17 replies to this topic

[DeeDeeWedd]

Well, received diagnosis of wobblers 😰. I'm devastated but that diagnosis was better than the initial assessment of degenerative myopathy of the spine. Symptoms started over a year ago now with complete loss of bowels and falling lots. His gotcha day is approaching November 2nd and I will have had him for 7 years roughly putting him at 8 or 9 years old now. He still seems very happy and active, will cherish the time we have left. Neurologist has placed him on steroids and we discussed MRI and the possibility of surgery. He kinda made me feel better indicating that more than likely something else will catch up with him than wobblers taking him. This was almost true....in June he bloated and had emergency surgery. He has fully recovered from that now and hopefully steroids will help him have a quality of live for a little while

Anyone else have experience with this disease? Any advice? I'm sure there is as this is a common disease in dobes 😪

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[Arda]

We just lost Jade.  She was diagnosed over 4 yrs ago.  I cussed and cleaned up after her and cussed and cleaned up after her and I'd do it all again.  Then one Sat evening she started that cough.  All of you know what cough.  I went to the bridge and I prayed and prayed.  As long as she stood up she was fairly good but as soon as she laid down she coughed.  On Monday I took her to the vet.  She stood on her own 4 feet and walked in there like nothing was wrong.  Her lungs were filled with fluid and she was coughing so badly.  She went to the bridge.  But not with out taking a couple nips at Karen.  She was in true form.  And I cried all the way home.  She hd lost a lot of weight and it made it easier to take care of her and it was easier on her.  But in the end DCM took her, not the wobblers.

[Audie]

My heart is right there with you Arda.  Beginning to end was only a couple months. May they fly together with the angels.

[Cheri]

No personal experience with wobbler's, but I just want to say I'm sorry to hear about Tyson's diagnosis.  It sounds like he is in great hands, though, between you and your vet, and I know you will make sure he's comfortable and happy.  What a handsome guy he is!  Thank you for giving him such a great home all these years.  Sending good wishes your way.  Please keep us posted on how he's doing.

 

Arda, I'm so sorry about Jade. 

Edited by Cheri, 02 October 2015 - 04:55 PM.

[1DOBAHOLIC]

Sorry to read of your Tyson's poor health, Dee Dee, I would only say what you have already said, cherish the time with him, love him up. 

[Pam]

Wow, your boy is beautiful! I'm so sorry you & he are going through this. My Rudy lived several years with Wobbler's. His main symptom seemed to be his gait-he was totally "pigeon-toed". I lost him last September but it was a ruptured spleen, not Wobbler's, that did it. Steroids can be miracle workers, so here's hoping they work for Tyson. You'll be in my thoughts & prayers.

[yahoosmom]

So sorry to hear about Tyson, he is beautiful. I remember the day you adopted him.

You should get the harness with the handle on the back, it makes it easier it to lift and help him walk.

I know Arda had  one on Jade not sure what it is called. But it really helps. My prayers go out to you and Tyson.

[dobie sunshine]

Sorry to hear about Tyson being diagnosed with wobblers...my dog Olive also has wobblers.....like Yahoosmom suggested Olive wears a harness. I have to help her up and down the steps and I help her up on the bed...I don't really have any experience with this since this is my first time having a dog with wobblers...I just take one day at a time and try and make Olive as comfortable as possible. 

[Arda]

We could not do it without those RuffWear Harnesses.  They are a perfect balance.  So much better.  We used to use a towel but these is the cat's meow.

[DeeDeeWedd]

Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement. He has been really bad since starting his steroids, is this normal?

[Arda]

It took a little time before the steroids did any good.  They are not a cure.  Jade was on a muscle relaxor and she was getting along real good.  Then I took her off them and she did real good.  But that was all over about 9 months.  It gave her time to recoup and she was able to get all over the yard without a problem.  Went to the horse pen with me every day.  But she could not fight the DCM at 9 years of age and with the wobblers thing.

[DeeDeeWedd]

Well, Tyson still around and kicking. He is entering the end stages of wobblers though. He has woke a couple times with uncontrollable kicking his back legs. He is on tramadol, gabapentin, Pepsid, onisor, and some pardale. He is just about completely incontinent and can only really get up when he wants to. Like when the postman comes, or food is coming lol. We came back to U.K. after Brookes death and he has done well considering. There are no stairs here which is good and a really big yard for him to stiff around in out in the country. He still loves playing with his jack and his stuffed fishies. He has orthopedic beds and a really good harness but to be honest I find it easier on him to lift him without it. He gets the front, and I get the back.

Are there any advancements out there regarding this disease? Is there anything more I can do for him? Either medicinally or physically? We are getting ready to celebrate his 9th gotcha day which will put him at approximately 10. I know his time is nearing but in my mind as long as he is still playing and able to walk around I feel he has a quality of life. He is definitely full care but is totally worth it. He is such a sweetheart, well to me and the family. No one else for sure, especially the vet lol.

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Edited by DeeDeeWedd, 29 October 2017 - 03:42 AM.

[Cheri]

I wish I had some helpful suggestions or advice.  I'm sure you have already read everything you can find and had some very comprehensive discussions with your vet.  I just wanted to say that Tyson is very lucky to have such a loving family taking care of him and making him comfortable.  He looks beautiful and happy in spite of everything he is going through.  I'm sending good wishes to all of you.

[DeeDeeWedd]

Happy gotcha day, 9 years. Doesnt seem like its been that long. He had a hamburger and sweet potato fries for dinner and a homemade carrot n peanut butter cupcake for dessert.

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[Cheri]

Happy Gotcha Day, Thor and DeeDee!  Sounds like a great dinner and dessert.

[dobie sunshine]

Happy gotcha day. I wish I had some good advice for you about wobblers, my girl Olive has wobblers too. Happy gotcha day you boy is very handsome.

[yahoosmom]

Happy gotcha day! I can't believe it's been 9yrs. I remember the day you took him home.

He still is as beautiful as the day you took him home. Thank you for giving him a great home.

[LuvmydobeApollo]

what a handsome dude!!!!  I had a few dobes with wobblers,, steroids are a bandaid,, you will know when its time,,love him and give him what he wants til he can no longer go on,,, I'm sorry I don't have better news,, mine did well with it,,, I coiuldnt afford MRI or surgery  there is the gold ball implants in the neck but that's almost as much as surgery and surgery is not 100% guarantee they will be ok,,,

good luck

sharen