She's doing too well. She keeps trying to run me around the yard sling and leash and all. Geez. She seems to be in no pain. I can't believe it. But I am a happy Mom.
Ok here's more pics. The first one you can see the femoral head that was cut off.



THE TOOLS:

Hi All,

Its been hectic and busy here. Sorry I haven't been on. Misty had her Hip Replacement surgery Thursday. All went perfectly and here are the pictures. She is resting and I am not. LOL. Its a long recovery but worth it. I have half of the femoral head (we preserved it) and I can't believe how bad it was. No wonder she was in so much pain. I am so glad this got done and can't wait to see how she is in 6 weeks when she can walk, run, and play pain free. She is already putting good weight on it and its only been 2 days. The pictures are cool. The new Hip is a Helica Hip Prosthetic. New and less damaging to the bone. More speedy recovery and more stable. I have 45 in surgery pictures if you want to see more.

If I remember correctly none of the Before Grain foods have a single protein. They all have chicken and turkey. That is the only reason I don't like their formulas. I think for allergy issues there needs to be only one protein source.


Ingredients: Buffalo Deboned, Chicken Meal, Potato Dehydrated, Turkey Meal, Canola Oil, Sweet Potato Dehydrated, (preserved with mixed tocopherols - a source of Natural Vitamin E and Ascorbic Acid, a source of Vitamin C), Yeast Culture, Natural Dried Chicken Liver, Dicalcium Phosphate, Lysine, Guar Gum, Sea Salt, Alfalfa, Salmon Oil, Choline Chloride, Acai Berry Dried, Blueberry Dried, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Venison Broth, Zinc Amino Acid Complex,Chondroitin Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Natural Venison Flavor, Chicory Root, Marigold Extract, Rosemary Extract, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Enterococcus Faecium, Lactobacillus Casei, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Natural Celery Flavor, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Vitamin E Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Natural Color (tumeric), Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Complex, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3, Niacin, Lecithin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Cobalt Amino Acid Complex, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate, Sodium Selenite.

GodSpeed Sylvester.

My sympathies and prayers are with you.

I would also suggest that maybe the runny stools has to do with the switch. Going from a food like hills to core can cause havoc on the intestinal system. I would go 3/4 hills and 14 core for a 3 to 5  days and then 1/2 and 1/2 for a 3 to 5 more days then 3/4 core and 1/4 hills for a 3-5 more days and then 100% core. While you are doing this the minute you see runny stools go back to what you had been on for a few more days.


Having said that. I prefer raw food diet for any animal with urinary issues. You are on the right track with grain free.

I'm not an expert with a degree and all but I am a vet tech and I have read many books on diet and have taken classes on animal nutrition. I have also seen excellent results with better nutrition and especially the raw diet.

I hope this info helps. keep us posted.

Unfortunately all n-saids have the same potential for side effects. I'm not sure why rimadyl is having more than the others. I use Deramaxx and test the blood every three months because of the potential for problems. Haven't had a problem yet. They now have Prevacox that is supposed to be even safer along with Zubrin also supposed to be safer. Owners with arthritic animals have no choice but to use these n-saids or the animal will be in pain constantly. Its very sad. But like the human n-saids they all have their risks. Owners need to research all the choices and know what to look for. Blood work is a must at a minimum every 6 months. I do it every 3.

The good news: Yes there actually is good news. Tramadol is a narcotic like pain reliever than is now being used along with the n-saids. You can lower the dose of the n-said and hopefully stave of problems. And Tramadol is relatively safe and cheap.

Bad news: Tramadol is habit forming so when taking the animal off it you must taper the dose.

The best would be raw or canned food but unfortunately the mother wants a dry. The more fluids the better.  If the mohter has to have dry than the veterinary diet is the only other option since these diets affect the urine pH and increase urination to help flush the urinary tract. She could try supplements but honestly raw or canned is the best option. She would actually save money in the long run on vet visits and medications and rx diets. Maybe that could be pointed out to her.

It is a devastating disease. I'm so sorry to hear this.

Good news. Praying for it to continue healing.

   I had a chance to get a better look at his paw earlier and saw that there were some dried up pieces of skin hanging from it. It almost looks like his paw had been sliced. I proceeded to use blunt tip manicure scissors and trim some of the dead skin off of his paw pad. I then called the vet and asked what I might be able to use and he suggested neosporin, although I might try to clean it with some diluted alcohol on a Q tip. I am still not exactly sure if this is the main reason for his limping but the vet said that pretty much whether his toe was broken or stubbed, that the only thing to do was give it time to heal. I then opted to cancel the appointment.

  I will give it a couple of more days and see if there is any improvement. If not, then I will go ahead and get a tranquilizer for him and take him in for an exam.

  I have some liquid Yucca schidigera Extract so I might add a couple of drops to his food. Yucca is a natural anti-inflammatory that contains steroidal saponins that are often used as starter substances in the production of synthetic steroid drugs.

That sounds like a good plan. Fish oil is also a anti-inflamatory. It couldn't hurt. I myself use Krill oil but most use fish oil.

Keep us posted.

GG, What are the concerns about using Predisone?

 Not sure whether I can get to the vet before his appointment. Would you know whether the vet would be able to make a diagnosis from just an exam or would xrays be needed?

 I guess I will just wait untill morning and take it from there.

 Thank you Hannie and Greyghost for all your help.

Most of the concerns about prednisone and prednisolone are the immune system suppresion like CT said and slow healing but those concerns only happen on long term use. To use it for a few days for acute injury is safe. Not only safe but it really is a miracle drug when used correctly. It helps healing and inflamation when used short term. it has is place in long term use but thats where you have to weigh the risks and benefits. Misty was on low dose for 6 months and had no problems at all and it helped her through and healed a rough skin issue.

Prednisolone should be used in any animal with liver issues since its not broken down by the liver. I prefer prednisolone for all animals.

The vets like to do radiographs but can tell sometimes just by an exam. I would see how he is doing in a couple days. Unless of course he won't walk on it at all and then it could be a small fracture. But it doesn't sound like that is the case from what you have said.

Yes it could be. If he cut it then that would hurt. Misty occasionally cuts her pad running and will hold it up later. Very sensitive.

I would guess he may have sprained it somehow. We all know the things that can happen. If he is not putting "any" weight on it then it could be a fracture. That would take alot but can't rule it out. If he is limping on it I would guess a sprain or maybe a bone bruise. I know everyone says stay away from prednisone but it has its place and for short time use it isn't harmful.

If you are close to your vet you can call and explain it all and he may give some meds and let it ride for a week or so to see if it gets better. If it doesn't get better then its best to take him in. You can also ask for a mild tranq. to give sweet jasper before the appointment so he can be calm and not wound up. I know alot of people that do this and its not harmful. its actually better for the cat. less stress and all.

TEMPERATURE
These lizards are adapted to hot desert conditions. The cage should have a daytime hot basking spot where the temperature exceeds 120 F, however the lizard must be able to retreat to areas in the low 90's. Incandescent spotlights can provide hot basking spots. The wattage selected depends upon the size of the cage. Thermometers should be placed at both ends of the cage and monitored to ensure a proper temperature gradient. Under tank heaters can be used to supplement heat, however these are diurnal species and regulate their body temperature by basking in the sun. Spotlights more accurately approximately the way diurnal lizards obtain their heat naturally. Night time temperatures should be less that the daytime highs. Temperatures should be allowed to drop into the mid 60's F.

http://www.kingsnake.com/uromastyx/caresheets/uro-care.htm

Hi,

What you are finding on the web is all scary and correct. Do not believe the websites that say they have a cure or natural treatment. There really is no treatment except for the virus to run its course. Treatment is all supportive care to keep the animal hydrated and alive. Keep them separated and yes always wash everything with bleach solution. Where disposable gloves and put feet disposables on also that cover the shoes. never let them in the yard or anywhere else in the house. parvovirus can live months outside in the yard. The older dogs should be ok if vaccinated but I myself would not take any chances. It spreads easily and fast.

The pups probably got it from the shelter which is why I can't understand why they sent them back to your friend. If the puppy that was given away is fine then they got it at the shelter. Not uncommon.

Here is a veterinary link with lots of info:

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/23301.htm&word=parvovirus

This is so sad. I hope it all turns out ok.