Special Needs Dogs, Music, and More

What It Costs To Love Special Needs Dogs

2010-10-07T10:57:00.000-04:00

For anyone who has ever loved and cared for a special needs animal companion, you know what an emotional and financial burden this can be. Vet visits, tests, wheelchairs, orthopedic braces, amputations, multiple surgeries, holistic and western medical care for cancer are what people who are devoted to their pets face time and time again.
To give you an idea of what these costs are, I will describe the costs for my two beautiful dogs who died from cancer.

Prior to their cancer (osteosarcoma), between the two of them:

3 TPLOs (tibial plateau leveling osteotomies) for torn ACLs (about $2100.00 for each one....$6,300.00)
2 implant removals (about $400.00 each... $800.00)
cancer care for both of them including amputation, MRIs, ultrasounds, chiropractic care, acupuncture, herbal supplements, pain meds, biopsies, needle aspirations, chemotherapy, radiation, blood tests, etc, etc... $10,000.00.

This is not to mention the time off from work to care for these special needs family members and the gasoline and food expenses from traveling out of state to receive the treatments.

So for two of my beloved animal companions, Fly and Trouble, whom I lost within a year of each other, $10,000.00 was spent on cancer care alone. I am not a financially wealthy person..... my wealth comes from the abundance of unconditional love I receive from my canine pack. All of these expenses were charged on charge cards. I try not to think about the pain, suffering and deaths this cancer caused, but my monthly statements are a reminder of what I'm paying for, and will continue to pay for (providing I'm able to make the minimum charge card payments) for the next 23 years.

I sought legal advice but was told dogs are only "property" here in PA. You are only entitled to the "value of the dog" and because they are "property" you cannot collect damages due to "property".... only the value of the dog. Of course to someone who loves their animals as I do, THEY ARE PRICELESS! I am very familiar with this out of date and ridiculous law, because my very first German Shepherd dog was killed while being boarded with a veterinarian. They let her get hit by a car the day I went away, and didn't try to save her life until the day after she was hit. She had a punctured lung, broken ribs, ruptured bladder, and more. When the vet finally did surgery, she had three cardiac arrests coming out of the anesthesia and died. She was only 13 months old. Legally, I was entitled to $20.00 because that's what I paid for her.

Something is just not right with this picture. I have to believe in Karma (for those responsible for the suffering and deaths of my dogs) to help me get through this.

KIMBER MAKES A COMPLETE RECOVERY WITHOUT SURGERY FROM A TORN ACL!!!

2010-07-06T22:28:00.000-04:00

Today is July 6, 2010. It's been over a year (May 18, 2009) since Kimber, my 100 lb. Shiloh Shepherd tore her anterior cruciate ligament. We did conservative management to enable her to heal successfully without surgery. Her protocol consisted of proper nutrition, supplements, physical therapy, gentle range of motion stretches, water therapy, massage, chiropractic care and using a stifle brace. Kimber now runs around without the need for any brace. When viewing videos of her, you cannot tell which knee was injured. It is amazing to see that a large dog was able to heal from a torn ACL when we were told this could not happen without surgery. I am so grateful I found a wonderful online support group last year for people searching for knowledge on conservative management. For more information, go to www.yahoogroups.com and type in Conservative Management. You'll be glad you did.

Update on Kimber

2009-10-16T01:00:00.000-04:00

Today is Feb. 8th, 2010 and Kimber is currently 8 1/2 months post torn ACL. She has made a full recuperation WITHOUT SURGERY!!!! It pleases me to see how my very special girl has recuperated without the invasive surgeries my Trouble and Fly had for their torn ACLs.

This month's (Feb) edition of Whole Dog Journal features an article on Conservative Management that includes Kimber as well as other success stories. It's nice to know there's an option other than surgery that may help your canine companion heal from a torn ACL. Of course, every situation is different and not all dogs may be candidates for CM, but you won't know unless you try it.

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Kimber is doing REMARKABLY well! The scar tissue is forming. Kimber shows no sign of lameness, she's bearing full weight on her leg, and when she's outside with the brace on, she can run off leash. I am so pleased with her progress. I wish to God I would have known about stifle braces when Trouble and Fly had torn ACLs.... they would still be alive!!!!
Please scroll down to "older posts" so you can read Trouble's story concerning his "plate related cancer" and Sheba's story with degenerative myelopathy.

Conservative Management for Torn ACL

2009-08-16T17:51:00.000-04:00

My beautiful girl, Kimber, also known as"Beauty Jr." (Fly's nickname was "Beauty"), tore her cruciate ligament a month after I had to let my beautiful Fly go. Because Trouble and Fly had developed osteosarcoma after having knee surgeries, I looked into conservative management to avoid surgery. I learned so much from a wonderful support group, the Conservative Management group at http://www.yahoo.groups.com/ and had a custom made stifle brace for Kimber. The brace supports the knee externally, just as surgery supports it internally. Kimber went from walking on three legs, to walking on four, bearing weight on her leg, and now swimming.

2009-07-19T00:53:00.000-04:00

It is with extreme pain, sadness, and DISGUST that I announce the passing of my beautiful, innocent, Angel, Fly. Fly had developed osteosarcoma, the same cancer that took my beautiful Trouble's life after developing it from the the non medical grade metal implant that corroded in his body. Fly had the same implant in her.... her implant was corroded just like Trouble's. When Trouble was finally diagnosed correctly after having been misdiagnosed, I believed that chemo would end his life sooner, so I opted for alternative treatments in the hopes of stopping the cancer and enabling him to live a longer, quality life. Sadly, he died four months into his treatments. Because of dealing with this type of cancer and seeing its consequences, I listened to the medical doctors with Fly, who assured me chemo and radiation would give her at least 4-6 months to live, maybe 8 if we were lucky. After spending over $3,000.00 at the facility who made this assurance with my beloved Fly, she had died 35 days into her treatments. I am devastated, disgusted, and heartbroken. The pain with losing my beloved Fly, Trouble, and Jerry Lee within 12 months of each other is immeasurable.

What disgusts me the most, is I told the veterinarians that I believed Fly had osteosarcoma like Trouble.... I recognized the symptoms and she had the same implant Trouble had. (By the way... the specialist told me he quit using those implants when they found out they were associated with osteosarcoma.... not soon enough for Fly or Trouble.) The doctors and specialists kept telling me that Fly did not have cancer... she had arthritis only. Fly had been in pain.... it took a fifth doctor to admit to me that Fly had osteosarcoma.... as he could see the tumor on the original x-ray. Sounds like the others didn't want me to know the truth...what were they afraid of if they had done nothing wrong? I think we know the answer to this. I guess they figured if they kept telling me that Fly had arthritis (knowing I didn't know how to read an x-ray), I'd end up believing them.

Please, I can't stress this enough..... if your dog had a TPLO surgery and a few years later begins to become lame or is lame already, and your doctor tells you that your dog's source of lameness is arthritis, keep searching until you can find a doctor who knows how to read an x-ray properly. YOUR DOG'S LIFE DEPENDS ON IT!!!!!

My Shep/Malamute, Fly, has osteosarcoma!!!!! Please Help!!!!

2009-02-27T16:47:00.000-05:00

My beautiful shep/malamute, Fly, was just diagnosed with osteosarcoma, bone cancer... the same cancer that took my Trouble's life. Treatments for this are very expensive but I will give her the best care she needs. You can help by scrolling down and purchasing any of the three songs on this site. All money made goes to Fly's care. You can listen to the songs by clicking on the little button to the left of each song. We appreciate your help.
UPDATE: Fly has had four treatments of radiation and two treatments of chemotherapy at Ohio State University. Because the tumor is in her L7 vertebrae and pushing into her spinal cord, it is inoperable. With treatments, they are giving her 4-6 months to live. I believe that with treatments, love, and perserverance, Fly can live longer with quality and happiness. You can help by visiting the fundraising site I have set up for her and by forwarding it to all you know who may be able to help her. We graciously appreciate all help. Thank you!

Thank You In Memory of Jerry Lee and Trouble 2008

2008-10-29T00:13:00.000-04:00

I just want to thank all of you who sent condolences, prayers and support during this difficult time in losing my precious canine children. Trouble lost his battle with canine osteosarcoma (bone cancer related to non-medical grade metal implants in his bone) in April of this year. You may scroll down to "older posts" to read his story. And Jerry Lee was such a trooper in living with the paralyzing disease degenerative myelopathy. They are sorely missed. The support so many of you provided me with is priceless. I appreciate your kindness more than you know. Thank you.

Old Dog Vestibular Disease and Degenerative Myelopathy

2008-09-03T23:52:00.000-04:00

It is with enduring sadness and pain that I announce the passing of my precious boy, Jerry Lee. Jerry Lee was smart, loyal, regal, intelligent, protective, loving, and so much more. He was such a good, good dog and I couldn't have asked for a better friend. Jerry was stricken with degenerative myelopathy and possibly cancer. He accepted his disease with courage and perseverance, despite the physical condition his body was in. Jerry had atrophied tremendously... it was pitiful to see such a regal beautiful dog deteriorate to this condition.
Jerry was a trooper. He LOVED music and was my number one fan. Any time I would play my guitar or piano, he would come into the room to lie down to be near me as I sang and played. My music was very soothing to him.... he would be so content that he'd fall asleep while listening. Playing my music now is very sad for me.... just knowing he is not hear to listen leaves a hole in my heart... he loved me so much..... any time I left the house to go to work, he would howl a sad howl.... I could hear him in the driveway... and my husband told me Jerry would howl for awhile after I was gone. I miss him so much.
I didn't want to let Jerry go.... he would have been 15 years old on October 6th, however, when you love someone unconditionally, sometimes you have to be unselfish for the one you love.... even if it means having to let them go. Jerry was similar to Sheba.... she would have held on to life forever to be with me, despite the condition of her deteriorating body. Jerry would have hung on to life, also, to be with me... despite his frail body. Because the "quality" of Jerry's life was deteriorating, my husband and I agreed it was in his best interest to let him go before it would have been too late for him to have a comfortable passing. We had the vet come to our home to euthanize Jerry. He was surprised to see how Jerry had deteriorated, yet hung on to life for us. He was afraid he would not be able to find a vein that would accept the drug... luckily, he did find one. Jerry did not suffer.... he had a peaceful death for which I am very grateful. I would not have been able to forgive myself if I had chosen to wait longer, causing him to suffer a painful death because of the vet not being able to find a vein. So we believe it was the right time to let Jerry go, despite the pain and heartbreak. As I said before, Jerry Lee loved my music. I once wrote and recorded a song when Sheba was near the end called "Dear Mommy." It is a song about asking to be let go of (euthanasia). I had this song played during Jerry's euthanasia. He got to hear me sing and play the guitar while he was going to the Rainbow Bridge. I miss him so much. Losing Jerry Lee and Trouble so close together is an immeasurable pain and loss. The memories of my beautiful babies are imprinted on my heart, where they will remain forever. I love you Jerry Lee and Trouble... I always will.

Jerry Lee with old dog vestibular disease

My dog, Jerry Lee, was diagnosed with vestibular disease in March. He had the classic signs with nystagmus, walking in circles, loss of balance, and his head tilting to one side. He was rushed to the animal ER when he couldn't stand up one morning as I was afraid he may have had a stroke. We were told that Jerry Lee had "old dog vestibular disease" which has multiple causes including middle and inner ear infections, hypothyroidism, and by the distemper vaccinations. Jerry was given dramamine as the doctor compared his symptoms with vertigo and car sickness.

When I went home, I had checked Jerry's bloodwork from his prior vet visit as I get preventive bloodwork done on my dogs. Somehow, it was overlooked that his thyroid levels were below the normal range. He is hypothryoid and is on medication for it so when I took him to the vet for a follow up exam, it was agreed that his medication should be increased. His condition stabilized and then improved, thank God.

Last year, he was also diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy. With having had much experience with this damned disease with my beloved German Shepherd, Sheba, I wanted so badly to believe it was NOT dm. The symptoms have progressed just as they had with Sheba, so I believe that he truly may have DM. This is a process of elimination diagnosis, however, with Jerry's age (he'll be 15 in a few weeks, which makes him over 100 years old in doggie age, which is very old for a large dog), I have chosen to not put him through any invasive procedures as I fear he may have potentially harmful, if not fatal, side effects. My husband and I have decided to provide Jerry Lee with a quality life which is similar to Sheba's DM protocol. Sadly, due to Jerry's age and arthritis, he cannot run around in the wheelchair like Sheba was able to do.

Jerry has lived a relatively healthy life all these years. He had a problem with elevated liver enzymes for a number of years... medically, he was given SAMe which brought the levels down a tad, but not a significant amount. Tired of not getting better results, I began researching alternatives for elevated liver enzymes which led me to find some Chinese herbal supplements. Since Jerry's been on these herbs, his periodic blood work has shown a significant drop in the elevation! This is wonderful!!! My only regrest is that no one suggested any such treatments for Jerry Lee years ago. I know with the progression of the myelopathy and his age, Jerry does not have much time left. I am grateful for the time I've had with him all these years. He is a special boy who continually gives appreciation and unconditional love. He cannot use his rear legs anymore yet still lives a quality life. Jerry Lee has always LOVED MUSIC! He loves when I sing and play the guitar or piano. It is very soothing to him. He's always been my number one music fan.

Although his care is very demanding, he is so worth it. I will continue to provide him with the best quality life as long as he is comfortable and happy.

Latest tracks by Dogmom

Music

2008-05-15T02:58:00.002-04:00

I have written and recorded songs for my dogs. Two songs were written for Sheba... one is called "Sheba, You're My Best Friend" and "Dear Mommy." Anyone who has been blessed with having the unconditional love a canine can give or one who has cared for a special needs dog will appreciate these songs. You may listen to them on the above widget.
I recently wrote the song "It's Gotta Stop (The Animal Abuse Song)" as a result of my disgust and heartache for the senseless treatment and abuse of animals. My goal is to raise awareness and funding for animal rescues, shelters, and other non-profit animal organizations by permitting such groups to upload the song and to allow others to download it for a donation to them. Any such groups interested in doing so, please contact me at shilohshepherdfriend@gmail.com

My Special Needs Dogs, Sheba & Trouble

2007-11-02T23:16:00.000-04:00

Angel Trouble

7/15/97 - 4/14/08

I have developed this blog to help educate people on caring for a special needs pet. There are many wonderful internet support groups that provide help and resources for these caregivers, however, I would like to provide support from my personal experience in caring for my large, paralyzed beautiful German Shepherd, Sheba.

Angel Sheba

5/15/91 - 12/29/01

As many know, Sheba was my beautiful German Shepherd who had developed the incurable spinal cord disease, degenerative myelopathy. This is a disease where the myelin sheath around the spinal cord degenerates, causing paralysis. There is no known cure for this disease and many vets suggest euthanasia as they are not aware that a large paralyzed dog can live a quality life providing the caretakers are willing to enable him/her to do so.

Sheba developed this disease when she turned nine, had a dorsal laminectomy (back surgery) which did not help her condition, and fought a courageous battle with dignity. I turned to a holistic lifestyle consisting of acupuncture, chiropractic care, energy healing, massage therapy, magnetic therapy, homeopathic remedies, herbal supplements, special nutrition, a protocol based on the studies of Dr. Roger Clemens from the University of Florida, and mobility with the aids of wheelchairs and a Tylift. She also received hydrotherapy by means of a heated pool.

I made a website telling of Sheba's story a number of years ago. You can read her story at http://shebathequaddog.homestead.com/ to learn more about her. Sadly to say, I lost my precious Angel in December of 2001 when her courageous battle was forced to come to an end. I had gained much knowledge in Sheba's care from reading many books on holistic health care, as I did not have the internet. When I finally did get the internet, Sheba's paralysis had spread to her neck which rendered her a quadriplegic. I thought that I would find many people caring for large breed quadriplegics but to my surprise, I only found 3 people who had this type of experience. I found myself providing support to many people contacting me through the internet. I wanted to help people through caring for my beloved Sheba so I produced the video "Caring For A Handicapped Pet: A Holistic Approach". Through this resource, any pet lover can see first hand what physical, mental, and spiritual strength are required to care for a beloved animal companion, and can also find valuable resources and some low cost ideas to help with this journey. It's been given a wonderful review in "The Whole Dog Journal" and was listed as a resource for handicapped pets in "Prevention" magazine.

Many people have asked me why I devoted my life to caring for Sheba... if I have to explain, then you wouldn't understand... but for those of you who do understand, we know that it can be very laborsome in providing the care our beloved special needs animal companions may require... but it is a labor of love.... and to receive the unconditional love, appreciative smiles and kisses was enough reward for the small price we had to pay to have been blessed with having these Angels in our lives. Sheba taught me so much in life, love, and dying.... she would have done the same for me.

Is There A Link Between The Metal Implants Used In TPLO Surgeries A Few Years Ago To Osteosarcoma? It's true that the plates used a few years ago were NOT MEDICAL GRADE... because they were NOT medical grade, they corroded at a faster rate than medical grade metal. Did your dog have a TPLO prior to and including 2004? Is your dog still alive? Has your dog developed a limp, and were you told your dog only has "arthritis?" If your dog had a TPLO and is limping, it's imperative you get professional care!!! This limp may be osteosarcoma... bone cancer!!! Get a second and third opinion if you have to! If your vet takes x-rays and tells you there's no tumor, please, take those x-rays to an oncologist or someone with experience in being able to read x-rays properly. How Many Dogs Have To Suffer And Die With This Aggressive Cancer Related To The Corrosion Of The Metals Used In These Plates???!!!!

MY PRECIOUS TROUBLE HAS OSTEOSARCOMA...CANINE BONE CANCER

My beautiful 10 year old German Shepherd/Husky, Trouble, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma the beginning of December, 2007. This is an aggressive bone cancer that spreads to the lungs. Trouble had the TPLO surgeries (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomies) in 2004 on his knees for torn anterior cruciate ligaments. He had the metal plate removed from his right leg as he had developed an infection to it so it was removed as soon as the bones had healed. However, the metal plate and screws were not removed from his left leg.... and sadly to say, this is where the cancer developed. One of the side effects to the TPLO is cancer as the metal may corrode overtime to the point where the corrosion in the bone causes cancer.

Because Trouble was in pain, limping (at first he was misdiagnosed as having arthritis), it was in his best interest to have the leg (rear left) amputated. This was done in the middle of December. He adjusted very well to the amputation, as he had been walking on three legs prior to the surgery. Traditional medical treatment consists of chemotherapy and radiation. However, this does not cure the cancer... so I have chosen to seek alternative treatments in Trouble because I love him and am concerned about the quality of his life and only want the best for him. I believe in building up his immune system.... not destroying it. So Trouble's holistic treatment involves Chinese herbs to fight the cancer and build the immune system, acupuncture, chiropractic care, massages, supplements, and hopefully soon he will have water therapy with an underwater treadmill to keep his muscles from atrophying and making them stronger.

He is such a trooper... he had been through so much 3 years ago with his tibial plateau leveling osteotomy knee surgeries and plate removal in his right leg and now this.... I am praying that the treatment he is on will enable him to fight the cancer and be the happy, loving dog that he is. Please keep him and all other animals suffering in your prayers. Thank you.

It is with extreme pain and sadness that I announce the passing of Trouble. Trouble lost his battle with the very aggressive osteosarcoma on April 14th, 2008. The cancer had metastasized to the vertebrae in his spine, leaving him paralyzed and in pain. The medical doctors and holistic doctors offered no hope for Trouble... putting it mildly, they failed him... from the time of his 'misdiagnosis' to the discrepencies in the treatment involving his holistic care. I have not had much faith in veterinarians for a long time... stemming from the time my beautiful 13 month old black German Shepherd had been hit by a car while being boarded with a veterinarian's indoor boarding facility (yes... she died the next day) to a number of other incidents in various facilities involving Sheba' s care.

The only good thing about Trouble's passing was that his traditional vet was very compassionate and came to our home to make Trouble's passing as peaceful as possible. If Trouble had to die to be pain free.... I am grateful that his veterinarian enabled it to be peaceful for him. Trouble died surrounded by those who loved him the most. He will live on in my heart forever. I know he is in heaven with Sheba (and Princess whom he never knew)..... he use to snuggle next to her after she had her back surgery and when she was paralyzed. They are together once again.

My babies, these are two of my favorite quotes, but I couldn't have said it better if I created them myself... "If love could have saved you, you never would have died.... And if dogs don't go to heaven when they die, then I want to go where they go."

A thought to ponder:

If all good dogs go to Heaven, then where do all bad vets go?