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Friday, October 12, 2012

The Consultation


"I, Freddie Spaghetti have been violated."

Our consultation went well, sort of. There was good news and bad news. After going over Fred thoroughly  and looking at his x-rays the surgeon  figured Fred is doing pretty well in the state he's in right now.  He can still walk and run without acting like he's in pain most of the time and he still has good muscle tone. So they recommended to carry on with medication and physical therapy until he reaches a plateau or hastily declines. He also suggested Fred lose some weight and we add fish oil to his diet.  Since they can't tell how fast his hips are actually deteriorating, he recommended a follow up in a few months to do a comparison x-ray.  This should help determine what rate it's progressing at.  He could have months before something needs to be done or (fingers crossed) he said he could have a few years.  He said it's a little harder to say with bassets as their legs are screwy anyway. 
Next problem.  Fred apparently has small bones and he doesn't know if Fred would even be a candidate for hip replacement later.  When the time comes they would take radio-graphs to see if his bones are big enough to hold the hip replacement. He felt we need not put him through the radio-graphs now and we agreed. If in fact his bones are not big enough to take a hip replacement, he said he would be a candidate for FHO surgery even though he did weigh in there at 67lbs.   He said Fred could have his play time.  Running in our contained yard for a bit was fine.  He was not to keen on him and Gloria wrestling and definitely no stairs.  So, no more going downstairs to the rec room watching dogs with jobs on the big screen from his my Detroit Lions chair. For right now we have a reprieve. We felt a sense of relief just knowing a little better where we stand so we are just going to take it one day at a time and try to go on normally.  That is the "sort of" good news.  
The bad news.  Apparently both his back legs have bad knees.  His worst one is the right knee which is the same leg that's hip is worse (the one that clunks).  Again, bassets have screwy legs anyway so it's hard to tell if a lot of it is just his legs or if it's the disease in the knee.  They are not that severe now, one is a grade one out of four and the other is a grade two out of four, so we are not going to think about that right now.  

So there you have it in a nutshell. Freddie is allowed to play (supervised) and when he's in pain I will give him medication and we will see how far this will take us for now.  I again want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all your positive thoughts prayers and well wishes for Freddie.  It really means a lot to us!  For right now, as far as we know there will be no surgery in the spring so I see no need for a chip-in at this time. It still overwhelms me to know that everyone was right there for us ready to help out.  People really are good!  Our house will keep the Freddie Fund going for on going meds and appointments and hopefully we have lots of time to build up a substantial fund for when the time comes that Freddie needs surgery and I know help is there if we need it.  That's enough for me!

I apologize for the long post but here are some pictures of our day.


We had to rig up something quick for Fred as his seat belt wouldn't fit when we went to leave.


He got to look out the window before we left town.


This is the Small Animal Clinic at Guelph University.  They also have a Large Animal Clinic and a Cancer Clinic.

Freddie was not impressed with having a thermometer shoved up his butt.  He was totally humiliated!


They had lots of treats there but he just didn't care.


I made these ones Wednesday afternoon to take with us for his reward.  I got the recipe from Wag The Dog.


Freddie checking out the pee mail after we left and believe me he left some hate mail himself!


He was ticked at me the whole way home.


Ahhhh!  Home sweet home after a very long day!

69 comments:

  1. Fred I am sorry you were violated in such an undignified way. But at least you Momma knows better what's up. Personally I like your legs I don't think they are screwy. So do you have to go on a diet? Compared to my friend James Dean you are a feather in the wind. My prayers will continue for you buddy. And I am glad you can play in your yard, all be it supervised. Have a wonderful weekend.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  2. Aw, Freddie, super glad to hear that you are still able to have some fun times in your yard and have more time before surgery is needed! That's pretty darn awesome!! Enjoy being able to have the zoomies! ;-D At least, right now, don't worry about what you don't know or what might be in the future! Go forth and be Freddie!! :-D

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  3. Fred...where do we begin? We are so glad you were able to have this appointment & get some sort of clarity on your condition. Yes, there was some added, unforeseen information BUT as mom says: forewarned is forearmed (is that right? - well it's something like that)! Sammy & I discussed it & we think your mom is 100% right - you just need to take things one day at a time.

    Now you have a restful weekend. No wrestling with Gloria and go easy on your mom...she just loves you so much, I mean just look at those pawsome biscuits she baked you!!

    Lots of love & licks,
    Wally & Sammy

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  4. At least the news is positive and Freddie boy can have some exercise. We'll keep our paws crossed that he can stay pain free and the physio helps.

    Think how strong you'll be carrying him downstairs so he can watch television...BOL!

    Bitey face can be fun and doesn't have to become a wrestling match.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

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  5. Ah, the dreaded thermometer! Poor Elka looks so affronted every time.

    That is some mixed news. I'm glad that the vet thinks that his issues can be mitigated essentially as-is for now. We're pulling for Freddy!

    (by the by, you're one of the winners of the Dog Named Boo book!)

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  6. That boy has such character! Mum noticed the vet recommended fish oils. Have you considered glucosamine and chondroitin too? Mum had Flynn and me on them from the day she got us - greyhound joints are often a little over worked if we've raced a lot. She thinks it helps, so maybe ask your vet? Deccy x

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  7. I'm glad to hear that you had some positive news for your visit. Dip has a bit of problem with her back knees popping out and takes glucosamine and chondroitin like Deccy. Our vet would rather not put her on anti inflamatory medicine becuase of her colitis. I take fish oil capsules because I am becomming an old croc and they do work so hope Fred benefits from them too.
    Hope he has got over the shame of being violated - their poor little faces really do say it all when that is happening :)
    Lynne x

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  8. So happy to hear that Fred is okay. I'm sure Freddie will be very happy that he can have more walkies and outings with his mom as exercise is good for him. Weight control is important for those who have hip dysplasia problems as a lighter body is better for their hips and legs. Fish oil sounds delicious.
    Those bone treats look so yummy! You're a sweet mama to Freddie and Gloria.

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  9. Well at least that is some good news. We hope if he looses some weight that will help. Our thoughts are with you. We will keep our paws crossed. Have a fabulous Friday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  10. So glad to hear there is some good news and you have some time to work on things with Freddie. Sorry about the humiliation at the vets Fred - those treats look as if they might help make up for it a bit :-) Take care my friend - we're all thinking of you here - have a good weekend - woofs and licks from Magic xx

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  11. Oh Freddie. I understamd the violation. I hope that you can continue to run and play for a while without having your peeps worry aboutcha too much. We are pulling for you!!!

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  12. Overall that is pretty good news. I am so happy your mom got some good news even if it was not all fab. We all take fish oil and think its a great supplement. Also tell your mom our Bob has had a grade 1 or 2 out of 4 knee his entire life and with no problems other then occasional stiffness, he is 5 now.

    urban hounds

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  13. hey Fred - well, that news is not the worst. Do lose some weight - I am another long backed short legged one and it is super important to stay light and fit. I was not allowed to do stairs until I was almost 1 for my back and bone health and I am still not allowed to jump (no dogs on the furniture at our house). Lots of ways to save on those joints and the back. I wish you the best pal!

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  14. It at least gives you a bit more time to fill up the "save Freddie" jar and he can at least play and have little runs. We will keep our paws crossed for freddie

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  15. Thanks for the update! I think that is pretty good news considering! We will continue to keep our paws crossed for Mr Freddie!

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  16. Thanks for the update. I am glad you got some good news. I hope, hope, hope that Fred can continue on for a long time without surgery. Please keep us updated.

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  17. Hey Freddie, well that news was not so bad. At least you have some options and continue to play a little bit. Maybe Mom and Dad need to make you a ramp so you can watch the football games with them. We have ramps all through our house for the hounds. They have a ramp to get on the couch, a ramp to come in the house, a ramp to get on the bed. If mom needs some tips on what ramps work best tell her to give us a shout out. Also, I know I asked before but have you considered doing canine chiro care. I have a friend that her dog could not even walk when she started going for chiro care and he was then able to walk again. It was amazing and I know we had great success with Cleo with chiro care and accupunture. The herb meds really seemed to help her as well. Anyway we are just glad that Freddie is holding strong. Sniffs, The HoundDogs

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  18. Oh Freddie....this is such good news at least fur now. Go, Go, Freddie.

    PeeS....I hope I have da same luck tomorrow when I goes to "see" da eye specialist. Mom thinks me needs glasses!

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  19. Freddie I am so sorry about that temperature stealing thingy being rammed in your rear. Good that you left them some hate filled pee mail.
    I am glad that you will not have to have surgery... at least for now.

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  20. OK Freddie, you just need to stay well forever! Good job on the hate mail! BOL!
    Lovies, Miss Mindy

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  21. ((((Freddie)))))) I wrote your Mama an email but I wanted to give you a hug too....so sorry you had to go through all of that!! You are a brave doggy!! I will say the TREATS look amazing!!!!!!! Barks and licks and love, Dakota

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  22. Glad you got a nice thorough opinion. I hope that the intermediary steps help and keep Freddie going for a long time. Sounds like he is in good hands. Good luck with keeping him from wrestling with Gloria!

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  23. Freddie, we are sorry you had to go to the vet but you mom loves you so much and wants you better! No mom, I have to tell you about one of our dogs. Reggie was a Cocker Spaniel and he had bad knees. Really bad knees! There would be periods where he could not walk at all! The vet said the only hope was to do an expensive surgery that would basically be having a leg broken, repaired, then healed only to do it all over again with the other leg. To complicate matters, Reggie was old and it wasn't a good idea to put him through all of that in the first place. So we also took it a day at a time. The vet said scar tissue would build up and actually help give him some support and stability. It broke our hearts but Reggie still was too happy to think of putting down. We had him for quite a few years after that. We carried him up and down stairs and gave him meds to ease his discomfort. Like the vet said, scar tissue did help the situation. Reggie still had a good like and was happy. There is hope. God bless Freddie and you all!

    Your friends,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  24. Having corgis, I can attest to the wonky leg bones our long-backed/short-legged guys have! It is often hard for vets (esp. those who have not treated a lot of the dwarf breeds) to give a good reading of the x-rays. Lots of time, stuff that looks like an issue, never materializes into a real problem. Hopefully that is the case w/ Freddie's knees. The fish oil is a great idea! My guys have been getting capsules for years as a preventative. And I do watch their weight like a hawk, 'cause just like Bassetts, they tend toward being chunky, and that really is bad for their backs/hips. The only tough thing for you is a Bassett is way too heavy to carry up/down stairs! My guys only weigh in the mid 30's to almost 40 when Wilson has been (ahem) over-indulged.

    Overall, I think you got some positive news, although Freddie may not appreciate being on a diet ;-)

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  25. The thermometer in the butt, yeah, we understand! Freddy totally acts stiff and as if his dignity has been shattered when that happens to him. He just looks around with those big dark eyes and lowers his head so sadly. Breaks my heart every time!

    These pictures of Freddie are so adorable. I love the one of him looking out the window. If only my dogs would stay in the back seat, I'd let them nose out the window on occasion! But as it is, I am afraid the boys will jump out while the car is moving. Even with a seatbelt.

    It is so good to hear you're doing better than expected. Maybe the hip is compensating for the off balance-ness of the bad knee. Its possible. Does your vet offer acupuncture or laser therapy? Laser therapy totally helped Freddy's bad elbow. Happy romping!

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  26. Thank you so much for the Freddie update. It sounds like some options have opened up (FHO surgery) which is good. Having the whole picture of where you are starting from is always best for making the right decisions to get where you need to go. Just keep giving Freddie the good care you are giving him. :)

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  27. One day at a time. At least right now all is good. Now Freddie hope you explained that you are all muscle and no need to lose weight.
    Benny & Lily

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  28. Our vet takes our teps in our ears!! Freddy, I had to lose weight, too, butt I feel SO much better. Keep up the good work on your PT!

    -Ruby

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  29. Thank you for updating us on Freddie. I have been thinking about him and hoping for the best. I'm glad the news came back much better than anticipated! I'm sure with all the love you dote on him, his is going to be just fine :) He's very lucky to have such a caring family!

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  30. Poor Freddie. and now he's gotta be on a diet. good luck and we wish you well, sweet boy.

    He's still handsome as heck!

    Violet

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  31. Freddie I thought about you all day yesterday. We hope that DX nothing needs to be done now last for a long time.
    Thanks for being a friend
    Sweet William The Scot

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  32. Well, that sounds like an exhausting day (the thermometer - that's never any fun!). But it sounds like the good news outweighs the bad. Hopefully that continues and even improves! I'm sorry he can't go downstairs to watch Dogs With Jobs, because I know you said he loves that show! :) Maybe there's a book version he could read instead. :P

    Keep hanging in there handsome Freddie!

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  33. I am SO glad to read this! Hooray for less pain and agony than all thought! Hooray for Freddie being able to walk and play!

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  34. The news are rather good in my opinion, a clearer view and more time to prepare your purse.
    Snuggles

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  35. That is good news. Freddie sort of reminds me of my mother. She started having degeneration in her back about 15 years ago. It stopped (the specialists don't know why), but then it moved into her knees and she ended up having her knees replaced. Because she is short, it caused a lot of problems . . . . . It worked out for her, so I am sure it will work out for Freddie.

    It sounded like more good news than bad. So glad to hear. Have been thinking about you a lot!
    Hailey and Zaphod's Lady

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  36. THANKS for the update!! I'm glad to hear that the news was (mostly) good, and we will continue to send positive vibes in your direction for both you and Freddie!! I just have a feeling that everything is going to be okay!

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  37. Well, hopefully when the times comes (hopefully that won't be for a few years) he will be able to ahve replacements. That is what we will purr for!

    Maybe he can be carried up and down those stairs to watch the beloved games. ?

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  38. Howdy All, well, that is good news sort of. We are glad you can take it one day at a time and that Freddie can still play and enjoy himself. Freddie we just love your sweet face mate. Those treats looked fab and we hope you had lots. Take care all. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory (and Carol)

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  39. So glad the news is better and that he can enjoy his play time. That's really all each one of us ever has, is to enjoy the present moment:)

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  40. That is good news in deed, praying Freddie will be able to go on for a long time before surgery has to be done. Those photos of Fred are too cute :)

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  41. So glad the news was better than expected! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

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  42. Awwwwwe….poor Freddie - those thermometers suck! Glad the news was good (well, better than expected). Keeping our fingers and paws crossed that Freddie won't have to have surgery for a very long time! He is way too cute to have anything wrong with him!

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  43. We are hoping you have years! We will keep him in our prayers.

    Sam

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  44. Fingers still crossed! At least you got some good news
    Nola

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  45. So for now this seems like ok news!!! Now Freddie, don't give your mama too hard a time about going on a diet, ok?

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  46. It's always a relief when you know what's going on and what you can do next. We are relieved that there's a chance that Freddie will be able to get back to wrestling Gloria in no time.

    And p.s. I'm sorry you have to go on a diet.

    Huggies and Cheese,
    Haopee

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  47. It sounds like you are in good hands with this Vet. Taking things slow is the best thing for his condition. And, hears to hoping you have years before having to take any further steps.

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  48. Jeffie and Rudy send their sympathy about that butt violation! The indignity of it all! I always think the known is better than the unknown and I heaved a big sigh of relief to read about the consult. Sounds pretty good (and doable) overall. Fingers and paws crossed here that it will be years before you'll have to do anything surgically! Hugs and woofs!

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  49. I think there's always some relief in knowing where you stand, especially when the news is not as bad as feared. Freddy seemed to look very "how can you do this to poor little me?" in the way that only a Basset can.

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  50. All paws are crossed over here. Brando, Humphrey, Ziggy and CoCo are sending healing pup kisses and Cavalier nuzzles.

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  51. One day at a time my friend. Of course if you're anything like me, that's a very frustrating course of action to have to take.

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  52. Nothing but the best thoughts, hopes, and prayers headed your way Freddie.

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  53. Sending love and healing vibes to you, Freddie.
    Enjoy those cookies. I can smell them over here in Oregon...YUM!

    Wyatt

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  54. Sorry you had a tough day Freddie. Good job on leavin your thoughts about it at the clinic ;) Your Mom made you some droolin good cookies! Bet after your nap you had at least one :) Good to hear you're hangin in there pal. No surgery for a while is a relief to know :) Keepin the healin vibes comin your way :)

    Waggin at ya,
    Roo

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  55. Thinking of you, and sending positive vibes your way.

    Yours,

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  56. Glad you finally had the consultation and can move forward for now and focus on Fred being comfortable. When the time comes, at least you have a few options you can hopefully explore! LOVE the pictures of Freddie in the car window...quite the adventure for him without his sidekick Gloria ;)

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  57. I'm stopping by after seeing Fred on POTP. Sorry to hear about his problems! He's such a cutie! I hope you can keep him comfortable for a long time so surgery won't be necessary. :-)

    Best wishes,

    Susan T and Wrigs

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  58. Oh, Freddie, I thinks your legs are beautiful! I do feel for ya about the diet...I've been on one for a while now, I keep losing weight, then gainin' it back, buts Ma has hope I will finally lose the last 6lbs! It's not funs, thou. I hope you feel better soons, and I'll be sendin' ya POTP!!

    Kisses,

    Ruby

    pees: Sorry abouts the temp takin' up the hinnie....so rude!

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  59. OMgosh, such better news but having small bones in a Basset seems like an oxymoron! Glad you and Freddie have a reprieve; I love fish oil for my dogs - coats and joints are helped. Boy, Fred is really giving you the stink eye on the way home :). Be well and remember - let us know when and if you need help.

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  60. Sorry to hear Freddie had a rough day... I'll be keeping you guys in my thoughts!

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  61. Thanks for keeping us updated on Frankie!

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  62. Freddie,

    I'm pretty sure that this is good news. I hope that you and your mom have lots of fun, even with those restrictions. I'm sure that you feel uncertain about what the future holds. We will all be here to support you through thick and thin.

    Our R had elbow dysplasia surgery 4 years ago. He takes an unbelievable quantity of fish oil each day, and we give him an injection of Adequan each month (injectable glucosamine). Those things have kept him very limber, aside from the occasional flare-up. I hope that you can find a similar equilibrium, where you are free of pain most days.

    We are thinking of you!

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  63. Vof Freddy, my friend! You had a hard day but I'm so happy to hear that you can run and play! Your photos are so great and I wish my mom would make coocies for me! Hugs from Nero

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  64. Freddy Pasketti, man, hi five!! you are da dawg!!! Congrats on getting thru all that, I feel fer ya man, esp the part about having a thermometer up da butt... it is yucky!

    so glad to hear that things are ok as of right now, and no surgeries or even radiographs need to be done. mehopes you get back to all the good things in life u like to do, and that your Momma can get some rest from all the stress lately from this. diets stink but i guess they don't have to be so bad. just ask your Momma every now and then if u can get a burger or hamburger patty or ground turkey as a treat.

    me hasn't used fish oil, but me eats daily hip/joint supplement from GMC (sp?). i think they make peeple vitamins too, but we got these at Petsmart.

    my person just visited the Eastern side of Canada-- Halifax and it wuz beeyouteefull!! hope u had a good turkey day last weekend.

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  65. Oh goodness.... We're a day late and a dollar short once again....

    Freddy, we are thrilled to hear that the surgeon said NO surgery at the moment! That is fantastic news my furend. So some days, you just gotta take it easy and those days are OK. You get to snuggle and sleep and just plain ol'e relax. Maybe you can munch on some low fat cottage cheese or some carrots. Believe me, we know all about the DIET word around here too. It's not so bad. Good thing we love pumpkin in our food. But I know your Mom loves you soooooo much and will do what ever it takes to help you. Mom's are good like that....

    Keep it on the low down my furend and we'll still be praying for ya.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  66. even though it's semi-good news, at least there is still hope! it's also good that surgery can be put off so there is time to save for the surgery. it would be hard not to wrestle, but at least he can run around the yard. our paws and fingers are crossed for you freddie!

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  67. Oh Freddie,

    I feel for you buddy - and for your family - at least now you all know a little more about what you're facing and your Mum and Dad are doing such an awesome job of taking care of you!

    Stay strong my friend,

    Your pal Snoopy :)

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  68. Thank goodness there was some good news in all of this. We will continue to hold you and Freddie in our thoughts. Keeping him out of pain and letting him has his fun again is important and I'm sure Freddie feels better already now that he can get back into mischief.

    I don't know if it's exactly what your doctor is talking about but Bella gets a 'shot' of salmon oil in her dinner every night. (She has some dry skin issues.) Amazon.com has "Grizzly Salmon Oil" for the best price I could find. Hope this works: http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-All-Natural-Supplement-Pump-Bottle-Dispenser/dp/B0002ABR6E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350515243&sr=8-1&keywords=grizzly+salmon+oil

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