Khan's rear assembly is falling apart pretty quickly. He is needing
assistance to get in to the dogmobile, and going up stairs. Vet visit is
scheduled for Wednesday morning to re-check Thyroid, repeat Adrenal panel,
do a tick panel, maybe re-do x-rays, talk about other possibilities like DM,
etc.

Anyhow, we have a dilemma. Khan hates warm weather. But, I've noticed that
he does better, mobility wise, when it is warmer. He wants to sit outside
when it is cool and in the unfinished basement when it is hot outside. Both
are likely not good for his arthritis, and will likely contribute to his hip
issues.

So,

A) Would you allow him to keep doing what he loves to do, although it will
likely cause his health to suffer and possibly shorten his lifespan (he's 10
or 11 years old now?

B) Keep him indoors and warm since that's what's good for him although he
is clearly unhappy with it?

Suja

Suja wrote:
Khan's rear assembly is falling apart pretty quickly. He is needing
assistance to get in to the dogmobile, and going up stairs. Vet visit is
scheduled for Wednesday morning to re-check Thyroid, repeat Adrenal panel,
do a tick panel, maybe re-do x-rays, talk about other possibilities like DM,
etc.

Anyhow, we have a dilemma. Khan hates warm weather. But, I've noticed that
he does better, mobility wise, when it is warmer. He wants to sit outside
when it is cool and in the unfinished basement when it is hot outside. Both
are likely not good for his arthritis, and will likely contribute to his hip
issues.

So,

A) Would you allow him to keep doing what he loves to do, although it will
likely cause his health to suffer and possibly shorten his lifespan (he's 10
or 11 years old now?

B) Keep him indoors and warm since that's what's good for him although he
is clearly unhappy with it?

Honestly, at his age it would be ALL about
the Happy for me.

I would try to use nutrition (in addition to
any medications you've already got him on) to
try and reduce his inflammation, as well as
add some vitamins (if his digestive system
can handle them) that have anti-inflamatory
effects.

But mostly, at his age, it would be a great
big partay.

I know this is controversial, but do you
shave him down in the summer? I probably
would do that as well.

On May 4, 2:12*pm, "Suja" wrote:
Khan's rear assembly is falling apart pretty quickly. *He is needing
assistance to get in to the dogmobile, and going up stairs. *Vet visit is
scheduled for Wednesday morning to re-check Thyroid, repeat Adrenal panel,
do a tick panel, maybe re-do x-rays, talk about other possibilities like DM,
etc.

Anyhow, we have a dilemma. *Khan hates warm weather. *But, I've noticed that
he does better, mobility wise, when it is warmer. *He wants to sit outside
when it is cool and in the unfinished basement when it is hot outside. *Both
are likely not good for his arthritis, and will likely contribute to his hip
issues.

So,

A) Would you allow him to keep doing what he loves to do, although it will
likely cause his health to suffer and possibly shorten his lifespan (he's 10
or 11 years old now?

B) *Keep him indoors and warm since that's what's good for him although he
is clearly unhappy with it?

Suja

what about insulated pants for his hips???

"Nessa" wrote in message:

what about insulated pants for his hips???

They sell insulated pants for dogs? I was thinking about doing something to
keep his hips warmer than the rest of him, but wasn't sure what to get.
I've tried dog beds, thinking it will be warmer/softer, but he wants nothing
to do with them.

Suja

Suja wrote:
"Nessa" wrote in message:

what about insulated pants for his hips???

They sell insulated pants for dogs? I was thinking about doing something to
keep his hips warmer than the rest of him, but wasn't sure what to get.
I've tried dog beds, thinking it will be warmer/softer, but he wants nothing
to do with them.

If you got some neoprene material, and are
handy with a sewing machine (which I am soooo
not), you could probably pretty him up on
your own ;-)

"Tara Green" wrote in message:

Honestly, at his age it would be ALL about the Happy for me.

I am feeling quite selfish. He has had some problems for a while, but this
downhill has been quick, just a few weeks.

I would try to use nutrition (in addition to any medications you've
already got him on) to try and reduce his inflammation, as well as add
some vitamins (if his digestive system can handle them) that have
anti-inflamatory effects.

Suggestions? He's on K9 Liquid Gold and fish oil (Aunt Jeni with Vit E).

I know this is controversial, but do you shave him down in the summer?

No shaving in summer. Because of his Cushing's, he has hair re-growth
issues. It wasn't that long ago that he was getting pretty bald, and it
didn't make a lick of difference for the puffing and panting (although
that's a Cushing's symptom too).

Suja

"Tara Green" wrote in message:

If you got some neoprene material, and are handy with a sewing machine
(which I am soooo not), you could probably pretty him up on your own ;-)

Hot pink pants for Khan? He's very lucky I can't sew.

Suja

On May 4, 2:32*pm, "Suja" wrote:
"Tara Green" wrote in message:
Honestly, at his age it would be ALL about the Happy for me.

I am feeling quite selfish. *He has had some problems for a while, but this
downhill has been quick, just a few weeks.

I would try to use nutrition (in addition to any medications you've
already got him on) to try and reduce his inflammation, as well as add
some vitamins (if his digestive system can handle them) that have
anti-inflamatory effects.

Suggestions? *He's on K9 Liquid Gold and fish oil (Aunt Jeni with Vit E).

I know this is controversial, but do you shave him down in the summer?

No shaving in summer. *Because of his Cushing's, he has hair re-growth
issues. *It wasn't that long ago that he was getting pretty bald, and it
didn't make a lick of difference for the puffing and panting (although
that's a Cushing's symptom too).

Suja

Bagel had all that puffing and panting... we shaved him down. he
still puffed and panted.

when he was pain free he was fine... that's how later on we knew it
was from discomfort. and i felt sad.

this is so hard for you I know....

On May 4, 2:32*pm, "Suja" wrote:
"Tara Green" wrote in message:
If you got some neoprene material, and are handy with a sewing machine
(which I am soooo not), you could probably pretty him up on your own ;-)

Hot pink pants for Khan? *He's very lucky I can't sew.

Suja

i looked (on google) using Pants for Dogs as a search

they make them but mostly for piddle problems.

I wonder if you could contact one of the cottage industry types to
make it out of quilted material.

Suja wrote:
"Tara Green" wrote in message:


If you got some neoprene material, and are handy with a sewing machine
(which I am soooo not), you could probably pretty him up on your own ;-)


Hot pink pants for Khan? He's very lucky I can't sew.

Suja



I can. But it's better to have someone on site to do the fitting.
Check the bulletin boards at local sewing shops and outdoor outfittters
for qualified local sewists with appropriate equipment.

I have acres of neoprene (and not just in hot pink), polartec, lycra
edging, elastic and all sorts of velcro on hand. Please feel free to
e-mail me, deleting the obvious, and I'll hook you up.

Another option would be to allow him to enjoy the cool weather and apply
warm compresses first thing in the morning and right before bedtime to
provide symptomatic relief.