168 replies to this topic

[oreo5129]

A couple of months ago I took my boy, Titan to our vet because he was limping, really favoring his right leg-the leg that he had a sore on the foot of due to his obsessive-compulsive behavior. I was sure the vet was going to tell me he had an infection, give me antibiotics and all would be well. He gave me the antibiotics and pain medication for him, but Titan did not get better.
I went back and a bunch of xrays were taken of his pelvis, and spine and neck. All were relatively negative, but the vet told me that T had a neurological disorder and would probably not last a year. I asked him if he was referring to wobbler's and he told me no, this wasn't wobbler's, I was pi$$ed. I knew he was wrong, he had to be. T was just limping, something was wrong with his right leg.
He didn't get better. I took him in again 2 weeks ago and asked for one of the other vets in the practice to examine him, and it's pretty certain that is what is wrong with him
My God, since then I can not believe how much he has gone down hill. Today he is so weak in the rear legs. I'm so scared for him, he's my best bud as so many of you have the same kind of best buds, and so many of you have lost them.
His were the shoulders I cried on when my brother died, and just recently my stepmom. This is breaking my heart to continue this. I'll keep you informed. Thanks for listening. Mary and T

[Diana]

I am so sorry to read about Titan's illness, news like this just leaves you numb. Hopefully the vets will be wrong on how long he will be with you. Stay positive for your boy.

[Arda]

Mary; We are going to try to track down Dr Weaver. He does Chiropractic and Accupuncture on horses and dogs. I have not seen or heard about him in years but he travels around the state and works on horses and dogs. Worked on a couple of my kids over the years. Lets see if he will be in your area in the near future. Heather says he is from Traverse City. Let us look. Maybe some help. That's what Jeannie had but she passed from her heart. I used Predisone on her and it gave her years of comfort. When you get a minute tell me more about what is happening. When you turn his back foot under is he able to pick it back up right?

[doberpagegirl]

I am so sorry to hear about Titan. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

[Bgstk0529]

God bless you Titan for your strong shoulders when Mary needed you. Now she will be there for you along with all of our prayers.

[ella]

Oh Mary, I am so sorry to hear about Titan. God Bless you both and You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[dobbiehearted]

Oh Mary, I am sorry--- I may sound like a broken record.. but THEY told me-- "the specialists so called masters of the cardiologists $$$$$"-- I get mad looking back, as I was such a number .. almost assembly line..

they gave me at best up to 3 months.. they were sure no longer, My Lexa lived 9 months, happily and feeling good. So, they can be sooo wrong. Follow some of these experts advice.. research..keep asking questions-- I am here write any private messages you need if you feel like it.. some of the people on here helped me thru my rough time as I did not want to constantly post on the forum....

It helped just to have the warm support -- please feel free to write me for a shoulder .. please...

Good Luck-- bite your upper lip and love Titan harder than usual if that is possible.. Give Arda details as she has asked so she can offer you some real life help..

Take care-- I hate to hear this..

[Cheri]

That's what Jeannie had but she passed from her heart. I used Predisone on her and it gave her years of comfort.

You don't mention if Titan is still on any meds.

For almost the last year of Savanna's life, she was having trouble with her right front leg. Not limping, but dragging it when she trotted. And she also started having a lot of trouble with her balance. Never did get an exact diagnosis, but Prednisone did help a lot. I know it's a controversial medication, but we felt like it was a quality of life issue. Worth some possible negative side effects in order to make her comfortable. She only needed a very low dose. Like Jeannie, we ended up losing her because of a heart problem, not the neurological problem.

I am so sorry for what you are going through. You and Titan will be in my thoughts.

[Dobiegirl51]

I so hate to hear these kinda of stories...my heart aches right along with you...

I hope Titan will be feeling better soon....keep lovin him with all your heart....I truly feel this helps them more than we may know.....

Thoughts and prayer for you both.....

[dobeluvr]

This news is really heart-sickening. I'm so very sorry, Mary. I pray that he recovers and that you remain strong during this difficult time.

Jane and Larry and Tiki

[oreo5129]

You don't mention if Titan is still on any meds.

For almost the last year of Savanna's life, she was having trouble with her right front leg. Not limping, but dragging it when she trotted. And she also started having a lot of trouble with her balance. Never did get an exact diagnosis, but Prednisone did help a lot. I know it's a controversial medication, but we felt like it was a quality of life issue. Worth some possible negative side effects in order to make her comfortable. She only needed a very low dose. Like Jeannie, we ended up losing her because of a heart problem, not the neurological problem.

I am so sorry for what you are going through. You and Titan will be in my thoughts.

Titan is still on medications. Something for pain, something for infection, and I've always had him on Synovi G3 and Durlactin.
Thanks, Mary and T

[oreo5129]

This news is really heart-sickening. I'm so very sorry, Mary. I pray that he recovers and that you remain strong during this difficult time.

Jane and Larry and Tiki

Jane, you, Larry, and Tiki have been through some rough times, too. And, Arda-I don't know how she does it-she has suffered through so many loses-she is a strong woman, with a very large heart. No matter the greatness of the loss, our hearts mend, even though we think they never will.
I would rather endure physical pain any day than emotional pain.

The other day I was in to PetSupplies Plus and a rep pushing Nutromaxx came up to me and Titan and she said, "Did you ever think of feeding him a quality dog food to make his coat look better." Before there was anger, I was puzzled for just a second, because Titan is beautiful to me, inside and out, and I thought for just a sec, "'What are you talking about"? Never criticize someone's children or furkid, esp if you're trying to sell them something.

There is nothing I wouldn't do for this dog, as so many of you feel the same about your own.

Mary and T

Edited by oreo5129, 05 July 2008 - 09:51 AM.

[Bgstk0529]

That salesman gauranteed one customer would not buy a Nutro product. Make that three now that we have read you're experience. What an idiot!
You're absolutely right about the appearance of our SCD rescue dogs. Ours are all "flawed" in one way or another, we know that is exactly why our Marley was a throw away. Their loss! Our throw away dogs have brought so much to our home with what they carry in their hearts it is immeasurable. They are all different, unique and most of all beautiful.
Hope T is well.

[dobbiehearted]

Mary--

I was with Lexa in a Pet store when she was weak and in the middle of her ending.. she had the grey hairs around her once flawless face.... her body had a few fatty lumps and she had a look to others that said yep I am tired and old-- to me you guys know the story-- she could of been lumpy completely and had 5 legs and had no coat.. she was my gorgeous baby from day one..

This woman came up to us and Lexa just liked the people attention she got from this store, so I was trying to give her happy times..... the lady said to me " oh that is an old doberman huh? he / she looks like she may be ill? I looked at this woman and thought to bite my tongue but I wanted to say--

"that pound of makeup you have on your face makes you look like the old hag trying to be young.. and that ridiculous outfit is meant for britney spears group not your old 75 year old butt..." I did not.. just gave Lexa some extra pets and the staff that knew us did too.. it bothered me for a second and I thought-- of all she had given to me.. only I will know. loved her up and cried more that she would soon be leaving me..

Titan we all know has the most beautiful coat in the world-- shame on that stupid rep.. and the company for hiring the usual bottom line aware dweebs..

My Loki is a throw away, has a few bumps and it a bit too long ad the standard of the breed goes.. My Lexa was not a throw away, but my heart feels the same for them both-- (you know what I mean- different loves as they each are their own)

Mary, I know you know this.. just keep sharing please, as we all have been changed by the magic of these dogs.. enjoy each day and fill them up with you and Titans fav things... laugh AT those outside idiots..

[Stacie]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I see dogs with one eye, missing limbs, hair loss, rough patches on the necks and legs and every single one of them has more beauty than the ones who are flawless on the outside.
Mary - I'm so sorry to here about Titan - he is a gorgeous boy. I only met him once but I do remember him - I remember them all - hard not to with all the love they pass out. When our boxer boy was diagnosed with his cancer and had a few tumors removed we were told he had about a year. He was with us for 3 pain free years before the one tumor came back and spread throughout his body. I would try a new vet in a different office and have him check it out before he goes through the paperwork from the other vet. When dealing with vets in the same office you usually deal with the same ethics and they really don't want to second their peers diagnosis. I know Hartland may be a drive for you but Dr. Gannon at Companion Animal Hospital is a very good vet - she is also very honest and caring. I make the 150 mile round trip drive to see her. She is also reasonable price wise too! You and Titan are in our thoughts and prayers here!

[Thormannix]

Titan is beautiful and that woman is clearly a moron! I remember the first time I saw pictures of him I wanted him so badly. I thought he was beautiful and could tell that he was special. I was sad that he was adopted before I could get down there but I know he went to a wonderful home. You clearly love him more than anything.

I remember when Thor started to get older. Several people said wow he has a lot of gray hair or wow he is really old. I know they weren't trying to be mean but a little piece of my heart broke everytime I heard that. I already knew how old he was. I was thankful to have him, gray hair and all. He was perfect in my eyes and I was disgusted by anyone who saw differently. People would never tell anyone that there child is ugly. Why don't they understand it is the same thing to talk about our wonderful rescue dogs.

Titan, Lexa, Thor and all the rest of our dogs are and were perfect. Anyone who doesn't see that isn't worth our time!!

Titan and Mary you are in my thoughts.

Steph

[doberpagegirl]

Mary, My vet is out by Bay City, Tri City Animal Hospital. We really like him. I don't know if you are looking for another opinion, but I know we are pretty close distance wise to you.

[Sydneysmom]

Mary,

Titan is a BEAUTIFUL BOY - I would look at him on line with amazement!
It made me so happy when he was adopted.

You can see he has a BEAUTIFUL HEART too!

I know how you feel about doing everything you can - the LOVE you give to him is taking
pain away. Have faith in your feelings and intuitions about him - he will let you know what he needs.

If you do not feel the diagnosis is correct - I would go somewhere for another opinion.
My prayers go out to you and Titan.

[debl]

Heartbreaking to hear about Titan. Will keep you in our thoughts & prayers...

from one big, fawn doberboy (Klaus) to another....

[Kzoo]

Hi Mary, I do not know if you remember me or not, but I am Tessa and Drakes mom, we met at the reunion last year. I haven't been here in quite sometime, but I had to respond to you and your breaking heart. You were a real sweetheart last year when we met, and I am sending you some prayers, as you and your Titan deserve them. I really truly hope things turn out well for you both. Thinking of you--Melissa