Molly, 13 yr, shih tzu - lhasa aspo - Molly has passed

[molly muffin]

I should have called you to fly over when I got so sick! What's a few thousand miles between friends!:D


Why not a thing at all Kathy! :) :) I made an excellent chicken soup too. :) rofl

Thanks. We'll make it. I'm just coughing still and am determined to survive it. If he could get some sleep( and drat I was counting on you for pointers on positioning pillows), I think he would get better faster. Hope anyway.

Nope it is Not pretty. Molly needs every one of those 40 winks. :)

Hope you feel better soon too Kathy!
Immediate goal this year is to sleep laying down, for the Entire night!!!! Aim high baby, aim high!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

Seriously Sharlene, did the doctor give your hubby any pills for his cough? Regular cough preparations do not work for whooping cough. The doctor gave me pills that work on nerve center of the brain, telling it not to cough. They work, but feel really weird. I feel like I have to cough in my chest, but my brain says no. Your hubby would be able get more rest on these pills. They are Benzonatate 100mg. Dosage 3X a day, as needed for cough. I realize that he doesn't have whooping cough, but they could still help. Just thought.... Xxxxx

[molly muffin]

Hi Kathy, no just antibiotics and the bronchial inhalers.

You don't really want to suppress cough from what I understand with pneumonia, you want to get as much of the junk out as possible. Hydrate enough to loosen up the mucus but don't over hydrate. It's a pretty fine balance from what I can see.

I've taken Benzonatate before for a cough, helped alot.
Thanks for taking care of us though, not a bad nurse yourself. :) :) :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Budsters Mom]

No, Benzonatate is for a dry cough, as in Whooping Cough. If he's got the gunk in his chest, you don't want to suppress the cough. It needs to come out. Poor guy. :o

How about you? Is your cough dry or do you need antibiotics too? We don't want more pneumonia girl, then whose going to take care of you. Certainly not your sleep deprived diva!:D xxxx

[molly muffin]

My cough is gunky too so trying to cough it all out. No fever for me now and xray was told is okay. cross fingers all will be wrll. miss muffin would be way too distracted by random toy for nursing. hahaha
going to try to get some sleep wish us luck!!hugs
sharlene and molly muffin

[Trish]

Your onto it Sharlene!! Sounds like the fever has settled somewhat, pleased to hear those antibiotics must be kicking in. Poor hubs and poor you taking care of him when your not feeling that flash yourself! Hope you get more sleep tonight, be tempting to shift into another room at least you would be getting a decent sleep and can face the day a bit better. Are you working through all this? Your employers sound good though letting you work at home on occasion.

I agree so hard with the food, so many different things to take into consideration with our seniors! Those treats sound like they are giving Molly a spring in her step so that sounds good in my book :) This weather you are all having must be playing havoc on any arthriticy dogs. xx

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
The weather is a tad better here today. I have to leave here by 4am to be at the Dr. in Pittsburgh as I have an early appointment with him. I have someone lined up for Tipper. I hope all of you have turned the corner and start feeling better, this is so unfortunate that you are all down at once. Blessings
Patti

[Woodydog]

Good to hear hubs fever seems to be under control, I hope both yous and his cough is getting better. Must be terrible watching him at the moment, but your doing a brilliant job of looking after him Nurse Sharlene :D

I can only image poor Molly not getting her 40 winks and how grumpy she can be, but that image did make me laugh :)

[molly muffin]

We're hanging in here. Molly had a good long walk today, now that enough ice has melted to do so. (that won't last long)

Yes, I'm very lucky to be able to work from home when I need to.

Hubs is holding his own and doing okay. Expect I need to figure out some good energy food for him. Pneumonia just zaps your energy levels.

Hope everyone is having a good day.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Woodydog]

That's good news, maybe tonight you will all get some sleep tonight. I,m sure you can figure out the food, is it not foods high in protein, low in carbs that give energy or is that in dogs it all jumbles together ;)

[Mel-Tia]

Hey Sharlene

What a nightmare, must have been all that blinking cold and ice!

Just did a quick search for you and found this site which says what you can do to help recover from pneumonia.

http://www.naturalhomecures.com/members/pneumoniatreatment.html

Avoid all sugar caffeine and drink lots of hot broth like miso vegetable, also cut out dairy as it contributes to mucous.

Wishing You, Hubby and Molly a peaceful restful night which consists of more than 4 hours kip

Mel
Xxxxx

[molly muffin]

Good site, thanks.
I didn't think of miso soup, I've been doing beef, chicken, vegetable broths, but really needed something different to add to the mix.
No coffee or milk products for him. Eggs, and toast, tried some smoked salmon, but that didn't go over. Taste buds are all over the place right now.
I think that he'll be better by next week. He's taken the week off from the office and I'm working at home as long as he is sick.
Molly seems to be loving it and is intrigued I think by how often he seems to get to try smell good stuff to eat. LOL
I think it is the same Tracy, high protein, low carb, stay away from milk products (mucus bad).

hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[lulusmom]

I eat hot, spicy Mexican food when I have a cold. I can usually taste it and it clears the sinuses.

[molly muffin]

hmmm, spicy. Not much in the way of mexican around here, but I bet a spicy curry might be of interest.
Thanks!
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Roxee's Dad]

End cut of prime rib with horse radish... that will clear up the sinuses! :D

[doxiesrock912]

Hoping that the antibiotics are finally kicking in and that you're all sleeping Sharlene.

[molly muffin]

I hope they are kicking in, but not sure, he can only sit up, sort of leaning forward, otherwise he coughs so much. It is pretty painful and so he can't sleep, if he is coughing and not sleeping, then hard for the rest of us too. :(

I would go to a different room but that wouldn't go over well at all. He can't sleep at all really if he isn't able to at least touch my foot.

John, that is his Favorite meal, prime rib, horseradish. :)

I do appreciate all the input and help from everyone. I'm surrounded by his family who really are in a panic mode. I'm more the, no time to do scared, someone needs to be logical and cool headed. It makes it difficult though because if I say I'm concerned about anything at all, they really do freak out on me and I end up with women in tears.

hugs,
Sharlene

[Budsters Mom]

I would go to a different room but that wouldn't go over well at all. He can't sleep at all really if he isn't able to at least touch my foot.

Ahhhhhh! How sweet is that! :p

He is going to be just fine Sharlene! His well meaning relatives are not helping!!!!! I know they care, but get a grip people! I know how worried you are and you aren't well either. Just let me know and I'll fly out and toss out all of the family members claiming that your hubby has been quarantined. :eek::eek::eek: I'll even wear a nurse's outfit and look official! :D Anything to help my dear! ;) xxxxx

[doxiesrock912]

Sharlene,

he shouldn't be laying flat when he sleeps. He should be at a 45 degree angle if possible. If he can manage it, sleeping in a recliner would be great.

It prevents the junk in his lungs from settling and staying in there.
Any time my parents had pneumonia, their doctors told them not to sleep flat.

Hot showers or soaking in a very steamy bath will help to loosen up the mucus too. Sometimes it gets thick which is even harder to cough up. If he's too weak for either, he can sit at the kitchen table in front of a steaming pot of hot water that he can lean over. Place a towel over him and the pot so that he gets the most benefit of the steam. If he starts to feel nauseous, he's getting over heated (this happens to me) and he should stop and resume later.

Keeping the mucus thin is really important. Especially if the person is weak and not active. Thick mucus can literally create a plug (happened to my father) which needs medical treatment to dissolve. Best to avoid that if possible.

I hope that this helps!

[Bailey's Mom]

Oh my gosh! You've got to stop all this. This sounds really serious now. At least if you have to lie low it's during the cold weather, not the nice stuff. Is Molly any comfort at times like this or does she just go about doing her own thing? Does she think it's neat that hubby is home all these days or does she get annoyed that he's not playing?
Hugs and best wishes for speedy recoveries!!
Susan

[Squirt's Mom]

A truly stinky poultice that may help -

Materials needed:
• One medium onion
• 2 Tbsps ground corn meal
• Apple Cider vinegar, 2 Tbsps
• Cheese cloth
• Flannel, wool scarf, or cloth
• Small amount of Olive oil

Instructions:

Peel the onion and place into a skillet that has been coated with the tsp of vegetable oil. Bring the skillet to a medium heat and sauté until they are clear. Do not brown.

Sprinkle in the cornmeal and vinegar. Stir well until the onions are mixed - you want a poultice that holds together and won’t fall apart once it is placed on afflicted area. Take the pan off the heat. Cut a piece of cheese cloth (or old cotton T-shirt) twice as big as the area to which the poultice is to be applied.

Drop some onion poultice onto the cloth and fold it in a neat package. Make sure that the poultice is at least 1/2 inch thick and not so hot as to burn the skin.
Place poultice over the area to be treated and cover with flannel or wool. Keep on at least 20 minutes or until the poultice is cool.



And a garlic soup -

Garlic Soup (bugs-be-gone)

You need:
about 4 whole bulbs of garlic, up to six if you wish
3 Tablespoons good olive oil or butter
about a quart of home-made, rich chicken or turkey stock
4 egg yolks
plus whole plain yogurt, chopped almonds and lots of parsley to top

All you do is:
Crush the cloves and slip off the skins, Toss the smushed cloves into a Dutch-Oven size saucepan (stainless steel, cast iron or enamel, please) with the oil and sauté oh-so-carefully, making sure not to brown (browned garlic is bitter tasting). When the garlic is soft, add the stock and simmer about half an hour, again very gently. Cool, and then squeeze the stock through cheesecloth or a sieve, into a bowl.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until thick with a whisk and pour into the large pot. Start slowly beating in a Tbsp. or two at a time of the now cooled garlic broth. When you have about a half cup beaten in, you can add the rest of the broth in a steady drizzle. Heat to a boil, and remove. As soon as it's cooled but still nice and warm, serve in large bowls topped with a dollop of yogurt, chopped almonds and parsley.

If you like, you can add salt; other herbs to taste, of course, and adding home made chicken broth gives it a new taste as well as healthy punch.


Lots and lots of water, plain pure water, room temp is best. Keeping in an upright or slanted position like Valerie suggested will help. The steaming is a good idea as well and you can use some Rosemary (if you have access to some fresh) or something like Mentholatum to help open the airways with the steam. A gentle knocking on his back while coughing may help move some of the gunk. The times he's feeling up to it, getting up and moving around as much as possible helps break it up as well. An old wives tale that has worked at times for me is to put Vick's VapoRub or Mentholatum on the soles of the feet then cover with socks to help with coughing.

Sending healing energies to you both,
Leslie

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I have an even more stinky one, but my grandmother taught it to me and it works. Take 2 egg yolks and add 6 teaspoons of spirits of turpentine- yes I did say turpentine. Blend with a mixer of blender drop turpentine in a teaspoon at a time into the yolks. Spread on cotton poultice and put on your chest. I use this many times when sick. My grandmother even had her sister take one to the hospital for her one time and the Dr's were amazed at it. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Molly is no longer impressed that both of us are home with her. Seems that is only a good thing if the couch is going to be shared with her and right now it is solely hubs and the pillows to keep him in the upright position. So, not a happy molly. tsk tsk

He did okay last night, got some sleep, which is beneficial. No he isn't lying flat down. Drinking lots of water to keep things fluid in there.

I cancelled the hotel in Montreal for this weekend. No way hubs is going anywhere for awhile. Might end up canceling vacation in Feb too, since he is missing weeks of work right now. Just another we'll wait and see how things play out. The here and now is most important. :)

We'll do okay, thanks for the tips everyone. I'm excelling and throwing garlic in anything and everything right now. He is eating eggs every day and creamy style soups, but not made with milk. Tonight I'll make a shepherds pie and portion it up in the fridge for something easy for him to heat up.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trixie]

Hi Sharlene,
awww, your poor husband still fighting this horrible cough, and you too-are you feeling better yourself? Molly's getting a little sick of you two being home?? It would probably suit her just fine, if you were both 100% and playing with her all day! :D
Hoping you both feel better soon

Barbara

[Woodydog]

How is everyone doing, I,m hoping that you and your hubs are better and that poor Molly gets her sofa back :D

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Wow all of you have really had a go at this illness. That is terrible your poor hubby got so bad. I am praying for you all to get healthy and recover soon. Blessings
Patti

[Trish]

Hello Sister Sharlene, how is the patient? Hope you are seeing signs of it easing. As you know pneumonia is not something to mess about with and I am sure your other family members are worried sick about him the poor things, he always sounds like such a rock and a good man in your posts and I really hope he has turned the corner and not required another trip back to the hospital. Sometimes IV antibiotics are needed so hope he has perked up and able to move on the couch to give Molly some room :)

Second party cancelled eh! Well that sucks and hubs is going to have to take you somewhere special to make up for this when he has recovered :D:D although I am sure you would settle for a healthy hubs at this point!

Hope your feeling better too and Molly is holding up while everyone else is down.. been thinking of you xxxxxx

[molly muffin]

:) Hubs IS doing better. I think we got it quickly, xray borderline thursday then 1/8 right side on Sat, antibiotics started.

He is coughing less today than other days, not coughing up as much gunk and his eyes are better. I have been to the hospital to pick up a copy of xrays, taken those to family doctor, consulted with the family doctor about him, have an order to get another xray done (prob early next week) so all in all I'm okay with the progress he is making and if the xray next week isn't clear, I'll ask for more anitibiotics or something to help clear it up.

Molly is, well she is molly. She's not happy that she isn't getting enough play time, so much barking at her toy box, etc for us to come play with her and then running around and huffing if we don't pay attention. All this just tells me she is feeling pretty good and is not happy that we aren't.

I'm on the mend too, just a bit of coughing now and then, but I didn't get the same thing he did obviously.

Yea, I'll take him at being a-okay and everything else we'll just work out.

I think next week will actually bring more improvement. At least I hope so.
Yes the family is worried, of course they are and doesn't help that they can't talk to him directly. Talking = major coughing. To adapt, I'm sending out email updates once a day on how he is doing.

hugs all
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trish]

Scary how quickly it can go from being a "virus" or "cold" to be full on pneumonia so good on you for taking him back. Phew good to see progress being made though, any steps in the right direction is good news!! Your family must be pleased to read those emails each day.

He needs a toy on a string he can throw for Miss Molly and then reel it back in so he doesn't need to get up or do anything to strenuous and keep our little Miss entertained!! xxx

[Woodydog]

Glad to hear that hubs is on the mend or at least heading in the right direction must have been a worry for you, and the family.

Hopefully next week brings more good health for you both and poor Molly can get her house back :p

[doxiesrock912]

Sharlene,
pneumonia is tough sometimes. I've had it twice, dad has had it many times - I'm glad that he's doing better. Make sure that he finishes the antibiotics regardless of how he feels and if you see signs of it returning, sometimes two rounds are necessary.

[molly muffin]

He took the antibiotics for 5 days and it's suppose to stay in the body and keep working for 10 days. So, he's been finished with that as this past Wed.

He felt better yesterday but then didn't feel good today. Headache, etc, but I checked and no temperature. Still coughing, but he slept for like 7 hours last night. So, will have to keep an eye on him and see how it goes.

Molly needs her bangs trimmed, I don't know how she can see anything. She often seems to be wearing it marilyn monroe style. :) LOL

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Your poor hubby, this is terrible to be this sick for this long. I truly hope he is better and I hope you are now feeling well?? How is Molly's ear doing? The arctic vortex is coming back next week so get Molly's new coat ready!! Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

I saw that polar air coming back in this week. Not looking forward to that.

I'm doing a lot better, just a cough every now and then, so not bad and feel fine.

Molly hasn't been shaking her head so I think her ear is fine now. Just keep it cleaned out and hope it doesn't come back again. She doesn't role around in the snow or anything, but I do think the cold doesn't help it.

It takes quite awhile to recover from pneumonia. The chest has to clear too, which takes awhile, then the tissue has to heal, so..we'll see. I don't like the idea of him going out in the cold air this week to work though, (if he has the strength, he sleeps a lot and can't talk very well, the vocal chords are shot), because I think that will affect his chest negatively.

We'll survive, this is just all going to take time. Our oldest girl is flying in for the youngest birthday in 2 weeks so hope that he'll be much better by then. I'm doing a mexican fiesta dinner. So, making some shopping trips out and about to start finding ingredients. (not easy around here but I will persevere) and I will make up a batch of enchilada sauce too. If nothing else it will clear things out like Glynda mentioned. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Woodydog]

Glad to hear that Molly,s ear is doing well as are you. It will take Hubs to get over this as it will have wiped him out. ;)

Oh Mexican Fiesta sound good not that I know what that really is, as don,t like spicy food lol Good that your daughter is flying in for it. :D

[Mel-Tia]

Hey Sharlene

Can he not take another week off work? Sounds like he might need it esp if his voice is still bad.

Glad to hear you managed to get out for a while, does drive you a bit nuts being stuck inside.

This cold is getting blinking ridiculous now, it's totally frozen up here tonight already. Doubt we will get it as bad as you guys mind, hopefully they will be wrong and you get some of Kathy's weather

Mel
Xxxx

[molly muffin]

Oh Tracy, you must try the mexican food though. Even simple is good and not all of it is spicy, you can go mild. I don't overdo the spices as youngest daughter doesn't care for hot/spicy either. Enchiladas, spanish rice, black beans, chili rellenos, cole slaw, tequila and pitcher margaritas is the general plan.

Yea it will take him awhile to recover. We're doing okay though. Cold and snowy here today and Molly is not really into being outside in it for too long. (I'm okay with that too) LOL

I can only imagine how this 1 month mark has hit you. :(

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[molly muffin]

Hi Mel,

I think he can take the time off. He said he is just going to see how he is day by day. He can work from home too if he needs to. His biggest issue is probably the voice thing as he is constantly in meetings and of course no flying.

I wish we'd have some of Kathy's weather. Although California is in a drought right now, so that isn't good either. :( I think the Governor there has declared a state of emergency over the lack of rain.
All the wet weather seems have gone your way this year. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Mel-Tia]

Personally I don't think he should even try and work next week, more rest and soup is probably in order. I would like to think his work would understand, not like he just has a cold

Xxx

[Woodydog]

Sharlene - The food does sound yummy, as does the margaritas :D I always thought Mexican food was spicy, may need to try some of it.

Yeah a month how time flys when your not having fun :rolleyes:

[Budsters Mom]

Yes, I think hubby should stay home another week if you can manage it at all. He shouldn't be out in that stuff you call weather!;)

We have been on drought status in California for as long as I can remember. You get used to it. Yes, rain would be welcome, but we rarely see it.

Is Miss Molly totally sick of you both being home cramping her style? Rosie didn't understand why I wasn't up playing with her when and I was so sick. Xxxxx

[molly muffin]

She probably was sick of us when we weren't playing as much. I'm back to playing with her though and hubs is sharing the couch with her so her world is pretty good.

His boss is understanding, but the work itself just adds up when he is away. I am hoping that others have stepped up to the plate to handle things.

I think he is going to go have blood work done tomorrow. Then he might or might not feel like going over to the hospital for chest xray's. That might wait till later in the week. I think he should stay home this week, and just answer emails as needed, do things he can do without talking to anyone and if he wants to listen in on conference calls, fine, but no talking. That is my thoughts, but not sure how much my input is going to count. LOL

I am debating whether to go in to the office myself this week. He said he doesn't need a care taker any longer, so if I want to go in I can. I'll see tomorrow if it is cold and snowy then I'll work from home, but if the roads are okay, then I might go in for a couple hours, just to remind people I still work there. LOL

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[mcdavis]

Well it's good that things are improving, albeit much slower than we'd all like.
I always find that OH waves my advice away but often acts on it later so you may well find that your input counts, even if it isn't acknowledged ;)

[doxiesrock912]

Ha! I know someone else who also does that and then often acts like it's His idea. LOL
I'm so glad that everything is improving. Go into work, get out of the house for a bit.

[Woodydog]

Glad Molly has her couch back, even if she is sharing with her daddy at the moment. :)

Did you go into work today, I think your idea for your hubs working from home is a good idea, at least he can still rest when needed :)

[molly muffin]

I didn't go into the office today, I worked from home. After getting up, shoveling snow, then him getting ready to head off to the hospital for xrays, I would have been running late by the time I got to the office, so I was like, fooey, work from home. LOL I'm really glad I can do that.

We'll see what tomorrow brings.

I think he worked about 1/2 a day today and he is worn out now and sleeping on the couch while I make dinner.

Yep, molly is happy to have her couch back and she had a good long walk today which she loved. It's cold enough that she is doing the wiggle butt happy walk, but also cold enough that when she thinks it's time to go home, she doesn't mess about, but boogies towards the house.

Tomorrow is suppose to be very cold, at -25C wind chills and up, mean temp around -21C, so she won't get any real walks until that temperature breaks.

A bored molly is a molly that is getting into trouble. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Mel-Tia]

-25 oh my days. That's all kind of wrong. I wouldn't want to go out in that either.

What is up with this weather? We have finally had 2 rain free days but I think that's coming back too!

Nice to hear she got out for a good wander at least today. Will look forward to hearing about her naughtiness tomorrow :D

[Budsters Mom]

You could all come to visit me. Our temp. Is dropping too! From the 90's to the 80's. I don't know how we will survive. LOL:D xxxxx

[molly muffin]

Well since it IS dropping to the 80's ;) :D

You'll end up with a bunch of us on your doorstep with our bags! haha

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trish]

Wish I could work at home, but it would be tricky in my line of work :D:D So pleased to hear that hubs is on the improve and getting a wee bit of work done, that must be a relief for you and Molly! Lovely you got our for a nice walk today before the weather sets in again, its warm here too but I will come visit Kathy too as I loved San Diego, but only spent one day there so I imagine lots more to see :D let's go! x

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Here comes that brutal cold again so be careful with Molly outside. I hope your hubby really turns the corner soon he has had a real bad time with all this. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Yep, the brutal cold has arrived. Molly not impressed but at least the sidewalks are clear for the most part. Everyone got out and was shoveling them clear before it got so cold, so now that it is cold, it is clear, but hard for walks when it's that cold. We don't stay out long at all.

I went to the office today. I think I really did need to get out. One of the guys came back and said something about hubs not needing a private nurse any longer if I was back in the office and I said, either that or I had to escape, which seemed to crack him up. LOL
Anyway, hubs is paying for having to be out and about at a couple doctor appointments today and has been coughing and not doing so hot this evening.
I think he is going to be one of those month long recovery stories. It's been 2 weeks and he is better but by night time he is worn out.

well, back to nurse duty
hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
This cold had to be really bad for your hubs going out to work. Do you have one of those neoprene masks he could put on so this cold does not go straight to his lungs? Hey, even a handkerchief will do. Tipper usually wants to stay out and she wanted right back in so did Toby. This is supposed to be around all week so I don't see Tipper out much or Toby for that matter. Be careful and stay safe. The nurse has finally left the house yeahhhh!!!!! She is out in the real world again!! Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

He went into the office today for just a couple hours, had lunch with some friends, then back home.
Yes he has a mask, I had gotten him one for Christmas actually, to use when out with the snow blower.
Yea, it's still cold here too all week and next it looks like. A big snow coming through this weekend they say. Looks like you'll get it down your way too.
I don't let Molly stay out too long in this kind of weather. Not good for their lungs either.
Waiting to see how the town council meeting went today to change law about leaving animals outside in this kind of cold weather. Crossing fingers.

hugs all,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Woodydog]

Oh no, not more snow for you, we still have rain.

Hubs will just need to ease himself back into work and try and not take too much out of himself or he will be back to square one.

How is the wonderful Molly

[molly muffin]

Molly is currently waiting for her piece of fish to cool down so I'll give it to her.
We had fish and chips tonight and I always give her a small piece of fish, with no breading on it, after it's cooled down (not fried for her either, baked)

I know, he has to take it slowly. He is working only a couple hours maybe and this is the first day he went in. Even if he doesn't do a thing, by night he always feels worse and is coughing more. :(

He did admit I was right today though and that he is worse by night and has to do things slowly.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trish]

Pleased to hear things are slowly getting back to normal and hubby is venturing out slowly, jeepers that really knocked him so pleased to hear he is coming right. :)

Mmmmm fish n chips, that is our usual family dinner for tonight, but with the chief fish n chip cooker still in hospital we had a pork chop instead. Pleased Molly had her piece!

Not happy to read you have another snow storm coming, enough already weather gods!! :eek:

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
We are supposed to get even colder weather coming at us I see another front is supposed to bring more snow and bitter cold. You and Molly and hubby stay safe and warm. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Well venturing out was not a good idea as it kicked him around a bit. He was exhausted last night and coughing again, so no office today for either of us. I'm working this morning and then plan on taking the afternoon off (maybe if all works out). We'll see how he is next week but this week, he's not going anywhere. Checked xrays from monday and they look the same to me as the set showing the pneumonia to begin with, so he is just going to have to adapt to less activity than he might then he can handle.

Canceling vacation in mid February, I don't feel good for him traveling that soon.

Molly is good at least. I think we'll all be glad when the winter is over this year.

California is having a serious drought and we have 60 percent ice coverage on the lakes and are sending out the ice breakers to get ships unstuck. (the ice coverage will prevent evaporation at least and help keep water levels up, but the winter has felt brutal and it's not over yet)

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trixie]

Hi Sharlene,
Oh..so sorry about poor hubs...this thing is really hanging on and on! He has to take it really slowly. Must be so frustrating for you both! Too bad about the vacay...probably needs to get away to someplace warm but traveling so soon would not be a good idea at all. Too many germs out there, especially in planes.
Hope Molly enjoyed her bite of fish. Trixie loves a treat off our plates when we have fish and she'll keep licking her chops for more!
Are Molly's ears all cleared up? I got the Zymox Otic and think it's good to have around. Wasn't too expensive either.
Hope you're staying warm and that your husband gets his strength back soon!!

Barbara

[Woodydog]

Pants about the holiday in Feb, but suppose you have to err on the side of caution. You will just have to make up for the missed trips during the summer :D

Gads for coughing all night, you must be shattered, as you can,t be getting much sleep with this all going on. Bonus is Molly is doing fine, though better weather would be in order all round I think ;)

[molly muffin]

Hi Barbara I think Molly's ear are cleared, but I thought that before too and it came back, so I'll keep an eye on it and keep cleaning them. Just in case.

Yea, I don't want to take any chances with him and traveling. Someone I know just had to come back from Mexico (cut their vacation short), has pneumonia and a CT scan discovered a pocket of pus in one lung that they had to do surgery and go in and drain. I'll have to check but think he is still in ICU today. So, no chances being taken. I don't want to get somewhere and him not be totally cleared up and no medical around. Plus just not good idea to fly with any respiratory issues either. It can all wait.

I think I am the one who needs a vacation after all of this though. Plus the oldest daughter arrives this Thursday and next Saturday night we have the mexican dinner, so I just hope he is going to be strong enough to handle all the stuff going on around him. At least we'll be here at our house, so he can go lay down if it is too much for him. It's never totally quiet though when you have the family around. I'll have to get the spare bedroom cleaned up this weekend and ready for company. Guess it's good that we're having snow now, as it will keep me inside and I should get things done.

Molly will love all the activity though as she is always happy when her peeps are all here.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I am hoping Molly ears are cleared for good too. Sounds like you are going to have some fun with a Mexican nite. I could go for one of those myself. Maybe it will pick hubby up a bit to have some company. At least Molly will love all the activity. You might have to get the dog sled out if you are going anywhere with this weather!! I don't think Molly would be up to pulling it though! Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Ha, Molly sometimes pulls me like she thinks she is a big sled dog when she is heading for the house, she digs those legs in and just pulls.

So, Addy has restarted the One Good Thing a Day and I'm on board. I hate to copy Trish's, but we too are going to be thankful for a poop. Not just any poop but the one that has been missing for the last 2 days because it is too cold out, she refuses to go with her coat on, and so she has been holding it, no matter where I take her or what she does. Today we went to the backyard (now that it is snow covered and not a complete ice rink) and she immediately did a poop like a big dog! Then some more, and then some more, and then some more.

So, our good thing is that molly finally pooped!

And I got out of the house and went with a friend to a jewelery show.

I have threatened hubs with dire consequences if he even thinks about going outside today and no way is he going to shovel the driveway. He has agreed rather than incur the wrath of wife. All is good :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trish]

Wrath of Wife :D:D:D that sounds like a horror movie, sensible man staying inside :D:D:D that cracked me up!! Hurray for good poops!!! :D:D:D

[Woodydog]

Men do listen sometimes usually when they are being threatened by the Wife :D

Yay for good poops :)

[Budsters Mom]

Okay gals, when you start circling the campfire, dancing in costumes and asking the poop gods for good poops all around, I am going to worry and pretend I don't know you. :eek::eek::D:D LOL xxxx

[molly muffin]

Okay gals, when you start circling the campfire, dancing in costumes and asking the poop gods for good poops all around, I am going to worry and pretend I don't know you. :eek::eek::D:D LOL xxxx

Well now, THAT is a visual. I wonder what kind of costume one wears to appeal to the poop gods. Kinda thinking maybe I don't want to know, but yet... I do!!! LOL

Don't ever underestimate the wrath of wife saga. It makes a horror movie look tame! It's what the other married guys pass on to the grooms before the wedding, "whatever you do, don't ever Incur it". That's right, they say it's strippers and beer and whatever else, but really it's tip night. 'How to survive the coming years, with your %$#@ intact" :D:D

Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Trish]

:D:D hmmm I am thinking of the costumes too... yep I will not describe what I am thinking, totally TMI!!! Hi Kathy, we can see you lurking in the shadows of the campfire!!

Your hubs is a clever man Sharlene! :eek::D

[Woodydog]

Ladies please .......TMI indeed :eek:

[molly muffin]

hahahahaha, oh gawd, I got a belly laugh out of that exchange. Wow, I turned my head for a moment and molly is asleep and hubs is asleep and I'm thinking..hmmm..maybe I need just a tiny little nap, before I go tackle laundry folding. :)

Sharlene and molly muffin

[Trish]

Yep, if you can't beat em, join em!! Have a nice nap Sharlene, I have to get myself organised too now..... great to have a laugh with you guys :D:D

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Grab all those sleep moments you can get. That was so funny what you wrote about the costumes on the poop Gods!. I saw where Quebec had a bad fire in a nursing home and many are missing. That is awful for the elderly not being mobile and can't get out in time. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

yes Patti, it is absolutely horrible about the fire at the nursing home. They think it started in one of the residents rooms. Most in that home were immobile without assistance like walker, wheel chairs. It's a small town so many are elderly relatives. Just very heart breaking. :(

Looks like more snow today but I have to get out in it and do some shopping with family coming in this week. I imagine I'll be out shoveling later. Molly sure wasn't interested in being out long this morning.

Oh believe me, I am a nap person. Even 15 or 30 minutes and then I'm good to go again. :) I learned it from Molly. hahahahaha

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
We are buried with snow and we are to get another clipper system Monday and then really going down below 0 after that. Tipper is fed up with this weather, but I am already worrying about spring and the thunderstorms. I have all the stuff but nothing really seems to have an affect on her. I would sure hate to give her valium, but this spring it may come to that. I can't let this ruin her eyesight, and make her heart race so I have to be prepared and talk to the vet and have something ready. She has such an allergic history I am afraid to give her valium. I got a place shoveled where the dogs can go potty now, so they aren't up to their waists in snow. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Not sure what is up with Molly tonight, but she is definitely not feeling good. Normally even in the snow, she will run for the front door, jump the step and hop inside the house. Then get her feet wiped and toweled off, and jump for a glucosimine treat, and when she gets it take off running to her spot in the living room.

Tonight, she walked outside, did 2 potties, walked to the front door, didn't get excited about going inside and wouldn't stand to get her feet cleaned, (sat down when I did her front feet instead of holding them out while standing), barely took her treat, then walked to the closet spot and slowly ate it. I just picked her up and put her on the couch with her daddy, where she isn't even interested in his snack. So definitely Not feeling good at all. I'll keep an eye on her tonight. She's had some runny poops earlier today too, so will have to keep an eye on that, which isn't easy in this cold and snow.

When she doesn't act right, I worry.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[lulusmom]

Of course you worry. That's what we all do when our pups aren't themselves. Hopefully, Molly will be right as rain tomorrow and you'll be left wondering why you were so worried. Do you have any slippery elm bark? If she's got diarrhea or just loose stool, she may have something brewing in her gut and SEB will help. I make the gruel and use a syringe. We'll be keeping fingers and paws crossed that precious Molly feels like her old chipper self real soon.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hoping Molly is feeling more like herself tomorrow. Will be saying some special prayers for our sweet Molly.

Hugs, Lori

[doxiesrock912]

Awww, poor Molly.
Runny poos an little appetite. Hope it's just a bug.

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Hoping that Molly was just having an off day, but we all know these dogs so well that we know when something is not right. I hope today she is better and no runny poohs. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Not an off day, whatever is brewing in her seems to still be brewing. I have an appointment at 10am this morning at vet. She shakes when I pick her up, so that points to pain, she won't walk or move more than she has to. Wonder if there is a UTI going on. I carried her to the sidewalk and she did two pees this morning, but...well..she isn't acting herself.
I do have some SEB. Her poops weren't running at the start, they were solid, but then she would act like she had to go again and again and those would be runny. So...not typical diarrhea.
Will let you know what the vet says.
thanks all,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[molly muffin]

A very quick update. I'm back home, molly is at the vets, getting xrays and having a laster treatment, also a urinalysis culture because I want to verify there isn't any issues there too.

Basically she has hurt her back, cannot put any weight (because it hurts her) on her rear legs and is using her front legs to support her. We are thinking some disc inflammation from a possible wipe out while running in the house.

We'll verify all of this, of course and then my vet is consulting with our IMS on best treatment. We have to consider the current state of her liver and what will work best and if we can do it.
I can tell you that we have discussed the use of prednisone. Double dose for 3 days, then taper down, 1 dose a day for 5 days. Complete limited mobility. She has to be crated basically or in a pen. The vet said, even just being around the house following me, wouldn't be good for her you want the limbs on complete rest. It's up to me how we do that but that is what has to be done. Outside to potty carry her and back into crate or pen.

I'll update as I know more. This brings to mind what several others are going through now on the forum. We'll all deal together!

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[labblab]

Oh Sharlene, I am so sorry!!!!!!!!!

I'll keep checking back for more updates. And yes, I totally get it that you may be considering short-term prednisone in this situation. Pred can truly be a miracle drug at times.

Huge hugs to you and very gentle hugs to Molly girl!

[Woodydog]

Aw poor Molly and poor you. Woody did the same thing a few years ago his was the L4,5,6 disk in his back. I used metacam and complete cage rest for 6 wks and he was fine.

Hope and praying Molly is fixed soon x

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I am so sorry to hear Molly is having problems. Do you think it could be her back. I know Tipper's bothers her sometimes. I think form all the muscle loss and the abdomen pulls down on it, and can cause disc problems. I sure hope gets to feeling herself again. I know how you worry about her and how you know when something is not right. Blessings
Patti

[apollo6]

Dear Sharlene
I am giving you a link which I will also give Addy.
traumeel is a natural ant inflammatory used by humans and I also give Arial for his back issues. I use it myself. Ask your vet. NO one can tell you what to do. But it can not hurt Molly.
http://www.traumeel.us/about
Hugs Sonja and Angel Apollo

[doxiesrock912]

Poor Molly,
I hope that her back issue was caught early and that it resolves quickly.

[Budsters Mom]

I am so sorry Sharlene. I hope Molly feels better soon. ((((Hugs))))

[Mel-Tia]

Hey Sharlene.

Hoping Molly is feeling a bit better tonight. Sending lots of love and positive vibes.

Mel
Xxxxx

[Mel-Tia]

Hello again, notice you online. You doing ok? Any news?

Big hug

Mel
Xxxx

[My sweet Ginger]

Ooooh, poor Muffin and poor Sharlene. I hope she is taking her confinement rather well as she is a free spirited independent girl.
I can see you glued to her crate trying to comfort her but don't try to get in there to be with her as it will be quite cramped for both of you.:o I hope your muffin will get better soon so we can enjoy hearing about all the cute things she does so naturally. I'm a big fan of her. Will you tell her that please? :) Love and hugs from Ginger and Song

[molly muffin]

Okay back. So, the vet showed me the xrays and there are two areas where it looks like their could be some inflammation and one area that seems to have some bone degeneration of the spine. At the moment she is confined to living room/dining room with no where to jump (big body pillows Do come in hand). Tomorrow the new dog pen that I ordered for overnight delivery will be here and she'll be confined to that for about a week. We'll see how she is doing then. This appears to be only, at this point, some slippage that can correct itself, if she doesn't rehurt it, continue to hurt it or do anything else to cause damage. We have to limit the areas that she could get into trouble in.

So, my IMS was out and the other IMS on duty hadn't gotten back to my vet, even though she called twice, so we talked about options. The fear with prednisone is that molly has been living on the edge of cushings since at least 2011 and she (my vet) is worried that even the amount of pred we talked about could throw her off. So, we have gone with Tolfedine. She had an injection today and then will have tablets for 4 days. We'll re-evaluate at that point. Either she'll be off for 3 days and then back on, or she'll be off.

She will also have laser therapy, since she responded very well to that today. For back, disc issues, it is 3-2-1. So 3 this week, 2 next week and then 1 the following week.

I am going to go with being hopeful that this will fix things. It does make me wonder about those steps that she wouldn't come up, remember? So, maybe it wasn't the wipe out yesterday morning, but the fall on the step, or a combination (most likely I suppose) of all them put together. Molly does tend to think she is indestructible.
Her leg joint is also not good, but we've known that since she was around 3 or 4 maybe. The vet said it is a wonder she can walk, but she does. I hope she never has any problems with that, as my husband said that would be such a painful surgery that he doesn't think he could put her through that kind of pain. :( I said we'll see. He feels the same way about back surgery, but I said, it's an option we'll have to talk about if something happens with her spine.

Well that is it for now. I don't know why I was avoiding my own thread, I think I was having a weird moment. I am so use to sharing all the good things that happen with molly, this one scared me and still scares me. We were both so worried last night, that my husband and I both were up at various times during the night making sure she was okay.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[molly muffin]

Oh I forgot to mention that on the xray, she took one that showed an angle of the liver (since that was a consideration with the treatment chosen) and it remains enlarged, but doesn't appear to be any more enlarged than it was on the last xray. Lucky the spleen can move and does when the liver pushes it, and depending on what position they are laying in, because it looked like mollys spleen was pushed off by about 2 1/2 inches. Still it's good that it hasn't enlarged any more.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Renee]

So sorry to hear about the leg injury! I haven't visited your thread in a while... it's easy to fall behind, lol.

I had success with laser therapy on one of my other pugs, so I really hope this does the trick for Molly. How does she take to crate rest?

[molly muffin]

Not well. She was only a crate dog at night in the bedroom, and that hasn't happened in many years, since she was a puppy. She sleeps on her bed though in our room all night so that is okay, she doesn't move much except if she goes to sleep in the bathroom. So we'll just keep our door closed or blocked off.
The day time is going to be the worse. And anything back worries me, so that is the main thing right now. Hence the dog pen, which is soft sided and I hope works for her. It will give her about 4 feet I think of movable space to be in. She'll hate it but not much else I can do for her. That and I'll work from home this week, and take her to her laser appointments.
Going to be so not fun with family arriving this week and a big dinner with everyone over on Saturday.
We'll just have to get through it and deal though, so choice.

Hugs,
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Renee]

When my Ichiro hurt his back, and he still has a bad back, the combination of laser therapy and methacarbomol as a muscle relaxer really helped him. He was so very stiff from clenching his muscles, he could never settle down. The methacarbomol really helped him to be able to relax the muscles and sleep.

The pen might be much more manageable than a crate, so that is good to try.

[Bailey's Mom]

Sorry to hear about Molly's woes. I don't understand about the prednisone and borderline Cushing's....you make it sound like taking the prednisone could push her into Cushings....or did I misread something?
Did hubby recover fully from pneumonia? You may have to get one of those red machines that doles out tickets so people can take a number!
Give Molly a hug from us!
Hugs,
Susan

[doxiesrock912]

Hopefully Molly's injury will heal itself quickly and that will be the end of it.

Bone degeneration is scary. What will they do for that?

[Trish]

Uh Oh dearie me, what you been up to Miss Molly! :eek: Poor wee pet, sore backs are not fun!! Flynny did his once when he was about six, xray sounds similar to yours. Also I think if you xrayed all our dogs we would find a fair bit of bone degeneration as they get older, the same if you xrayed all of us owners!! None of us are getting any younger and those changes are often be seen. Flynn's settled with rest and NSAIDS (this was before kidney, liver, IBD :eek: issues) so I am sure with the meds to settle down inflammation Molly is going to bounce back just fine after a bit of rest and pampering. Doesn't it just suck when we see them in pain. Hope she likes her playpen, I am sure if she has some nice treats and toys she will do just fine, well she has to listen to her Mama telling her to rest up and let that back settle down!! Hope her tummy is OK too :)

Sorry you have to deal with this Sharlene, But you will do just fine taking care of the little Miss who I am sure is going to be showing her displeasure at being penned in soon enough! Sounds like you have a nice safe environment for her to recover in. Big Hugs and a snuggly pat for Molly (and some snacks!) xxx

[molly muffin]

Molly appears to be in a lot of pain this morning. I think the injection has worn off and she doesn't get the tablet until this afternoon. She certainly isn't interested in trying to walk or jump anywhere. She can't stand even, starts quivering as soon as she does. So, in pain, not eating. I did get her to take her liver supplement with some can food wrapped around it. It is bloody cold here at -20C and a wind chill of -33C. brrrrr So, she did a couple pees and then I brought her back inside. I salted the driveway down to the sidewalk snow and that seems to be where she wants to go to.

I forgot in all the huha yesterday to say that molly for the first time in her life, threw a +2 protein in her urine, which she has never done. We don't know what is going on and some more tests are being run on that urine, but she'll probably need some follow up urinalysis.

Susan, yes, that is exactly what my vet said, push her over into cushings with the prednisone. Maybe she meant because you're adding steroid to already high cortisol, so symptoms will start to show up, or something. I don't even know if that Is possible or how risky it would be with her, and hope the IMS which my vet is still hoping to contact will have some input on this. If this Tolfedine doesn't work, then we'll be back to the prednisone option.

Well I have to get to work. Yes hubby still has pneaumonia according to xrays. So, here we are, they forgot to take numbers obviously.

Thanks for the support everyone.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I think Tipper has problems too where her back has a dip in it form the cushings. It must affect her disc also as she last year she started being reluctant to go up steps too and the laser therapist said it must be her back. She works Tipper's back real good too, and it does help her. I carry Tipper and do not let her on any steps ever now. Hopefully the new crate will allow Molly to heal so this does not get worse. I take Tipper once every 3 weeks to keep up with her laser therapy. That keeps everything working good according to the therapist. You know her so well that I knew something has to be wrong. It seems this is the week for everyones babies to have problems. Blessings
Patti

[Woodydog]

Aw Sharlene you really are having a time of it lately. First hubs not well and still not well and now poor Molly. Not good that she is in pain today and not wanting to stand, its a shame when you see them like that. I,m sure your family will understand and all muck in this weekend when they are home, and no doubt will spoil Molly rotten.

Your right with what you say about the Pred, it could cause cushings symptoms especially with her being borderline. Have you heard from the IMS yet.?

Hugs being sent to you and a gentle pat on the head for Molly xx

[molly muffin]

Nope, haven't heard anything. I wouldn't hear, my vet would, and I think we are waiting to see how this medication she is on is working over the coming week.

She can walk when she feels okay but if it starts to hurt her then she'll stop and sit down. She's not particularly happy with the situation and has been giving grumble barks at me and hubs all day. If you look at her when she is grumbling she wags her tail. So when I can, if not involved in a work thing, I'll go give her some pets. I know she misses being in the window seat looking out at the world go by.

I'm going to see if she will go potty in the snow on the deck. That way I won't need to pick her up and carry her anywhere. Which hurt this morning even though I was supporting her under the belly to give the back support.
Waiting on the dog pen to arrive, sometime before 8pm today they said, although I have to say she has been really good about not trying to jump or run around.

Blew my mind when a work colleague asked how long do we give it for her to get better. I was kind of like, "huh!" " Say what!" So I said, "well a lot longer than a day". sheezzz

I guess most people don't normally take off work for their dogs? Beats me, I had mentioned that I'd be taking some time to take molly to laser therapy, so maybe she doesn't get that part or something.

On the hand, another colleague sent a funny cheer us up email to hubs and I with a funny shih tzu joke on it. So, some do understand.

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[flynnandian]

oeps molly be an obedient dog and act like a senior doggie for the rest of your life. you are not a puppy anymore. you scared us all with your injurie. relax and maybe some yoga practice and you will be as good as new! i promise.
hope the painkillers will do their work. and some spring temperatures......

[molly muffin]

Well the deck was a dismal failure. She enjoyed going out, but knew this isn't a place she would normally do her business and was having none of it. So, downstairs and out to the backyard, where she did what she had to do, scared me by holding up her back leg because it got cold. (i thought she'd hurt it again). She might have when she tried to do the back kick. She didn't walk afterwards. Then inside where she had a snooze to recover.

I guess those inflammatory's kicked in because she has been an absolute terror to try and keep still this evening. We went out front to the sidewalk for her final outing today and she was convinced she needed to go down the walk for a Longer walk or across the street, anywhere except where she should be. She had her coat on, as the wind chill is in the -30's C right now.

My dog pen did not arrive today, so much for paying for one day shipping on it. I contacted Amazon and they are issuing a refund. I made it clear that I don't blame them but rather their carrier for the issue and hope they too would be compensated. The customer service was very good and prompt.

We are off to the vets for another laser treatment tomorrow. I hope molly responds as well tomorrow to it as she did on Monday. I bet she'll be a hand full to keep quiet though afterwards.

She is Not acting like an older, obedient dog at all! I read her what you wrote out loud and said, see, you better behave yourself young lady. Now if only we could get those spring temps, but it isn't looking good through mid February at least. :(

I think the pain comes and goes for her. A wrong turn or twist and she is down for the count and hurting, but give it a bit to seem to recover, about an hour or so, and she acts like she isn't in any pain at all. I saw the xray, so I know it must hurt when she has any pressure on it.

hugs all
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Budsters Mom]

(((((gentle healing hugs)))))

[doxiesrock912]

Sharlene,

I'm glad that Molly is improving. I've been using Amazon for years and their customer service is great :)

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I am so hoping the therapy will work for Molly. It is good she does not appear to be in pain after the meds. I love Amazon and buy most of my stuff form them as they do have the most wonderful customer service and always take the customers side and help out. Hope the pen comes soon. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

Sharlene-- I feel just terrible to read that Molly has an issue with her back and has been in pain!! Again, I've been a few days off the board and I always hold my breath when catching up on posts...always hoping there's no bad news. Awww..feel so badly about your little girl shaking in pain! That's terrible.
As of your last post it seems the anti-inflammatory is helping right now? Wow...your husband still has pneumonia and now Molly, you have got it coming from all sides.
It must be really tough keeping Molly confined but hopefully that new pen (when it gets to you) will help.
I hope this clears up asap so you don't have to deal with prednisone which may bring on a whole 'nother issue which you don't want!!! Crossing my fingers Molly will heal up soon...so sorry you guys have had a rough month, :( hoping the worst is over already!! :D
Barbara

[molly muffin]

So still no pen arrival, man canada post is sucking these days.

I think my vet came [] this close to calling the other specialist and vet tech (not mine (yet) ) an idiot today. LOL She said she had called and left a message for the other IMS because mine is away, and they came back with giving molly Tramadol and another pain med. She said, she asked the vet tech that called if they had listened to her detailed message and looked at the file. That pain meds if fine for pain but wouldn't treat the issue, just mask it. And so she is discounting their advice and we are sticking to the meds she is on which is for the inflammation. Get rid of the problem and you get rid of the pain. Also she mentioned that Tramadol is for chronic, not acute, that it takes 14 days to build up and isn't what she would recommend for an injury that needs to be addressed then and there. So, that was kind of interesting.
Molly does seem to be feeling better, and that creates it's own problem because she still needs to Not jump, run, walk excessively even, or the injury will just get worse and not better. The crate rest (or pen rest in our case) is to provide the maximum benefit to healing over all. Molly is Not happy with me, as it seems I am interrupting her play life. She'll get over it though. I'm in hopes that a week or so of this and she'll be better, but we'll see.

Also we have to redo the urinalysis to check protein once this is all over. She is very well concentrated but the protein is at .49 and .50 is into the bad range. We think that it is because she wasn't fully urinating due to her back hurting and there was build up in the bladder. The hope and my expectation is that once this is over, and she is able to walk and do her alpha 8 pees a walk, that this will be back to normal. Right now she goes maybe twice and i know she doesn't empty her bladder, which is not good either. Poops are good, so that is a plus. :)
Oh and as with anyone or thing with a back injury, once injured there is always a risk of occurrence. joy joy.

I'll be so glad when winter is over and hubs is better and molly is better. I'm tired.

hugs all
Sharlene and molly muffin (on the injured reserve list) :)

[Woodydog]

Off course your tired, you,ve been through the mill lately. Why is that life is bobbing along quite nicely then BAM it hits you all at once:(

Maybe the weather has something to do with the postal service, or Molly may have got hold of the phone and cancelled the order, as she doesn,t want to be confined :eek:

Glad that the meds are making Molly feel better, she will speak to you when its all over and your not stopping her being well Molly.

Just to rub it in my cd must have worked last night as I slept a full 9 hours hip hip hooray :p

[Harley PoMMom]

Poor Molly and poor you! :eek::( Will be keeping sweet Molly in my thoughts and prayers, sending huge hugs, Lori

[apollo6]

You and Molly in my prays. Did the cold laser therapy for Apollo also.
Hugs Sonja and Angel apollo

[Budsters Mom]

I'm glad that Molly seems to be feeling better, but you need rest too my dear. xxxxx

[doxiesrock912]

Sharlene,

Molly's grumbles sound cute. She's arguing with you over the confinement no doubt. Wagging her tail is a good sign though.

I think that we're all ready for winter to end. Daisy usually likes the snow enough to climb the snow mountains. Not so lately, its been too cold.

Please get some rest, Molly has had enough of sick humans I think :)
I've heard nothing but success stories with the cold laser so I'm praying that it helps Molly.

Good for your vet calling out the idiots! The last thing that you need is a mistake.

[Trish]

Sounds like she is feeling better, hope that back is OK. So hard keeping the little mischief makers quiet when they start feeling good. Remember when Flynny started feeling good about 10 days after his surgery and he decided to jump off a bed and pulled something and was a misery for the next 24hrs but then perked back up, so hopefully our Molly is on the improve too! They do not seem to understand the concept of recovery so hope she likes the pen and does not give you too much grief! :D You sound like a good sleep would not go amiss so hope you are getting lots of rest tonight! xx

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
It would seem Molly is like Tipper and expresses her displeasure at being held back from doing things! I hope the new crate comes today. Maybe it was from down south and the weather delayed it. When you need something it never shows up on time. Blessings
Patti

[Trish]

Hi Sharlene - how is Miss Molly doing and you and hubs?? Hopefully all has settled down in your household and everyone is on the improve now xxx

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I am hoping the crate is there by today. I sometimes wish I would have used pee pads to train too, but I never wanted the smell or mess in the house so I guess we have a price to pay in the winter for not doing it. How is Molly doing? Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

The pen arrived. Molly is Not impressed. It has two doors on it, and we put her inside with her toy box and sheep skin rug and left the doors open, so she could go in and out. Then we both went back to work, but she Could see both of us from different directions. She moaned and groaned and barked and carried on something fierce, but wouldn't go out the doors. Then it got quiet. After about 45 minutes we went over, one to each door and molly was laying down, flat, tail flat behind her, head flat in front of her between her paws, we both reached in and petted her and she refused to acknowledge either of us. Wouldn't look at us, wouldn't acknowledge we were touching her, nothing. Molly was pissed off. LOL :) :)

She stayed that way until the kids came home, and opened the front door. At which point, she ran out of the pen and to the gate. Pen failure. She won't go back in. We've blocked off the entry to the living room, and the entry to the kitchen, opened the french doors and we've blocked off the window seats and anything she can jump on. That for now is working.

Molly is just like Flynn and Tipper, she doesn't think there is any problem at all with her and wants to run like crazy and jump. She hates going outside because I have to pick her up and carry her down the step. So, she wags her tail to go out (at the gate) but then when I open the gate to the door, she doesn't want to go up. Eventually she will but she puts up a bit of a huff when it comes time to pick her up.

Molly had two disc areas, one in the center and one in the back, lower towards the tail (thank god neither close to her neck) and the one closest to the her tail, no longer seems to bother her. The middle of her back is bothering her, but the medicine and laser seem to be helping. The vet said she is amazed at how molly acts like nothing is wrong at all. We'll see what today brings as she is now on a 3 day break from medicine. We'll evaluate again monday morning at the vets and then on Tuesday she'll probably start back on a 4 day series of medicine again. She has 3 more laser treatments, 2 next week and 1 the week afterwards.

Hopefully she'll be back to herself, but I've ordered a ramp and some stairs to get her to the window seat, and we'll see if she needs those or not. I might be using the pen tonight as I have that dinner and don't want her being too rambunctious.

So, menu for tonight is, chicken chipolte chowder, beef enchiladas, chicken enchilada casserole, chili rellinos, spanish rice, coleslaw, black bean and corn salad and to finish up, churros with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. That should keep everyone happy. Then when everyone is so stuffed they can't move, we'll watch a movie on the couch.

hugs all,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

The stairs were a mass failure with Buddy. He hated them. He had to lift up his legs too high to climb them. I had two sets. I have since donated them. The ramp worked very well. Buddy was reluctant to use it at first, so we had to make a game out of it. Once he realized that it was his ticket to view the world from the cedar chest, he loved it. He used it until his legs became too weak.

Regarding the ramp.... It must be barricaded, so Molly HAS to use it to get to the window seat and back down. There can't be even a small space or she'll try to jump. I was creative and used many things to barricade the ramp. Some old tubs, baby gates, Scrap wood and even a box from a new TV. It worked, but looked like something Dr. Seuss had put together. Good luck!

The crate is funny, I can just see Molly snubbing the both of you!LOL :D Xxxxx

[Woodydog]

Aw poor Molly, that did make me giggle, dogs just have a way of letting you know their not happy and pulls at your heart strings at the same time. :)

Your dinner sounds lovely, and is making me hungry I hope you and the family have a good night tonight and that little Diva Molly behaves and doesn't run around. ;)

[addy]

Sharlene, I am so sorry to hear about Molly's back issues. Zoe's eye doctor, her surgeon and two IMS always sent Zoe home with tramadol for pain after her surgeries and her paiful secondary glaucoma because she could not have nsaids. So it may benefit Molly.

I know when Julie's Hannah had the back issues, the cold laser treatments really helped Hannah. I know it will help Molly too.

Thank you for all your support.

Hugs and love

[Trish]

OH YUM!!! I do not know what some of those things are, but I fell in love with Churro's in Disneyland and have not had them since! I love Mexican so what times dinner Sharlene, I'm on my way!! :D xx

[Budsters Mom]

WOW Sharlene, that is better than I have eaten in an entire month! I'll meet you at the airport Trish.:D


So, menu for tonight is, chicken chipolte chowder, beef enchiladas, chicken enchilada casserole, chili rellinos, spanish rice, coleslaw, black bean and corn salad and to finish up, churros with vanilla ice cream and chocolate

[Trish]

Sweet!! Will have to be LA Kathy, we can't fly to San Diego!! It is 12 hrs from Auckland to LA, going to be a long day :D Probably be tomorrow Sharlene so hope you have leftovers!!

[doxiesrock912]

I think that we should all have dinner at Sharlene's house :)

[Budsters Mom]

Oh we missed dinner!:( It was that 12 hour flight waiting for Trish, but so worth it. Trish is a hoot!:D Sorry Sharlene, we can't make it until tomorrow, so you'll have to repeat tonight's dinner. Leftovers are fine with Trish, but I'm not coming all that way for leftovers!:LOL :D

I hope our little diva enjoyed her company this evening and semi behaved herself. xxxxx

[molly muffin]

Hi all, dinner was good, the chipolte chicken chowder was a hit, but a bit of a production to make. Plenty of left overs, but you'll have to wait till next weekend if you want a full blown meal production. I need some recovery time here! LOL

Molly was good but got tired and took herself off. Then after her last walk, I put her on the couch and she rolled upside down and went to sleep till time to go to bed. Then she still didn't want to get up till 10am this morning. Well we were all sleepy heads today. :)

This is day two now without her medication, so I'm watching to see how she does over all. So far she Is putting weight on her back legs which is a good sign and we'll just have to see if the middle disc stays pain free or not. I'm thinking she might still be feeling that one a bit. Tomorrow morning another laser treatment.

hugs all
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Woodydog]

Glad to hear dinner went well, so I will book my place at the table for next weeks dinner gives you plenty time to make it and for me to get there, will organise travel arrangements with Trish and Kathy :D

Good to hear Molly did well without the meds, hope her laser treatment continues to help

[doxiesrock912]

I'm so glad that Molly is doing well with the laser treatments.

[molly muffin]

She's walking a bit slower tonight and not anxious to jump, so I think she is probably having some pain.
As my husband said, you can't expect a disc injury to just be healed in a week usually. Give it time. Tomorrow laser and reevaluation on where she is and if she will restart pain meds on Tuesday.

Dinner spot reserved :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Woodydog]

Good I,ll book the flight :). When Woody done his discs in roughly the same place as Molly (middle to end) he took 6 wks before he was healed although the meds made him feel like he was fine, so your hubs is right. Although if your like me i watched his every move for months afterwards as I was paranoid he,d hurt it again, but he never did :D

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I am so glad the cold laser is helping Molly. It has done a lot for Tipper. I hope she continues to improve. It is a shame more places don't have it so our cush moms would have this available to them. Blessings
Patti

[grapey]

Sharlene, you've always been so wonderful to post in Elliott's thread. I'm so sorry I haven't done a better job following Molly's. I hope she's feeling better. I appreciate a dog with feistiness--always a good sign I think :) When E was being a brat, then I knew all was right with the world :)

[molly muffin]

Hi Jen. Molly has feistiness in abundance normally. Not so much right now.

I took her in this morning for her laser treatment and the vet was planning to evaluate her to see if she needs the meds tomorrow again or not. Molly of course was trying to run around. Turns out the vet is sick, the vet tech did the therapy, so I wasn't able to talk to the vet.

They called later and said that they spoke with the vet and she said that if molly was doing okay that she didn't have to take the anti inflammatory med this week and she would evaluate her on thursday when she goes in for the next laser treatment.

I thought earlier at the vet that she didn't need them and she doesn't act like her back bothers her at all, but I'm noticing today that her hip and leg seem to be bothering her. It didn't seem to be before the therapy but now she is being a bit tender on her bad leg and the other leg seems to be doing a lot of the support. I actually don't know if this is related to the back so much as it is related to her non existent hip joint.

I did put in to my work today that I would be working from home for as long as Molly needs me to be here, and that might be six weeks or whatever. So that at least is not a worry right now. I don't even want to leave to go get groceries or anything else unless my husband is here to watch her.

Anyway, I've decided that she does need to continue on the anti inflammatory and I want to make sure that it is my vet that does the treatments. I'm actually a bit more depressed about things tonight.

Plus, I know that the back injury has made her cortisol levels go up, as she is drinking more and always wants food. Not things that have ever been active with her. It makes perfect sense though. If you have an injury, the body responds by producing cortisol. *sigh*

hugs all
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

(((((hugs)))))

[molly muffin]

Gave molly the anti inflammatory med today.
She is not feeling good. Had what could have been a gastro reaction to it (acid reflux?)

How much pepcid ac would you give a 19lb dog? 5mg?

She has been laying around all afternoon, not herself, her back legs are bothering her for sure, but I don't know if it was something they did during laser treatment or if it is because of her back.

She is just Not her molly self. Which you all know what molly is normally like and even the first week after she hurt her back she was better than this. Now she barely wants to move. Not even to come to the kitchen when we are cooking. :(

I'm hoping that this clears up and I might have JUST got a good sign while typing this, she walked over here to me and is wagging her tail giving me the humph, humph, pay attention to me sign. She hasn't done that All day! I'm going to go give her some loving. ;)

hugs all
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[grapey]

Sending positive back-healing thoughts Molly's way.

[Budsters Mom]

Pepcid AC didn't help Buddy. I had to switch to SEB. His dosage was 1/2 tab. (10 mg. tab.) up to 2 times per day. He weighed 16 lbs. 5mg. should be fine for Molly. I hope she's better soon. Xxxxx

[My sweet Ginger]

Sharlene, our IMS wants me to try Pepcid AC 1/4 tab of 10mg for her possible upset stomach and Ginger weighs between 10-11 lbs so how about 1/2 tab?

[My sweet Ginger]

And once daily.:)

[Budsters Mom]

How is Molly doing now Sharlene? Xxxxx

[molly muffin]

Hey Kathy,

It's weird, from the time that I said she came up to me wagging her tail, she'd been acting like her old self. All day she wouldn't move hardly, wasn't interested in being social. Now she has gone played, begged for fish, went for a short walk and tried to bounce (I wouldn't let her) when we met up with a doggie friend. She went inside her pen and sniffed around, checked it out, sat down, looked it over again and then calmly walked out on her own. I ignored the whole process so as to not make a big deal out of it.
Her back legs still a bit wobbly it looks like, but it's always been her weaker one. I ran my hand down her spine to the tail and when it was hurting her before, she would stop wagging her tail at the bad disc and then she'd wag again when you passed it. Tonight she wagged all the way down to her tail, so that is a good sign and I think the anti inflammatory does help. My main thought is that yesterday wasn't a good day After the vets office and that today she had gastro upset from the meds. That was Addy's main concern about the medication too. She didn't have that at all with the last dose (3 days ago) but this time seems like she is. I have SEB on hand and might go with that instead of the pepcid ac, as I know it works and I've used it with her before. Just wonder how much in advance I'd need to give her some before the meds.

I'll take it whatever is going on. A good couple hours is better than none at all.

Thanks for asking,
hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[addy]

Glad she is feeling better, they seem to go up and down with the pain stuff but I guess I can relate to that with my shoulder, one wrong move and OUCH.:):)

Sharlene, the other thing I am worried about with NSAID's is increased drinking and peeing becuase it is affecting their kidneys. At least with the Metacam that is a side effect they say to watch for. So with a Cush pup it is hard to know cause and affect with that.

I dont want to scare you, just did not know if that was a side effect of that NSAID.

Zoe is burping like crazy just from this low dose of pred which she gets sandwiched with breakfast.:(:(:(:(:(

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I am glad Molly's disc in her back is not paining her when you touch it. Tipper does that too when I touch her back in that spot she just stops everything and wants to get away. I take her for another treatment on Thursday unless the roads are bad and they may be as we got bombed with snow. Today was sleet, rain, snow and more snow. It is really bad out. I wonder if your laser therapist would also do Molly's legs or is she already doing that? That would also help them, it helped Tipper when she lost her muscle in her rear legs. I bet you have a lot of snow too. Stay safe. Blessings
Patti

[Trish]

HI Sharlene

Fly-by posting here! Sorry to hear Molly still having a few ups and downs, can be slow going with a back injury and so hard to keep them quiet when they start feeling a bit better! Another thought when tummy playing up is Losec, used it with Flynn when his was bad and it seemed to help. Hope when I catch up here in couple of days our Molly is back to her perky self permanently! xxxxxxx

[flynnandian]

glad to hear that molly is slowly doing better. patience is always difficult in this sort of injuries. it takes so long to heal.
glad that molly is getting used to being in the doggy-pen. less stress!

[molly muffin]

Molly snow picture alert :)

Molly is screwing with my head. Today, she acts fine, in fact she acts like she has Always been.
No leg issues, no tummy upset, and grumbling and barking at the pillows in the window seat that prevents her from jumping up.
I opted to just make sure I gave the anti inflammatory with plenty of food and see if that worked and it did. No gastric upset today.
I couldn't be more thrilled. Tomorrow we do another laser treatment and I hope the roads will be cleared up some and that she won't come home with her legs bothering her.

hugs all,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

So glad she's feeling better! They all mess with our heads Sharlene. They have to have a little fun. Xxxxx

[Trixie]

I am just noticing Molly's new avatar photo!! Has it been there and I am just seeing it now!? I love it! That face is so cute!! I'm going to check out the snow pic now! :p

Barbara

[Trixie]

Forgot to say that I'm glad to read Molly is feeling better. I like the tail-wag barometer for her back pain. Hope the back petting keeps getting the full wag! :D

Barbara

[molly muffin]

Hahhaha Nope you didn't miss it. I just changed it tonight :) I love her face too Very expresive but I Am prejudice LOL Tail wag is still working tonight whhhooo hooo

hugs
shalene and molly muffin

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
What an adorable avatar of Molly, you just want to get in that face and kiss it. I am so glad you took her to laser therapy. It has been a life saver for Tipper. This saved her from an operation so I am very thankful. Please read my post as the cardiologist called and is stunned by my vets recommendation for Tipper. Hope Molly is still doing well today. I am glad you have the ability to stay home and nurse her during this time. These little love bugs get the royal treatment don't they? Blessings
Patti

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I have some new ones I am going to post now. I did send them the pics and they usually get in touch in the evening. You can look for new pics in a few minutes. Blessings
Patti

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Hope Molly is doing well. Are you going to get the storm for the weekend? More snow ugh! Please read my post about Grace. Blessings
Patti

[Dawn Anderson]

All I can say is AWE, she is so kissable, love the avatar

Dawn and Butters

[apollo6]

Love the pictures and new aviator.
Hugs Sonja and Apollo

[Trixie]

I see the Polar Vortex is rearing it's ugly head again!! Super cold up by you, isn't it? How is Molly doing? I hope she is pain free and that you can all have a nice weekend staying warm inside! ;)

Barbara

[Woodydog]

Hi Sharlene

Hope this finds you well and hoping that Molly has continued to do well and that her back is healing well (with time off course).

Love, love, love the new avatar she really is a beauty :p

[molly muffin]

Molly is grumbly. I did not know a dog could just "bitch" so much, but she has managed a continuous grumbling huff and like half bark, half huff now for 2 days! When she isn't grumbling, she is full out barking or sleepy, there is no in between. Don't let that cute face fool you, she is 100% fed up doggie. ROFL!!

Physically the area at the end of the back is doing good, the one at the center is still tender and not healed, so still on restricted activity. I opened up the area between the living room and family room and she immediately went running through it. I told her she got one try and if she tries it again, I'm closing it off. She hasn't, but I did just close it off, because a friend is coming over and you know how she'll be when the door bell rings.

She is also trying to figure out how to get the pillows out of the window seat so she can jump up there. That is her watching the world go by seat and she is not happy about. Right now hubs said she is mad at me for being in a room she can't get to. So, I think I'll change computers. :)

I think the storm this weekend might miss us, cross fingers, but that bitter cold is here and seems to be here to stay :( I looked at property online in Victoria today. LOL Warmest place so far in Canada this winter. Not that I'm ready to move but always good to think about when it's so cold here. LOL

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

Hi Sharlene,
Buddy became very upset and depressed when he couldn't get up on his window seat for guard duty. He wasn't as excited about life when he couldn't do his job. I understand Molly's need to grumble. That's her way of letting you know that she's unhappy and wants you to fix it. You always gave before, so why not now. She doesn't understand. :o
I'm glad you are switching computers so she can, at least be in the room with you. xxxxx Hang in there! xxxxx

[molly muffin]

Oh I know she isn't happy about not being up there and me not givien it and I bet there is some depression going on. I'm debating if I should put her up there when I can be there with her, or if that will make her miss it more and want it more.

I was on my work computer, she was in the living room with her dad, and they were on the floor together but when she gets in a mood, she wants us both right there. Currently I am in here with her and she is being unhappy because hubs just left for a bit.

She'll be happier tomorrow night that her pal dave is coming over for zombie night. She does lover to have the guys all around. (have to tell him he can't bring his dog Maizie though as molly can't play)

*sigh* poor molly, we'll get through this. She is just not big on patience either. :) the vet just keeps telling me, you know that this can happen again right, even is likely to. :(

hugs,
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Budsters Mom]

I can't answer regarding Molly, but Buddy loved being put on the window seat to look out. I sat there right with him and we would talk about everything that we could see out the window. He loved my undivided attention as we checked out the critters together. That time together was very special. Xxxx

[doxiesrock912]

That's a really sweet idea.

[Trish]

Awwww Molly has got a new avatar!! So cute :D Thought I had clicked into the wrong thread when I saw that furry face looking back at me :):) Yep I would put her up and sit with her! Sometimes they need to survey their kingdom for themselves :rolleyes: sometimes outside Flynn can hear the kids in the school on the other side of the fence and barks at them. If I lift him up to look over and see for himself what is going on he settles and stops barking. Glad to hear her back is coming right too xxxx

[goldengirl88]

Hi Sharlene:
More snow here this morning. Wow this is too much lately. How is Molly doing with her back? I will take Tipper every 3 weeks from now on to laser therapy. Because of the issues they have with their backs etc. I think it is best she just keep going to eliminate as much pain as possible. Once you get the sessions built up all you need is once a month treatment to keep it up, so maybe that would help Molly too. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

We only have a light dusting of snow this morning, so looks like the storm they were worried would hit us didn't do so. We'll see, the day isn't over yet :)

Well, Molly's middle area of her back isn't healed yet so we'll just evaluate week by week to see how it is progressing. She has a treatment this week and then we'll see where we go next. She has gone through only 2 weeks of treatment and restriction so far. From what I've read and others experiences with back injuries, like Tracy and Woody, etc, we're looking at a likely 6 weeks of restrictions.

This weather and trying to take her in and out in it, doesn't make it easy at all. We have to be careful that her legs don't slip. She is still having problems with weight distribution to her back legs.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Woodydog]

I,m afraid you are looking at roughly 6 weeks depending on how Molly is healing. How are you carrying Molly I know that sounds stupid, but I was told not to carry Woody from underneath like hands under his tummy, as this could put pressure on the back, but instead I was to carry him one hand under head at chest area and one hand at his butt and to try and keep him straight, easier said that done :eek:

How is she in herself, is she still grumpy or is she at the let me play stage, it is hard to keep them down :D

[molly muffin]

Molly puts both her front legs over my arm and I balance her by her bum area, it's not easy as you said.

Oh she wants to run around, but not play with her toys. She is grumpy because she can't jump up and down into the window seat and couches on her own.

I can tell when she isn't on the inflammatory meds that she doesn't feel as good. We never do more than 4 days at a time on the meds, then 3 days off. Not sure if we will have more days of the meds or not, I have enough to do another couple days on if need be.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Tina]

My Dearest Sharlene,
I have been following along with your thread for the most part, but today have really been able to get caught up some. I can't tell you how concerned I was reading about your husband! My goodness, he got clobbered! How lucky that he had you to take care of him. I gathered that he is doing better, but I may have missed something recent. Pneumonia can be very hard to kick sometimes. Is he all better now? I was sorry to read that you missed the party, but it really sounded like neither one of you were in any shape to travel.

And poor Molly... I am glad to read that she is a bit better also. Back injuries are so tough, and scary. I have had to chuckle about her antics and grumbling, but she is just going to have to deal with being confined if needed. Her back needs rest to heal. When my Angel Dakota hurt her back acting like a wild dog in the yard, she had to be crated while I was at work. :( :eek: It was horrible, but I had to make sure she couldn't jump. If I remember right, it seems it was about 4-6 weeks of rest. But she healed well, and had no further problems with it. Hopefully that will be the same for Molly.

PS I love the new avatar! So cute.

Big hugs,
Tina and Jasper xo

[molly muffin]

Hi Tina, so glad to see you. I am assuming life has been crazy for you lately.

I told work I'd have to work from home as long as Molly is on restriction. They seem to be okay with that, so as long as I am here, I make sure she doesn't jump on anything. We have long body pillows on couches and chairs and window seat and have blocked off all steps so she won't go up even one of them.

When I'm not here, I make sure that my husband is, so one of us will be with her. At night she is shut into our room with no steps. The vet said as long as she doesn't jump up or down, she should heal. Cross fingers it will never happen again.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[flynnandian]

glad, that you both have found a way to take care of molly 24/7.
it won't be easy though. hope the confinement will do the trick for her back [for ever].

[doxiesrock912]

Molly won't be happy, but she'll get over it. I'm glad that the vet thinks that she will heal from this.

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
I have not heard back from Dr. Bruyette but called Dechra back. They are still going by above 1.45 in a treated dog for a pre number, but in a normal dog .5 to 5.5 is good. She said even though Tipper is a treated dog that she is still above the .5 pre that they see in a normal dog if it goes below the .5 that is really cause for concern. Thank God Tipper was a .7 at one time and a .9 now. Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

Tomorrow we go for the only laser treatment she'll have this week and the vet said she'll talk to me then about what we're going to do about any further anti-inflammatory meds and how she is doing.
How she is doing is she is the same as she was last week. Her back still hurts, one sign is that although she will continue to wag her tail while you go down her back, her skin ripples when you go over the bad spot, and my vet said this is a sign that it isn't healed yet.
Yes, she remains on restriction of no steps, up or down and no jumping up on anything. I think when this is over she'll never let me pick her up again unless she hurts, she hates it so much now and will often try to escape. When she doesn't try to escape I know her back is hurting her. :(
I'll update tomorrow after the vet appointment.
This is week 3.

hugs all
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Woodydog]

As poor Molly have to say Woody hated being lifted after his back injury and did snap at me twice when I tried to lift him. She is on the right track and I hope her treatment helps tomorrow. Your half way there Sharlene hang in there x

[molly muffin]

She is better in that she tried to get me to throw her ball for her yesterday and today. Didn't work, I rolled it instead, but she looked at me like I had forgotten how the game is played or something. hahaha
We Are doing the look out the window together, but it breaks my heart then when she wants to do that during the day and I can't because I'm working. :( she looks so sad, sitting in front of the window seat, looking at the big pillows that block her way. She turn her head and look over at me like, fix this mess. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Budsters Mom]

I know that look Sharlene. It is etched into my brain forever. :o They don't understand. Molly has no idea how lucky she is to have someone home with her ALL the time. How dare you work when she wants something!! LOL


:( she looks so sad, sitting in front of the window seat, looking at the big pillows that block her way. She turn her head and look over at me like, fix this mess!

[molly muffin]

I really do not know how I would have handled things if my work, my boss, hadn't been so understanding of the situation and if I were set up to be able to work from home. I am very very lucky and so is molly. LOL

Luckily my husband is getting better, recovering from the pneumonia, but now my partner at work, has torn a ligament in his thumb and needs to have surgery, so that is going to be tricky and mean even more hours depending on if he loses much time off work or not. Nasty ice fall for my partner. We are all hating this winter.

Good thing that Monday is a holiday as I see that we are suppose to get more snow. Can you imagine!! More of this stuff!! Molly can't even go into the backyard to do her thing at this point, because the snow is deeper than she is and she can't maneuver with a bad back and legs.

hugs all
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[doxiesrock912]

Sharlene,
I think that it's a good sign that Molly is still interested in doing the things that she likes even though she can't right now. When they lose interest, is when you know that they're feeling really badly.

OW! OW! For your partner, we don't realize how much we use our thumbs until we hurt one. Poor guy.

Happy that hubby is doing better!

We're also expecting another 8 - 12 inches of snow beginning Wednesday night. This is getting ridiculous! We have nowhere else to put it and it's been so cold that none is melting to make room.

[Meg_Elizabeth]

Can't wait til this horrible cold spell is over! The winter seems to be the worst time for our old cushings dogs. I know the low temperatures stiffens the joints and makes their arthritis twice as painful :(

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
Please read my post and let me know what you think. I have tried so many different combinations with Tipper I am at a loss of what to do here. Dr. Bruyette must be busy, or maybe it is all the questions I asked that are holding him up. Hope Molly is having a good day. She probably loves you being home all the time with her. Blessings
Patti

[Trixie]

So glad at least for now you can be home with Molly. Awww..poor girl feeling a little sad and sore. Glad the tail is a'wagging though!!
Did she have the laser treatment yet? Hoping it will make a difference and help her to feel better.

Barbara

[molly muffin]

We're back, molly had her laser treatment and she is progressing nicely. She is now allowed to go up and down the one step going outside, but none of the stairs inside and no high up or down from furniture or window seat yet. The risk of a memory recurrence is too high at this time.
So, we'll keep restricting her from doing those things on her own for a few more weeks, till there is less chance of a reinjury. But it's looking good. She doesn't need any more anti inflammatory med or laser treatments. Now it's just not letting her do anything to rehurt it till her body can adapt and be strong again in her back.

Everyone was saying that she acted like she was at a doggie spa, stretched out, grooving to the treatment on her mat, eyes closed, just bliss. So that is good sign.

hugs all,
sharlene and molly muffin

[flynnandian]

way to go molly! be a nice girl and get better soon.

[goldengirl88]

Molly:
You mean your mom doesn't realize you were really at the spa? You little diva you! Glad you are on the mend. Love Tipper

[Trixie]

Sounds like a good report!! Of course the little princess stretched out and had some spa time...what else was she to do??? :D

;) Barbara

[Budsters Mom]

Hey Sharlene, I want to go to that place. Tell Molly she needs to move over on that mat because she's getting some company. LOL :D

I am thrilled that she's doing so well!:p xxxx


Everyone was saying that she acted like she was at a doggie spa, stretched out, grooving to the treatment on her mat, eyes closed, just bliss.

[lulusmom]

Everyone was saying that she acted like she was at a doggie spa, stretched out, grooving to the treatment on her mat, eyes closed, just bliss.

I love it! I have this image in my head and it makes me smile.

[doxiesrock912]

Great news Sharlene! Molly is on her way.

I can visualize Molly enjoying the treatment. Daisy actually fell asleep during her ultrasound.

[apollo6]

Love it. Glad to hear.
Hugs Sonja and Angel Apollo

[Squirt's Mom]

Glad Molly is feeling better! Always nice to hear good news!

[beaglemom3]

I am so happy to hear Molly is feeling better!

[mcdavis]

I didn't realise I'd been away so long (prepping for my first skating comp :eek:). So much seems to have happened, and poor little Miss Molly. I'm so pleased to hear that she's starting to improve - there's nothing worse than seeing our pups in pain and not knowing how to help.
I remember the day Hamish's arthritis was so bad he refused to eat - I was distraught and managed to get an emergency appointment at the vets where they gave him an injection and told me to keep him calm - we got home and he raced around the house, up the stairs, etc. so I was distraught again!!

[molly muffin]

I know they are crazy aren't they!!!

Good luck with your first competition. Exciting stuff! You can do it though!

How is Henry?

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[molly muffin]

I'm just going to wish EVERYONE a Happy Valentines Day from myself and Molly.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Woodydog]

So glad miss Molly is on the road to recovery :)

Happy valentines day to you and miss Molly and off course your hubs

[mcdavis]

I know they are crazy aren't they!!!

Good luck with your first competition. Exciting stuff! You can do it though!

How is Henry?

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Henry is continuing to grow, and grow and grow!!! I just posted some pics of him however he's a bit miffed at me today - I fell at the rink last night (whilst doing the curtsey at the end of the program :eek: and twisted my knee, so no walkies, and I'm way too slow when it comes to meeting his demands to go outside and tell the neighbours all about it too :( He was soooo happy when the other slave (Daddy) got home!

[Woodydog]

Hoping Molly is continuing to heal well and getting back to her Diva normal. That's good that she can do the step she certainly is on the right road, you,ve done a fab job there :D

We,ve had snow overnight, but its now being replaced by yet more rain and high winds blergh fed up with it now :rolleyes:

[Trish]

Hi Sharlene
I bet you had a lovely Valentines with your hubs and Molly, I wish I had one just like him :D:D Well that sounds quite the spa day for her, it makes me smile :D:D xxx

[molly muffin]

Yep, we had a nice Valentines Weekend. :) Friday, actual valentines day, we stayed in, since we were both tired from working all day and just did a pizza and wings night. (molly loved as she gets her chicken on nights that we have chicken) Then on Saturday we went out to (judi will love this) La Castile and had so much food, we brought probably half of it home and then munched on it off and on Sunday. Today was a holiday so we stayed home and chilled for the day, while expecting a snow storm over night.

I'm happy to finally get notice that my shipment with the ramp/steps/wooden gates, has finally shipped. Not sure when it will show up though. Still it will be good for molly to have options to learn on. I was considering removing the pillows and letting her up to the window seat but noticed that her back legs are still looking a bit wobbly, even though her back seems to be fine. So, not sure if this is from the back issue or the joint problems. It could be either and is hard to tell for sure. We know and have known for Years now that the back legs will eventually be a real problem for her and this might have just exacerbated it and moved it forward in the timeline of her life. Anyway, because she's still wobbly, I decided not to let her up there. That step is 13 inches. She wouldn't be able to make it up or down from the couch but lucky for her, the window seat will be the first thing she will be allowed up on. (at some point). She seems to have trouble getting really comfortable when she lays down sometimes, where to put her back legs mostly. Laying flat out on her side or on her back seems to work best for her back hips. Poor thing. I hate to see her so uncomfortable when her back is coming along and healing so well. (at least I hope it is, she doesn't seem sensitive at all to it any longer)

Oh I didn't mention but looks like that last ear infection never really cleared up, even though we thought it had, because it came back. Molly has been back on the ear meds for a week and it's not cleared yet, so she'll stay on it for probably another week. It's still infected and she hates me messing with it. She yelped when I put the cleaner in to try and get some of the gunk out. I hate that her eat is bothering her so much and she is definitely licking at her back and front paw on the same side too, so I'm wondering if she is having an allergy attack of some sort too.

Well, getting ready for the snow. Lucky hubby is heading off to California this week. I told him to enjoy, because we're having a snow storm before he leaves and then when he comes back next weekend, we're suppose to have another one.

hugs all
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[Trixie]

Hi Sharlene,
I'm sorry to hear Molly is still having discomfort and the ear infection back too. :( Hopefully the ramp, gates, etc will help her from making anything worse. Glad that soon she'll be allowed up on the window seat.
Those ear infections can sometimes be tough to get rid of. Did you ever get the Zymox Otic...I think it was good stuff. Did the trick for Trixie's ear.

Snow due here again tomorrow too, not too much for this time. Then up in the 50's by weeks end. :eek: Everyone thinks the warm up will be an end to the snow...haha...I don't, March is yet to come. Hope Molly feels better soon! :p

Barbara

[Trish]

Ohhh if I remember rightly you put a link up to La Castile before, kind of a castle looking place?

I bet Molly will think she has a new toy when her steps/gate etc arrives!! I am pretty sure she is going to be somewhat suspicious of it :rolleyes::eek: Gee it does take a while when they hurt themselves to get back to what they were. Blinking ears playing up again too :mad:, sure sounds like an allergy happening with all that paw licking too. Gosh no more snow, hubs lucky heading out to California, shame you could not pack up Molly and all go along and you could have popped in to see Kathy too :D:D Nice to have a holiday and long weekend!! I decided to take off Friday too, I was intending on going back to work but thought blow it, I am not going... so a nice little 5-day break for me now :D I hope the next Molly report is showing improvements on all fronts!!
xx

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
It seems these little ones want no help to get where they are going. I am hoping Molly uses her steps so she does not reinjure herself. We got bombed with snow and the wind this morning along with more snow is unbelievable. Stay safe with Molly. Blessings
Patti

[Jenny & Judi in MN]

ear infections are the worst! Jenny has them on and off too. let us know how the ramp goes

[spdd]

Ok....I'm officially p.o'd about La Castile... I love that place. One of the few places that has done no renovations in over 30 years but has kept the atmosphere and food superb.

I am having a ramp built for Keesh, 5 ft long and about 22" wide to use for my van and back stairs. One of the guys that takes his dog to swim therapy is doing it for me. Expensive $125.00 or so but custom made for "mah boy."

Glad to hear Molly is doing better, and hopefully that ear of hers improves. Not on here much but do try to catch up on the reading here.

Maybe we can get together for a "pop" on the patio of LaCastile when the weather improves.

[molly muffin]

Yep, we absolutely should meet for "pop" on the patio. LOL
I love the way that place looks, the high ceiling and beams, and those chairs, so comfy.

I hope the ramp works for Keesh. Him and molly just have to embrace their inner rampdomness. (can I make up words or what!!) :)

I'm oh so over the snow thing, ready for late spring now.

We are working hard on the ear thing, to get it cleared up. She's not happy with me, but we are cleaning and medicating, wiping down and medicating. The other ear looks really good. LOL Hopfully this one is looking better. I don't know if it is or I just want it to be.

Barbara I'm using an Opti-Clean cleaner for ears that the vet was using on her, and they told me to continue using that one. So, for now that is the one I'm using.

I'm working long hours lately with my partner down and out (had surgery on that hand over the weekend), and working on several development projects at the same time, plus several customer projects. I'm feeling like Mel I think. Too much all at once, interferes with life. Hopefully it will be better soon.

I wish I was getting on that plane to California tomorrow too. I got an email from the family down there today that they wanted me to come and hang out with them while hubs is at the conference. I wish I could go but between work and molly, it's just not happening.

hugs all!
Sharlene and molly muffin

[Budsters Mom]

So sorry that you're having to work so hard, but glad that Molly is in such loving hands.

Be sure to make the ramp a game. Once Molly realizes that it's her ticket to view the world, she'll get on board. ;) xxxx

[flynnandian]

i hope molly will like her new aids towards more freedom in the house. my dogs too want to do everything by themselves. they don't need the help so they think. smaller dogs especially. and one day all the snow will melt away....................

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
How is Molly taking to the new steps/ramp you got her? I had to start Tipper off on her ramp by bribing her with dog food nuggets. She would go to the ramp when she was hungry and pretend she was going to go up and look at me for treats!! I am sure Molly will work it too!! Blessings
Patti

[molly muffin]

I'm sure molly will work the ramp big time. It hasn't arrived yet though. I figure at least a week as it's shipping up from the states.

She's being fiesty today. Can't keep a good dog down as they say.

hugs,
sharlene and molly muffin

[addy]

the ice storm cometh:D:D:D:D:D

please taketh awayeth:p:p:p

we cant do ice:mad::mad::mad:

[molly muffin]

We're suppose to get ice :( :( noooooo then rain

verdict: Flood watch issued for southern ontario


fooey
sharlene and molly muffin

[Trish]

EEK :eek::eek: I remember your flood photos from last year! Nasty. Least it will get rid of the snow???

[molly muffin]

Nope it won't get rid of all the snow or even most of it. We have too bloody much. Snow banks are probably 5 feet some places. Maybe 20 inches on ground. Not positive but it's a lot.

It shouldn't be as bad as it was last year. That was a warm weather storm and I had never seen one like That.

I'm just hoping no water comes in the house as hubs isn't around for me to complain too. Lol. Guess you guys would have to be my stand in.

Hugs
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Trish]

Yes, that is what we are here for!!! Ready to listen to all complaints, I really sympathise with that weather. Sometimes I would like to have snow, but my temperate climate neither too hot or too cold in the season peaks suits me just fine. I can always go up the mountains if I want to see a bit of snow! Jeepers I hope it does not come in the house too :eek:

[molly muffin]

See that is exactly how I feel too. If you want snow take a drive up to the mountains. Enjoy it and then come home to nothing too hot or too cold. Lol. That is what my family in California does and it works out just fine. That was how I operated to for many years.

Ugh. I hope it doesn't come in either. Molly will be freaking if it rains that much and shaking and not leaving my side. I won't be able to clean it up till it stops and she settles down. We'll that is just borrowing trouble to even think that. So not going to worry unless it happens. Lol

I am trying out typing playing on new iPad. I moved from an android to the oh dreaded apple product. Hahaha. Love the keyboard.

Huggies
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[Trish]

I don't think they are dreaded, I love my ipad and phone although as its a work phone they are only issuing the 4's. Still it is good enough for me (esp the free part!). I am not so keen on typing on the ipad though! I usually use the laptop when I am on the forum posting but love the ipad for browsing anywhere and short replies are fine too. If this laptop gives up the ghost I think I will be getting an apple one next too!

[Budsters Mom]

Sharlene, you can dictate your posts instead of typing them. Use the little microphone you see on the lower left corner of your keyboard. You do need to reread it though, to make sure that it typed what you really want it too. :eek: I love my iPad and my iPad Mini for that reason. I would much rather dictate and type. enjoy. Xxxxx

[molly muffin]

I have the iPhone 4S too. Love it and loving the iPad too. Other than I miss Aldiko book reader.
Hubs is all apple. Mac iPad iPhone Apple TV I think too. I don't even try to keep up with his toys. Lol
Dang if he didn't just text and say he was at Pier 39 at one of my fav restaurants. I said "at least tell me the weather sucks or something!"
Hahahaha.

[Budsters Mom]

So sorry Sharlene,
The weather almost NEVER sucks here! He would have to be a great husband and lie!:D

[Trish]

Mine does not have the S lol, still nice phone. Oh that hubby, txt back and tell him you just got in from your pop on the deck at La Castile with Judy! I am very glad to hear he is out enjoying himself after that awful bout of pneumonia!

[molly muffin]

Okay I don't see a microphone on my keyboard left or right.

Yea I'm glad he is enjoying himself too after the time he's had this year.

He texted back said "freezing". Lol.
Sharlene and Molly muffin

[molly muffin]

Okay I think I found the microphone let's try this out now. Woo hoo that was pretty cool I like it. I'm not really sure if I'll use it that much but I definitely like it.

Hugs Sharlene and Molly muffin. Oh yeah that's cool I just talked the whole thing

[Budsters Mom]

Yes! The more you use the microphone Sharlene, it actually gets to learn learn the sound of you voice and inflection and it gets more accurate each time you use it. You'll love it!

[Budsters Mom]

You won't have to spell anything except your made-up words!:D

[Trish]

Hello Charlene and Cathy testing testing

[Budsters Mom]

The microphone on your iPad is opposite to the home button. Make sure your hand or thumb is not covering that microphone in order for it to hear you clearly. It's close to the FaceTime camera on the front of the iPad. The microphone is on the side behind the camera.

[Budsters Mom]

Very good Trish!! Xxxx

[Trish]

Oh cool! A new trick, shame about the spelling!

[Budsters Mom]

Ladies let me know when you're ready for lesson two. lol:D

[Trish]

I use the forum runner app on the ipad and the little microphone is just by the space bar, worked just fine!! Now when I am lying in bed reading I can do a post lol even in the dark!

[molly muffin]

This is fun I just want to talk to something but I don't know what like I'm just kind of sitting here talking to my iPad Air. Okay this thing needs to learn punctuation because it's not putting anything and I go back in and all my punctuation. What is lesson two? Will it learn to do punctuation?

[Budsters Mom]

I rarely use my laptop since this is so easy to dictate and I'm lazy. I use my laptop to back up my iTunes, but I mostly use my IPads.

[Budsters Mom]

Sharlene you have to tell it to put the punctuation in. I forgot to tell you that.
For example . It's time to go to bed. (in order to get that period after after the word bed, I had to say the word period. You have to do that with all the punctuation. Try it.

[molly muffin]

Testing out punctuation. Okay that works I can deal with that. Now what's the next thing to learn?

[molly muffin]

Oh I can see how this could be totally addictive. This could be bad bad bad!

[Budsters Mom]

That is lesson two. Talk to it. when you want a ., Say the word period. Do the same thing with the word comma and exclamation point. It also works with parenthesis and quotation marks. You should not have to go back and put in any punctuation marks if you dictated correctly.

[Budsters Mom]

I think that's enough new stuff for tonight for you Grasshopper.;) practice that for a while. I'll be happy to help you with more tomorrow. Dictating makes posting and emailing super easy.:D

[Trish]

Haha I dictate letters for work, but our secretary puts in the proper punctuation as we are so useless at it lol. So I will start doing it at work too and give her a bit of a shock!

[Budsters Mom]

Glad I could help!:D

[molly muffin]

Thanks for your help Kathy. I've been texting and emailing people dictating everything. It's kind of fun.

[Budsters Mom]

You are very welcome Sharlene. Have fun with it! :D

[Trish]

Yes thank you Cathy, :)

[Budsters Mom]

You are very welcome Trish. :D

[goldengirl88]

Sharlene:
We are supposed to get all that crazy weather to. I am worried I do not have a mild tranquilizer for Tipper, and I need her blood pressure to stay down as it was high this time. I have the melatonin and I am going to spray the closet with pheromone spray. My vet never called! Blessings
patti

[molly muffin]

I am absolutely exhausted tonight. Work is killing me this week. I swear it is.
This week, my partner at work hurt, hubby having pneumonia, me sick, molly hurt, put a lot of stuff into perspective for me. I turned down a promotion today at work. It's something that I was negotiating for and I said, you'd have to make me an offer I couldn't refuse to get me to do it. Well, turns out, I can refuse it and it would take more than they were offering to get me to take it on. :) I've resisted it for years and finally had said I'd negotiate for it, but I just can't see it after the start of this year. Luckily my director was fine and understood my position and that the price had gone up. LOL It is what it is and I work with some very awesome people and I'm okay with that and staying where I am for now. Now if only I could get back to something like normal hours!!

So, we still haven't gotten the rain. That is fine with me. we did get snow though, go figure. :) Spoke too soon, rain just started.

Guess who got access to her window seat today?! :) Yep, little miss muffin. She has been scampering around around and carrying on, so I let her into the window seat. I pick her up normally and put her in it, she's jumped up herself maybe twice. She's doing okay with it and slept all day there while I was working.

She'll still have to learn the ramp when I get it and she isn't being allowed to jump up or down on furniture for another 2 weeks and i don't know if i'll let her have the stairs up and down or not.

We'll see how she does. Mostly she just likes to hang out near me, so I'm okay with that.

hugs all,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[apollo6]

MY dear Sharlene and Molly Muffin
I understand to closely what you are going through. Too much on your plate and feeling overwhelmed. Some times we need to stop and breath take some quiet time to get centered with all that is going on in our life. Look at what is important to you right now.
When Apollo was so sick and we had just lost our home and everything in a fire, being with Apollo was important to me.
Cushing can get so consuming that we forget to breath and live life, one day at a time. Each day is a pleasing , each tiny moment is a miracle, each moment of serenity is a gift. So despite
what Cushing is doing to our babies , we need to take care of ourselves. And as Addy so often said, put Cushing in the drawer to day and breath.
Hugs Sonja and Angel Apollo

[doxiesrock912]

We're here with you Sharlene. Take a break and just enjoy sitting by the window with Molly. Empty your mind for a bit.