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BAILEY'S ONGOING JOURNEY With a few bumps in the road.
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On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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12 September 2014 - 9:16 am
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Tracy, from what I understand you should start to see improvement at about the 4th or 5th acupuncture treatment. That, and once the steroid kicks in, should help be her be more comfortable and want to eat. We all have our paws crossed that next week she will turn a corner.

Here are those adorable pictures. Chocolate not necessary, the smiles they brought me are more than enough.

"It was a beautiful day in St. Louis. We managed to get Bailey on the deck and comfy! Notice Bella in the background helping herself to Baileys special water!"

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Throwback Thursday, staring Bailey!

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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







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12 September 2014 - 10:24 am
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WONDERFUL PICTURES...JUST WONDERFUL!!!! WOOF, WOOF WONDERFUL!!!

And that puppy picture of Bailey.......You forgot the cuteness alert!!!!! When that much cuteness shows up without warning it can make us giggle out loud non-stop!!! ADORABLE!!!!!!!

It's good to see Bailey looking comfy and content! That expression...OMD...sooooo cute!!! And we see that Bella sneaking a drink of Bailey's magical water! Such a good looking pair.

Very well loved dogs!!

I know Bailey is certainly having "challenges" to say the least...but she looks GOOD! For a dog who is just eating peanut butter tortillas, she doesn't look skinny at all! Are those her tortillas on her pretty blanket? She looks so pleased with herself to have her beautiful blanket (red is her color), her snack, her pal and, of course, her momma, all surrounding her!

Keeping all paws crossed for the steroids and acupuncture to make a positive difference! Today is Friday...so this will be three days into the wash-out period. When did the vet say she could start her steroids?

Keep these pictures coming...but don't forget the cuteness alert!!!

Hugging you tightly!!! HUGE HUGS!!!!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!

PS...You can send me Jerry's chocolate...would hate to see it go to wastewinker

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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12 September 2014 - 2:35 pm
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Beautiful pictures, and I agree with Sally´s appraisal:  Bailey is looking quite alert - she doesn´t seem to have given up.

Johnnie also gives me "the look" when I come by and he is laying down, like he is saying "what did you say, what do you want? do you really want me to move?".  Just like Bailey!

wishing you all well, tight virtual hugs from Daniela & Johnnie

Our awesome Golden Boy was diagnosed for OSA in April 2014 in the proximal humerus, front-leg amp on 05/20/2014. Finished chemo (Carbo6) on 07/10/2014. Ongoing treatment: acupuncture + K-9 Immunity Plus ( 3chews) and home-cooked no-grain diet.   Stopped Apocaps because of liver issues.   Liver issues: controlling altered enzymes with SAM-e and Milk Thistle.  October 17:  started having seizures.  Taking fenobarbital for seizures.  April 18: started prednisone.

Orrtanna Pa.
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12 September 2014 - 6:41 pm
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Tracy great pictures! Bailey does look comfortable. I came across something online today. It is on a site called dogs with disabilities. This lady takes care of dogs with a condition called Degenteritive myopathy. Spelled wrong I am sure. Anyhow, these dogs display some of the same symptoms as Bailey. She talks of the tail not being able to wag and back legs crossing etc. She has some wonderful tips on caring for animals that have trouble walking. Please do not take this as my haying that this is what Bailey has, just thought of you when I read it, and thought that some of the suggestions and there are items you can get for their comfort also. Thinking of you, hugs from, Lori and Ty

TY GUY, Best Black Lab ever! Diagnosed  and had amp in January, 2014. Kicked MRSA's butt. Earned his angel wings on April 16, 2014. Run Free my boy and don't forget a shoe. Ty is a proud member of the " April Angels". Ty sent us Daryl, a Tripawd rescue in Sept. of 2016. Daryl is 5 +or -. We are also Pawrents to Chandler, a Border Collie mix who is 15 and 1/2, Lucy, a Corgi who is 7, 2 minis, 2 horses, and a feisty cat named Zoe. Zoe had a non skeletal Osteosarcoma removed in July 2015. No Chemo, she was at least 16. She is going strong although she is now completely blind. She is now close to 20 and her hobbies are eating and sleeping in front of her personal heater. 

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12 September 2014 - 10:17 pm
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This will be short... ooops I just scrolled up here... well here it goes...

Bailey has lost a lot of weight.  I know she looks good in this picture from Sat. but she has lost 5 pounds in a week her hip bones are sticking out (what should we get to feed her I made satin ball she will not try them she spits them out).  We did do acupuncture #4 but she relieved her urine while they were all trying to get an exam while she standing... prior to the treatment.

She breathed really hard during the treatment but the vet did use more needles and different locations and this time it was the left back leg... she definitely felt it or new something was going on with that leg.  She never cried just looked.

But the vet seemed to think steroids would be something we could go to next.  She didn't seem real positive that it was going to work.  She was concerned about the lack of muscle or no muscle in the left leg.  She's dragging her left back foot and it trips her. Trust me I'm with her when she's up and I take her out using her harness, she's not doing any wipe outs on me.  She has chewed through two leashes the retractable ones because she hates the harness.  Little shit.  So now I just walk close by but she doesn't want me near her when she is doing business work.  Poor thing though she has fell over a few times today when she squatted to pee.  My shoulders are so heavy and I hate this.  I feel like I'm putting her through too much but I don't want to give up yet.

Tuesday is the soonest that she can have the steroid (everyone was correct ~ wash out period) and she will have #5 acupuncture that day also. I am anxious to see if this helps even if its temporary.

Thank you to all my tri-pawd family who have stuck with this long ass post.  I was crying but now I'm mad.  I need every single one of her xrays according to my bills.  I would like them to show me how they make her lay down... it's too late but damn it something happened.

I know Bailey is not eating enough and I'm feeding her... the canned dog food says 8 cans a day...  I'm lucky to get two, plush snack is peanut butter on the giant tortilla and then yogurt and pumpkin.  I'm feeding her with a spoon because she refuses to pick anything up except the K-9 IMMUNITY PLUS.  HEY! K-9 IMMUNITY PEOPLE CAN YOU MAKE A DOG FOOD QUICK THAT TASTES LIKE THE SUPPLEMENTS REAL QUICK.....

So I guess my question is should I try to feed Bailey more?  I put the spoon in her mouth she's laying down so I just life her gums and she opens, I do not have to hold her mouth shut and I'm not ever doing that with the exception of pills (she's the best pill spitter around)  I worry about bloat and tortion if I feed her too much.  Thoughts from anyone.  She is a giant breed.

OK, I'm going to lay by my girl she's on codeine right now.

Sally, PM me your address and you my dear will receive chocolate!  You deserve it, you have made me smile in time when I wanted to swim in the Mississippi River.  There are still times I wish I could go with her, I know that sounds weird but I have a disease that's not curable I have had it since my teens and our bills just stack up... I will not miss an appointment for Bailey or stop treatment for me.  Bailey deserves everything I can give her.

Thanks so much for the responses and well wishes and positive reassurance when I'm Debbie Downer.  Right now I'm working on 0 sleep last night and I'm ready to pass out.  But ever time Bailey whines she wants something, potty, moved in another position.  (I hope I didn't cause the muscle issue because we tried our best to keep her up and moving the best we could without hurting her and her screaming at us.)

Whoever wants chocolate send me your address...

Jerry... I have a whole album of Bailey!  Sally get fb... I'll help you set it up, it's really easy and you can have really strict privacy settings.

Love and tight hugs...crying

I wanted to let everyone know what was going on.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is not what I wanted for her this shouldn't be how it ends.  crying

Tracy and Bailey my Girl

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12 September 2014 - 10:26 pm
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Daniela,

Bailey can't get up on her on, we have to use a harness so it's really hard with that back leg swinging and if we let go its hopping on the back legs crossed then she falls.  But we don't let her do that anymore.

 

But Bailey can give the look... she like her squeaky toys and if you set food in front of her she pushes her blanket over it... or pushes it off her bed.  She is a lover and loves ear rubs... I think that is what I do all night long especially when she starts crying all night long.

 

Thank you all for the well wishes and hugs and every support you have given me.  This site is wonderful!  HUGS to all my friends out there.  I know most are in different states and even countries which is so amazing that people care to reach out to help others this way.  I am so grateful!  Ellen and Charley live in St. Louis close by us.

Until we talk again... I'll update maybe Sunday or Monday and let everyone know how the weekend goes. 

Love to the Angels above and the Tri-Pawds near and far!  Love you!

Virginia







Member Since:
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12 September 2014 - 11:02 pm
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Tracey...you and I are couple of the night owls that hang out here late at night! But one reason I do is because I know that's usually when you update us on Bailey! And, as always, thanks for filling us in. I can only imagine...actually, I can't even imagine...the frustration and agony you are going through trying to do what's best for Bailey. And you still do it sprinkling in some humor!!!

I would not orry about bloat at all right now. She's eating so little, I would just keep doing whatever you can to get her to eat. One thing, she's certainly not using much energy, so she doesn't need to eat as much as the guidelines say. And yeah, feed her as many K9 I as she'll eat!!! That's cute that she'll eat those on her own!! And they're loaded with good stuff too!!!

I know it's not funny...but it is....the fact that she's spunky enough to chew through her leash because she hates the harness! And she still like to have her "private space" when she pees..this girl has class!!way-cool

I can't remember...did something "turn bad" after shehad her xrays? Something that younthink was related to that? Anyway, yo can ask Dr. Snodgrass if there could be any correlation,but I doubt it. Positioning them for xray shouldn't cause any trauma.

I don't know enough about acupuncture to know if it can cause enough discomfort to make her breathig heavy...it should have much more of a relaxing affect...I think..

You are dealing with your own health issues, right? One thing I know for certain...you MUST take better care of yourself...especially when it comes to rest!! If you can't do it for y yourself, do it for Bailey!

Do me/us a favor...P L E A S E!! One day this week, schedule a relaxing aromatherapy massage...a real couple of hours where you pamper yourself. Your daughter or husband could watch after Bailey a few hours. You really need to do this for yourself...or something similar that gives you time to nurture your soul. You deserve it!!

Okay our friend...get in the middle of the room for your group ....hold still, no squirming....(((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))

And stay away from the Mississippi...it's really polluted!!! And no, I don't think anyone here would tell you itsw "weird" to want to "go" with your loved one. We ALL understand thst feeling! But our jobnis to stay here and carry onnthe wonderful legacy theynhave left for usnto share!! To do otherwise would really dishonor their whole courageous and loving existence...no...we stay here for them.

LOVE AND HUGS!!!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

On The Road


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13 September 2014 - 10:38 am
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Tracy, Sally is so right, you need to do something for yourself, it will refresh your outlook and your soul and keep you strong. Go out even if it's just to walk and think, but fresh air really helps.

How is she doing today?

Meanwhile here are the photos you wanted to share, along with a link to the video of her after 2 months of recovery (sorry, we can't embed Facebook videos here).

Bailey 2 months after surgery

https://www.fac.....38;theater

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Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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13 September 2014 - 10:49 am
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Oh Bailey!!! You're melting my heart over here!!!!!!! You are just precious!!!! You can give the best "looks" in the world!!!

You are just adorable!! We're all in love!!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU!!!!!!

Thanks Jerry and Tracey and Bailey!!!!!!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

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5 February 2014
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13 September 2014 - 7:11 pm
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Jerry, thank you for adding the pictures and for loading the video also.  I'm not worried about facebook... I really appreciate it. 

So today, a sleepless night and a constant lets try this is really tough.  We want her just comfortable, today she was going around in circles (slow) with her right front paw on her bed laying on her incision side.  We thought ok she wants to be helped to a different position... no she talked back.  So then we have taken her out many times with harness on (we have to or she would be on her face.) We have other leashes now... we only hooked the retractable leash on Baileys harness because then we were hoping that she would not pay attention to us and do her business.  Silly girl. 

She's been crying a lot today like she is uncomfortable but I'm wondering if it's due to the wash out period of the Carprofen?  They said I would notice a difference and might have to adjust... so she gets 1/2 Gabapentin twice a day and Codeine every 8 hours... but we have them spread out so she doesn't get them together hoping the one will hold her over.  I was wondering if we could give her a whole Gab. tonight and 1/2 tomorrow and go 1 and a 1/2?  But my vets not reachable.  VSS has not returned my call twice now in two weeks. 

Sally, the only reason I think something happened to her at VSS... they force her down to xray, they will not give her a sedative.  My vet it takes a special appointment and 6 people to get her down gently.  They have always said that she's no problem to get xrays at VSS and my regular vet who she dearly loves and Bailey thinks she owns the place says there's no way she's easy to get down for xrays. After her 5th chemo she didn't look right, something happened, I know they should be monitored during the time of the chemo being administered and nothing was ever reported to us if something happened.  But I took a picture of her that evening and she's sitting on her butt which she never touched her bottom to the floor sitting and also in the picture she was sitting on her tail it was under her foot... never in any other picture I have.  Now this was the same day that at 7:30 that evening she ran a 105.7 fever and they wouldn't call the doctor and I called them 9 times.  I think you all remember that post (BLAST) on here.  But the oncologist said she should have been called and took the times I called from my cell phone.  I just have a very uncomfortable feeling with them right now and I never have received a medical statement after a bill with the cost of the visit and the date.  I don't know I just have a feeling...something during chemo 5 went wrong. 

But we are all still fighting for her and we will go Tuesday and get acupuncture #5 and start steroids.  I just wish I knew if I could increase her Gabapentin because when we started it she was on 1 twice daily and then gradually went down to 1/2 twice daily.  But no Carprophen and I think she's more anxious.

We hung out in the front yard to day and Bailey even though she looks like a little drunken lady started barking like crazy at Riley who live two houses up laying in his driveway... you couldn't help but laugh but feel sorry for her.

OK, I think this is all for now. I just wish she was more comfortable and could tell me she's hungry. 

Thanks again for all the help and support.

Love and tight hugs!

Tracy and Bailey

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13 September 2014 - 7:13 pm
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Ohhh Sally I forgot to say the reason I think she was breathing is I brought her meds that were due at 5 at the time of her appointment and it was 5:45 and she was starting to get worked up but I was able to give her Gab. to her and she started relaxing more... so that was my fault.

 

Ohhhh guys.... just want her to be pain free.

Virginia







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13 September 2014 - 10:56 pm
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I CERTAINLY understand your frustration with VSS. Thanks for taking the time to explain everything..

I love that she barked at Riley today! And I love that she "talked back" when you tried to move her!

I wish you could get in touch with your regular vet about upping the Gaba. like you said. I would think it would be okay but I dont know, especially with the Coedine in the mix.Need a vet to guide you.

Now Ms.Tracy....you artfully avoided telling us how you would be doing a better job of taking care of yourself this week! We'll be waiting to see how you are going to pamper yourself. BAILEY wants you to do something for yourself!!!

Hugging you! Hugging you and Bailey and Bella!!

Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!

LOVING THESE PICTURES!!!! MORE!!!!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

On The Road


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14 September 2014 - 12:23 pm
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All dogs are different in how they react to medication changes, she could be responding to the decrease in the Carprofen. But yeah, any changes with the gaba and you do want to call your vet first. If you can't reach them have you tried consulting with something like the online Ask a Vet service? There's a link to one here on the right sidebar.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

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17 September 2014 - 7:23 pm
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Ok quick update on Bailey.

Monday (Dr. Garden another doctor in the acupuncture office and regular vet) increased her Gaba. to 3/4 pill every 8 hours (and said round the clock set alarms to give it to her) and her Codeine 1 1/2 to 2 every 4 to 6 hours.

Yesterday (Tuesday) we went for #5 acupuncture and she did ok she did relax and when she stood up peed all over...  oops.  Bailey started her first dose of Pred. at 6pm after she had her dinner and she seemed to pant a lot but settled down after she wanted water (yeaahhhhh) she did sleep without a peep last night but they wanted us to keep up with her meds so we had to set the alarms so someone would get off the floor.  The weekend was rough and I had a melt down Monday night and said I'm done someone else can to this I can't function anymore.  I was better Tuesday and I'm better today.

I pray the pred. works we go back next Tuesday for #6 acupuncture and see how the pred. is working. Prayers that she gets her strength back.  We have noticed that she is sitting up more and trying to get up on her own but that poor left leg doesn't want her to put any weight on it.  She's been hopping two feet at a time and actually does ok but she's still trying to figure out to pee without falling over.  If she could chew her harness off she would.  I need a better harness one that doesn't put pressure on her lower abdomen... geez they are expensive starting at 144.00.  I think because of her length when we try to help it puts too much pressure on her and she just wants to lay down and say forget it.

 

OK, I love all of you and I did enter Bailey into a contest today!  I have the FAITH!

I HAVE FAITH THAT BAILEY WILL STILL BE WITH US! So everyone please mark your calendars to vote for Bailey as the 6th Annual Cutest Pet by The St. Louis Post-Dispatch & STLtoday.com

VOTING DOESN'T BEGIN UNTIL OCTOBER 1 UNTIL October 7, 2014, you can VOTE ONCE EACH DAY. You have to follow the link to VOTE, it's not a "LIKE" tally. Thanks so much. Show the love for Bailey!

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upickem.stltoday.com
 
 
Her picture is cute as heck, it's the face peaking over the bed. Voting begins Oct. 1 - Oct. 7th and you can vote once each day!
 
Saying prayers and loving all my Angels Above Me that hold us up and I especially love all my family here who give me the support I need!
 
Thanks for listening.
Love and Tight HUGS!
Tracy and Bailey
 
Virginia







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17 September 2014 - 8:56 pm
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Oh yeah, I remember that picture...sooooo cute...especially knowing Bailey would tuck her head below the bed if she caught you looking at her, righ? Did Iremember right? Perfect choice!!! Wey all vote!!!

Im glad Bailey got her lain meds increased and m she seems to be resting more comfortably. And now you actual k y have to wake her from sleep...what a bummer!

Yeah, the Pred. can cause some panting, extra drinking...and, of course, estra peeing.....but if that helps her eat and feel better, then that's good!!

Wish the harness didn't hurt her. Maybe you could call some of the harness makers here and see if they have a product that would avoid putting so much pressure on abdomen, ribs, etc.

It'll take the Pred. a couple of days to kick in if it's going to have an impact on her appetite. Really hope it relieves some of her discomfort and helps her walk better.

We are all here to listen to each other...meltdowns and all...and offer support anyway we can!! Always sending you group hugs!!

Oh, I LOVE that Baiely is going to be in the cutest dog contest!! You know you'll have to start reminding us again as we get closer to Oct. 1st!

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what's going on...WE CARE!!!!

(((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))

Keeping all laws crossed!!!

Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

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