CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Health => Topic started by: DeniseS on August 30, 2014, 05:13:41 PM
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Hi Everybody,
I'm so pleased to have discovered this very friendly, informative Forum.
I was wondering if any of your Cockers has suffered yeasty problems and constant chronic ear infections? My orange roan, Jack, has very tiny openings to his ears, which greatly restricts the flow of air, causing horrendous, painful problems from bacteria. I rescued him at 6 months old and took him straight to my Vet for a health check and this is when I discovered the facts.
At times, the pain is horrendous, despite regular visits to the Vets and various treatments. Periodically, he is put under anaesthetic to give both ears a deep clean, which helps for a little while, but isn't a cure. After years of trying I despair that there is one. On two occasions the ear drums have ruptured and he came very close to having the ear canals removed. Fortunately, he was spared these painful procedures, because miraculously the ruptures repaired themselves. He's prescribed antibiotics and washes on a regular basis. At the moment, he's also on a month's course of steroids. The idea is to go for a blitz in an attempt to eradicate the problem, or at least extend the distance in time between very painful episodes. To be honest, I'm not too confident about the use of steroids for dogs. At his worst, I have to sit up all night with him and massage his back, which gives him some comfort.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to pin a Cocker's ears back please, to increase the air flow and cool them down, please? I've tried everything I can think of, but nothing has worked. I thought a pair of tights with the legs cut off might do the trick, but my Jack was having none of it. He did look a picture though. :D
Pegs are not suitable, because his ears are too sore to take the pressure.
For a year, in consultation with my Vet, I cooked all his meals, but I can't honestly say things improved. I also tried Thornits on the outer ear flap and I would say that did help a little.
Any advice would be most welcome. Sometimes, I think hands-on owners who experience firsthand, problems like these, can be extremely helpful. I'd be so grateful for any advice you may be able to offer me. x
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Hi, glad you have found us!!
Fortunately no experience of chronic ear problems (fingers crossed), but somebody will be along shortly.
Have you seen snoods? Here is a link, although I am sure there are others, just wondered if they could be made in a mesh type material and the ears could be somehow raised up whilst outside walking?
I know lots of people on here use them to prevent grass seeds, but they could be put to other uses with a little adaptation?
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My girl Brodie is six and has always had ear problems - however a couple of years ago she had a pseudomonas infection, which although was cleared up relatively quickly (thank goodness) caused a whole load of other problems. For about a year she had one severe infection after another, and every time we thought we'd cleared it and began to decrease her medication it would flare up again. Finally she was referred to a specialist who managed to sort things out within three visits. It was expensive, but worth it. It turned out she'd also had her ear drums destroyed by the pseudomonas, and the infection was residing in her middle ear.
She still gets infections, but not as frequently or as severe as they were. They still cause a lot of problems though. Her left ear is narrowed and causes her constant pain, even with no infection present. Steroids aren't something I'm keen on either, but if the dog is able to take them then they can save the dog from a lot of pain - unfortunately Brodie had pancreatitis while on steroids (someone fed her sausages the day before) and she now can't take them as they make her ill. There are different steroid sprays and drops out there though, but they aren't as effective.
We've talked about allergy testing with the vet and it's something I'm interested in doing as I do suspect there may be something causing it (she has a skin condition too which doesn't help). I know diet is something a lot of people talk about as being instrumental, but due to Brodie's stomach I can't change her food easily so we are stuck on that front for the time being.
I wish I had advice which could help you, but all I can say is I know how hard it is and I really hope this latest treatment plan helps. If you haven't already seen a specialist I do really recommend it, as they may be able to sort things out where your own vet can't. I have used a scrunchie in the past to air out her ears - she wasn't impressed :lol2:. I also try and keep them as dry as possible, no swimming etc.
Hope someone else can advise xx
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I have found some of the biscuit treats and mixers not good for Minstrel's ears, could be that they contain wheat - he can tolerate fish4dogs or mariners choice biscuits tho, MC biscuits are made of fish and potato & f4dogs fish & rice flour.
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For a year, in consultation with my Vet, I cooked all his meals, but I can't honestly say things improved.
Did you remove grains from his diet?
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Thank you Patp for your advice about a snood. I hadn't heard of these before, but I don't think I could use one for Jack, because it would make his ears even hotter and restrict the airflow even more. Also, I can't see a way to lift the ear flaps, that he would tolerate. x
Thanks for the tips Mudmagnets. x
Lexi. Jack's diet doesn't contain anything with wheat, or any other cereal. He's also not allowed potatoes, because of the sugar content, which the bacteria thrive on, or rice which is very starchy and doesn't help the yeast problem. It's not easy to find the right ingredients that a dog needs which does exacerbate his health problems. x
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Thank you so much for your post. We seem to have similar problems with our Cockers and I've decided, that if this latest, prolonged treatment doesn't work, I'll look into asking for a referral to a Specialist. Over the years, I must have spent thousands of pounds in treatment and it could well prove cost effective if a better solution can be found. I would definitely take this route before sanctioning ablation for both ears, if it's mentioned again. Has anyone had to resort to this kind of surgery? I dread the prospect.
Allergy tests are something I'm considering too. Jack also suffers from infections in his front paws and eyes. I think he worries at his feet during the night, whilst scratching his ears and rubbing his eyes at the same time and spreads the demon critters. I can control this during the day, but obviously not during the night. It's easier to clear the paws and eyes with antibiotics. As I live by the sea, the Vet advised that I walk him in the water and this does help his sore pads. I have to keep him on a short lead and we paddle together, being careful not to get his ears wet. Fortunately, he doesn't like swimming, (unlike my Jessie), so he's easy to control.
I found your post very helpful Jenny and am grateful you took the time to write. x
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I've known a couple of dogs who have had the ablation (and hopefully one or two of them will post, I'm trying to remember who on here has had it done recently) and I think the general impression is that although it is a big surgery, overall it has led to a much greater quality of life. Definitely a last resort for me, but reading the results of others who have had it done makes me feel slightly less anxious at the thought.
Interesting that Jack also suffers with his paws and eyes. Brodie has seborrhoea which causes scabs to form and also causes her to get very flaky skin. Both the specialist and my own vet have said that skin and ear conditions are very prevalent in cockers (and so, it seems, is pancreatitis - my poor girl really seems to have all the bad luck!).
It's amazing how expensive a condition ear infections can be, I really dread to think how much Brodie's ears have cost over the last few years - thankfully she is insured! The specialist alone was about £1000 for three appointments!
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It seems that Brodie and Jack have many shared symptoms, Jenny. He too, has always had dry, flaky skin and is inclined to be an itchy dog. When he brushes against our clothing he leaves a very distinct, white deposit on them. He's also prone to suffering localised boils and abscesses resulting from the scratching.
He's now beginning his fourth and last week on steroids, but I shall be 'phoning my Vet tomorrow, to discuss stopping the treatment. Initially, he was on four steroids tablets a day and in the second week he developed chronic diarrhoea and was extremely lethargic. Having read of Brodie's terrible ordeal with pancreatitis I do wonder if the tablets were responsible for his malaise. I've researched this complaint and there are many worrying similarities with symptoms Jack has displayed. As I said, I've never liked the use of hormones for people, or animals. I refused HRT myself, because I don't like anything that interferes with the critical chemistry of the body. That's just my hunch!
Whilst Jessie is insured, (only ever visiting the Vet for her annual jabs,) Jack was uninsurable, because of his pre-existing ear problems when I rescued him. It will be a struggle, but I will find the fees if he requires ablations. It would be so helpful to read of another members experience who have trodden the ablation path.
I'm learning so much and couldn't be more pleased to have found this marvellous site. Thanks for your input Jenny. x
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This was Brodie's coat when her skin condition first was triggered:
(http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr257/jennybee_brodie/odds%20and%20ends/21ba73b76a6bc315bec630c60496f311_zps787e7487.jpg)
Thankfully she's never been quite as flaky as that again, but the scabs and sores are a problem. She has to get two baths a weeks when it flares up - it makes for one very unhappy Brodie! There is a new medication out, Apoquel, which has had fantastic results, so we may have to use that in the future.
I think you are right to check with your vet: I know many, many dogs do fine on steroids, but Brodie's experience has left me wary of them. The one time we tried her on them after her pancreatitis bout led to one very upset stomach, and she had to come off them. It makes treating her issues much harder, but they are no longer an option for us.
I think I've remembered the member whose dog had the ablation recently - I'll send her a pm and see if she can come on and give her experience.
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Hi there.
Just wanted to reassure you that if it comes about that you need to take the surgery option, don't be fearful.
My Lily had years of steroids, painkillers and ear treatment of one kind or another.
As soon as the initial trauma of major surgery was over though, she had a painfree existence and a completely new lease of life.
I wish you lots of luck. It is not a nice experience you are going through. X
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We had an ablation performed on a labrador several years ago following unsuccessful treatment with the usual ear flushes, steroid drops, painkillers, antibiotics etc.
Total ablation on one ear and an external ablation on the other. Both were performed at the same time to ease the anaesthetic and recovery load and, although the recovery did take a while, the results were well worth it.
Bob.
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Many thanks to Jenny, Ollie and Bob, for invaluable advice regarding ablation. I must say I feel more reassured after you posted your experiences. I'll still dread the op', but I'm beginning to see that it's probably the only way to go, to serve Jack's best interests. We've battled on for 6 1/2 years and nothing has really worked - just taken the edge off things.
I'll book an appointment with my Vet, to discuss the possibility of ablation in detail. I suppose I'll have to begin with reducing Jack's weight, which has increased due to his insatiable appetite after a three week course of steroids. Although he has a very long Cocker pedigree, many other dog lovers have queried if he has some Clumber spaniel in him. He's certainly much larger than Jessie and most others in the breed. Even my Vet isn't 100% sure and allows him the top-end of the weight he should be.
Thank you all again. x
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Hi my rescue blue roan boy Harvey had a chronic ear infection called Pseudomonas in one of his ears for some time. We threw absolutely everything at it, vets meds lotions potions and pills, herbal lotions, potions and pills. He had many ear flushes. Everything seemed to help for a time, but it always returned and with a vengeance. I would be careful with snoods as yes they keep ears up and tidy, but they do not necc let the air into the canal as they keep the ears bunched up inside against the canals themselves. What we did with Harvey is we clipped his ears mega short. Especially inside around the canal opening and kept it that way. Not my look of choice as I love long spaniel ears, but it was for his happiness and comfort, so I did not think twice about doing it. Eventually after a lot of thought we decided the op to remove the ear canal was the only option left for him on advice from our vets who had worked tirelessly with us to try and prevent this. He was a very unhappy dog though that screamed in pain every single day when we had to treat his ears. He was terrified of any of the other dogs bumping into him & he was very down and depressed. So we threw one last lot of pills at it to try to get rid of as much infection and swelling as we could and finally went for the op. It was not an easy decision at all as it is a big op that could have complications, but I trust our vets, we really had no choice & we also had the best surgeon there working on him. After all the worry I have been gobsmacked at how quickly and well he came threw the op and the recovery. He healed amazing well and has bounced back to the dog I new before this horrid infection in no time at all. He is now all healed and free from any pain and not one complication unless you include the fact he had eye drops for a bit as they were worried his eye may not close fully and go dry. It did and no more eye drops. No more medication at all. Apart from the fact he still has one side of his head and ear much shorter than the other you would not know he had ever had it done. He had his whole ear canal removed and the vets said it was no wonder he was in such pain as his ear canal was literally crumbling away it was that bad. It was such a difficult decision to make, but I am so glad I bit the bullet and did it for him. Obviously you must try everything you can to avoid the op, but please don't be afraid of it. For us at least it was not nearly as bad as I expected it to be and has worked out extremely positively for us, but most importantly for Harvey who is a happy merry cocker once again. Best wishes to you & Jack. :) x
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Many, many thanks for giving me your and Harvey's experiences, Sarah. I'm so pleased that, in the end, your boy has benefited greatly from having an ablation and he is now enjoying a much improved quality of life. I can now see some light at the end of Jack's tunnel. x
My Vet is currently on holiday until 22nd September and although I could chat with his partner, I'd rather wait to discuss this op' with him, as he knows Jack so well. I am feeling so much more hopeful, since joining the Forum and I must say you have all been so generous with your advice and support. I'm very grateful. x
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Just to update on Jack's progress. I should have visited the Vet on the 22nd, but poor Jack is in the wars again. Last week he developed an abscess in one of his anal glands and this needed to be prioritised. I notice there's a thread dealing specifically with this, so will explain there.
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Sorry to read this.
It is just awful seeing them suffer in any way.
Do hope all goes well and that little Jack is on the road to recovery soon.
Sending cyber hugs his way. X
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Thank you so much Lily Freya. x You're right, at times Jack's suffering really does get to me, but I always think how much worse it must be for him. He really is such an unlucky boy, but at least he seems much more comfortable now. It makes such a difference to be able to visit the Forum, to seek information and support. Thank you all. x
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Everything crossed for the little fella.
It is a wonderful site for support, and the advice in really invaluable. There is always someone who has 'been there, and suffered similar things' with their dogs. Sharing always seems to help. Xx
Thinking of you all.
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Well, Jack continues to be plagued with terrible infections and we have an appointment with an ear specialist in two weeks, when it will be decided if it's time for the ablation option, to both ears. I believe this will be done by two op's. Although I've been reassured by the good experience some of you have had, when treading this path, I'm very worried about it. But, after seven years of suffering, it's all about doing what's best for Jack and I'll authorise the ops' if that's what the expert recommends.
I was wondering if anyone could tell me how long Jack will be kept in the hospital, please?
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My Lily was nit in hospital long, but she only had one ear done.
Post op was not nice, sombe ready for that. I can reassure you though, that I would make the same decision again for any dog suffering this misery. My girl got her life back after the op.
Wishing you the best of luck. All will be well. Xx
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I'm still struggling to find a way to show you all a pic of my cockers, but I'm useless, quite frankly. :005:
What I can say, is that Jack could be PatP's, Jinley's twin. Except that he's much bigger. Some folks believe he has some Clumber in him, but he has a very long pedigree, so the Juries out on that one. Our Vet's not 100% sure either. Whatever, he's gorgeous as is my golden girl. :luv:
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My Lily was nit in hospital long, but she only had one ear done.
Post op was not nice, sombe ready for that. I can reassure you though, that I would make the same decision again for any dog suffering this misery. My girl got her life back after the op.
Wishing you the best of luck. All will be well. Xx
Thank you so much Lily. Yes, I'm trying to be positive about the recovery period. x
The thing is, Jack was born with this wretched ear problem and has known pain all his life, but at least with the ablation I can see an end to it for him. I can't really see any alternative. The Vet warned me that sometimes the op' can leave them with facial paralysis, but it nearly always cures itself within a month, or so. Again, it's a risk that has to be taken.
You've been very supportive and helpful and I'd just like you to know how much I appreciate it. Thank you so much. xxx
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Denise, do let us know how
things progress... it's not just noseyness,
but as you have found out so useful for others
going through similar problems.
Big hugs for you and Jack :bigarmhug:
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Sending over lots of healing and positive thoughts for you and Jack, I hope the ops go well :luv: :luv: :bigarmhug:
please keep us all updated with his progress :shades:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
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Thank you so much to everyone who has given Jack and I their support and kindness. xx
Well, we've just returned from our Ear Specialist and the news is better than we'd hoped for. He does not recommend an ablation, but favours a reconstruction of both ear canals to take out the natural twist and make them straight. This will make much better access for air and for me to treat them daily. It's never been possible for me clean very far into Jack's ears and this will then be a much easier procedure that won't cause so much pain.
I can't tell you how relieved I am that we have a solution which doesn't require such major surgery. I'm afraid that on hearing the good news, tears formed and I didn't retain as much of the Vet's information as I should have done. I can't, for the life of me, remember the name of the operation and wonder if any of you can assist, please? My son offered to come with Jack and I, but I didn't want him to take time off work. I wish he had now, because he would have remembered more than I did. Silly, I know, but I've dreaded this appointment. That apart, I'm much happier now, although I have to reduce Jack's weight to 17 kgs, before the operation can be performed. That's 3 kgs!! Help! This will be one tough challenge and he won't like it one bit! We'll make it happen though. It'll be worth it to see my boy free from pain after 7 long, distressing years of suffering.
I'll keep you all posted. Thank you all so much. xxx
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That sounds like positive news. It's not a procedure I've heard of before, but hopefully somebody else on here will know about it.
With regard to the weight loss, what do you feed Jack? You might be able to stay with the same food and reduce it, or you might want to think of changing to another.
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Aw bless you ... having a cry at the Vets
is one of my specialities... you could always give
the receptionist a ring to ask the name of the
proceedure.
Big hugs for you both :bigarmhug:
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Such great news. Onwards and upwards now for your little fella. X
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Thank you Elaine, Lily and 8.
I've just 'phoned my Vet, as suggested and it's called a Lateral Wall Resection. Both ears will be done.
I cook all my cocker's food. I did this, because of Jack's many allergies and it has worked to a degree. Certainly better than the processed stuff I used to use. As the Specialist pointed out, most of my ingredients are root veggies, which contain carbohydrates and suggests I half Jack's daily intake. They also have chicken, mince, tuna, liver and hearts. I tested Jack for all of these things, before settling on his diet.
I will definitely keep you posted and I'm quietly confident that Jack's quality of life will improve greatly. xxx
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BTW. Forgot to mention, that I'm sure I was never so neurotic about my children's health as I am with my Cockers. It must be an old age thing. :005:
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They our our children.......in fur coats. X
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They our our children.......in fur coats. X
Well said :luv: this would be why I make up little Christmas stockings for 'em then
Wishing Jack all the best :luv:
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Great news that he doesn't need the major op, I have everything crossed the procedure goes well. It's not something I've ever heard of either, so will have to look into it.
I've been thinking of home cooking for Brodie recently, as I'm having trouble finding a dog food that doesn't cause an upset tummy. It would be good if it helped with her skin problems too!
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Thank you Jenny. I must say, that I've never regretted putting Jack on a homemade diet. After a little trial and error, it does seem to suit him.
Well, my good news yesterday didn't last too long, I'm afraid. Jack woke up this morning and was in pain from his anal gland. We were on the Vets doorstep by 8 am and the bottom line, is that his abscess of a few weeks ago hasn't completely drained. So, they heavily sedated him to express the gland and then discovered he had, "some small knobby bits," inside the sac. They've taken a biopsy and I'll know the results next Thursday. They've suggested that the gland may need to be surgically removed. He's been prescribed Loxicom for the pain and he's now a little easier.
I'm keeping optimistic and must apologise that, yet again, I'm here with more problems. I'm sure it'll all be much better news when I return again. Thanks for your indulgence. xxx
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roller coaster ride springs to mind!
Really sorry to read Jack isn't feeling
too chipper :016:
This for you... :bigarmhug:
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Sending over lots of healing and positive thoughts to poorly Jack :luv: :luv: :bigarmhug: I hope he is feeling more comfortable soon. :-*
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
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Oh no :'(. I often find with Brodie that her conditions tend to cluster together - if one thing goes wrong, chances are the rest will too!
I hope he's more comfortable now and that the biopsies come back clear - think there's been a few people on here whose dogs have had their glands removed, hopefully they'll see this thread. Everything crossed here that he is soon back to his normal self :luv:
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Many thanks to Jenny, 8 and Mac. x
Well, we visited the Vets this morning and it's not good news. Jack's, "knobby bits," have almost certainly been caused by one of two types of cancer. :'( One he stands a very good chance of surviving, but not the other. Although the growths are in one anal sac, both will be removed on the 16th. Meanwhile, I have to step up his reducing diet, so he'll respond better to the general anaesthetic. We have a 1 kgs target. Poor Jack! After I've finished here, I'll put anal sacs into search and learn as much as I can. Mercifully, his ears are not causing him a problem, at the moment.
I just wish I could have brought you better news, but I'm determined to stay positive. Jack deserves that, but tonight it's not easy. :'(
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I'm sorry to hear that, not the news you wanted to hear. I really hope it's the type that's not so nasty and that Jack comes through his surgery successfully and makes a good recovery. Thinking of you :bigarmhug:
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So sorry to read your news.
I do hope the operation goes well and that he has a speedy recovery :luv:
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I know exactly what you are going through :'( My beautiful Jarvis suffered from anal gland cancer, we were at vets for his boosters Christmas 2011 and asked for his glands to be emptied when vet felt a lump. Like you we were told it could be benign or cancer, unfortunately he had the bad cancer >:D.
He had the op to remove the tumour and did really well. Initially we were told dogs with his type of cancer had life expectancy of 8 months after diagnosis, but my boy was still going strong ! He did eventually go on chemo because the tumour started growing again and again coped really well- you would never have known he had cancer. Unfortunately in July this year I felt he was really struggling to poo and so we took the heartbreaking decision :'( :'( :'(... Hopefully Jack will turn out to be the benign one. Sending positive thoughts :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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So incredibly sorry to read Jack's diagnosis :'(. My Aunt's lovely cocker Bliss had this. She had superb care and the vets couldn't have done more for her, and I'm sure it will be the same with your boy.
Sending Jack all my positive thoughts, I hope the op (and any subsequent treatment) goes well and he has a speedy recovery - sending hugs :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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DeniseS,
you are a hero and a blessing for your boy. One knock back after another and you are there fighting his corner.
Sending all postive thoughts :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Just catching up on your journey. You & Jack are certainly having a rough time.
I do hope that you get some good news soon
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Sending over lots of healing and positive thoughts for Jack :luv: :luv: :bigarmhug:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
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Thank you all so much for your very kind words and support. x
I'm terribly sorry to have to tell you, that Jack should have had his anal glands removed, but the surgeon discovered the cancer had already spread, to his lymph glands and possibly lungs and liver. Further tests are being done, but as the prognosis looked so bleak, it was decided not to remove the anal glands, for fear of accelerating the spread of cancer cells. The only good news, is that it's predicted I will have my boy for anything up to a year, but who can really say. Needless to say, my family and I are devastated, but as you have all been so wonderful, I wanted to share the latest development.
All I can say, is that Jack will have the best time ever from here on in and I won't let him suffer. At the moment, he's leaner and fitter than he's ever been. His tail never stops wagging. We'll share his last journey together.
Thanks for listening to me. xxx
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So sorry to read this, what a terrible shock for you all. :luv:
Wishing Jack and yourselves as least stress as possible and sending a couple of :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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I am so sorry that you have had this news. Wishing you and Jack as long as possible together.
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so sorry to hear this, wishing Jack and you the best of times together
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So incredibly sad, my thoughts are with you both and I hope you have many happy times ahead with your lovely boy :luv:.
Sending hugs :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Thank you all for your kind thoughts and hugs for Jack. x
Well, this has been the most terrible two months for us. On New Years Eve my 16 year old cat suffered a stroke and was put to sleep. :'(
Last week, my Vet asked me to make an appointment to be given the results of the tests they'd done on Jack's lungs and liver. All clear! You can imagine how delighted I was. However, at the same time he gave my poor boy an internal and everything changed. His affected anal gland is now the size of a walnut and the lymph glands are badly swollen too. I was told to bring him back immediately if he started passing "ribbon-like," stools. The following day he didn't pass much, but lo and behold the day after, he passed one. I decided to wait a day, in case the internal had triggered the swelling and by the third day, he was passing healthy, good-sized stools.
The Vet has now said that we may be looking at a few months left for Jack. Originally, it was up to a year! :'( He's still wagging his tail for Britain, has plenty of energy and it's so hard to believe he's so gravely ill. I have to take him back for another internal in a month, but I'm really unsure about it. It was so painful for him and took over two days for him to recover. He screamed in the surgery. I never question a Vet's treatment and wonder if I should ignore my instincts and do as instructed. Has anyone had this problem? Every day I have with Jack means so much and I hate to think of him losing any precious pain-free time he has left. It's not as if they can do anything more for him.
Hope you don't mind me visiting again.
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Am very sorry to hear about your cat :'(.
It's a tricky decision and one I'm sorry you have to make :-\. My aunt went ahead with treatment (full treatment, not an internal), and I know she regretted it, mostly as the cancer spread much, much faster than even the specialist was expecting. I guess it's weighing up Jack's quality of life with one or two days of discomfort - will it make much difference to him or make him more comfortable than he is. I hope others can advise you here.
Sending more hugs, I'm really sorry you are going through this with Jack :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Sorry to read the news of your cat, losing any loved animal comes extremely hard. What a terrible time you are having.
Wishing you as many months as possible with Jack, and I'm sure others will agree with me, come and visit the site whenever you want, there is usually someone about. :luv:
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I am so sorry to hear the sad news about your cat.
Really hope the months stretch and stretch into a lengthy time for Jack.
Thinking of you both.
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Thank you all for your kind thoughts. x
I haven't been able to visit before, because I've been so busy tending to Jack's needs and giving him the best times possible. We visited the Vets yesterday for his three weekly check and I'm pleased to say that his weight is stable. That's a relief. He's still wagging his tail constantly and enjoying life, with no apparent sign of any pain. His daily dose of Loxicom and antibiotics seem to be working and keeping his ear problems to the minimum at the same time.
The only problem I have, is that he's started to leak from his anal glands and it's proving a nightmare. I change all his bedding and disinfect anywhere he sits, or lies, twice a day, or as needed and I was wondering if anyone could recommend some sort of nappy that is comfortable and efficient, please? I know they can be expensive, which is becoming a problem for us, but I'd like to try and buy the best and most suitable for him. I'd welcome any advice. Thank you. xx
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These look good,
http://www.equafleece.co.uk/store/dog_shorts.html
We use the jumpers etc so I would imagine they are comfortable.
Should still be able to wag his tail :D
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Bless him, hope his tail is wagging for a long long time yet.
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Thank you its.me for the link. I've done a little more internet searching, but so far this seems to be the most suitable nappy for Jack and unless anything else comes along, I'll certainly give it a try. x
Thanks too to CountryGirl. Mr Jack Waggy Tail sends you his love and hugs. :-*
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Sending you all hugs :bigarmhug:
and me and Ellie are sending a kiss each
for your special lad Jack :luv:
:-* and :-*
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Really glad to hear Jack is doing well And hope he continues to do so for a long time yet :luv:.
I wish I'd known about those shorts before Brodie's op, it would have been more dignified for her than the pair of (human) pants we've got for her!