Danny's Ongoing Physical Therapy Session Update and Video

On Monday, Danny our Irish Wolfhound began his first Physical Rehabilitation therapy. I have embedded the video of the last half of the 10-minute session in order that others with dogs who are injured or who have a neurological issue can see the process for themselves. These underwater treadmills are state-of-the-art machines that are basically built into the floor with underground water lines coming up from beneath supplying heated H20 that is 85-degrees Fahrenheit. The benefits of the hydrotherapy machines, as advertised by the manufacturers, are that they provide a low-impact treadmill workout to help increase muscle strength and endurance without the damaging effects of land-based exercise. Water provides resistance throughout the range of motion, providing a closed-chain, hydrokinetic exercise. 

Danny did very well for his first session and immediately afterwards, he had approximately a half-hour of cold laser therapy. See my previous posts with photos showing Danny receiving such with his Chiropractor. This time, cold laser therapy is included with the physical rehabilitation. Additionally, after laser therapy, Danny began basic balance exercises on large soft, squishy plastic balls called Balance Doughnuts and others similar for core strengthening exercises. Quite similar to the benefits of yoga, these along with his homework exercises are meant to recondition and strengthen his core muscles to offset the ataxia. For those who are curious about costs: each physical rehabilitation session is 1 1/2 hours long and ideally should be done twice weekly. Packages can be purchased for 12 sessions or 6 sessions -- approximately $760 for 12 and $375 for 6 sessions. For Danny, unfortunately, we can only attend one weekly session per week due to geographics. All told it is a minimum of 6 hours out of my day so, we have homework that we perform daily to strengthen him. These include walking backwards exercises for 30 feet and base standing exercises in addition to leash walks for 20 minutes daily.

My 8-year-old Danny is a trooper and we will continue with his chiropractic care as well which is ongoing on a weekly basis. I'll keep you posted so check back for more!

Danny receiving laser therapy

We just completed our fourth chiropractic session today and underwent his second theraputic laser.  

Danny and Dr. Baroody, DVM Chiropractor administering second laser session

Precision Pet Little Stinker Heavy Duty Poop Scoop with Spade Feedback

Well, I have yet to find a well-made, long-lasting spade and scoop set to pick up dog waste for our property. I have tried nearly each and every model sold today and have had to replace each and every set within one year's time as they have broken. It is so maddening to have to replace these tools so quickly and, of course, when you are purchasing at least three sets at a time it can be expensive. Our most recent selection was the Precision Pet Little Stinker Heavy Duty Poop Scoop with Spades. 

Product feedback: Within two months the retractable handles broke with the top telescoping wand coming apart entirely from the lower wand because the flimsy, plastic band meant to hold the wands together cracked. We attempted jury rigging with good ole' Duct Tape but that lasted for only so long. Then by 8 months, the 44-inch long handle tubes bolted into the steel pans just snapped off rendering the zinc plated steel pans useless. Out to the garbage they went, one set after another, and now I am back to the drawing board.

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Precision Pet Little Stinker Heavy Duty Poop Scoop with Spade

I purchased these sets from Cherrybrook.com, a well-known retailer of pet supplies, on sale, for $36.00 per set, including shipping and I was going to complain to the company about the inferior product. Interestingly, though, Cherrybrook no longer sells these sets and I have to wonder if this is the reason why they discontinued these products. Valuable feedback before you spend your money!

Continuing Canine Chiropractic Update

Whew!!

Like I said it has been busy. Too busy for my tastes but sometimes life throws curveballs at us, so what are you going to do? Anyhow, more updates on Danny, the veteran eight-year-old wolfhound male who is recovering from an injury that compressed his 7th & 8th cervical vertebrae. He has had three chiropractic adjustments and manipulations and also at the last visit he also received therapeutic laser.

He seemed to appreciate the laser therapy as he relaxed the entire time. Next week he begins physical rehabilitation using an underwater treadmill to build back up his muscles in his hindquarters. Time will tell if these alternatives prove to be helpful. We remain concerned as he continues to lose weight, gradually. On the date of the injury, Danny weighed 187 pounds. The first week of chiropractic care he weighed 183 pounds. The second week Danny weighed 181 pounds. The third week he weighed 179 pounds. His appetite is excellent which means that he is losing muscle mass, the most concerning of all.

Canine Spinal Injury Update

In my earlier post from June 24, 2016, I described the injury my 8-year veteran male wolfhound sustained while roughhousing with his littermate. In my efforts to provide what may be valuable feedback on our experience, I will continue to update the therapy, instead of surgery, that our male, Danny, has and will be undertaking. 

He had his first chiropractic consultation and treatment last week. He is a patient at The North Country Veterinary Referral Center located in Glens Falls, New York. Some may ask what is certified veterinary chiropractic care? The chiropractor is certified with either the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA). Both institutions are nearly interchangeable regarding their requirements for certification. More information about these programs is found on their appropriate links. It is important to find the services of a certified practitioner, and for giant breed owners, especially a doctor who works on horses. It goes without saying that doctor's who have worked with equines in chiropractic care state early in their diagnosis and examination of an Irish Wolfhound, "Well, it is like working on a horse." Those were the first words my veterinarian chiropractor stated as she pulled, massaged and worked my 183-pound male wolfhound, who by the way, has lost at least 5 pounds since his injury due to muscle loss. 

It is important to note that the geographical location in the mountain resort in which we live dictates the ease of which I can access Certified Chiropractic care for my wolfhound. The care is available but at some distance being nearly one hour and forty minutes each way, albeit closer though than my other Board Certified Specialists who are 2 hours distant. As such, I cannot commit to two weekly sessions per week but only one. Danny's first session involved a thorough gait analysis and treatment in which the chiropractor manipulated his cervical muscles which were inflamed and a lengthening process of his spinal column. Due to the ataxia (incoordination) in his hindquarters as a result of the injury, she strongly recommends hydrotherapy in the form of rehabilitation of the muscles on an underwater treadmill. This physical rehabilitation center is located at the same facility, and she suggests two sessions per week, however, one visit each week for 6-12 weeks could be beneficial. I have agreed to this arrangement and will combine both the chiropractic therapy session and the underwater treadmill rehab on the same day with back-to-back appointments. 

After Danny's first chiropractic session I noticed a moderate improvement in his forequarters and movement of his neck. His rear remains weak and uncoordinated but, we can hope that in time during his hydrotherapy, this too may improve. On a side note: he is not incontinent. Importantly, we have decided to try chiropractic care first along with the hydrotherapy before adding the methylprednisone (a potent anti-inflammatory steroid) protocol. Time will tell if this will work but for those who may find themselves in similar positions, my updates and reports should be beneficial.

Some may be wondering what the costs are related to these therapeutic treatments, apparently not inexpensive but at this point, a fraction of the costs associated with surgery and hospitalization. The chiropractic care for the initial appointment was $215 with subsequent weekly treatments at $115 each for a minimum of 4 weeks. The physical rehab package of 12 visits is $750.00. 

The next or second therapy appointment is in two days, so I will post an update then. 

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Ch. Ballyhara Danny, 3 years

More Alerts on Canine Flu Across the Nation!

BLOOMINGTON — Canine influenza has sickened "hundreds" of dogs in the Bloomington-Normal area in the past few days so veterinarians are urging dog owners to keep their pets away from other dogs and to call their vet if their dog shows symptoms.

"The most important thing we should do is to keep our dogs at home until we have this (outbreak) under control," said Dr. Kirsten Pieper of the Animal Emergency Clinic of McLean County.

Though rarely fatal, canine influenza is worrisome because few dogs have been exposed to it or vaccinated against it so they have no protection, said Pieper and Dr. David Bortell of Bortell Animal Hospital. That means that nearly every dog exposed to the highly contagious respiratory infection gets sick for a week or two.

Pieper and Bortell were not aware Monday of any dogs in the area who have died during the outbreak. Dogs that have died after getting dog flu because it develops into pneumonia generally are older dogs, puppies or dogs with weakened immune systems, Bortell and Pieper said.

Bortell estimated that "hundreds" of dogs in the area have suspected or confirmed cases of canine influenza.

The first case of dog flu was confirmed two weeks ago. But the number of suspected or confirmed cases began to rise several days ago "and this weekend, it really hit," Bortell said.

"It was a bad weekend at the emergency clinic," Pieper said.

"If dogs are around other dogs, it could continue to spread like wildfire," Bortell said.

"People can't get this but it is easily spread from dog to dog by sneezing or coughing," Pieper said.

No one knows why the outbreak is happening now. Bortell guesses that a dog from the area was with a dog from elsewhere who had the flu. The local dog then spread the infection to other dogs.

As of Monday, the animal emergency clinic had treated at least 15 dogs with confirmed cases of dog flu and another 15 with suspected cases that weren't confirmed by a test, Pieper said.

Bortell's clinic had treated at least 20 dogs as of mid-day Monday.

In addition, the emergency clinic and many veterinary practices were getting dozens of calls from people whose dogs were experiencing symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, lethargy, fever and not eating or drinking, the vets said. In many cases, pet owners were opting to keep their dogs at home and treat their symptoms.

People whose dogs are experiencing symptoms should call their vet or, if it's after hours, the emergency clinic at 309-665-5020. In many cases, vets — to control the spread of the disease — are treating dogs in their owners' cars or are asking owners to bring their dogs to separate clinic entrances, Bortell and Pieper said.

Dogs are given supportive care, such as medicine for their symptoms. "With supportive care, dogs are recovering quite well," Bortell said.

There is a vaccine that can reduce the duration and intensity of flu. But the vaccine is a series of two shots — two to four weeks apart — and a dog doesn't have immunity until two to four weeks after the second shot, Bortell said.

"If you are planning an upcoming boarding or grooming or daycare, call your vet and ask about the vaccine," Bortell said.

Follow Paul Swiech on Twitter: @pg_swiech

Connecticut Veterinarian Medical Association Canine Influenza Outbreak

Update: Severe Canine Respiratory Infection Outbreak

All of the dogs from the facility in Windsor have been treated and released. One new case from the same facility was admitted on Monday.  The dog was very ill, but improved overnight and hopefully will recover.  It appears that this outbreak was contained to just one facility.
Last week, two of the dogs tested positive for Canine Pneumo virus and Streptococcus equi, subspecies zooepidemicus. One dog also tested positive for Bordetella.
Canine Pneumo virus can be spread by direct contact and by aerosolized routes. Strep equi requires direct contact.  At present there are no vaccinations available for Canine Pneumo virus. Vaccinations exist against Bordetella and both strains of Canine Influenza virus.
Click here for more information about Steptococcus equi, subspecies zooepidemicus in dogs.
Dogs have presented with fever, pneumonia and bleeding from the nose.  If you see a dog with symptoms, please contact the office of the CT State Veterinarian at (860) 713-2505.
The CVMA is encouraging pet owners to consult with their veterinarians to help decide if their dog should be vaccinated for Bordetella and/or Canine Influenza virus.
Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
P.O. Box 107
Glastonbury, CT 06033
860-635-7770 (FAX)860-892-6077info@ctvet.org

More Thoughts From Florence Nagle on the Irish Wolfhound

Though unique to the Irish Wolfhound breed, this brief conversation with famous sportswoman, Florence Nagle is befitting of all our giant Sighthound hunters. It is solid, basic logic that should prevail within the attitude of good breeders today. Unfortunately, over these many decades, I believe that our sport's mentality has devolved, rather than evolved. Moreover, in the case of the Irish Wolfhound breed, the overall state of mind has degenerated, having lost the mental and moral qualities that were once normal and desirable.

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Thoughts From the Past on Forequarters

Perhaps one may think I am haranguing dog fanciers about correct forequarter assemblies, but I believe that this excerpt is well worth a quick glance, especially for Irish Wolfhound fanciers. Many purebred dog fanciers, as well as Thoroughbred Race Horse enthusiasts, are familiar with the name Mrs. Florence Nagle. For those who may not be, just click on her name for more information, though, suffice to say she was the Grand Dame of Irish Wolfhounds.

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Update on Respiratory Virus

As I posted on April 18, after returning home from an indoor all-breed kennel club dog show (see Possible Respiratory Virus Warning post for more info) I can confirm that we, in fact, had picked up a respiratory virus, a.k.a. Kennel Cough. We have two hounds symptomatic with a cough and nasal discharge and one or more others who are coughing without fever. We are temping everyone diligently because the strain originating in Chicago was and is both stealthy and a killer. As reported by my veterinarian, many dogs in that region were behaving normally and were asymptomatic of a cough yet had fevers, and sadly, some died as it was too late.

My veterinarian and I are pursuing a proactive but cautious approach, using Cephalexin on hound(s) with nasal discharge and temping them several times daily. Though we may be conservative, we urge caution against complacency, especially if it is possible that this is the Chicago strain.

One hound was on Cephalexin for four days and did not respond favorably nor quickly enough to our satisfaction, though his temperature was slightly above normal. Therefore, we chose to switch his antibiotic. Due to his being a yearling, age 21 months, I am cautious about using an antibiotic drug that may cause problems during the developing stages of growth in a dog under 18 months of age, such as Baytril or Ciprofloxacin. Though many people assume that the growth plates are closed by the age of 21 months, I believe, in my considered opinion, he is not entirely grown. In my experience, he still has not fully developed and appears quite youthful. So, instead, we are using a combination antibiotic, Clavamox, to treat the bacterial infection, without the risk to further, if any, growth stages. We did so at a significantly greater expense as the drug had to be purchased at our local pharmacy. Though it can be purchased online at a reputable, veterinary pharmacy, such as Drs. Foster & Smith, we did not have time to have it shipped. Notably, this antibiotic drug has a relatively short shelf-life, so we do not keep it on hand. To treat this particular hound's cough we are using Tramadol with good results.

For a wolfhound without nasal discharge nor temperature, we are not treating with any drugs, but again, we monitor their temperatures closely. In general, we will use a cough suppressant, an excellent choice being Robitussin DM. However, the administration is not easy and must be done carefully, so the hound does not aspirate the syrup. Lastly, I administer a good quality Probiotic in pill form to any hound being treated with antibiotic and I also increase all the wolfhound's Vitamin C supplement to as much as 4000 mg per day, given throughout the day and with food. Any questions, just ask.

Possible Respiratory Virus Warning

A quick alert to everybody. Please be aware that after attending the Trap Falls Kennel Club on April 10, 2016, at the Eastern Exposition Center, otherwise known as the Big E, in Springfield Massachusetts one of my exhibited wolfhounds is symptomatic of kennel cough. Notably, this was our wolfhounds first indoor dog show, therefore, we had spent a great deal of time inside getting them acclimated to the environment as it provided valuable training. Normally, when I attend indoor dog shows I spend as little time inside as possible to limit my hounds exposure to potential viruses. 

We are in the beginning stages of this kennel cough, to the best of my observation, so the severity of this particular virus is still yet to be known. It could be a minor respiratory virus that will not require aggressive drug protocols. I will repost if it does become a much more serious viral infection.