CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Health => Topic started by: Pipers Mummy on May 19, 2004, 07:43:59 PM
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(http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/sad/504.gif) Just back from the vets where I had taken Piper to have her left hind leg checked. Around Easter time we had noticed the occasional limp but then of late she has a definite limp and when she runs she tens to hop more on her back legs than run, also yesterday and today she is extending her left leg at a slight angle and not placing an equal amount of weight on it (http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/sad/832.gif) and we definitely were not happy about that. I checked her paw and between the pads and felt all the way up her legs which did not seem to bother her at all before going to the vet.
Anyway, I waited to see the vet I trust the most (I think he's fantastic :D ) and he gave her a good check up - doing all sorts to her legs and hips - and found that her left leg was indeed causing her some discomfort - my harmless little girl even managed a growl bless her....(http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/sad/787.gif)
He thought that it could be a 'dislocating knee cap' (think that's what he said) but when he checked her he said her knee cap was solid. He advised us that the pain is coming from either her knee or her hip and he is not entirely sure which but is definitely not happy about a dog of her age with these symptoms. We have to wait until next Wednesday to have her X-ray but I will keep everyone posted.
I'm very confident in my vet and have every faith in him and at the end of the day the last thing I want is for Piper to be in any discomfort - much better to have a look and get whatever it is sorted out.
Unfortunately, I am not aware of whether her parents were hip scored so that is my primary worry, but at the end of the day we will simply deal with whatever the problem is and move on.
Fingers crossed and bless poor Piper (http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/love/new/heartpump.gif)
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Awwww, poor Piper :( I hope its nothing too serious. Will be thinking of her on Wednesday :wink:
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Oh, no, another cocker giving her mum cause to worry :? I hope it's nothing serious. Will be thinking of you both on Wednesday. Morgan and Cooper send Piper lots of sloppy get well kisses
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Many thanks Gill and Shirley - I will be sure to pass on all of those sloppy kisses to Piper from her friends :D
Shirley - dunno if it's only me that can see it but have you noticed those big yellow boxes that have suddenly started appearing on your posts today :shock: :shock:
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Many thanks Gill and Shirley - I will be sure to pass on all of those sloppy kisses to Piper from her friends :D
Shirley - dunno if it's only me that can see it but have you noticed those big yellow boxes that have suddenly started appearing on your posts today :shock: :shock:
No its not just you there's a swarm of them :lol: Good luck with the X-ray. A friend's cav has recently been operated on for a dislocating knee cap, but it really did keep on dislocating quite considerably and she could hardly walk until it popped back in.
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:( Ohhh noo Louise, sorry to hear this! I hope all goes well with the xray, Indie also sends Piper a big huggie snuggie kiss!
I can't see any yellow boxes, Shirley :?
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Awww poor Piper :? hope you get on OK on Wednesday :wink:
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Good luck with the x ray on wednesday Piper, Boo sends a big(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/liebe/love-smiley-001.gif)
Feel better soon Piper.
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There was some kind of glitch with Shirley's emoticon provider, the yellow boxes were ENORMOUS :lol:
It's a shame you have to wait a whole week for the x-ray - try not to worry, I hope that it turns out to be something that can be sorted easily enough and that Piper will be fine :wink:
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Pickle also sends hugs and kisses to wee Piper - we hope she's much better soon, poor lamb.
Emma and Pickle xx
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It's a shame you have to wait a whole week for the x-ray - try not to worry, I hope that it turns out to be something that can be sorted easily enough and that Piper will be fine :wink:
I agree Mike, it's awful having to wait a week before we find out what's going on but the vet only works at the practise we use on a Wednesday and Thursday and there is no way he could fit her in today (I asked). I made the decision to wait so that it would be him who does the x-ray. He performed miracles with one of our cats who was quite ill some time ago and it stems from there really :D
Hubby keeps saying that I fancy him - but I don't ....... honest :wink:
Thanks so much for all of the sloppy kisses and good wishes for Piper. I'll keep you posted.
Louise
x
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Hi Louise, i hope all goes well with little Piper on Wednesday.
((( hugs ))) and kisses for little Piper (http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/liebe/love-smiley-001.gif)
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Ah..poor little piper :cry:
good luck for next week
Loads of love and kisses
Edith and scoobie xx :o :o :o
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Oh Louise, poor little Piper :( I hope it is nothing to serious.
Billy sends kisses
Michelle
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Poorly little Piper :( Hope she's ok. Let us know how you get on with her.
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We hope Piper's x-ray reveals everything is fine. Fingers and paws are crossed for you here in Leicestershire.
Sue and Tilly
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Awwwwwww thanks so much everyone for all of your concern and kindness. We are worried obviously and are keeping everything crossed here for good news next week.
The really good thing is that apart from the occasional limp and peculiar run her leg does not appear to be affecting her or causing her pain and she is still enjoying her walks as the vet said she was okay to continue with them. There's obviously some discomfort there but she is happy enough in herself thank goodness.
We are taking her on sedate walks and for shorter periods and not playing any games with her - so this morning she had obviously had enough of this and decided to make her own fun by chasing a rabbit at about 100mph (well slight exaggeration maybe on the speed... Piper's never been a racing girl :roll: )
Will let everyone know the outcome.
Louise
x
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Good luck for next week Piper!
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Oh, poor Piper! I totally understand about wanting a particular vet, I have a favourite too. I hope it's nothing serious
Indie sends sloppy kisses
Shona x
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Hi Louise
Sorry to hear that little Piper has to go for an x-ray next week. The Boys send her lots of kisses and hope everything goes well.
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Poor little piper, fingers crossed for next wednesday ..
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How did Piper's x-ray go?
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Hello everyone,
Just back from picking Piper up from the vets and it is not good news I am afraid :(
As I had suspected, she has hip displasia in her left hip. The vet described it as being 'moderate'. The good news is that she has an excellent right hip, so he said that at least she can rely on that a little bit more. Luckily Charlie was with me 'cos of course I did a real girly thing and had a little (http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/sad/310.gif) (probably much to Mr Fraser's embarrassment!) and I'm having a little blub now as I type.......
The vet took time to discuss different options eg. hip replacement (also advising us that he would not recommend that at this point), walking regimes and weight control etc. which was really kind. We have had her on a diet and now it is more important than ever that we get her weight down a little bit more.
He has given her the following medication: Zubrin x 1 per day for 30 days and Synoquin supplements x 2 per day which would be a long term thing. I have to take her back in two weeks to see how we are getting along.
I called her breeder during the week to ask if her parents were hip scored (I know it's closing the door after the horse has bolted but....). Neither of them are. I asked how old Piper's mum was and this was debated between husband and wife for some time before they came up with 6.... The breeder did not even ask me what my name was or Piper's name that's how concerned/interested she was. I won't waste time going into how disgusted I feel 'cos you will probably be able to guess and it all goes back to that old chestnut - buy only from reputable, caring breeders.
Anyway, I will start surfing the web for advice on diet etc. in relation to hip displasia to see what I can do to help her, but if anyone has any advice then I would be grateful of it.
I feel upset because she has never been able to run that fast and at the North West meet it was really evident (although there was no limping or anything) that she could not keep up with the other Cockers and that makes me really sad :cry:
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Louise I am truly sorry to hear about little Piper :( I don't have any knowledge at all about this condition but I would do the same as you and get as much info about this subject as for that breeder..well don't start me off :evil: the main thing is thank god piper has a kind and very caring mum and dad to look after him
hugs and kisses
Edith and scoobie xx
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So sorry to hear this, poor wee lamb that she is.
I guess it must be a lot for you to take in right now, and quite rightly, you'll want to do lots of research into ways of making Piper's life as comfortable as possible.
And I know it's easy to say, but you musn't forget that Piper is soooooo lucky to have such a loving owner - you clearly adore her, and I am sure she is a very happy little dog, regardless of how fast she can run :D One of my friends has a Cocker who never runs anywhere - she just loves doddling along, and is simply just not of the 'sporty' variety. She's one of the happiest, most chilled out dogs you could meet... her quality of life is excellent.
Sorry I can't give any advice, as am a bit of a Cocker novice, but am sure someone will be along soon with good knowledge of Piper's condition.
Lots of love and good wishes
Emma and Pickle xx
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Hi Louise
Grief you got me going now :cry: I am so so sorry about your news with little Piper :( I know its really difficult for you right now, to think of anything, but only the worse, we would all do the same, in your shoes. Piper has one excellent hip, which is promising, which is good news, and I hate saying this but at least thats something! I can hear from your post that you are truly upset about this and I know that all of us on here, are right with you there, we all care so much about our dogs and it upsets us all to hear when something goes wrong :(
I can understand how bad you feel toward the breeder, I can't believe she didn't even ask who you were, and why you were asking, surely this revelation must have some impact on her as to whether she should be breeding from these lines again :? (sure Jane will know, I'm just guessing)
I really don't know what else to say, only that I am thinking of you, and with some research and the medication I am sure you will be able to help Piper. Big hugs to you all there and keep your chin up.
Take care
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Sorry to hear about the results :cry: I think we have had quite good results with the synoquin so its definitely a good thing to try. Sorry to hear about the response from her breeder too - makes my blood boil so it does :wink: Give Piper a big kiss from me.
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Me again........ Just a thought Louise, of course you would have to check with your vet about this one, just clutching at straws really :roll: But perhaps some hydratherapy sessions would help Piper build up some muscle in the hip :? As I say I'm not really sure if this will help, but its worth looking into :)
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Oh Louise, so sorry to hear that Piper has HD :cry: . Sounds like you have a good vet though and Piper will monitored carefully there. It's good that you know now and can do something to make her comfortable. I wouldn't worry about her not being able to run as fast as other dogs, going by what I've seen from the photos in the gallery she looks like she's enjoying herself as much as all the others are. Give her a big sloppy kiss from Morgan and Cooper and tell her to be a good girl and take her medicine, no tricks like eating the food and leaving the tablet, like Morgan does :)
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Louise I apologise for saying Piper was a he and in fact she is a she I was annoyed about that nasty breeder when I was typing sorry :oops:
Edith x
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Hi Louise, i'm so sorry to hear Piper has HD, i know in some cases hydrotherapy is good for exercising, and building up the muscel, that supports the joint.
Like Shirley says your vet will monitor Piper very carefully, and advice you on what is best for your little one.
Give that little girl a gentle ((( hug ))) from me.
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Hi, I'm sorry to hear that Piper has HD. Where do they check up when they breed? Here in Holland on eyes and hips.
I'm sorry that I don't have any advise for you. Your Piper is the first cocker which I heard of.
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Louise I apologise for saying Piper was a he and in fact she is a she I was annoyed about that nasty breeder when I was typing sorry :oops:
Edith x
Edith - honestly, don't worry, Piper is not a very feminine name so she's often called a 'he' (our fault will pick a more suitable name next time!).
Thanks for all of your replies. When I go back with her in a couple of weeks I will probably be in a better position knowledge wise to discuss the situation in more detail. Thanks for the hydratherapy suggestion Emma and Barb, again that's something I will need to look at.
Our vet advised that there are several causes for HD - genetic, diet (but mainly in larger breeds) or possibly even a knock when the dog is quite young, so I am not simply 'blaming' the breeder, despite the fact that with everything I have learned from COL, I do feel that it is irresponsible of a breeder to not check all is well with both dogs prior to breeding.
Anyway, I've calmed myself down a little now and am focusing on that one really good hip and plan to apply damage limitation measures to her bad hip.....
Oh and thanks Shirley, you're right, despite her occasional limp and poor running ability she is just the happiest little girl.
Kisses from Cocker cousins and human friends are gratefully received and will be passed on with extras to little Piper - who's totally zonked out now after a slap up chicken dinner!
Louise
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I'm really sorry to hear Piper's bad news, Louise :(
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Hi, I'm sorry to hear that Piper has HD. Where do they check up when they breed? Here in Holland on eyes and hips.
I'm sorry that I don't have any advise for you. Your Piper is the first cocker which I heard of.
Hi Annemie, sorry must have been posting at the same time as you. Reputable breeders here would also check eyes and hips. Unfortunately Piper's breeder had neither checked.
At the end of the day, it comes down to us purchasing Piper without those checks being made. I was not aware of COL when we decided to get a Cocker, had I have been I would have done things quite differently. The best I can do now is spread the word about COL to others considering purchasing a Cocker to ensure that they make the right decision about where they go to get one.
That said WE LOVE AND ADORE PIPER and would not change her for a moment :D
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Hi, I'm sorry to hear that Piper has HD. Where do they check up when they breed? Here in Holland on eyes and hips.
I'm sorry that I don't have any advise for you. Your Piper is the first cocker which I heard of.
Hi Annemie, sorry must have been posting at the same time as you. Reputable breeders here would also check eyes and hips. Unfortunately Piper's breeder had neither checked.
At the end of the day, it comes down to us purchasing Piper without those checks being made. I was not aware of COL when we decided to get a Cocker, had I have been I would have done things quite differently. The best I can do now is spread the word about COL to others considering purchasing a Cocker to ensure that they make the right decision about where they go to get one.
That said WE LOVE AND ADORE PIPER and would not change her for a moment :D
I'm sorry to hear that her breeder isn't responsible :( We bought our Joep from a puppyfarm and we thought we do it better, so we bought Joris with pedigree :cry: but his breeder is also not responsible.
How old is Piper?
Piper is with good owners :P
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Louise I am so so sorry to hear of Piper's HD :(
sending a (http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/love/love28.gif) from Blue, Bailey and me
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Piper was 1 on Monday. This is what worries me and I need to find out more information, because when I was young my grandma had a GSD who's "back legs went" (due to HD) but no one in the family seems to recall any signs before it all happened when she was about 9....
I've got a bit of research to do.
Sorry to hear about your experience with Joris. Sometimes, even with the best intentions, good knowledge and awareness, we can make errors in judgement :(
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Piper was 1 on Monday. This is what worries me and I need to find out more information, because when I was young my grandma had a GSD who's \"back legs went\" (due to HD) but no one in the family seems to recall any signs before it all happened when she was about 9....
I've got a bit of research to do.
Sorry to hear about your experience with Joris. Sometimes, even with the best intentions, good knowledge and awareness, we can make errors in judgement :(
Oh my God, that is very young. I know that here in Holland there is a vet who operates hd. With some dogs he place the hip in another way so that it isn't sore anymore. Do you have in England orthopedics for dogs?
Maybe it's wise to get a second opinion. Take care
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Oh my God, that is very young. I know that here in Holland there is a vet who operates hd. With some dogs he place the hip in another way so that it isn't sore anymore. Do you have in England orthopedics for dogs?
Maybe it's wise to get a second opinion. Take care
Thanks for your concern and advice annemie, my vet did say that hip transplants were available but that he would not recommend one at this stage.
Again, this is all information I need to take time to find out about.
Louise
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So sorry to hear about Piper, Louise :( If you have a search on the Champdogs message board, a number of owners have posted recently about HD in their dogs & various recommendations have been made regarding supplements like glucosamine & also about hydrotherapy as already mentioned here - could be useful to you :)
HD is one of the most difficult conditions in dogs. It certainly sounds like poor Piper's breeders are neither caring or responsible but even dogs which have low hip scores can produce puppies with horrendous scores & although there is a genetic component to HD, it's not a simple mode of inheritance but is thought to involve lots of different genes, making it very difficult to control. In Cockers, only a very small number of dogs have been hip-scored so far compared to other breeds so it's not easy to say how big a problem HD is in the breed :(
Jane
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I agree with Jane that glucosamine can work wonders in some dogs. A friend who has a gsd with HD swears by 'runaround' from Stock Nutrition, which has other goodies in it (so much so her dog trainer thought her dog moved really well at a class, and the trainer didn't know about the HD even though my friends dog had been suffering badly from it):
http://www.doghealth.co.uk (http://www.doghealth.co.uk)
Good luck with Piper.
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Thanks Jane and Penny, I shall look into glucosamine and 'run around'.
Jane, yes, my vet did say that presently it is not that common to have Cockers hip scored. I shall have a look at the Champdogs message board to see what I can find out on there.
I already have several questions for my vet and hope to be quite well read up on the subject by the time we go back in a couple of weeks so we can discuss what is best for her.
Thanks for all of your help.
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Louise,
So sorry to hear about Piper :( she is such a happy bouncy girl I am sure with yours and Charlies help she will take this in her stride (No pun).
Take care,
Michelle
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I'm soooo sorry to hear about Piper :cry:
Hopefully with the help and advice from people on the board and your vet you can make things easier for Piper :)
By the way I LOVED the name Piper....it was on ly list of GIRLS name's...but my hubby wouldn't let me have it :roll: in the end the kids picked her name, of course he regrets that now :wink: as he looks a right ponce shouting "Buttons" :lol:
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I'm soooo sorry to hear about Piper :cry:
Hopefully with the help and advice from people on the board and your vet you can make things easier for Piper :)
By the way I LOVED the name Piper....it was on ly list of GIRLS name's...but my hubby wouldn't let me have it :roll: in the end the kids picked her name, of course he regrets that now :wink: as he looks a right ponce shouting \"Buttons\" :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Thanks Gilly, that will teach him alright!
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Hi Louise, i go on a lab site, and theres quite a lot of information on hd on there.
If your interested i'll send you the link in a pm. :) every little bit of info helps.
The poster on there also goes on champdogs.
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Thanks Barb that would be great.
I am working in LGW for the next few days but can access the internet (thank goodness). Did have a quick look on Champdogs this morning before leaving home and did not manage to find anything on the forum - will search again when I have more time.
Piper is at home with her daddy, who is spoiling her rotten :D
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Did have a quick look on Champdogs this morning before leaving home and did not manage to find anything on the forum - will search again when I have more time.
Just do a search for Hip Dysplasia on the Champdogs forum & you'll get masses of threads come up. The Search button is probably the easiest way to find stuff on such a busy board.
Glad to hear little Piper is being spoiled rotten - quite right too :lol:
Jane
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Thanks very much Jane - will do that.
Just thought - helps if I spell it correctly!!!!
Show's what my knowledge is so far - can't even spell it right :?
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Hi Louise, just catching up with long threads, and I can see why this one is long. :shock: Poor Piper, at such a young age. But, she is in good hands and will have the best of everything I'm sure. Sending a big (http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_1_23.gif) for little Piper.
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Hi Louise,
I'm so sorry to your news about piper and can only imagine how upsetting it is for you both, I've had a quick look on the internet for you I know that you probably have already but I came across something about vitamin c being a miracle cure for HD, its " Ester C - miracle cure for Hip Dysplasia, " .its worth a look anyway.
Sending Piper a lovely big hug and my best wishes to you both,
Lizzy Molly and Evie
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Sorry about your bad news about Piper Louise :cry:
I'm sure that you and she will adapt and that she'll remain her happy little self.
I don't know a great deal about HD, so I'm afraid I have know advice to offer, but I'm sending you all a big hug and kiss.
Millie sends an 'a-woo' and Jenni send a gentle ear pulling :)
Kel
x
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Louise I'm glad to hear that you have calmed down now and that your being very positive and by doing so you can think about what is best for Piper it's amazing what life throws at us sometimes but all we can do is pick ourselves up dust ourselves down and start again
good luck with your research :)
Lizzie I found that interesting about the vit c I give that daily to scoobie because it's part of his supplements due to being a raw feeder so if it's true that's good news :)
Edith
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Hi Louise
What sad news about Piper :( Hope the vet can make you feel a little more optimistic at your next visit. :wink:
Mary
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Louise
I have a book about tellington T Touch I don't know if you have heard about this? I was interested to read that this can help with HD anyway the website is www.tellingtonttouch.com take a look and see what you think
Edith
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Hi Edith,
Thanks so much for thinking of us. I shall certainly visit the website. I have spent hours already working my way through mounds of information available on the internet and suspect I will spend many more hours doing the same :?
Thanks to everyone for their support and advice, all of which is much appreciated.
Louise & Piper xx
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Louise
I'm so sorry to hear your news about piper. I've only just caught up with the thread with new job and gardening taking over. I hope the research gives you some good tips on managing this.
We're all here for you.