Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Ren's back

Ren has been doing so well over the past year. She has had consistant numbers with her monthly blood work, all good. Finally after two years she is in full remission. On Friday I noticed that she was walking with a slight wobble. In hindsight, she was tripping over her own back feet once and a while over the past few weeks. Anyhow, by the end of the day she was in pain and could hardly stand up. Of course it was New Year's eve and my regular Vet was closed. So I took her to the ER vet. The Vet believes she has a herniated disc. Here's the problem; The typical treatment for herniated disc (other than surgery) is high doses of steriods and pain medications. Ren is already taking 2.5 mg Pred a day and 2.7 mg aspirin as a blood thinner. The Vet suggested to up her Pred to 5mg daily. I started giving her 5mg Pred on Saturday. By today (Sunday) she has stomach upset. She has been taking Carafate for over a year now, four times a day. So I can not give her any higher dose of Carafate. And now I can not give her the extra Pred either. Poor little gal, she is in pain and my heart breaks for her. All that we have been through in fighting two bouts of AIHA and now this. Does anyone have any suggestions on how or what to do for a herniated disc? Her hind legs are not paralyzed, only stiff and painful. She is having some issuse with uriniating but I am able to express her bladder without too much discomfort to her. Any advise would be helpful. Also, please say a prayer for my little Ren for healing. Most of you know what she has been through. She is a fighter and a survivor. God's blessings, Sue & Ren

Susie Delaware

I'm so sorry Sue! Poor Ren has been through so much...I wish I could reach through the screen and give him a big hug! What's the deal with the stomach? Is it only sensitive? Have you ever considered trying Slippery Elm Cocktail as an alternative to carafate? It probably works better than carafate! Have you considered seeking the help of a TCVM?? tcvm.com has a locator tool if you are interested. An acupuncture/chiropractic solution might be best for Ren...that way you don't have to use nasty drugs. I know someone who has dealt with this before and I'll email them to see what they did. They do lots of alternative treatments! Lots of healthy vibes for Ren, Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Johhny, Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will look into all of them. I have thought about acupuncture/chiropractic. I like the idea of using less drugs! I eagerly wait to hear what your friend has to say about it. PS.. Ren is going to see our regular Vet first thing in the morning. I pray that there is something she can do to ease her discomfort. Sue & Ren

Susie Delaware

Sue, I'm thinking the first thing you should have done is an xray to verify for sure that this is what it is! Having a definative diagnosis helps! Is Ren crate trained? I'd be making sure he gets LOTS of rest and very minimal movement for the time being. Even small things like going up/down steps can be very painful for a dog with this! Not to mention it can make it worse! Acupuncture would be my second option if it were me! Shoot me an email when you get a chance. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny bluemajestic@hotmail.com

Hi Susie, I am sorry to hear that Ren is having some additional difficulties - I always believe that IMHA dogs should be exempt from anything else. Unfortunately it does not seem to work that way. My IMHA dog Benson also suffered from disc problems. Be careful of the pred/pain relief combo - some meds should not be given together. Also crate rest is very important for a dog with disc problems. And I want to strongly agree with Johnny about acupuncture. It can be a huge help with pain relief and can also help Ren's symptoms progress. A good physiotherapy/rehab vet can also be useful in managing this, including pain relief. Good luck and please keep us posted. A very gently pet to Ren. Take care, Aden

Aden Israel

Hi Sue - I'm sorry to read about Ren - disc issues are tough enough without the added complication of an IMHA history. I know - I recently posted a similar question. I have to run out now but if you search for something like "Treating Arthritis in an IMHA dog" there is good information there from others as to what they found helpful (Murray's x-rays didn't clearly show either a disc issue or arthritis - primary vet thought disc, neurologist thought arthritis - due to his history, age, and other issues, we opted to not put him through an MRI b/c it wouldn't change what we did to help him). As Aden/Johnny say, I'd try acupuncture if Ren will tolerate it - I think it has given Murray some relief. And, as Aden mentions, you have to be careful with the pain meds - there is a newer one that is NOT an NSAID - it is tramm-a-doll (have to mispell it or else the site will block me) that you may want to ask your vet about. Also, Patrice was kind enough to send a link to a great article on pain management in the thread I mentioned above - definitely worth checking out. Good luck and please let us know how Ren is doing. Best Regards, Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

I was actually in contact with Mary Strauss this weekend. She is an amazing person and took time to research for all of you both the Rimadyl and the DGP as they relate to dogs being treated for AIHA. She finds contraindications for Rimadyl because it can exacerbate bleeding issues. She is less sure of the DGP because it is a supplement and thus has not been drug tested, but she feels that some of the ingredients may behave in the same manner, causing possible bleeding issues. She mentions that many dogs being treated for AIHA are on prednisone and that is a very powerful pain reliever, thus she doesn't feel there would be a need in most cases for a secondary pain reliever. She, as always, wants you to know she is not a vet (neither am I) and that the best reference is always your vet. Here is the link to her page about treating pain. http://www.dogaware.com/health/chronicpain.html my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Well I finally got to my regular Vet this morning. I was encouraged by her findings. Ren has compressed disc L4 and L5. However, the Vet said that Ren is a #1 on the scale of 1-4, 4 being the worst. That was good news. The Vet said absolutely no more pred than what she is taking to control the AIHA, and did indeed prescribe the medication that Bonnie referred to. She said it is a very safe and relativity new pain med that has had great success. Following Johnny and Aden's advice, (and the Vet concurred), I have an appointment this Thursday with and acupuncture Doctor. There is only one in Delaware that we know of so we are fortunate. So the prognosis is good for Ren. I hope and pray that this medical set back does not allow the AIHA to flare. After her blood work on Friday, her numbers still look fantastic. Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. Sue & Ren

Susie Delaware

Susie, Yea for Ren! She is such a fighter. Hope the acupuncture helps. Penny

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Sue, how did the acupuncture go today? I'm hopinh Ren is doing much better from it!!! Can't wait to hear an update! Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

It was not what I expected. But I am still hopeful that she will benefit from the treatment. Ren did not take too well to the 10-16 tiny needles. The Doctor hooked a few of them up to an electric charge. Very low charge, of course. The visit was long, almost one and a half hours. Ren was so fatigued by the end of the treatment. The Vet finished up with some tiny dose injections of B-12 near the acupuncture sites. It is supposed to aide in the treatment. Last night and today she is not doing too well. Seems like every move causes her pain. She has basically not moved too much all day. I ordered her some doggie diapers for the leaking urine. The Vet says they are ok as long as they are changed often. I surely thought that after our victory over AIHA that Ren would live a happy senior life. I did not consider the other medical implications of aging. Right now, Hubby Tim and I are very sad. Please keep little Ren in your prayers for healing. Sue & Ren

Susie Delaware

Sue, I've been told that the first visits usually are longer! I'm also hopefull that she benefits from the treatments. Did they have anything else to say with regards to your options? Hopefully you don't have to resort to surgery. I'll be saying some extra prayers for Ren and will be sending some healing vibes his way. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

It has been a tough week for both Ren and me. She has not responded well to any drugs for her back. She is now totally incontinent. And can not walk. It is very heart breaking for my Hubby and me to see her in this condition. I believe that it upsets us way more then it bothers her. She still has the gleam in her tiny eyes. Ren is not eating very well at all. We have been offering her all the "no no's " such as hot dogs and bologna. But at this point, any food is acceptable. We still have hope that the discs in her back will heal a bit. Of course we understand that at a dog her age encounters these types of problems. Our prayers are constantly for her healing and her comfort. Sue & Ren

Susie Delaware

Sue, I am so sorry to hear about Ren. I know this must be so hard on you and your husband. Cauda Equina Syndrome is a condition when the vertebra presses against certain spinal nerves and that can have many symptoms, including loss of control of bladder and bowel function. There are two kinds of surgery that can fuse the spine in certain places to help this condition. It requires several weeks of recovery. I have seen some dogs use rear wheels after these surgeries to live a fairly normal life. They don't know any different. In the meantime to increase her appetite, you could ask your vet for a small prescription of mirtazapine. It is an antidepressant that has a nice side effect of increasing appetite. It is used widely not only in elderly humans but in the veterinary world as well, mostly to increase appetite. I used it for Chance when his heart began to fail and he lost his appetite. It really worked! But you know, his heart was in trouble and eventually it failed. I was so happy that he did eat some of his favorite pork niblets just a few days before he died. There was nothing more I could do for him but give him some good food. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

Sue - I am so sorry to see your note and know that this must be so hard for you and your husband. After your regular vet visit, I was really hoping to hear the rest, meds, and acupuncture gave Ren some relief. Were you able to get her on the 5mg Pred for even a short time with another stomach protectant, like Pepcid? I know you are in a very difficult situation given you have IMHA lurking in her background but I was wondering if that initial reco from the ER vet might be an option for her. Again, I am very sorry things are not going better for Ren right now - know that there are many people here keeping all of you in our thoughts. Best Regards, Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

Please know that I am keeping Ren and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville Pa

Susie: We are very sorry to hear that Ren is not doing well at the moment. Just to give you some ideas I would like to offer up what has been working for Sheba. (14 year old GSD mix, 2+ year IMHA survivor, arthritis, spondylosis, muscle mass loss, possible degenerative myelopathy, problems with fecal and urinary incontinence) Sheba takes 25 mg. Deramaxx (split into 2 doses) daily. I know this can be problematic for dogs with IMHA but it has helped her considerably and we faithfully have her blood checked every 3 months. Sheba also receives acupuncture every 2-4 weeks. The vet who treats her (Dr. Illg) uses a laser, not needles. Depending on how she was feeling/doing when she was treated, she might seem a little worse the next day but then bounces back and does well as long as we don't let her over do it. The acupuncture vet also practices traditional Chinese medicine so Sheba is on an herbal supplement. We have tried various things over the last year or so but right now have settled on and are using Supple Spine. You would need to talk to a vet that practices TCM to determine what herbal supplement(s) might be useful as they are prescribed based on many different factors. Sheba also takes Solgar DLPA daily and has been for almost 2 years now. It was recommended by Dr. Dodds (who takes it herself) for pain/discomfort. For problems with urinary incontinence, Sheba just started taking proin recently. The vet (Dr. Holm) started her on the minimum dosage recommended for a dog her size (50 mg. daily, split into 2 doses) but it was making her nervous/restless so we have cut that in half. She now takes 25 mg. daily, split into 2 doses. So far she has had no "accidents"/problems with urinary incontinence and the side effects have subsided. And finally, while picking Sheba up from the vet's yesterday after her grooming appointment, Dr. H asked if we would let Sheba participate in a demonstration of using lasers to treat arthritis. From his description it sounds like it's different than the laser used for acupuncture and that it has shown promise in helping alleviate pain in pets with arthritis, etc. I told him I'd ask Dr. I as I wouldn't want to do anything that may interfere with her acupuncture. I'll be curious to hear what he says. I'm sorry this was so long and involved but I wanted to give you some ideas of what is possible for IMHA dogs. We hope Ren feels better soon - please know that we will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

(((SUSIE))) I wish I could give Ren a big hug! I'm with Rita in you should continue with the TCVM. The right combo of herbs can do wonders for some dogs! Do you think you might consider surgery? Please keep us posted and know I'll be keeping Ren in my thoughts and prayers! Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Thanks guys, for all of your suggestions and prayers. I do not believe that Ren could undergo any type of surgery. She is so sensitive to the anesthesia . The one time she had her teeth cleaned, some years back, she took a long time to recover. Today has been the worst day yet. She appears to be having considerable discomfort. Her little back legs are stiff and bent, distorted and dragging behind her in an unnatural position. I called the Vet because she has not produced any urine today. That really concerns me. I talked things over with my Hubby and we are going to regroup and try another medication strategy. Ren is, and has been for two years, taking 2.5 mg. Pred once per day. That along with Carafate and Cyclosporine. The Vet had added various other drugs with the hopes of relaxing the spinal muscles. So far, no success. She is also taking a type of medication that Patrice mentioned above. It more or less just causes her to sleep. Anyhow, my planned talk with the Vet is to try to increase the Pred to a point where there is some anti-inflammatory benefit. But not too much as to upset Ren's digestive tract. I am beyond measure saddened with what is happening to my tiny Chihuahua. Somewhere in the back of my human and rational mind, I know that I might have to make that grave decision to let little Ren find peace. Her ears still perk up when "daddy" comes home from work. But she cries when she is handled. How does one make that final choice of when their beloved pet has endured enough? Sue & Ren

Susie Delaware

Sue, Having gone through exactly this process just a short while ago with Chance I can tell you how I approached it. Chance was not in much pain and still showed some interest in the day to day activities of the household. He began to slip a little in some of his regular activities though. We built him a ramp to the back yard so he could go down that to do his jobs, but eventually he just didn't want to and peed on the deck instead. It was winter and that was ok with us. Once I could get him to eat I felt better. We had him at the vet's the Saturday before he passed for a quick check of his BUN and Creatinine. Vet saw us in the waiting room instead of a room. Cassie was there too and a couple of the techs came out to visit with Chance. They offered Cassie a cookie and she was hesitating to come over to get it and so Chance pushed in front of her to get a cookie. That was so much Chance's personality! Even ill he was in charge in our house still. Dr. called me over the weekend to talk about the test results which were actually quite good. I told her I didn't feel any need to make a decision about what to do, based on his behavior at the vets. She agreed with me. I said I would honor his strong will to live for now, and accommodate him anyway I could. He made his own decision just a few days later, his heart failed completely. He had a couple of very grand days after I talked with the vet and we are very grateful for that extra time. I would not, however, had prolonged that if he had been in any kind of pain. I could not have taken that route. I promised my husband that Chance would not feel any pain. We miss him very much but knew that it was his time to go. He was less and less happy to be alive. my best patrice

Patrice NYS

This is what I have held on in answer to that question,I cut this out of the news paper some 20 years ago. It is a bit different when you are dealing with dogs that often are not old, but most of this still applies. It was in an Ann Landers’ Column. DOGS DON'T HAVE SOULS, DO THEY? I remember bringing you home. You were so small and cuddly with your tiny paws and soft fur. You bounced around the room with eyes flashing and ears flopping. Once in a while, you'd let out a little yelp just to let me know this was your territory. Making a mess of the house and chewing on everything in sight became a passion and when I scolded you, you just put your head down and looked up at me with those innocent eyes as if to say: "I'm sorry, but I'll do it again as soon as you're not watching." As you got older, you protected me by looking out the window and barking at everyone who walked by. When I had a tough day at work, you would be waiting for me with your tail wagging just to say, "Welcome home. I missed you." You never had a bad day and I could always count on you to be there for me. When I sat down to read the paper and watch TV, you would hop on my lap looking for attention. You never asked for anything more than to have me pat your head so you could go to sleep with your head over my leg. As you got older, you moved around more slowly. Then one day, old age finally took its toll, and you couldn't stand on those wobbly legs anymore. I knelt down and patted you lying there, trying to make you young again. You just looked up at me as if to say you were old and tired and that after all these years of not asking for anything, you had to ask me to do one last favor. With tears in my eyes, I drove you one last time to the vet. One last time you were lying next to me. For some strange reason you were able to stand up in the animal hospital - perhaps it was your sense of pride. As the vet led you away, you stopped for an instant, turned your head and looked at me as if to say: "Thank you for taking care of me." I thought, "No - thank YOU for taking care of ME." by Charles B. Wells, Jr., Palmyra, NY

Carrie DFW

Dear Susie, I am so sorry about what is happening with Ren. This is the hard part of having a pet. I have gone through this 3 times and I must say every time It felt "right". Every time it was different but also every time I knew the dog was ready. Either the dignity was gone the pain too much or in Kahlu's case inevitable. You will know, she will let you know when she has had enough. When we had to let Kahlu go our daughter was with me. It was the first time that I needed her more than she needed me. Quite the experience... It was the first time for her being there when a dog is euthanized. It was hard for her, but I said, we took the good times, now we have to be there for the not so good. Even though we know this will happen every time we get a puppy, it is still not easy. You are so in tune with your little girl Ren, I have no doubts you will know when she has had enough. I will keep you and Ren in my thoughts and wish you all the best. Brigitte & the poodle boys

Brigitte BC Canada

We have had the conversation with out vet...and we have concluded that as long as Julie continues to eat, drink and do her business, and is not in pain that we will wait to give the all the meds a chance to work. Our Vet also sought the advice of Dr. Dodds on this and she said...If the treatments fail to work you will all know when it is time. I love this sign: Heaven is the place where all the dogs you have ever loved come to greet you. With you in spirit. Pat & Juliet

Pat Vermont

Susie, just thinking outside the box here but I wonder if injections of prednisolone would be beneficial at all?? As opposed to the prednisone? Did Ren ever relapse? Is that the reason for the cyclo? Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

I found this on the web and perhaps it will help guide you in your decisions with your Ren. http://dogtime.com/when-to-say-good-bye.html My heartaches for you and Ren and I am keeping Ren in my thoughts and prayers Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

Dear Sue, I am very sorry to hear that Ren's situation is not good. I know how heartbreaking it is. There are options for caring for a dog who cannot walk and who is incontinent. Benson weighed 90 pounds, had both degenerative myelopathy and disc disease, and was hind-quarter paralyzed and incontinent for the last year and a half of his life. He was a very happy dog during that time. I knew Benson and I could make the judgment call for him - you know your Ren and can make the same call for her. You are seeing that Ren is in discomfort and is not eating well. I hope that these can be resolved. There is a yahoo group called Dodger's List - I hope that you can take a look at it. There are many folks on that list who have managed their IVDD dogs without surgery, using both conventional and alternative approaches. I hope that you can manage Ren's situation to keep her comfortable and get more quality time with her. You really will do the best thing possible for Ren. We are all with you and please keep us posted. Keeping a good thought for you and Ren, Aden

Aden Jerusalem

Sue, I am so saddened that Ren is having such a difficult time. I know that you and your husband will do right by your girl as you have done for her her entire life. I also believe that our dogs do let us know when it is time. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

To answer your question Johnny, Yes, Ren did relapse after being in remission for one year. She has been in a second remission now for over two years (yay)! Her Vet visit is today at 2pm. I am taking along all her meds and hopefully we can work out a regime that will give her some comfort. Last night Ren slept all through the night. She would occasionally drag herself a few inches to her water bowl for a drink. She had no urine at all last night. Early this morning she had a bowel movement. It was mostly involuntary and at the same time she had a good long pee. That means that her bladder is starting to regain some of the contractions necessary for expulsion. It is quite a chore to clean up after her. But I do it without any hesitation because she is my dear companion. I am so uplifted by Aden's story. It gives me and Hubby, Tim, hope that Ren can go on. After today's Vet visit, we might look into a doggie wheel chair apparatus. It allows dogs to move about with their rear ends supported by a metal structure and wheels. I do so much appreciate all of your words of wisdom during this difficult time. If and when the time comes for us to let Ren go, I will find comfort here. All of you are truly a unique group of people. God bless. Sue & Ren

Susie Delaware

Sue I was just wondering how Ren is doing today. Keeping Ren in my prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pinevile PA

I was wondering the same thing earlier! Lots and lots of thoughts and prayers for Ren from me! Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

The Vet visit was rather discouraging. She can offer no other hope except for strong pain control meds. The Vet did mention surgery but said that in Ren's case it would not be feasible. The ideal thing would be to increase Ren's Pred intake. That reduces the inflammation. We upped the dose by 1.25 mg. per day. I pray that her stomach can take the extra pred. The thing that is bothersome is the pain meds (tram@@@@, mentioned above), seems to have little or no effect on Ren's pain. Saturday was a bad day. Ren panted the whole day; I'm guessing the pain was there. Although I did some research on the Tram@@@@ medication, and panting can be a side effect. Today, Sunday, was a better day. Ren slept most of the day. She actually ate some pasta and a lamb chop; yes, I made her a lamb chop! She also had a few bites of my Mcd's burger for lunch. These are all small blessings. Ren has a Vet visit tomorrow at noon. Tim and I will make some decisions at that time. Obviously, if there is a glimmer of hope, then we will continue with the meds and make Ren's life as comfortable as possible. If the Vet says that the pain is not being controlled then we will allow Ren to return to her Maker. Tim and I have been in a bad emotional state over the past two weeks. We have been married twenty one years and have never been blessed with children. So Ren has been our "baby". She has never wanted for anything her life. She was papered as a queen would have been. The AIHA was also a terrible time for all of us, but God healed her and allowed us to have Ren for a few more years. And we are thankful beyond words. Now we pray that Ren will not have pain. And that we are able to care for her as she deserves. Again, thank you all for you caring and please continue to lift little Ren up in your prayers. Sue & Ren

Susie Delaware

Sue, I'm sorry to hear that Ren is having trouble with her back... and the vet visit didn't go well. God healed her once... and I pray for healing her again, at least making her comforable as much as possible. You and Ren are in my thought and prayers. Meg & Milo

Meg

(((SUSIE))) I feel so bad for all of you and Ren! I wish the best for him...you all deserve it! Would you be interested in trying a high quality peppermint oil or wintergreen oil on him? You can get it at most health stores and I've heard it works pretty good for pain management. If you know the area where the pain is all you have to do is part the hair and place a few drops on the skin and then massage it in! I heard it relieves pain pretty quickly in some cases! Also...to think outside the box again....would it be beneficial to drop the cyclosporine and just use the prednisone at an even higher dose? Maybe just deal with the GI issues for a day or two to see if it helps. It'll take several days for inflamation to subside enough to make a difference and lots of crate rest. Perhaps an injectable painkiller or antiinflamatory?? Sorry for the rambling....just trying to help any way I can. I'm keeping Ren in my thoughts and prayers and am sending all the healing good luck vibes I got! Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Dear Sue, Sending good thoughts for you and Ren. Take care, Aden

Aden Jerusalem

Sue, Thinking of you, Ren, and your husband today. Teresa

Teresa va

Sending positive thoughts and prayers for Ren. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Thanks do much for all of your thoughts, prayers, and ideas. Today my Vet placed a pain patch for Ren. It is much stronger than the meds (tram@@@@). It will aide in pain suppression for up to five days. In the meantime, I am once again pursuing the acupuncture idea. My Vet insists that it is very helpful in these cases. This time I am traveling to Maryland to a seasoned acupuncturist. We are also going to use massage and some of the oils that Johnny mentioned. I asked the vet outright if Tim and I are blinded by our love for this tiny pet, but she says that she is still hopeful that Ren can be pain free. The chances of her regaining mobility are not so good. That's ok, we can deal with that. Ren's visit to the acupuncturist is this Thursday. I will post after that to let you all know how things are going. God bless all. Sue & Ren

Susie Delaware

Hi Sue, Thank you so much for the update. Your little girl is so very lucky to have such an awesome mom. And I know how lucky you and your husband feel to have her in your life. Teresa

Teresa va

Dear Sue, I am so very sorry to hear about your darling Ren. It is encouraging that there is hope for her to be pain free. I hope the acupuncture, massage and oils help Ren. Thinking of you both, you are a wonderful doggie mum to Ren. Sam & Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Been thinking of Ren all morning! Hope the patch and oils are working for him! He's got a great pair of parents watching out for him! HUGS and contiuned thoughts & prayers, Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Ren's wheel chair arrived the other day. As soon as she was placed in it, she took off around the house. I could see her little ears perk up. She was so happy to be mobile once again. She will be going tomorrow for her second acupuncture treatment. (thanks for that suggestion, Johnny!). I really like this Vet that does the treatment. It is a long trip to get there but it is worth it. I have seen a change for the better in Ren over the past week. Her appitite has picked up greatly. She simply feels better. As for Tim and I, it is a full time job taking care of her. Still, we do it with great joy. Please keep little Ren in your prayers for healing. I'll post updates soon. Sue & Ren

Susie Delaware

Hi Susie, Thanks for the update on Ren - I was wondering how to she is doing. I am so very glad to hear that some of the pain relief measures have kicked in. She has perked up, is eating better, and she took to her cart. This is great great news. I hope that it will continue. Benson also loved his cart - I walked him 2-3 times a day in it, to get him outside and give him new things to sniff and experience. And great that you are continuing with the acupuncture - I hope that it will help. You can even ask the acu vet about acupressure points that you can do between treatments. You might also want to ask your vet about physiotherapy exercises that you can do at home with Ren. Also, as she is a little one, you could do hydrotherapy with her in the bathtub. Some of these may help maintain muscle tone which can be easily lost in a paralyzed dog. But please ask a vet about these things - as her injury is relatively recent, she should not do anything for which she is not ready especially, in terms of pain and discomfort. Please keep us updated - we are rooting for you and Ren. Take care, Aden

Aden Jerusalem

Sue...hearing of Ren with the new wheels just made my day!!! So glad she's able to get around! I've heard that often times acupuncture can take up to 4-6 visits before results can be noticed in some dogs! I'm hoping htis is the case with Ren. Hopefully she turns the corner and starts feeling better real soon! She's super lucky to have you two there for her! KUDOS! Give some hugs to her for me. Johnny & TEssy

Johnny

Ren has been doing well with her wheel chair. Then this morning when she got up, she was mostly paralyzed from the neck down to the tail. How sad. After all we have been through, this is a difficult thing. The Vet says that she may have more discs rupture or Ren may have threw a clot (AIHA) which caused a stroke on the spinal cord. Even though Ren can not move very much, she still is eating and drinking and has a willing spirit. She is one tough little gal. We realize that Ren's time is short. We are now taking things day by day. We are constantly at her side. Please keep little Ren in your prayers for healing. And thank you all. Sue & Ren

Susie Delaware

Susie, Ren has had an extra month full of love from her family. You have given her back dignity and grace. Savor the extra time you have left. I will be thinking of you tonight patrice

Patrice NYS

Dear Sue Please know that we are keeping Ren in our prayers. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville pa

Sue, I am so sorry to see your latest post. I am thinking of you all at this time.

Penny Lytle Creek Calif

Dear Sue, I was so sorry to read what has happened to Ren. She is so lucky to have you by her side and is giving back with unconditional love. thinking of you and little Ren, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Praying for you and Ren. She certainly is a fighter! God Bless you ALL! Blessings, Cindi & Tori

Cindi PCB

(((SUSIE & REN))) Good to hear Ren is getting around alright with the wheelchair! I've been keeping her in my thoughts and prayers and am still hoping for a turnaround in health. Thanks for giving us this update! Ren is so lucky to have you! Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Dear Susie, I am so sorry to hear of little Ren's latest setback. She is side very lucky to have you and Tim with her, and caring for her. I know you will make the most of the time you have with Ren. Our thoughts are with you all, hoping for that miracle you all deserve. Sam and Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

Dear Sue, Good thoughts going out to you and Ren, always. Take care, Aden

Aden Jerusalem

Sue - So sorry to read your latest post and just wanted to let you know that I am keeping you and Ren in my thoughts at this difficult time. I hope it brings you some comfort to know all you have done to give her a high quality of life through her AIHA battle and now this. Take good care and enjoy your time together (I can tell from your posts that you are). Bonnie

Bonnie Chicago

It is with the heaviest of heart that I share this news with you all. Ren died this morning by my side. It would fill this whole website (actually the whole web!)to tell of the love Tim and I have for her. We know that the Word says "ashes to ashes and dust to dust". Also, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord"! When Ren drew her last breath, I looked up and ponited to Heaven. Ren was smart enough to look at us pointing and she would find what we were pointing at. I'm sure today that she saw the face of Jesus, whom formed her. For this I am blessed. I know that her legs are restored fully as she romps with the dogs that have gone before her. Many of your own dogs who have passed are now running with Ren. I will endure this life until Ren and I are reunited in perfection on the other side. Until then, our hearts break and the silence in our home is deafening. Tim and I covet your prayers. It will be a difficult time for us. God bless you all. Sue and Angel Ren

Susie Delaware

Susie, I know that Ren is running with Chance right now. Please accept my deepest condolences. patrice

Patrice NYS

Dear Sue and Tim Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I can tell by your previous posts how very much Ren was loved by you and Tim. Ren knew how very special she was to you and I hope soon you will celebrate the time you had with her and how lucky you were to have Ren in your life and how lucky she was to have you. May God comfort you during these difficult days and may Ren's spirit be with you always. Ren has truley earned her wings. Cheryl & Ginger

Cheryl & Ginger Pineville PA

Dear Sue and Tim, I am so sorry and you have my sincere condolences on the loss of Ren. I know she was welcomed by Kahlu with a happy playbow. He loves the little girls! There are many special dogs to keep her company until you meet again. These first few days will be so hard, but I know because your love was so strong, in time the good memories will be what you remember and not the difficult times. Best wishes, run free Ren, Brigitte

Brigitte BC Canada

Oh my....I'm so sorry Susie! Everything you said is just so true! Ren is playing at the bridge with LOTS of great new friends...and the best thing is she's pain free now! She was so lucky to have such a loving and faithful mommy by her side. She'll forever be watching over you! Run free sweetheart. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

Susie: We are truly sorry to read that Ren passed away this morning but glad to see she was by your side at the time. God has blessed us with these special dogs for a reason and your care, love and devotion to Ren are perfect examples of why He puts such faith in us to watch out for them. We hope that in the days and weeks to come you find some comfort in knowing she is pain free now and patiently waiting for you on the other side. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Rita, Mike and Sheba

Rita IA

So sorry to hear about your lose, but I know Ren is running free on her all fours! May the LORD comfort you and your family. Blessings, Cindi & Tori (IMHA)

Cindi PCB

Dear Sue, I am very sorry to hear of Ren's passing and I send heartfelt condolences to you and Tim. You did the very best that was possible for Ren - she knew and she knows love and comfort and care. She knew that her very best interests were looked after. I hope that you take comfort from that too. We are all with you. Take care of yourself. Wishing you comfort and strength, Aden

Aden Jerusalem

Dear Susie and Tim, We are so deeply sorry for your loss of your little girl Ren. You were both wonderful doggie parents to you darling girl. She was so brave, and definitely a fighter. She is now at peace, no more pain for little Ren. Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss, Hugs to you both, Sam & Millie.

Samantha Geelong Australia

I finally feel strong enought tonight to write. I wanted to personally thank all of you amazing people for your kind words and prayers. Ren's passing has been much harder than I anticipated. I fully understood that her health had failed and it was her time to pass. But I never thought about the emptiness I feel in my heart. I find myself crying every time I see something that she did or liked or ate. Ren was buried in our yard. Within viewing distance of my window. I look out there all the time and think of here. I have not been able to visit her grave as of yet. I know that in time these open wounds will somewhat heal. But as for now, the tears still freely flow. I still visit this website daily. Although I do not post very often, my prayers are with you and your pets. Sue & Angel Ren

Susie Delaware

(((SUSIE))) I know exactly how you feel! I was the same way when Sadie passed. I thought I'd be able ot get over it fairly quickly but it's been almost 7 months and I still mourn her loss. It's tough to get over and the more special these babies were to us the harder it'll be! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Johnny & Tessy

Johnny

This thread was discussed between 02/01/2011 and 07/03/2011

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