Alternative Treatments for a Senior Dog – week one

Wow, it has been quite the week in the life of a senior dog.

When we last posted, Rocko had his first visit to Dr Boswell and was doing exceptionally well.  That lasted until late Friday night (a little over two days) and he took a really bad downhill turn.  We’re back on the good side, but it was rough.

It started with the sad eyes and warm nose. That can come and go over a matter of hours and that’s also how I learned that Rocko can’t eat anything even remotely spicy.  At first I wasn’t worried.

When he got up Saturday morning and still felt bad, I switched his food to rice / sweet potatoes / chicken to soothe his stomach.  It soon became obvious that this was more than just an upset tummy.  Rocko was nervous, wandering around the house, licking his lips and wrinkling his nose.  I could see how uncomfortable he was.

Here’s the hard part.  Although this was a little more extreme, it was the same behavior that brought us to Dr Boswell.  Things change little by little and you don’t really realize how much, especially when you really don’t want to see it.  I don’t think I’m alone in feeling this way about my beloved companion.  In comparison, the two days I talked about last week when Rocko was relaxed, happy and feeling good were such a stark contrast that it forced me to see how uncomfortable he had been all along.  Oh my gosh, my heart hurt.  I’m all he has and I let him feel that bad.  It hurt to even have to let my heart go down that path, I am not ready for that.  Luckily it passed.  Rocko kind of bounced back although he was still behind where we were those two days. 

Our next appointment with Dr Boswell was on Tuesday.  When we finally got Rocko settled down she started his treatment.  First she used a small machine that was developed for Russian astronauts to use in space that helps re-energize the muscles.  He was iffy about that, it took some work to keep him down and relaxed.  Since he had those two exceptional days Dr Boswell decided to focus on the same therapy as last week.  That’s when he really relaxed and started smiling.  Every now and then he would turn his head and look at Dr Boswell, breaking his #1 rule – If I don’t see you, you don’t exist. 

That leads into a funny note.  We had a chance to talk about several things while she was doing his therapy.  She had talked to Dr Habig about Rocko, Dr Habig asked if Rocko had tried to bite her yet (those of you who know Rocko know that he is just mean).  Dr Boswell asked me how she could tell when he was getting ready to snap.  I did tell her that it was when his nose wrinkles up, but I also laughingly assured her that if he hadn’t tried to kill her by now I was pretty sure she was safe. 

Right now the treatment plan is to see Rocko for the next four to six weeks then he would be on a maintenance schedule of once a month or so.  She gave me the name of an all natural body building supplement to get at the health food store to work on strengthening the muscles in his back end. I do want to note that I am avoiding naming the specifics of what we’re using on purpose – if you want to try anything like this with your senior dog it really needs to be under the supervision of a vet.  Dr Boswell shares a lot of fascinating information, I couldn’t even begin to remember all of it but it gives me a lot of hope for how this is all going to come together.

Once we were through, we made the trip home and Rocko was worn out as usual.  Frankly so was I.  Now we’re at Friday night, three days after treatment.  While he isn’t (and hasn’t been) as great as he was those two days, he is doing good.  If those were tens I’d put him at a seven, but it is still an improvement over how he was before we started seeing Dr Boswell (let’s call that three).  So far so good – I will admit I was holding my breath yesterday at the two day mark.  We’re going back on Monday so I’ve got my fingers crossed until then. 

I followed up with Dr Habig to get the last set of spine x-rays that were done in 2009.  I thought that was going to be more complicated because I took Rocko to Audubon, Cherokee’s related clinic, to have them done, but then I found out they were on file at Cherokee – close to home.  I will bring them to the next visit and it will help Dr Boswell see what to focus on.  I also got a laser pointer, when we’re ready she will show me some things I can do at home.  I’ve started spending a half hour or so each night just sitting with Rocko practicing how to relax and getting him used to having his back legs touched (it doesn’t seem to bother him much as long as I don’t get near the FEET!).  I’m debating taking one of his quilts to his next appointment so he has something familiar to lay on.

I know this has been a long one, but one last note – sometimes money does matter.  Total investment to date:  $298.  I’ll try to keep everyone updated on this in case it is something you are considering.

Let’s hope we keep on the same path until Monday.  Rocko is snoring in his sleep now, and I can’t help but wonder if it is because he feels better.  I have to remember to ask Dr Boswell about that . . .

 Yes, it has been quite the week in the life of a senior dog.

Stop.Taking.My.Picture - October 21, 2011

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