

I don't know what or how much you feed, but I'd be feeding him no more than a 1/4 to 1/3 cup of kibble per meal (twice a day).  You really, really want him to be lean.  And I'd be stingy with treats--or use green beans as treats and maybe some carrots.

[Carol]

The other thing that is going to be CRUCIAL, Carol, is getting weight off Melvin.  With a dog with HD, arthritis and disc issues, you really want them not just unfat, but lean. 

I don't know what or how much you feed, but I'd be feeding him no more than a 1/4 to 1/3 cup of kibble per meal (twice a day).  You really, really want him to be lean.  And I'd be stingy with treats--or use green beans as treats and maybe some carrots.

Your right Blanche it's diet time for us all. I was feeding them 1/2 cup each twice a day but I will cut that down. I don't think the  green beans will work for Melvin but we will try.

[Candace]

I don't think the  green beans will work for Melvin but we will try.

Ha! Ha! Mookie doesn't like them. Mocha LOVES them! Mookie gets all excited and then spits them out. Carrots, celery....whatever works.
You can give him pieces of kibble (from his daily portion).

[clummy]

I am not sure of the logistics with the two dogs but you could also try one of the kibble dispensers - it keeps them moving when eating.

[Carol]

Yesterday Melvin had an ultrasound done to see if there was anything in the kidneys urinary tract and nothing became of that except the vet noticed a bit of a hernia that I knew about already. He also gave him joint supplements. While we were there we had a quick visit from Victoria who was walking by. Melvin was very happy of the extra attention.  Also I haven't given Melvin the Tramadol in 2 days and he is doing well and even climbing the stairs on the porch. I still carry him up the stairs in the house so I'm working on my muscles.  He had a great time at the Pugalug on Sunday and enjoyed all of his attention. I have cut down on the food portions and we have gone on longer walks. Hopefully we will all be losing weight soon.