Off to the vets...

[Lauren]

...we go.

Both Izzy and Frodo are due for shots, but of course it's never just one thing with these two.

I believe Izzy may have a UTI, she's been going in and out quite a bit and squatting constantly, with little result, on our walks for a few days now so I'm going to have her checked out for that today.

I'm a little (okay, a lot) worried about Frodo's hips. He seems unsteady on his back legs, tripping when trying to step up on curbs, if I push on his thigh area he will wobble and have to move to stay upright (the same amount of force doesn't even phase Izzy, although she is built like a tank), and he has fallen before while lifting his leg. His back feet are quite pigeon toed and he is taller and very narrow so I am hoping that it has something to do with this and not something very serious :( He's never been overwhelmingly steady but in the past few weeks it seems to have become worse. I'm worried :(

Our appointment is at 2:45 and I need a fecal/urine sample from Izzy, she is not cooperating *sigh*

Lauren

[Jespah]

Try not to worry Lauren - I know, it's easier said than done. Maybe Frodo has just been over doing it a bit lately and is a little wobbly on his pegs. We will all send good vibes and wishes your way.

Let us know when you get home how you all are!

+WUBCLUB+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+WUBCLUB+

Deb

[MrsGrace]

Oh boy... our babies are so fragile sometimes... it's maddening how we worry and stress, waiting for appts and tests. *sigh*

Right there with you... sending healthy vibes and prayers your way!
+WUBCLUB+

[manymuddypaws]

Sending positive vibes your way.... :)
-amanda

[Fluffypants]

More vibes from me - let us know what the vet says!

+WUBCLUB+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +WUBCLUB+

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Lots of good vibes coming from here, keep us posted.

[disraeli ears]

Hope all is good news at the vet's! :CUTE:

[sutulu]

Good luck on your Vet visit. I hope the news is more positive than you are expecting.

You are right, we worry so much about these little guys....

[Dillydoodle]

Lauren, Sending you good vibes at the vet's office today.
Emilie

[CorgiMum]

Hoping that all is well at the Vet's. Lots of vibes. {{{{{{{{}}}}}}}

[Lauren]

We're back. Izzy will be fine, Frodo is more serious.

Izzy does have a UTI (we caught it very early so it's not a big deal) and she's on antibiotics.

Frodo has Grade I luxating patella (slipping kneecap) in his left knee. The vet said that she would not be surprised if it progessed to a Grade II within the next few months but she cannot say for sure. We'll be going back in a few months and if there is any progression we'll talk about surgery. She said his right knee is loose but that it shouldn't cause him any trouble and isn't even bad enough to be ranked as a Grade I. Frodo also has a bulging disk in his lower back so we got some anti-inflammatory medication in case it seems to bother him. She said that they usually don't see luxating patella in dogs until they are middle aged, Frodo is only 17 months :(

Thank you all for the positive vibes.

[MrsGrace]

So sorry to hear about Frodo. Maybe something will happen and his body will somehow heal itself, since he's such a young one? I know, wishful thinking I'm sure but.... just have to hope he'll be fine and it wont progress much further.

You're in my thoughts still. Thanks for the update.

[Merlincorgi]

If it's any help... my sister's Chihuahua was also diagnosed with a luxating patella at a young age and she seems to be doing okay most of the time, even 6 or 7 years later. Best wishes for Frodo!!

[ColColt]

I'll be remembering Izzy tomorrow, Lauren and keep a thumbs up that is something only minor and temporary. If we don't watch them 24/7 they can do things we didn't see happen and it could be he just stepped in a hole and sprang his leg. Here's hoping that sort of thing is all there is to it.

[Penutsma]

If it's any help... my sister's Chihuahua was also diagnosed with a luxating patella at a young age and she seems to be doing okay most of the time, even 6 or 7 years later. Best wishes for Frodo!!


Princess runs and plays with the rest of the dogs just fine. Occasionally she will yelp and hold the offending leg off the ground. At that time she will be in some discomfort. We usually make her go lay down and rest when that happens. If it doesn't re-seat right away or she seems to be in more discomfort that usual, it's off to the vet to have her leg rotated (we'd do it, but we're afraid we might hurt her more) to re-seat the patella. So far, so good, she has not required surgery.

I'm hoping that is all that happens for Frodo. I can't begin to imagine what you are feeling right now. Just know that there was nothing you could have done to prevent this. You and Frodo are in our prayers.

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

I will keep you, and their beautiful faces, in my thoughts.

[Lauren]

So sorry to hear about Frodo. Maybe something will happen and his body will somehow heal itself, since he's such a young one? I know, wishful thinking I'm sure but.... just have to hope he'll be fine and it wont progress much further.

You're in my thoughts still. Thanks for the update.
Thank you. I've never heard of this fixing itself, I think the best that I can hope for is that it will stay as it is right now. He doesn't seem to be in any pain right now and it sure doesn't stop him from running and playing, he's still a little wild child :D

If it's any help... my sister's Chihuahua was also diagnosed with a luxating patella at a young age and she seems to be doing okay most of the time, even 6 or 7 years later. Best wishes for Frodo!!
That sure does help, it keeps my thoughts off of the worst case scenerio track, thank you :)

I hope so too Delilahsmom! Do you happen to know what grade Princess is?

Thank you MGM :)

[Lauren]

Thanks David :)

The wee man himself after a long day...
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n248/NerualSSDD/1%20year%20old/IMG_1874.jpg

[manymuddypaws]

Lauren,

A patella problem can sometimes require surgery but I think more often than not they don't. My parents little terrier X has a patella problem- a level 1 in her right knee and a level II in her left. She does jsut fine- she runs around and will occasionally skip a step or two but otherwise is okay. It is probably the disk problem that is causing more pain- did the vet say what could have caused it?

I think Frodo and Izzy deserve to be spoiled after their day at the vet....a new toy or two might be in order!

-amanda

[corgimom]

Lauren,

Sorry to hear about Frodo; I am keeping both of you in my thoughts. I am not familiar with luxating Patella, I'll have to do some reading on it. I sure hope that Frodo will be fine. Sending you some hugs.+WUBCLUB+ Please continue to keep us updated on his progress.

[Penutsma]

I hope so too Delilahsmom! Do you happen to know what grade Princess is?

Thank you MGM :)

I would assume she is grade 1 since it doesn't affect her all the time or even most of the time. I do find that colder weather seems to trigger reactions faster so I think she may also have some arthritis now. She was born in Oct, 2000 to give you an idea what her age is. She has experienced this since she was around 2-2 1/2.

[Lauren]

A patella problem can sometimes require surgery but I think more often than not they don't. My parents little terrier X has a patella problem- a level 1 in her right knee and a level II in her left. She does jsut fine- she runs around and will occasionally skip a step or two but otherwise is okay. It is probably the disk problem that is causing more pain- did the vet say what could have caused it?

I think Frodo and Izzy deserve to be spoiled after their day at the vet....a new toy or two might be in order!

-amanda

She said that he could have twisted wrong during play, jumped of the couch wrong, etc.
Izzy and Frodo agree that they need to be spoiled (as if they aren't every day :rolleyes: ), we'll probably stop by the feed store and grab some bully sticks tomorrow. Corgis-":NOTWORTHY:"

[CorgiMum]

Vibes for Izzy's UTI to clear up fast, Montrose had one few months back and I don't feel that we caught it as fast as you did.

And many many vibes for Frodo, is there any special confinement suggestions that the Vet recommended? Since Dylan has 'knee issues' I understand your worries.

And a hug for you Lauren.

[disraeli ears]

They love to get some extra special treatment after a hard day at the vet's. :WINK:

Sorry to hear about Frodo's patella - hopefully it won't cause him too much trouble in the future and maybe surgery can be avoided!

[Dillydoodle]

Lauren,
I am really sorry to hear about Frodo... I would tend to agree that the bulging disk is what is probably causing his pain right now and the weakness in the back legs. I was also wondering if the vet gave you any instructions about keeping him quiet for any certain length of time? I am hoping that his knee issue doesnt progress so he wont have to have any surgery on it. Poor little guy... Please give him a gentle hug from me...
I am glad that you were able to catch Izzy's UTI early on, and get her on some meds, she will be good as new in no time i am sure, hugs to her too..

and hugs to you too, I am sure this has been a stressful day for you all...
Emilie

[Jespah]

Glad you caught Izzy's UTI early and she will be feeling fine soon. I hope that Frodo will be okay after the disk problem clears up. I would imagine, like me with a bum knee, he'll need to make sure his weight is down for the rest of his life and that he doesn't do too much wild activity like jumping.

Hugs to you from us too!! +WUBCLUB+

Deb, Jem and Rupe

[LaRositaMonita]

I'm sorry to hear about Frodo, Lauren... but I know with a good mommy like you helping him, he'll be just fine. I'm keeping both you babies in my thoughts!

[Lauren]

Thanks everybody, I am feeling much better now. I just got back from watching my little step-sister whom I don't get to see all that much and it's physically impossible to stay sad and depressed around her (http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n248/NerualSSDD/IMG_1687.jpg?t=1182478602).

After settling down and doing some research it seems to me that I may have made a bigger deal out of this than it actually is (I tend to make mountains out of molehills when it comes to the health of my furkids :o ) although I am going to watch him like a hawk and continue to learn all that I can about luxating patella and how to make Frodo most comfortable and prevent any progression.

Linda, I'd heard of it before but I'd never done any serious reading about it, but I sure am now! As soon as I learn anything you guys will be the first to know (I posted on the forum before I even told my mom about it and got from her what I thought I would "I'll bet it's expensive" :MAD: ).

Deliliahsmom, it sounds like she is definitally living out a full and happy life! The vet told me that arthritis is very common in luxating patella.

Barbara I too am glad that I caught it early, don't know if I'd have been able to deal with it if it had gotten to her kidneys. Poor Montrose, I hope she's feeling better now.
The vet didn't mention any specific confinement guidelines but I've taken it upon myself to do so. No more couch time unless I'm there to moniter, no more chasing flies (which entails jumping on/of beds, decks, couches, people, etc.) and no rough play/getting riled up with Izzy until he's feeling better.

*another post coming*

[Lauren]

They love to get some extra special treatment after a hard day at the vet's.

Sorry to hear about Frodo's patella - hopefully it won't cause him too much trouble in the future and maybe surgery can be avoided!

First they have to wake up! :BIGGRIN" *Nudges sleeping lumps at feet*

At this point I don't think that he is going to need surgery but I'm not ruling out anything yet. I have a feeling that the only trouble he's going to be in is by me when he decides that these new no roughhousing/jumping rules don't need to be followed :)

Emilie, Frodo sends sloppy kisses of thanks! Thus far I have seen no signs of pain from Frodo (knock on wood) except for when the vet was checking his back, I have mainly just seen the instibility with his legs, which I agree may be from his disc. Izzy, on the other hand, is letting everyone know that she doesn't feel 100%. You can come and give her that hug yourself, I'm not risking it! <vbg> just kidding!

Deb, I am very glad that Frodo has always been on the slim side (the vet even commented on how good he looks compared to most corgis they see) but I will definitally be watching his weight closely from here on out.


Thank you Heather :) Frodo has some kisses saved for you and your kind words ;)


And thank you everybody for all the hugs *feels all warm and fuzzy* for me and my guys, they'll send you all big wet, sloppy kisses...just as soon as they get up!

[Sizzledog]

Awww poor guy... I hope he feels better! Are there other options besides surgery, or is surgery a must?

[Lauren]

Right now I'm not sure he is even going to need surgery because it is a Grade I, my vet said that they sometimes do surgery on Grade II's and it becomes imperative by Grade III. If he progresses then he may have to have surgery.

Grades:
Grade I. Patella can be luxated manually (by the examiner) but returns to the trochlea when released. Occasional luxation occurs causing the animal to temporarily carry the limb. Tibial rotation is minimal

Grade II. Patella can be easily luxated manually and remains luxated until replaced. Luxation occurs frequently for longer periods of time, causing the leg to be carried or used without full extension. Tibial rotation is present.

Grade III. The patella is permanently luxated, but can be replaced manually. The dog often uses the leg, but without full extension. Tibial rotation is marked.

Grade IV. The patella cannot be replaced manually, and the leg is carried or used in a crouching position. Extension of the stifle is virtually impossible. Tibial rotation is quite severe, resulting in a "bow legged" appearance.

[Fluffypants]

I'm glad to hear it's not as bad as it originally sounded, but still . . . poor little guy! Jackie and I are sending some hugs & kisses to Frodo (and Izzy too, don't want the princess to think I have forgotten her!). You must be going crazy Lauren. I am sure you will do everything in your power to help them recover. You are a good mommy.
+WUBCLUB+

[Lauren]

Thank you! Frodo says thanks for the hugs and kisses they were super and he's sending some right back at ya! 10 (< Frodo's contribution, he's on my lap and likes to step on the keyboard to lick the screen, lol ).

[ZdogZ]

Lauren ~ Please give Frodo and Izzy some love and kisses from us!

[Penutsma]

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r150/penutsma/Princess/Frodosign.jpg


Princesshttp://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r150/penutsma/Princess/Princessdragon.gif

[Lauren]

Will do Kristi! :)

Delilahsmom, I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!
+JIGGY+ +WUBCLUB+
(I'll have Frodo reply with a pic, but he's zonked at the moment so I'll have to get it later)

[corgimom]

Lauren,

I was wondering how Izzy was - did her UTI clear up, and how has Frodo been doing with his disc issue?

[Lauren]

Thanks for wondering about us :)

Izzy is back to her bratty, diva-like self :D As soon as she started on the meds I saw a difference, and she's back to bossing Frodo around already :rolleyes:

There hasn't been any change with Frodo. He doesn't seem to be in an pain but I have chewable anti-inflammatory meds just in case. One of the 4-H moms is a vet so I talked to her for a while just about what my vet said and what everything means so that definitally put me at ease about all of this. So for now he's just restricted from jumping on couches and beds as well as no hard running for extended periods of time.

[corgimom]

Thanks for the update Lauren, I was wondering about your "two"

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Lauren, this isn't a cure by any means, but I think Dillydoodle uses special sleeping pads, good for their back and such, others may also use them, but you may want to ask Emilie about it. Glad to hear things are okay with your two.

[Dillydoodle]

What i have for Dillon is an orthopedic memory foam mattress... some are very very expensive so shop around ... but the one i got is 4 inches thick, the top 2 inches are eggshell foam (the typical orthopedic foam mattress) and the bottom two inches are memory foam. I have put a waterproof cover on them incase of accident as the actual mattress cannot get wet or it will never dry ... trust me, umm, i know! lol i tried to wash one. I also bought a special cooling matt that only covers about half of the crate ( i have a huge 27" wide by 36" long soft crate) so if they get hot , they can move to the cooler spot. sadly Gus no longer wants to sleep in his crate..he gets overheated too quickly, he starts scratching at his face and reopens his sores, so for the past month he has actually been sleeping in our bed - so he sleeps on a tempur-pedic mattress... and can move to one side or the other of the bed to be closer or farther from the AC vent... easier to regulate his temperature.. ( so much for us deciding that dogs will not sleep in the bed with us... ) Dillon now has the choice to sleep in his bed or ours and he only stays with us for 15 minutes at night and then he goes to his crate for sleep...

I do think these mattresses help with eliminating some of the pressure on the joints... they might be sometime to look into ...

Hoping that Frodo's back is feeling better and that Izzy's UTI is cleared up...

Emilie

[Lauren]

Thanks MGM and Emilie!

I may ask the vet tonight at 4-H if she thinks one of the beds will help :)

[Fluffypants]

Let us know what she says. We are keeping our paws crossed!
Glad Izzy is feeling better.