Dog Wheelchair

Sharon7 said:
This is when you just wish they could talk. Hard to know what to do or what to think. We want to fix everything for them, so it is just as perfect as can be, but it's not always realistic. I know I face the same challenge with Brooke. The hardest lesson for me has been to take every day as it comes. Some days are better than others. And at 13 1/2 Brooke is probably in her 80's in people years, so I need to just enjoy the perky days and be understanding on the other days.

Take heart Cindy that you have done everything possible to help Gavin enjoy life, and some days will just be not as great. :hugs
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the hardest part is that it isn't one bad day, but a series a weeks that are not as good as before. And it all seems to coincide with 1 week I was sick....but Gavin is still using his ramps quite a bit, so his quality of life hasn't been affected yet. I checked into that supplement since it would be re-purchase time....Myos canine supplement is on Amazon now and the reviews are all positive. Some very very positive...
 
Cindy, I really feel for you and sweet Gavin. The roller coaster of ups and downs with the emotions that accompany them is so had on both of you! We are all pulling for you both. No dog could ever hope to find a mom like you. I know everyone who runs across you guys on walks and the beach can see that love first hand! We at sheltie nation tip our hat to you for your perseverance and compassion! Hang in there... we are always here for you and Gavin!
Give that sweet boy a huge hug and smooch from me!
 
Gavin has it so much easier..I don't think it phases him when he doesn't want to walk as much. But it drives me insane and depresses me. My moods are so dependent on my little guy.....I know I should be thankful I still have him...and that he is a cuddler now.

Today was OK....we walked up a hill with lots of switchbacks (well, I 'helped' Gavin a lot) to the off leash area. The one I dragged him up in a cart a while back.....Anyways, once he was off leash he really didn't want to walk anywhere unless there was another dog. We went an hour earlier than normal since it has gotten warmer, which means fewer people and dogs. Guess I need to be more accepting of his decreased motivation to walk around. Its just so hard because he was always so fond of a long walk. Tomorrow is beach day, which I am sure will be a blast for Gavin.

Anyway, he has barely moved in the last 4 hours since we got back. one tired pup!
 
thinking of moving to 2 doses of gabapentin a day, one morning and one when I get home from work.
I know the drug is pretty much cleared in 6-8 hours. I am at a loss of what else to do :(

We did play last night. I toss a small play inflatable ball up and he bounces it back with his nose. He doesn't jump as high as he used to, but his front legs still leave the ground. Must be good exercise for his rear legs, too.
 
He really is a funny dog with play...not a fetcher and doesn't like toys.
He loved to play with other dogs, but he hasn't really figured out how to do that in his cart.

I should take him to the local off leash park (6-8AM only) and hope another dog shows up. That is the problem with that place, it is close but almost always empty.
 
I would try a second dose of Gabapentin Cindy or perhaps a low dose of Metacam? I've still got Riley on the two doses of Gabapentin and yesterday I picked up Meloxicam, it's the compounded version of Metacam (they did it at the vet's office) and half the cost of the Metacam ($67.00 here for a 100 ml bottle instead of 126.00 for Metacam). I found with Riley that by itself the Gabapentin really didn't do anything for his pain until I added the Metacam.
 
So Gabapentin isn't on its own for pain from arthritis, but neuropathic pain. We go to the vet in May, and I will ask about other pain meds, but he has been on them before and I have noticed no difference. He also has little problem with getting up from sitting or laying down (he's not stiff or acting like he is in pain) and has no hesitation in moving from spot to spot. Really, his only issue seems to be his refusal to use his bad leg and it's atrophy/weakness. So I don't know if an arthritis drug is the best choice. I also recently ran into a woman with a doodle who was having liver problems from a NSAID :( She was pissed ! Maybe I will ask vet about trying CBD oil again (this time with gabapentin)

Last night we went out for a short walk in his chair, and he was moving....all the way to the pet store (his choice). the trip home was not nearly as quick! I swear. its almost like he is embarrassed to be in the chair and only is willing when there is some reward (like the beach or treats) .and then we visited my neighbor to get more treats, and he was pretty darn good in the chair in her house and yard (he doesn't use his chair at home). He has been using all his ramps at home pretty well and goes up and down at will it seems (he does have occasional failures when his weak leg gives out on him, I only see those maybe 1-2 times a week and usually on the stairs to the couch)
 
All in all, not too bad, Cindy. I know it's hard to accept any level of setback - you know I am going through this myself. But he is, with your help, making the most of his life, limitations and all.
 
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