Adventures with Obi: HE'S BAAACK!!!!

[mytil]

I had to put ours behind closed doors - our cupboard. But I do have something that may help - called "tattle tales"

When we first got Cailey found out this 50 pound doggie was jumping on the counter when we were gone. She also loved to jump on the dining room table. Only way we found out was with our doggie cam and horrible scratches on the table we had just bought.

Got it from Dr. Fosters. It is vibration sensitive and gives off this incredibly loud beep if it feels vibration. The sound only last 2 secs but it was enough to keep Cailey off everything. Place it right on top of the food bin. It worked for us.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1096

[Roxee's Dad]

He is a very intelligent one. Maybe it might help to funnel that curious energy of his into puzzles. Something he has to take a part... since he already has a natural talent for opening containers. See if you can find one that you can put a few kibbles in.

[Bailey's Mom]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? Obi can screw off that top?? WOW! I'm impressed!

I'm not sure about the tattle tales..........it seems like all he'd need to do is knock it off the bin. :confused: After that, going after the bin would not cause it to go off. I think I'd just keep it in the garage. We keep our kibble in Tupperware containers....and way too high for Bailey to get. Besides....we have trouble getting her to eat the kibble. :confused:

HOWEVER, tonight Bailey ate her moist food and her kibble!! :D:D Then she was looking for more kibble. :D And then a third time. :D:D She's never looked for food before.:eek: Maybe there is hope (that she'll get some nutrition in her little body.)

I think Obi should be on the Letterman show-dog tricks.;)

[StarDeb55]

Susan, I doubt that he would do it on command. This has only happened when I'm not around, & he's behind the gate in the kitchen. I should take an up close picture of the food bins because the lids have the teeth marks to prove it. He's obviously using his teeth/mouth somehow, but when I make absolutely sure the lids are on straight, & screwed down as tight as I can get them. I'm clueless. Sometimes, I have the lids screwed down so tight, it's all I can do to get them off.

Debbie

[Cyn719]

OMG What a little wise guy Obi is:D:D When they want something they figure it out!!! In your case you need to hide the bins for sure!! I would love for you to be able to set a a camera to see how hes doing it - that would be one good video!!:)

[Rene]

Dear Deb,
If you want to keep you Vittle-Vault maybe you can get a large carabiner http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wBDAAUDBAQEAwUEBAQFBQUGBwwIBwcHBw8LCwkMEQ8SEhEPER ETFhwXExQaFRERGCEYGh0dHx8fExciJCIeJBweHx7/2wBDAQUFBQcGBw4ICA4eFBEUHh4eHh4eHh4eHh4eHh4eHh4eHh 4eHh4eHh4eHh4eHh4eHh4eHh4eHh4eHh4eHh4eHh7/wAARCABQAFADASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAHAAAAwEBAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAcIBgECAwQF/8QAPBAAAQMDAgMFBgMECwAAAAAAAQIDBAAFEQYHEiExE0FRYZE IIjJxgcEUI6FCZJLRFTRicoKTlKKxwvH/xAAZAQADAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQYCBAP/xAAtEQABAwMCBAMJAQAAAAAAAAABAAIDBAURIUESMZHwIlFxBh MUIzM0gaGxwf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AsuiiihCK+a5z4dthrlzn0MMo6qV3nwA6k +Qrl2uEa1296dLXwNNJyfEnuA8yeVIzWOqJF2kuTpqwiO1nsWe L3UD+fiftgBbcbkyjb5uPIJpbLY+uf5NHM/4Fp9V7mvJQpNuAhNHklxSQt5fmAcpT9c/SlFqbXJedWZ87tRnn+KdU6U+RTz4fQVyw6a1ZuPcHBaU/hLaFcLk94EJI7wkd/wAvXPQNrS2wGgrY2hy8Q1X6UAOJc05b+iByx5UsipquuHHK7A7 2T+Se32zwMGXdT+SkvaNZPR1iTZpYQ6nnmGooV6DGR8wRT62V3 HRrOK/b53C3d4YBcAHD2qOnFjuIPIj5EdcDJ75bYaQs+nmtVaes0Szzo Elltz8G2G0PNOuJaKVJHIkFYIPXlWG28fVad6tPyWT2YntFt4D orI/89K1GJKCpbHxZaVmX3F0o3ShuHNz+tVVtFFFUajkUUUUISg3hv rkq6f0Uw5hiJ8QB+JwjmfoDj+KsXo/TL+vNQC3LUtu0QSFz3E/tqPRoH/mvVdZLtw3DvECSlSSVyS2CSPzQ4sdRzIHu4+dML2bpDK9JJQ2g IMhpuWtOST2ikjtDk8/izSCC1SVM5rJiC3JwPQ416KonusdFT/Bwgh+BrtqMkjqmbbIMS2wWoMFhDEdlIShCBgAV9NFFP1Lk5WH3 3Rx7V3ceCo6vSQ2ftU+29SmdzNHvge6FJ+nQfcVRO9YztdfPJl KvRxJ+1TzAcaGqrQtYJc7eM0j+yAOIn6kgVP3XSojKrLFrSyD1/ireigdBRVApNFFFFCEj94tPN2DXdr1ZGnOIZvEsRpEMtAo7cMq UHQvOU5S1gpwQTz5c8+Ps+vpiXqTbVfEy/MipGeiQ92if9q01rfaHgOS9ulTWCEvWyaxMQojISArs1qI8Ahx Z+lK7bW6CPuAuRjskvS4klxOfh7VpTS0/xtpB866YmNEJAG6xLI58gLjnTH4VLUUUVzLayG84ztffx+6/9hU0xFcOsLYjn/WIx6+SKpXelXDtdfT+7geq01M8E8WtLcSkE9swOXlw0gu31md7 qt9n/t5O9lY6fhHyrtcR8CflXafqSRRRRQhfj62hpuGj7xCWjjDsJ1I TjqeE4/WpassksXGDPC+JMm3PPhQ/aUxIS+P0Kqr08xipgctFqRfA1Gmx4cezXqVAajuJI42lKWyG0n oMe6AD1wK6YHgAtK8pGnQhU1CeTIhsSEEFLraVgjocjNe2sttR dGrpoK1qbyHIrCYb6T3ONAIV+oz9a1NcoIIyF7OaWnB5rE76L4 Nqr0fEMp9Xmx96nJtkM65sIScCQthYHicji+3rVCe0Evh2ruCR 1ckw0D/UtfypDQmjI3H0c1jPMHH+EUhumtSwKrsR4aSQ+v8AAq4HQUUCi n6k0UUUUIRUwe0No9+x6yXf2jLFqujyX0qbeWltiWBzBAOElWO IK7yVDwqn6+a6QIV0t70C4xWpUV9PA406niSoeYrxniMrC1riD 5hdVHUCnlD3NDhuD3zUr7e7n3HSMjsBED0NWO141HBOeROOY8O LmfEK5Yedj3Z0lPaSZ0ly0uHqZSfyv80ZQPkopPkKXmvtkbhDW 7M0c6JcdWSYL68LSPBKzyUPng+ZpQTk6j0vKMedZ58dA5BLiVN rR/dV1IpFG+rovARkd7qslgt11+Yx3C7oeie2+etLFetPx7FY7gxc luSm3nXY6wtpIR7yUhY5FRUE8hnABJxyyvdtuC770WSMx+Yi3t krI54IHT0BrDNv6j1HIEKwWqc9Jc93tObjgH6kDzPKqO2A2vXo mC5dLuUrvMpOFDPF2STzIJ71HlnuGMDPMncTJayoErxgBeM7oL bSOha7Ljn97pr0UUVQKPX/2Q== (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&sugexp=ppwe&cp=6&gs_id=m&xhr=t&q=carabiner&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1440&bih=817&wrapid=tljp1322034967062010&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=6036572653940095383&sa=X&ei=EqfMTrS-NbSssAKWg_jJDg&sqi=2&ved=0CGAQ8gIwAw)from Home Depot or the a Sports store that sells Mountain Climbing stuff. Drill a hole the same size as the carabiner in the lid and the container then snap it through.

Our our horses with "nimble" lips have the same problem with certian containers. And we found you can never be to careful with supplements.

Do you have any current pictures of Obi...I am curious how such an handsome pup turned out!

Rene & Angel Snoopie

[StarDeb55]

After talking to one of the PetsMart trainers yesterday about my food thief, I did get a couple of ideas. I tried the first one which was to turn both buckets upside down, make sure the full one was on top. It kind of slowed Obi down but not enough. I got home, he had pulled the full bucket off the stack, knocking it on its side, but had not been able to get the lid off yet. I think me getting home is probably what stopped him. Sooooo, as of now, the kibble buckets are being moved to the other side of the garage door where the thief has no access to them. It's a little inconvenient for Mom, but I'm kind of tired of Obi stuffing his belly so much, he's sick. I, also, think that the marks I said were teeth marks on the lids. Now, that I've taken a closer look at them, I'm pretty sure they're claw marks. I guess he must be scratching at the lid enough to loosen it, then manages to get it all the way off, somehow.

Debbie

[lulusmom]

Debbie, put some gloves on and rub the lid really good with a habanera pepper. That'll get his attention and probably some major heartburn.

[StarDeb55]

It seems that Obi has a touch of colitis, except for having the poopies, he hasn't acted like he's sick at all. He has one speed which is warp speed, & I think you would have to knock him in the head with a bat to get him to slow down.

He started having mushy, diarrhea stools last Saturday afternoon. After I cleaned up 3x in 2 hours on Sunday afternoon, I went & got some more pumpkin. I really didn't want another trip to the vet since he was just there at the end of last week. The pumpkin basically made things worse. Obi finally convinced me Tues afternoon that, "Heh, Mom, I don't like this any better than you do. Could we please go to the vet?" The vet figures probably colitis, heard pretty normal belly sounds, so put him on flagyl for the next week. He is also on carafate suspension twice a day for the next 4 days until his stools firm up. Things are already better as I did not have a mess to clean up when I got up this morning. Until I can actually see that he has formed stools, he keeps getting the carafate. I think my vet didn't do any labs or anything else since I said that he doesn't act like he feels bad, & to save me some $$ since we were in less than a week ago.

Debbie

[lulusmom]

Deb, I feel for you and for Obi. Cleaning up the runnies is not fun, especially on carpet. I used to buy Natures Miracle by the case when I had carpet.

Isn't it great to have a vet that thinks logically, trusts our judgment and tries to save us money to boot? I like your vet a lot. My four were all past due for senior panels, stims and heart xrays so they went to the gp vet who takes care of my rescues yesterday. I was wheeling and dealing.....okay, so it was mostly groveling and begging for mercy. :D

[StarDeb55]

At least I have tile. I'm still not happy that he poops in the house, but at least this way, I can keep track of how he's doing. In the yard, it's hard to tell who's done what unless I'm right there.

Yes, I like my vet a lot, too. I think he does trust my judgement as the only time I've ever had him get provoked with me was when I was making these "on the fly" lysodren dosage adjustments for Harley without talking to him first. He was really laughing at Obi as both times he stepped out the exam room door, Obi is out that door trying to scope out the back office area. The vet is laughing saying that Obi is one of the most curious pups he's seen in awhile. I told him not curious, he's just a busybody.

Debbie

[StarDeb55]

I forgot to tell you what the juvenile delinquent did when I got home. I always get a couple of peppermint mochas at Starbucks during the holidays, so I blew through the drive-up at the SB across the street from my house before coming home. I had stopped at the vet's on my way as Obi has to go back on the Urinary SO as he stil has struvite crystals in his urine. I had mentioned to the girl at the front desk that I probably need an appointment, but let me get home & see if there's a mess to clean up. I go into the kitchen from the garage, set the grande mocha down on the edge of the countertop as I see a mess to cleanup. I go over to the phone to call the vet right back. As I'm on the phone, Obi is now standing on his hind legs scrabbling at that mocha cup, proceeds to knock off the counter, & all over the kitchen floor. His expression was, "Who me? NOT MY FAULT!! You're the fool who left it on the edge of the counter where I could get to it!!" I tell the vet's office that I really have to get off the phone as Obi has dumped that mocha all over the floor, & if he starts lapping it up, I will really have a sick pup on my hands. He might have gotten a couple of laps, but that's it. I have been giving him the evil eye for 2 days telling him, "It's bad enough that we've had 2 trips to the vet in less than a week to the tune of $250, but now you owe me $5 for that mocha I didn't get to drink!":mad::rolleyes:;)

Debbie

[lulusmom]

That was too funny! If it didn't hurt my mouth so much to laugh, the neighbors down the street would have heard me. Who me? Not my fault! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Cyn719]

Thinking of you

Merry Christmas

Love and hugs xoxo

[StarDeb55]

Mr. Smart Aleck, strikes, again. I noticed in the past couple of months that he has figured out that food comes out of the microwave. I will have put something in the microwave, gone to watch TV in the living room. The microwave beeps, Obi will run to come get me. I laugh & ask him, "Well, has it beeped? I guess I need to get the food." Last night takes the cake, though. I had put a pot pie into nuke. You are supposed to let it sit for 5 minutes before you pull it out of the microwave to eat. The beep goes off, Obi comes to get me. I don't go to kitchen immediately, so a few minutes later, I hear Obi barking, probably in the kitchen. I get up, & sure enough, he's sitting in front of the microwave, barking, I guess telling me, "There's food in there because it beeped & you need to come get it out." I was just laughing my socks off.

Debbie

[frijole]

That is hysterical! You had him confused no doubt! You reminded me of something Annie and Haley used to do that was a stitch.. back in the day that I had AOL - when I logged off the computer would say "Goodbye". One night I logged off and before I got up from the desk - as soon as they heard "Goodbye" those two dogs had gotten up from their "naps" and were leaving the room. I just howled.

They pay more attention than we think don't they? I can just see Obi barking at the microwave (and you for not getting up)! ha ha

Happy New Year dear Obi!

[jrepac]

Mr. Smart Aleck, strikes, again. I noticed in the past couple of months that he has figured out that food comes out of the microwave. I will have put something in the microwave, gone to watch TV in the living room. The microwave beeps, Obi will run to come get me. I laugh & ask him, "Well, has it beeped? I guess I need to get the food." Last night takes the cake, though. I had put a pot pie into nuke. You are supposed to let it sit for 5 minutes before you pull it out of the microwave to eat. The beep goes off, Obi comes to get me. I don't go to kitchen immediately, so a few minutes later, I hear Obi barking, probably in the kitchen. I get up, & sure enough, he's sitting in front of the microwave, barking, I guess telling me, "There's food in there because it beeped & you need to come get it out." I was just laughing my socks off.

Debbie

That is totally funny, I love it! Dogs are quick to make associations w/things they like/don't like, I have found. My chi-chi, Pebbles, just got back from our trip to Las Vegas...I never did something like this before but took her on a plane, in a doggie travel bag. Then, I had a special sling bag in which I took her just about everywhere. NOW, everytime she sees a bag on the floor...ANY bag, including grocery bags, she tries to jump into it thinking she's going on a trip somewhere. It's truly funny.

On the flip side, my new Aussie, Pepper, who is still a baby at 8months, gets VERY carsick. So, when she even sees the car door open, she pulls away...it's very hard for me to get her into the vehicle!

Always entertaining!

Jeff, Angel Mandy & the Girls

[Bailey's Mom]

Bailey has had car sickness. We give her 1/2 baby dramamine. It's always worked. We are trying to work up to longer rides without "drugs."

When I am ready to get off the computer, I take off my computer glasses which have no hinges on the sides....they just bend around. That makes the ends hit one another and make a little clink sound. As soon as that happens, Bailey knows we are going downstairs.....but, like Palmer, she has learned that I usually forget one thing (never the same thing) and have to come back to the desk to get whatever it is......so she doesn't go all the way to the door until I tell her...OK. I'm ready!

Did you ever get a replacement peppermint mocha?
-Susan

[StarDeb55]

Nope, no replacement mocha. Obi just kind of looks at me, like "whatever, it was your fault for setting the cup down on the edge of the kitchen counter."

I should also mention about the buzzer thing on the microwave. Obi has now also figured out about the washing machine & dryer buzzing when a load is done that Mom needs to do something. He will come find me to let me know. I hate it when they are smarter than you are.

Debbie

[StarDeb55]

We have just had a HUGE BREAKTHROUGH!!!! Obi had finished his breakfast, & I was going to the kitchen to put the dishes up. I saw Obi in the corner of the dining room, (one of his favorite places to poop), asked him what he was doing. He took off, & shot out the dog door. I'm watching him from the arcadia door. He goes out in the yard, squats, & poos! This is the first time I have been able to catch him in the act. No yelling, no nothing, simply asked what are you doing. Let's hope it continues.


YEAH, YEAH YEAH!!!!!!!:rolleyes::p:D:D:D

[Cyn719]

Way to go Obi...................you made Mom so happy!!:D:D

Good Boy!!!!!!!!!!!
xo

[StarDeb55]

I wish I had the kind of luck Obi seems to have. A little background first. If any of Obi's babies have any feet or arms, he absolutely loves to just chew, chew, on the appendages until there are almost amputated. I noticed over the weekend that Obi was trying to vomit a couple of times. After I got home on Sunday, I heard him vomiting in the living room, ran out there. Obi was on the sofa & I thought I saw what had come up. I couldn't pull Obi away from it fast enough to grab some towels & clean up, he ate it. I'm thinking, "Seriously, this is what you vomited up." I'm not kidding, there were two pieces, that looked almost formed like two pieces of poo. Obi didn't act like he was sick at all. I got up Tues. morning, ran Obi outside to the front yard. He immediately proceed to start heaving, & up come this two formed pieces of "something". He seemed fine after that, so I ran him around to do his thing, & went in the house to get ready for work. When I got home, Obi & I went to the front yard, he immediately wanted to grab whatever it was from the morning. I dragged him away, got him in the house. I got some paper towel, & a ziploc bag, went back out, picked up the "stuff", & bagged it. We went to the vet yesterday afternoon for shots & a checkup, so I took the mystery stuff with us.

When we got into the exam room, I'm telling the vet tech all of this, pulled out the bag, she looked it over, & said I'll be right back. She goes to the back with the mystery stuff. She come back in to the room in a couple of minutes, proceed to ask me if Obi has a teddy bear that's blue with white feet. I told her yes that in fact it had been missing & all of a sudden it showed up a couple of days ago. She pulls out the mystery stuff, proceeds to show me that it's the feet off the bear. Mr. Knucklehead ATE THE FEET OF HIS BEAR.:eek::eek::rolleyes::p He is damn lucky he didn't end up with an obstruction in his GI tract. Everyone at the vet, including me, were laughing ourselves silly basically saying that at least Obi recycles really well. Now, I have to go through the house, check all of his babies for partially amputated appendages, & pitch them. Any new toys are going to have to be something that he can't chew to the point, he can eat them. My vet said that this absolutely has to be done, as once a chewer, always a chewer, & eventually Obi will obstruct if he keeps this up. I'm just grateful he was able to clear this on his own.

Chewy & I are off to the derm vet in a couple of hours, so we will see what bad news comes out of that visit. Check Chew's thread later.

Debbie

[Cyn719]

Deb

Never a dull moment with Obi! He keeps you on your feet for sure!! So glad that he is okay:D. Yes it could of turn out bad:eek: Obi you need to be nice to your toys!!:D:D

Hope all goes well at the appt with chewy:)

Hugs xoxo

[Squirt's Mom]

Bully sticks!!!! :p

[StarDeb55]

I just got back from the ER clinic. Obi has been vomiting off/on for most of the day, acting very lethargic & quiet. He even vomited right as John was finish up his groom. Unfortunately, it looks like part of the Teddy Bear is still stuck somewhere in Obi's bowel. He has a bowel obstruction which is an emergency & he will be going to surgery within the next 2 hours. I will know more later today. Right now, I'm totally wasted. I'm going to try to take a nap & head to work in a couple of hours. Please pray for my little monster. He's young & I know he will be alright.

Debbie

[labblab]

Oh Debbie, I am so sorry!! My thoughts and prayers are headed straight your way!

Marianne

[SasAndYunah]

Oh Debbie, poor little Obi...and you of course. I know how worried you must be. I do hope you can get some sleep and later on will receive the news that the surgery was succesfull. I will be checking in regularly to watch for the latest news...

Big hugs,

Saskia.

[Roxee's Dad]

Keeping you both close to my heart.

[StarDeb55]

The surgeon called me about 30 minutes ago. Even though x-rays were taken at 230 this morning, they always take another set immediately prior to going into the OR. The new set shows no evidence of a foreign body obstruction at the moment. The surgeon thinks that with IV hydration, Obi is now trying to pass whateve this is on his own. They will take another set of x-rays the first part of the afternoon to check. If I remember what she said, they will introduce food/water possibly mid-afternoon to see how he reacts. He did have one episode of vomiting right after they admitted him, but he has had anti-emetic medicine. The key, now, is that if at any point in time, he vomits, again, he goes to surgery end of story. The surgeon said that in general, Obi doesn't act like he's in pain, except that he indicates his belly is sore.

If we get of this one, all I can say is that little boy does indeed have a guardian angel or should I say angels. Keep the thoughts, & prayers coming, so far they seem to be working.

Thanks,
Debbie

[Harley PoMMom]

Continuing in keeping you and Obi in my thoughts and prayers.

Sending huge and loving hugs, too...Lori

[Jenny & Judi in MN]

I hope he passes it on his own. Judi

[Sabre's Mum]

Just woke up to the news Debbie. Thoughts are with you ... let's hope that he passes the obstruction.

Angela and Flynn

[addy]

Oh Debbie, I went through that with Koko and Zoe both, I understand the worry. For Koko the first time we were able to have him vomit the metal button up and then 2 days later he ate something else. :eek::eek: Luckily he passed that one on his own. Zoe had endescopy to retrieve the end of one of Koko's plastic toys last fall.

I pray Obi comes through okay. I am so sorry you have to go through this.

love and hugs,
addy

[SasAndYunah]

Keeping my fingers crossed that surgery won't be needed...and that whatever it is will come out on its own.

Thinking of you and Obi,

Saskia.

[Cyn719]

Deb

Just read your posts......hope Obi passed it or will pass it.....no one wants surgery but if he has to have it like you said he is a young little boy....but I know you would still be nervous....don't blame you....so prayers and more prayers he passes it!!!

Hugs xoxoxoxo. Will check back

[StarDeb55]

Obi is in surgery as we speak. The surgeon called me about an 1 1/2 hour ago. The latest set of xrays were unchanged, still showing no evidence of a foreign body obstruction. The thing that was troubling was the fact that the gas pattern in his bowel had not changed from this morning, indicating that something could very likely still be there. They have offered him canned food, & canned cat food. His attitude was please get it away from me, I want no part of it. Seriously, what self respecting dog turns down canned cat food. The surgeon said that they have taken him out to pee several times. She went with him one time, so she could assess his attitude herself. He just stands there, looking at them, like, "please leave me alone". She presented me 2 options; give him barium to see if he is actually moving anything through his GI tract, or just prep him for surgery. This is my little busybody who is into everything, has only one speed which is warp speed, so after hearing all of this, I told her to just get him ready for surgery. It was my gut feeling last night that this was something more than just a garden variety stomach upset, & I still feel there's something wrong, meaning that part of that bear is still in his belly.

Debbie

[Cyn719]

Deb

You went with your gut and that is what us moms do. I will be praying for your little boy and hope they get to the bottom of it. I know it's the waiting that's gets to you.....I know the feeling all to well...but I am here waiting with you:)...will be checking back for a update

Support ..strength....and prayers


Tight hugs xoxo

[StarDeb55]

This was really bad. I'm so glad that I told the surgeon to go ahead & take him to the OR. Obi was on the table for 3 hours. The blockage apparently was cotton stuffing from the blue bear. It was about an inch in diameter & 3 inches long. When they got in, the IV fluid had apparently helped him move it down to the sphincter in the area of the large intestine, then it just stuck. Unfortunately, Obi's small intestine was extremely inflammed/irritated to the point that there were areas that were beginning to die as black spot were forming on the intestine. Obi lost most of his small intestine. I'm not sure if I remember what the surgeon said but I think he only has his jejunum left, but will have to double check. Since he has so little small intestine, now, he may have to have some help, meaning I will have to include probiotics into his diet. I don't know if this is permanent or only if he gets some type of GI upset in the future, another thing to check.

The surgeon said he came out of the general fine, no problems there. They will be monitoring him very closely. When he comes home is going to be up to him. I assume that when he feels like eating/drinking, peeing/pooping, no diarrhea or vomiting will be the determining factors. She did say that they have sent dogs home who are still having slight trouble vomiting & they've been fine. I'm exhausted, only working on 2 hours sleep, so I'm heading to bed in about the next hour, but will call to check on him. I felt it was a bad idea for me to go tonight as he's just coming out of the general, & he doesn't need to get agitated/upset, if he knows I'm there.

I will check on him from work about 8AM, & give an update as soon as I can after that. I kept telling myself that this will ease up on it's own, & he'll be ok. My 6th sense told me otherwise, & BOY, AM I GLAD I LISTENED! If I hadn't, Obi would have died.

Debbie

PS-Sas, when you see this can you help me come up with enrichment activities for the little brat that can be done around the house & backyard. With my back situation, walking him on my part is out right now. I do intend to check around the neighborhood for a reliable teenager who wants to earn some spending money, & would be willing to walk him.

[addy]

Oh Debbie, I hope everything works out for Obi. I am praying for him really hard.

love,
addy

[SasAndYunah]

Awwwww Debbie, what a horrible ordeal. If there ever was a time when Obi's "spunk" was his most valuable charactertrait, it's now. My Sogno swallowed a needle once and had to undergo emergency surgery and shortly there after a friends dog had to have emergency surgery cause that dog ate a toy mouse which resulted in obstruction, same as with Obi, and that dog too lost a huge part of his intestines....both Sogno and my friends dog were very, very sick dogs after their surgeries. So be prepared that Obi will be a very sick dog too. I always want my dogs home with me asap but I remember clearly that after Sogno's surgery I was actually scared to take him home...but the vet told me that was the only thing that could be done for him at that time. To be home, get loved as much as possible and hope it would ignite a spark for life again. Don't want to alarm you, just to be prepared they can be very sick dogs after such heavy surgery. So for now, let's focus on how Obi will recover but I will certainly return with some tips on how to keep him busy in and around the house, promise :)

Sending all my best to you and Obi,

Saskia :)

[mytil]

Oh Debbie,

I was out all yesterday - I am so very sorry!!! How horrible - poor Obi!!!

Tons of Healing prayers coming your way.
(((hugs)))
Terry

[frijole]

Deb - WOW. Thank God you made the decision you did. Sending love and prayers to you both - hoping your little guy heals quickly. Kim

[Cyn719]

You went with your gut.......wow so glad you did...like I said that's what moms do:)... Good call Deb.......poor little guy......but at least that is out of him and he will be on the road to recovery!! No more stuffing for Obi!:p:D. It's a lucky little guy for sure.

Praying for a fast and healthy recovery.

Hope you got some sleep....

Will be back for an update

Hugs xoxo

[StarDeb55]

I talked to the clinic about 30 minutes. Obi had a very good night, no nausea/vomiting or diarrhea, no temperature. The tech I talked to actually worked for my GP vet, so she know me very well. She said that she took him out earlier this morning, he pranced around, squatted to pee. I'm like "I don't care how he peed, but he peed. She said he' very alert, interested in his surroundings. If it continues like this, they will introduce solid food & water late this afternoon. Frankly, this doesn't suprise me as to how quickly he is improving, but we all must keep in mind that he had a very big surgery, lost most of his small bowel, & it's not even 24 hours post-op, yet. I will stop to see him on my way home this afternoon as the ER clinic is like 5 minutes from my house.

Debbie.

[Cyn719]

So far so good!! I understand how you feel......you want to get by that 24 hrs.......cause he did lose a lot of his small bowel for sure.....but Obi has proven to be a tough little guy!

Prayers and thoughts continued. Update after your visit......

Hugs xxoxoxoxoxo

Give Obi a kiss for us!!

[lulusmom]

Yay, great news!!! Give Obi a big hug from his Auntie Glynda.

[StarDeb55]

I stopped & visited my little boy for about 15 mins. on my way home. They brought him to an exam room for me & said I could take him for a little walk. We very gingerly walked through the lobby & outside. Obi immediately went to the corner of the wall & peed a goodly amount. We walked a few more steps then came back to the exam room. I sat down on the floor, Obi proceeded to sit down in front of me & turned his back to me. I moved around to put myself in his field of vision, & he ducked his head where he couldn't see me. He's still very quiet, when the vet tech came in to the room, she did say that she had given him some pain meds about an hour before, so I know some of this is drugs. I do know though that a little boy is pretty PO'd at his Mom. He probably remembers that I took him down there on Fri. night, & thinks, now, look at the mess I'm in. I know he's disoriented from the drugs, sore from the surgery, & everything else, but I could tell that he is not very pleased with me. I just sat by him, talking to him & petting him which he seemed ok with, but he was pretty sleepy.

According the the vet tech, they are going to try him on some water at about 6 PM, & if that goes ok, then they will offer him some soft food at about 10 PM. These 2 things will determine when he gets to come home. As I said, I've known this vet tech for a long time, & she's seems to think that there is a strong possibility that he will come home tomorrow. There's been no vomiting/diarrhea, & no temperatiure. In fact, the tech said that Obi's temp has been considerably below normal to the point where she is keeping him wrapped in a blanket while he's in his kennel, & she has a warming brick below him in the kennel. She's pretty sure the hypothermia is drugs, & nothing to worry about.

I will call right before I go the bed about 8ish to see how the water went, then check when I get up in the morning.

Obi & I are extremely grateful for your prayers, well wishes, & hugs. I think my little boy is almost out of the woods, but the water & solid food are the last hurdle to cross, so keep them coming.

Debbie

[BestBuddy]

Deb,

Obi might be cranky with you but you saved his life, shame they don't seem to understand that. Hopefully he will be well enough to come home soon and I am sure all will be forgiven.

Jenny

[k9diabetes]

Glad to hear Obi is recovering well. The drugs really do make them kind of spacy so that could be a huge part of it. He should be THRILLED to be home when he gets there!

Natalie

[StarDeb55]

I had talked to Glynda on my cell when I was leaving from seeing Obi, mentioning that I was going by PetsMart to get ideas on new toys for him. There were what I thought some pretty good suggestions from one of their employees, but she did keep saying talk to your vet & get his input which I pretty much intended to do anyway. I was doing some more research on safe chew toys on-line when I got home, came across one article that had an absolutely terrific idea. Go to the baby, toddler section of your local dept. store, WalMart, or Target, & purchase baby toys. Baby toys are strictly regulated in the US, so you know they don't come from China with some unknown chemical ingredients. We all know how babys will put most everything in their mouths, so their toys are made to be safe because of that. I though, "Great, PERFECT IDEA, baby toys!" I'm still talking to the vet first.

Debbie

[lulusmom]

Deb, just remember that babies don't have the kind of teeth or ability that a dog has to rip the feet off of teddy bears. I'm not so certain that there are many baby toys on the market that would be safe for a dog. The last puppy I had got a Kong and Nylabone chew toy. The Kong was a much bigger hit because it had goodies inside.

[Cyn719]

Deb

Glad you got to see your little boy.....still saying lots of prayers for a quick and healthy recovery:). Hope he is home with you soon.

Love and Hugs
xoxoxo

[StarDeb55]

Glynda, my kid in Gallup pointed that out. She has an 18 month old Pit mix & a 3 1/2 year old little boy. She just started laughing when I said this, & tells me how many of her little boy's toys the dog has chewed up. The thing that really blew me away was this dog had one of those treat balls which lasted a day as she tore the top of the ball to shreds to get the treats. In my reading on-line, there were some very nasty things said about Nylabones.

Debbie

[lulusmom]

I do small breed rescue so the puppies I've had and my own dogs have never been able to chew even the smallest piece off of a nylabone. That isn't to say that Obi couldn't so if you read anything bad about them, you should pass on it.

[StarDeb55]

I just got off the phone with the clinic. Obi continues to do well. On the initial attempt to offer food & water, about mid-evening, he did not want anything to do with it. He did finally eat the least little bit late last night, didn't say anything about drinking. The tech told me that he will probably stay the day at least until he is eating better. I asked her if he was on antibiotics besides pain meds, she said that he was. I told her that until he is eating better I agree he needs to stay because if he's not eating well, I'm going to have the devil of a time giving him his meds. Next update will probably be the first part of the afternoon, as mom has to go the oral surgeon this morning to have an abscessed molar extracted.

Debbie

[labblab]

Oh Deb, good luck with your molar! And I'm so relieved that Obi is on the mend!!

Healing hugs being sent to you both,
Marianne

[addy]

Deb,
Zoe is a really strong chewer. I have not yet found a toy that she could not break something off.

She gets the black Kongs smeared with soft food inside. Even those end up breaking down and I have to replace every few months.

She gets two a day sometimes more and bully sticks. I even have to watch the bully sticks and get longer ones and take them away after ten minutes. A soon as she gets them chewed down 3/4 of the original size I have to throw them away as she sticks half the smaller size all the way down into her mouth:eek::eek::eek::eek:

I also use the red Kong ball with ridges and smear food in the ridges but that one she will tear little pieces off within a few weeks so she only gets that one once in a while.

Wish I had stock in KONG toys;);)

Glad to hear Obi is making it through. I hope he is home soon.

I have read about dogs breaking off teeth with the nyla bones. Since Lhasa's have crappy teeth anyway, we stay clear.

[Jenny & Judi in MN]

I'm glad to read Obi is on the mend. I bought my dogs one of those nylon toys you hide treats in that when they roll it the correct way the treat falls out. Jenny figured it out and was doing it correctly.

Ranger just smelled food and spent an entire night while we slept eating the entire thing till he got to the food. He was gross the next day but no vet was needed. No more "smart" toys for my not so smart chow hound.

[Cyn719]

Deb

Hope all goes well at your appt.

Glad Obi is doing good. Hope he starts to eat better today.

Will be back for the next update:)

Hugs xoxo

[StarDeb55]

Obi is home!! He's resting on my bed & i think we're both going to take a nap. More later.

debbie

[addy]

Best news I have had all day:D:D:D:D

love,
addy

[k9diabetes]

:) Yay!!!! :)

Natalie

[StarDeb55]

The ER clinic called while I was in the oral surgeon's office. When I called them back, they proceed to tell me that he still is not eating, & would I be able to visit to see if he might eat for me. I said absolutely, that I was less than 10 minutes away & I'd be right there. The alternative was for them to try syringe feed him, & after hearing how he was acting this morning, I knew how well that was going to go over. The tech proceeds to ask me has he ever bitten anyone. I told her absolutely not in the 14 months he's been with me. (I don't count myself.) He's a very happy boy, wants to meet & love everybody. He apparently was getting bitey with them this morning anytime they would try to do anything with him in his kennel to where they had to resort to a collar to keep from getting bitten. I told her that if we can get him to eat, I think this behavior is a clear sign he needs to come home.

They had tried AD canned food before I got there which he wanted nothing to do with, & I can't blame him. Then they pulled out just plain canned chicken meat, & he wanted everything to do with that. Mopped up the little in the dish, & was looking for more. They brought him into the exam room with the dish which is working on, sat him by me on the floor, he finishes eating. I'm hugging & petting on him, & he just curls up on the floor right by my side. Yesterdays's snub may have been partially to blame on meds, but his behavior today just proves to me that he was letting me know that he was not happy with me.

The only oops we have had is that I tried to very gently lift him out of the car, must have put pressure on his belly or something, & he lit into my right hand, trying to bite me. Fortunately, I'm pretty quick with the reflexes & got out of the way before he even broke any skin.

I just finished hand feeding him about 2 teaspoons of canned chicken & rice which is all he seemed to want. I will try some more about 8PM. The clinic said that more small meals for the first few days is probably a good idea. Off to re-read exactly what meds he needs, & to get the Pill pockets ready.

His care is now transferred back to his regular vet who will do suture removal a week from today.

Debbie

[StarDeb55]

Need a 2nd opinion. Obi has tramadol for pain, 1/2 tab 8-12 hours as needed. I know how there are a number of us who have had lousy experiences with tramadol, so I'm thinking that as long as he is resting comfortably in bed, no fidgeting, no moving around trying to get comfortable, there is no need to give him any any pain meds. I may call the clinic to make sure, but there are times I trust our group more than a vet especially this clinic. I owe them a lot as they saved Obi's life, but they are not Obi's regular vet. If we can get through the night, I can call the regular vet in the morning.

Debbie

[BestBuddy]

Hi Deb,

Glad you have Obi home in your care again. I'm not sure how this relates to dogs but I have been told by surgeon that I should be taking pain meds before I need them because they will work so much better. If you wait until there is pain it is much harder to control with drugs.

I know we don't want to give unnecessary drugs but you will have to judge when and if Obi will be needing something....darn shame they can't talk or maybe that is a good thing.:rolleyes:

Jenny

[StarDeb55]

Jenny, I, also, keep thinking of the old adage, "let sleeping dogs lie".

Debbie

[StarDeb55]

Not to gross all of you out, but the surgeon had actually saved the junk that caused the blockage. It wasn't cotton stuffing, it was probably an ear or one of the arms from the blue bear. When I found the blue bear in the house on Saturday, I wish I had paid closer attention to see exactly what was missing or not missing. All I noticed were the missing feet & threw him away. I'm sure if there was anything else stuck in Obi's GI tract, they would have found it when they had him on the table, but it does make me wonder.

Debbie

[Roxee's Dad]

Glad Obi is home where he will be comfortable :) can't comment specifically on the tram but I have been told by more than one vet that you do want them to exp some pain so they do know to take it easy and don't try getting too wild and causing damage to the affected area's. Just food for thought.

[SasAndYunah]

I sure am glad Obi is home :) I was wondering though if they said anything about Obi's feeding in the future? Whenever a significant part of the small intestines are removed, it will usually have consequences for the rest of their lives. Since the small intestines are responsable for absorbing the nutrients from their food. If a significant amount is taken out, the food will pass through the small intestines too quickly and thus the body cannot absorp the nutrients it needs. So was anything said about this and how to deal with it?

And I would keep Obi on the painmeds for now...imagine if we would have had such severe surgery, we would be in pain no doubt, so Obi is too. (remember, animals not showing signs of being in pain is certainly not a reason to assume they are not in pain) Did they also give him anti naussea meds? (very common after such surgery for the first week orso...)

As far as activities for Obi (once he has recovered) play hide and seek, dogs love it. (hide a treat and make him work and think to find it) Of course you start easy so he understands waht is expected of him... Or teach him to sniff out a trail. When you make stock, add some to a bottle and dilute it with some water..."drip" a trace through your garden and at the end leave a treat... Make some sort of agility course in your backyard, use the Nina Ottoson puzzles to keep him occupied, there's tons of things to do :)

Teach him tricks that are also benificial to you, fetching your slippers, the newspaper, finding your keys, things like that...and with a dog like Obi I would definately start clickertraining on him. He's smart, he'll catch on in no time and he'll love it! :D

Also when a dog has the tendacy to eat his stuffed toys, I would ban all stuffed toys from the house. But for now, give him a huge hug from me and let him recover, it was major surgery, he will need some time to recover fully :)

Sas :)

[StarDeb55]

Sas, they really didn't say a lot. It's basically a case of when I signed Obi out yesterday, his care has reverted back to his regular vet. I have a call in to him right now, concerning several of the issues you've raised. We don't actually see him until next Monday for suture removal & some of these questions I don't think can wait. I want to find out how important it is to continue the pain meds & for how long. When I called the ER clinic last night, the answer I got was you know your dog the best, that doesn't quite cut it. He does have Cerenia for nausea, & they want him on famotidine daily.

He is eating every time I offer him a little chicken & rice. He wasn't drinking, so I solved that problem by making the chicken & rice into more of soupy mixture with water. I did manage to get a tramadol down early this morning & the Cerenia about 2 hours ago. I just now offered him some more "soup", & he really ate with more interest than I've seen since he's been home, so I'm thinking that he might have been a little nauseated earlier, & the medicine helped that. Cerenia is given once daily. Mr. Obi is milking this for all it's worth. He does not get out of bed to come eat, of course, I would be lifting him out of bed. He expects his meals in bed, curb service, I suppose.

I'm staying home with him today, but intend to try to go to work tomorrow. I do have an E-collar for him which it looks like I'll have to use as he does try to fool with the incision occassionally. I couldn't have gone to work today anyway as sitting on the floor with him the past 2 days have really set my back on fire. I finally can go pick up my new pain meds, so hopefully that will help there.

Debbie

[lulusmom]

Hi Deb,

Sorry I missed your call. I was given Cerenia for Jasper. It's an appetite stimulant so I think between the combination of that and the Tramadol dulling the pain, Obi found his appetite. I do agree with Saskia that dogs are good at hiding pain and given the invasive nature of his surgery, I can't imagine that he is not in pain. In my opinion, the alternatives to Tramadol are even less desirable... NSAID's or Torbutrol.

I'm keeping everything crossed that your own pain meds give you some relief. You and Obi are quite the pair. :D:p:D

[StarDeb55]

This is today's last update. The little stinker is doing fine. He is eating small meals every time I offer them. I have made sure he is getting enough water by making a "soup" out of the chicken & rice. We go out to the front yard on his leash for potty breaks. It usually takes him a couple of minutes to find the perfect spot, but he does pee for me when the spot is found. He has shown absolutely no signs of any vomiting or diarrhea. In fact, when we got up this morning, there was a formed poo on the bedroom carpet which I suspect was Obi. I've been so tired since the weekend, I did not hear him get out of bed. Frankly, I don't care where he poos/pees right now, as long as he is eliminating. The interesting thing about Obi's 3 days in the hospital is that I am now certain that Chewy is the guilty party about peeing in the house. I do think Obi is responsible for the poos but right now who is doing what is low on the priority list.

Glynda, I'm not sure about Cerenia being an appetite stimulant. On the website, it says that it was developed to prevent vomiting & motion sickness in dogs.

Of course, this little party over the weekend means that I will probably not have a vacation ever again, but I'd rather have Obi, anyway. Just to think, I nearly had Chewy's cruciate repair paid off, & now, this.

Debbie

[Cyn719]

Hi Deb

So happy to that Obi is home with you. I use tramadol with Penny and she handles it fine....after she had the surgery to have the molar out Tufts told me to give the tramadol even if I didnt think she needed it for the first 3 to 5 days ...or more if needed because she will be in pain and dogs do not show pain like people do.....she also took it after her knee surgery and unfortunately I have to give it to her every night now for her arthritis so she can sleep.

What kind of problems do dogs experiences with the tramadol?

Praying for a heatly and quick recovery:)

Hugs xoxoxoxoxo

[StarDeb55]

I can only tell you my experience with Chewy after he blew his knee. Let me say that I thought what I was seeing was pain. It was the surgeon from the ER clinic, (same clinic I used for Obi), who told me that it might not be pain, that it could be the tramadol. I had given Chew the prescribed dose. He could not get comfortable. He was whining/whimpering, pacing around the house, it was just a nightmare. This surgeon did not do the knew repair, different surgeon, different clinic. Anyway, I told the 2nd surgeon what apparently happened with the tramadol, so they used something else, & Chewy did not have any problems.

Debbie

[StarDeb55]

Obi wanted me to tell all of his K9c family near & far, "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for your prayers, & well wishes. They are working fantastic!" The thanks are from Mom, also. Today, I truly see signs of the real Obi returning after such major trauma. I did put the e-collar on him when I left this morning over a couple of objections, including teeth. Well, I should have figured this would happen, when I walked in the from the garage this afternoon, Obi is right there to greet me. Of course, he wants to jump up on me, & I'm yelling, "NO, not yet, you can't do that!" I really start shaking my head as the little stinker managed to work the e-collar off. I have no way of knowing how long he had it on, but his incision looks ok, so "no harm, no foul". I'm home the next 2 days, so we can leave it off, & if he looses interest in his belly, the conehead can stay off. Both Barkley & Chewy were very savy about when they had surgery, & after a couple of no's, not to mess with incisions, that was it. I suspect Mr. Smart Aleck is going to be the same way.

I got him on his leash, out the front door for a potty break, & he's almost trying to pull on his leash. I gave a minor tug on the leash, told him, "No, we have to go slow right now". He backed off, & just took his leisurely stroll for 5 minute or so with a couple of pee stops. He has eaten every time I offer him food, he's getting no more than about 2 tbs. of the chicken/rice mixture every time. I am still putting the extra water in. I made a thorough check of the kitchen for any vomiting or diarrhea, & there was nothing, not even urine. I have finally figured out how to make the pill pockets work, I just bury a bite of chicken on one side to fool Obi, he will take it in his mouth , start chewing & we're done. The final thing that has put a smile on my face this afternoon was every time I would lean over in front of Obi's face & give him kiss, he would kiss me right back. I guess I am forgiven for 3 1/2 days of what I'm sure he viewed as a nightmare, & that Mom had abandoned him.

I did talk to the vet about his bland diet & how long. He would prefer he stay on a bland diet for about 2 weeks to give his GI tract plenty of time to heal. He was kind of indicating about moving him to Prescription Diet A/D, but I'm so anti-Hill's anything, I think I'm going to drag my feet on that unless my vet absolutely insists. The vet, also, indicated that any type of malabsorption problem shouldn't happen as he feels that there is enough small bowel left, but we're going to talk some more about that at suture removal. My vet was apologizing profusely, & I told him please don't worry about it. It was simply a horrible accident which I will do my absolute best to make sure it doesn't happen, again Everyone does need a chuckle, so here it is. When I'm finishing the call with the vet, I commented on the fact "that what would I have to do with myself, if I didn't have an ailing dog to nurse." He just died of laughter. My GP vet has been through thick & thin with me for almost 20 years with all of my dogs, so he knows where I'm coming from with the above comment.

Debbie

[Cyn719]

Deb so nice to read Obi is coming along.....he a little trooper! Hope each day is better and better!

Yes what else would we be doing if we werent taking care of our fur babies 27/7??????? We do love them don't we!!!:D

Hugs xoxo

[StarDeb55]

Today is the day that Obi has really told me he is truly on the mend. He went & found one of his old chew bones, (not a stuffed toy), & brought it to bed with him while I was getting my shower. Considering how God awful his surgery was, I'm amazed at how easy his recovery has been. He has had absolutely no vomiting, & only 1 episode of diarrhea which cleared right up. I really think he would like to be eating his kibble, but as I indicated, I think his vet wants him to remain on a bland diet for 2 weeks post op. I have been mixing in a heaping teaspoon of plain yogurt into his "soup", & he's been licking the bowl clean. I'm sure the yogurt has helped the good bacteria to come to his GI tract. Next big step, sutures come out on Monday. Monday will be day 10 post-op, & the way it was explained to me was 7-10 days post-op is the highest risk for complications. It just looks like Obi's guardian angels have been looking out for him!!:D;)

Thanks to all of you!
Debbie

[SasAndYunah]

Deb, your Obi is a remarkable little fellow :) I'm impressed how quickly and relatively easy he has bounced back from this horrible ordeal...! That incredable upbeat spirit can have its desadvantages but sure comes in handy at times like this ;) Give him a cuddle from his Dutch friends,

Sas and Mhina :)

[StarDeb55]

I thought I had done a thorough search of house & yard for babies before Obi came home. Wrong, Obi comes trotting in from outside with a really old baby hanging from his mouth!:eek::eek::rolleyes: I took it away from him & put it in the trash, telling him that the baby died, & besides your baby days are way over as of last weekend. I was putting off purchasing any new toys until he was feeling better, guess I'm going to be doing that sooner than I thought. Even more important, I guess I'm going to be making another search of the yard for any other hidden treasures.

Debbie

[addy]

Deb I am so glad Obi is doing so well. I forgot about a hard toy called Gough nuts I think, made in USA and if they chew threw it you get a free one. They come in round or long. I got Zoe the round one, she would have liked the long one instead. They are pricey but may be worth it if they last a long time.

Go OBI!!!!!!

I hope your back is holding out.

http://www.goughnuts.com/

love,
addy

[StarDeb55]

Thanks, Addy! The monster man gets his stitches out on Monday & I have a number of things to discuss with the vet, including safe toys. The ones you posted look great. Even better there's a pet supply store in Mesa, AZ about 20 miles from me that I go get them. Saves ordering on-line.

I guess those stitches must be starting to itch as I've had to keep after Obi all afternoon to leave his belly alone. He does stop when I get after him. He is truly back to being Obi as one of his favorite things to do is get up on the arm rest of the sofa where I'm sitting to watch TV, & flake out. He did that for the first time this afternoon.

Debbie

[mytil]

That sounds really good Debbie - I am so very glad he is feeling much better and is getting back to his old self. I know it is a relief to you too.

T.

[StarDeb55]

One final update on the current travails with Obi. He's absolutely fine. This whole trauma was a very tiny bump in the road for him. I can't say that it was tiny bump in the road for Mom's wallet, but whatever. My regular vet does want Obi on canned I/D food until the end of next month, to make absolutely sure his GI tract has plenty of time to heal. He doesn't want him eating kibble right now as his concern is that it may be too irritating to the surgical area. Obi thinks he's special because he's getting canned food. I had their supper just about ready, & had to go get a load of clothes out of my dryer. Mr. Impatient is now sitting in the kitchen, barking at me, to get back in there, & put those food bowls down. I mind well, & do what I'm told.:p:D:rolleyes:

Debbie

[addy]

Lol Deb, I am glad Obi has trained you well. :D:D:D

So glad it all turned out well for the little one. He is a strong little bugger:D:D:D:D Did you ever do a DNA test? I got a test for Koko for my birthday a few years ago. Then the entire family wrote down their guesses and we put them in a drawer and had a"open the envelope" party in his honor. It was fun!!!!! One of the best birthday presents I ever had!!!!!

I hope your back is holding out.

love,
addy

[Bailey's Mom]

Yay Obi!!!! Keep getting better.

I did a dna test on Bailey........it came back with one of his parents but not the other.
Hmmmmm.

Susan

[lulusmom]

I thought of Obi when I saw this.

653

[StarDeb55]

:D;):rolleyes::eek::eek::D

[Cyn719]

Deb

Just read through the posts I missed...so glad this was only a bump in the road or him! Glad he is recovering fine...way to go Obi....be careful what you chew:D

Hugs xoxo

[StarDeb55]

Since Susan asked about Obi on Chew's thread, here's an update. We had to make a trip to the ER clinic Friday night as he had impacted poo over his bottom to the point that he was trying to poo earlier in the living room, couldn't, & was crying/whining. I had made an appointment to get him to the regular vet right after work on Saturday, but when I saw the above, decided it couldn't wait. After the bowel obstruction in March, I didn't want to risk another serious problem developing in his GI tract from not being able to poo.

The ER clinic cleaned up his bottom. He did get put on Clavamox for a week as his bottom was pretty sore/irritated. I put him on canned pumpkin on Sunday night as I had seen no evidence that he had a successful BM. That problem was solved this morning. He acts fine, still going at warp speed, so this is a small bump.

This is partially my fault as he is late for his bath/grooming. I had taken him to the groomer at my vet about 7 weeks ago. I found out about 3 weeks ago that this groomer blew her back out so bad, her doc told her she had to quit grooming, no exceptions. I was hoping that his vet would luck out & hire a new groomer quickly, but no luck. I had made an appointment at the clinic my vet is referring to for grooming for today, but in light of what happened Fri. night, the ER vet said to postpone the groom for a week or so to let his bottom calm down.

Life with Obi, it's alway interesting.

Debbie

[Altira]

I was trying to think of something funny to say about intersting butts but failed... Did you know that when a husky "blows their coat" some people refer to it as a "bunny rabbit massacre"!

[Bo's Mom]

Debbie,
You keep letting dear Obi keep life interesting....I LOVE IT!!!

[StarDeb55]

Hello, everyone! Obi says, Hi, from me too! We both are doing fine. I think Obi has really adjusted to being the "man of the house" now. Now, that he is my one & only, it confirmed what I suspected for a long time as to who was soiling in the house, & let's just say it wasn't Obi. Obi will occassionally poo in the house, but he simply doesn't piddle in the house.

I bought an exercise bike per the instructions of my ortho doc who feels that it will help my hip. I've been trying to use it 4-5 times per week, but haven't got there quite yet. Obi is rather funny as he watches me climb up on the bike with a rather comical expression on his face, like, "Mom, what in the blazes are you doing on that thing?" He will then just crash on the floor by the bike, watching me until I'm done.

I did have a bit of a scare this AM when I took him out when I got up at 3AM. (Yes, I know it's an obscene hour, but I have to be at work at 5). We go about a half a block to give Obi plenty of time to potty before he gets shut up for the day. By now, he has his favorite bushes, light poles, etc. that he has to sniff. We had crossed to the other side of the street, he walked up to one of his "spots", all of a sudden squealed, & literally jumped away from the bush as far as he could get. He ran me into the middle of the street. He was trying to get to his left rear paw, & was whining, licking like crazy. I got him back in the house, we were only about 3 doors away. He really is acting like his left paw is very sore, & doesn't want to walk on it. Considering where I live, I will almost bet that he got nailed by a scorpion. I "googled" really fast, & there's not a lot you can do, maybe ice the affected area, & give Benadryl. I have to leave for work so I'm kind of stuck between a rock & a hard place. I kept an eye on him while I was getting dressed, the only thing he was doing was panting badly, & working on that paw. I had to head to work, but I kept my fingers crossed. Well, Mr. Resilient or Mr. Double Trouble is fine tonight. He's not even working on that paw.

Both of us hope that everyone is doing well.

Debbie & Obi

[molly muffin]

Well that was quite the scare. Keeping you on your toes is Obi.
I have to say, he has the longest legs, it's amazing! :)

hugs and glad all is well,

Sharlene

[labblab]

Debbie, it's great to hear from you! Gosh, poor Obi and his poor paw. But at least it sounds as though whatever was the problem was short-lived.

Good luck with the exercise bike (I HATE exercise equipment, so I have given up on buying anything myself :o). But I know you'll do anything if it helps your hip pain.

Please give Obi a big pat for me, and keep us updated.
Marianne

[Bo's Mom]

Debbie,
It sure sounds like Obi took my last advice and is keeping life interesting. I am glad that the paw issue was short-lived. Good to hear from you again.

[Roxee's Dad]

Hi Debbie,
Great to hear from you :) and glad to hear Mr. Double Trouble is doing fine. :)

[mytil]

Glad things turned out ok --- how horrible, a scorpion!? creepy...

I thought we had it bad with wood spiders.

[Bailey's Mom]

Hi Debbie-

Great to hear from you!!

I'm glad you waited until evening to report in. Poor Obi. Now when he walks, is he avoiding that spot or is it just like it never happened? Poor little fella.

When we bought the exercise bike for my knees, my husband told everyone we bought another piece of furniture to hang clothes on. :( So far he's more right than wrong about that. :(:(

-Susan

[StarDeb55]

Susan, I really haven't taken Obi by that bush, yet. I've been off since Thurs., so the routine is that we just go to the trees in the front yard, & walk between the 3 trees until Obi decides which tree he's going to "salute". I take him out about every 4 hours or so, & it's so hot, he really doesn't fool around much, takes care of what he needs to do, & we both head for the house. I'm back to work in the morning, so we will have our early morning "walk around". I'm kind of curious to see how he responds when he gets close to that bush. If it was a scorpion sting, all I can say is he must not have been envenomated very much, since he was fine by afternoon, & has shown no lingering effects.

You get used to the darn things when you live where I do. I have to pull a couple of them out of the house every year. I will see them in the garage, & think I will leave you alone, but just STAY OUT OF THE HOUSE!! You can black light any cinder block wall in this town at night, & probably find bark scorpions. I will kill them if I have to, but they keep the more annoying pests at bay such as roaches, & crickets. The only time I got the daylights scared out of me was a few years ago when I got home from work. I let the dogs out of the pen in the living room & was herding them to the dog door to the yard. I just happened to look on the wall right above the dog door, & here's a scorpion clinging to the wall. I freaked, started yelling at the dogs to get away from the door, got them out of the way, then got rid of the scorpion.

Debbie

[StarDeb55]

It really is scorpion season, now. I had pulled my shorts off to lay down for awhile this afternoon, just dropped them on the floor by the bed. I got up about 3, reached for my shorts, stuck my right leg in them, & felt the sting immediately. I jerked the shorts off, & here's the little jerk crawling up the outside of the shorts. I knocked him off on the tile, then used one of my sandals to send him to scorpion heaven. The sting is about 2 inches below my right knee. It feels like someone is jabbing a live electrical wire into my leg, but the pain is pretty localized to about a 2 inch diameter area around the sting.

I've called poison control, & basically have already done what they suggested. I had to go to the store to pick up Benadryl & an ice pack. Took 2 Bendaryls when I got home, & am waiting for the ice pack to freeze so I can start numbing my leg. Guess that will teach me to leave clothes on the floor, or at least shake them out before I put them on.

Debbie

[molly muffin]

UGH! That doesn't sound pleasant at all! Take care of yourself!

hugs,
Sharlene

[StarDeb55]

Obi hasn't had an update in a bit, so here goes.

I think I may have finally found a groomer that appears to meet my expectations. Obi is going at 1PM.

http://www.cagefreegrooming.com/

Speaking of the monster, I finally broke down & took him to the vet about the foot licking/chewing. His left foot is definitely very red, but the odd thing about it is, the redness is just between his toes, & not on his pads. He had been working on the right rear some, not nearly as much as the left. It's slightly red/irritated. My vet thinks that Obi decided that since his left paw was bothering him, "What the hell, I might as work on the right one, too." Anyway, he is on Temaril-P twice a day for 2 weeks, but the vet said if I see a noticeable improvement by the middle of next week, I can probably start tapering the dose to once a day. Well, I may be able to do it sooner than that. After one dose at supper, there was absolutely no licking/chewing when we went to bed. Usually that is when he's driving me crazy with it, & I have to keep after him to quit. He ended up at the groomer today because he's done so much licking on the foot that the fur is all matted between the toes, & the vet strongly suggested that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later as the mats keep the irritation going.

Deb

[StarDeb55]

I have a very surprising update for Obi. About 3 weeks ago, I had to work about 5 hours on my day off. I told Obi that as an experiment, I would not gate him in the kitchen, & if he did ok, no messes in the main part of the house, I would consider letting him stay out while I'm at work. I thought this was worth a try as I had seen Obi using the dog door to the backyard on his own for a couple of weeks. Here we are about a month later, & Obi has only pooped in the house twice, & pee'd only once. I am now convinced that his accidents in the house were simply because of Chewy having lost his house training, & this was simply a case of "monkey see, monkey do". We did have a couple of days of back sliding as Obi got put on Temaril P for all of that paw licking/chewing. I knew the prednisone was the problem, & finally got fed up, stopping the Temaril when I took him out on a work morning. He pees like 3 times in the 10 minutes were out. I get my shower & get dressed, go to the front, & here Obi has pee'd up in the corner of living room, it ran into the grout, & was everywhere. I had to clean up the whole corner of the living room before I could leave. Once I stopped the Temaril, the accidents stopped, & he has had none since then. I think he's happier that he's not cooped up in that kitchen all day. I know I feel better about leaving him alone. I do shut my bedroom door when I leave as the monster could wreak absolute havoc in my room on his own.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Debbie

[Roxee's Dad]

Great news Debbie.... I am sure he is much happier as are you :)

[Bo's Mom]

Yeah for Obi!!!! Keep the updates coming.

[addy]

Happy Thanksgiving, Deb!!!!

I am so glad you have been able to figure things out for Obi. I bet he loves being free. Hopefully he will continue to be a good boy for you.

Have a wonderful turkey day!!!

[StarDeb55]

I'm in a quandry of what to do to break Obi of his very bad habit of picking up anything & everything in his mouth. Frequently, he will chew it up & swallow it, especially if it's bits of paper. He knows he's not supposed to do this as when I get after him, he takes off. Now, it turns in to a big game as he wants me to play chase. I don't buy into it most of the time, but if I don't try he simply will eat what he has in his mouth. A couple of weeks ago when I got home from work, I noticed he kept picking up something off the tile by the front door. I forcefully told him to drop it which he actually did. This is when I FREAKED OUT:eek::mad:, IT WAS A DEAD SCORPION!!! I kept trying to grab a paper towel to pick it up to dispose of it, but every time I stepped away my fool dog kept trying to pick it up. I absolutely know it was dead, but if Obi gets the idea that this things are toys, & he picks up a live one, I'm afraid the consequences might be fatal. All of us know what trouble he got into last spring when he ate the toy.

I have always described Obi as being pretty "mouthy", but it's almost imperative that I help him to break the habit.

Debbie

[frijole]

Holy crap that is scary Deb. I am hoping Saskia sees this! Wish I had a clue but I don't. No doubt others are better trainers than I. Kim

[StarDeb55]

Kim, I already PM'd Sas, so I will probably see her response in the AM.

Debbie

[SasAndYunah]

Yikes, scorpio's...dead or alive, aren't a good thing. Deb unfortunately this one of the most difficult behaviours to "manage" and one of the most (potentially) dangerous behaviours as well. Well, I don't have to tell you this...you already know that.

Let me start with some "general" advise...this wont solve your problem but still is important to know and usefull to include in your every day life. Is there a specific chewing toy that's Obi's favorite? If so, start paying attention to Obi and whenever he's using his fav chewing toy, reward him with a treat and praise and some playtime with it. This way Obi will start to recognize that using that specific toy will get him good things :) (we so often just forget to praise them for all the good things they do throughout the day) Don't try and get Obi to use it...but whenever he uses it all by himself, spontaneously, brings it over to you, carries it around, chews on it, praise, reward, play with Obi. He could start making a "game" out of this as well , once he understands the concept,(bringing you that toy over and over again to get a treat, praise..) but for this specific reason, let him. Normally we wouldn't want to encourage behaviour where the dog tries to "manipulate" you, but in this case it's fine. (everything is better than him getting stung by a scorpio)
Another thing that you can do is to keep working on the "drop it" or preferably one step before that, the "don't touch". For example, Mhina does a pretty good "don't touch" but from time to time I set up a situation (therefore it's controlled and easier to manage) where she gets incredably challenged. So that hopefully, when we enter an unsuspected situation in real life that's very challenging for her, she still will obey. So, always keep practising...

But these things won't help you now and right away to keep Obi safe. Unfortunately there are only 3 things that will keep him safe and none are very "friendly" I'm afraid.

The first thing would be to not leave him unsupervised but that's unrealistic in real life....
The second thing is to have Obi wear a muzzle whenever he's outside in the garden. This is not a really bad option actually. It is a bad option for a dog that has to interact with other dogs like for example in a dogpark. But it is only partially "safe"...it just prevents Obi from tgrabbing something with his mouth, it won't prevent him getting stung for example if he wants to "play" with a scorpio, touching it with his foot and things like that.
The third option would be a remote controlled spray collar. And again, I am not at all in favor of those but if you have to choose between two bad things, in my opinion the spray collar is the least bad thing of the two.

I'm not sure if you are familiar with a spray collar? It works like a shock collar except the dog doesn't receive a shock but a "spray"...(it's basically the "pfffffffftttt" sound that will throw the dog of guard and make it stop whatever it is doing) Now there are 2 kinds of sprays that can be used for these collars ans usually people/trainers will tell you they both are harmless. In my personal opinion, I do oppose against the scented spray, the citronella one, because I personally feel that one is "cruel". The dog will associate the "spray-sound" and in the case of the citronella spray, also the citronella scent with something bad/punishment. And since the scent will remain for a while, the dog could become fearfull because the scent of the "punishment" is still there, even when the dog doesn't do anything "wrong". So if you would decide to use a spray collar, please use the unscented spray.
And of course, with the collar you need to train. It's not an easy fix. The most wonderful solution would be if you could use actual scorpio's to practise. Like the dead one for example...but they last only so long, I get that. Are there none poisonous scorpio's? Is there a wildlife rehab or something like that where you could actually go with Obi and thrain the "don't touch" with real scorpio's? (controlled)

Anyway, so far some ideas of how to deal with this issue. Perhaps you can talk with your vet about it as well...ask him what he would suggest? Even have some antidote at your house just in case? I don't normally deal with scorpio's and am not sure how people who live in scorpio territory deal with it :)

If anything else comes to mind, I will let you know of course,

Sas and Mhina :)

[labblab]

Hi Deb,

I will rely on Sas to totally "nix" what I'm going to say here if she thinks it is really poor advice :o. But for better or worse, here's a strategy that has helped me with Peg, although I freely admit that I am reinforcing "bad" behavior with my actions. What I'm going to tell you definitely won't work in the case of something like a scorpion that you don't want Obie to pick up in the first place. But if you see that he already has something in his mouth and you want to safely retrieve it, here's my feeble suggestion.

Peg has always been super-mouthy, too, and will end up eating any stray piece of paper that she can scavage if it has dropped on the floor or has been left on a low table. She has chewed up bills and other important mail/papers that way in addition to countless paper napkins. Also, and much more worrisome, she periodically uncovers all kinds of debris in our yard that was apparently buried when the house was built -- stuff as dangerous as large nails and sharp pieces of siding or shingles. The first time I saw her with a nail in her mouth, I nearly fainted. My first instinct was to approach her to try to grab it, but I didn't want her to run away with it, or worse, swallow it! So instead, I tried to calmly go and get a treat and and then cheerfully approached her with the treat in my hand. I said "trade you," and offered her the treat in exchange for the nail. She was very happy to drop the nail in exchange for the treat. And now I do the very same thing if I see she has picked up anything in her mouth that I don't want her to have, including a napkin, etc.

I freely admit I have created a monster, because she often now returns from the yard with a nice leaf or stick to trade, just to earn herself a treat. She is such a chowhound that one single kibble is enough to please her and prompt the exchange. And as I say, I know fully well that I am totally reinforcing what would technically be unwanted behavior. But now, no matter what she has in her mouth from outside, I will cheerfully "trade her" for it. 99 times out of 100 it is a leaf. But on the 100th time, it will be a nail or debris, and I am weak from relief that she has brought it in to present to me!

Marianne

[SasAndYunah]

Marianne,

that's perfectly okay :) Safety before anything else...forget "the rules", keep the dog safe, I agree :)

Chasing the dog is always a bad decission since that will turn it into a game...a game you will never win of the dog. Trading is great if you notice what is going on. But if you want to prevent such things from happening (as best as possible) that's a real struggle. And as I said, a muzzle or never letting the dog unattended out in the yard would be the best way to achieve that. But with creepy critters like snakes, spiders, scorpio's...a muzzle won't protect them from getting bitten/stung anywhere else in their body...so you preferably would want to teach the dog to leave those alone, not to hold them in their mouths. But once they do, your "trade-tric" is perfect ;)

I once read somewhere that (in the USA) in a certain area with lots of poisonous snakes, they would train dogs to leave snakes alone with shock collars. I do not, ever, believe that shock collars should be used, as a matter of fact, they are forbidden here. But, and eventhough I don't like the spray collars either (they are based on "punishment") I could imagine that in a very specific case where the dog's life was at stake, that a few, short sessions with the spray collar (if used with the neutral spray, not the scented one) could be in the benefit of the dog...eventhough that sounds strange.

If a person has the time and the energy to spent, I can also imagine a technique where you would train a dog to "alarm" you whenever it sees a scorpio (or a snake...) Kind of like a bombdetectiondog... But these things take time, effort and knowledge and won't be effective immediately. So the question is, how to keep the dog safe in the meantime...at least, that is how I understood it :)

I think personally I would go for the "only supervised trips in the yard" (or create a scorpio free area in the yard, if that is possible..?) and in the meantime train the dog to "alert" me whenever it sees a scorpio. But then again, I am home all day and could afford taking that road, timewise and knowledgewise.

I asked Deb to ask her vet...because I am very curious how such things are being handled. And in area's with scorpio's, there should be some experience with these kind of things.

Sas and Mhina :)

[StarDeb55]

Thanks, Sas & Marianne! I have kind of tried the "trade you" idea, but with one of Obi's toys. He is too smart. He looks at me like, "Whatever, I know you want what I've got, & I'm not giving it up for no stinking toy." I pretty sure treats will be way more effective.

In expanding on the scorpion side of this issue, I'm sure I have them in the yard as my backyard is surrounded by a cinder block wall. It's common knowledge in the Phoenix area that you can pretty much take a blacklight out at night, light cinder block walls, & find the little devils pretty much anywhere. I'm having a problem with them being in the house, & that's where Obi is finding them. I'm now on regularly scheduled exterminator services, after being stung twice in 3 weeks in the summer in the house, but am still finding about 1 per month in the house. Unfortunately, the great majority of scorpions in my area are bark scorpions which are poisonous, so I don't really have anyway to get a non-poisonous variety

Just to show you how bad Obi is, I always take him out to the front on his leash when I get home from work for a few minutes. We were coming back to the front door, I saw him stop & pick up something off the sidewalk. I stopped him, & popped his mouth open, he has a leaf from this little succulent shrub I have by the front door laying on this tongue. I brushed it out of his mouth, & told him to get inside. Fortunately, he doesn't seem to get upset when I pry his mouth open to check to see what's in his mouth, so I'm at least grateful for that. I have to make sure that I keep the chair at my computer desk pushed forward or the busybody will hop up in the chair, look over the paper work on my desk, & take anything that looks interesting. Yes, I know the drill all to well about important papers being shredded by doggie teeth.

Last but not least, I did want to talk about "snake proofing". Years ago when I lived in Albuquerque, I had a miniature poodle, Chip, he was another smart little devil. I got the big idea that we were going to go to "dog school". I signed us up, & during one of the lessons that started "snake proofing" the dogs in the class. They brought out a rather large bullsnake, explained that the bullsnake would act just like a rattler. He would coil up, hiss, & strike, but just couldn't rattle. So everyone was to walk their dog up towards the snake, to see if they would react, or encourage them react. Most all of the dogs got close to this snake, & would literally go nuts, barking, & raising a big stink. This is what the trainer was aiming for, so if you were ever out hiking, came across a rattler, your dog would alert. It's, now, time for me & Chip to approach the snake. I don't know if Chip didn't see the snake, had no clue what it was, or what. Anyway, Chip literally walks right over the top of this bullsnake, the bullsnake strikes toward Chip's belly, Chip must have jumped about 3 feet straight up in the air, & comes down, running over to me, crying & carrying on like someone tried to kill him. Everyone else in the class is about rolling on the floor, they thought it was so hysterical. I was so embarrassed, that Chip & I never went back. I thought what the heck, we'll never go out hiking anyway, so who need the stupid snake proofing.

Forgot one thing, my best friend at work has 2 beagles. The male did pick a live scorpion up in his mouth & was apparently stung. He acted like his mouth was very sore. They watched him very carefully, & he was fine by morning. My friend says that anytime Homer finds a scorpion anywhere in the house or yards, he starts alerting like crazy, until one of his people comes to see what's going on. Actually, both beagles had a rattlesnake trapped in between the 2 of them on their back patio about 6 months ago. It was pretty late at night, the dogs were raising a stink, my friend had gone to bed, & couldn't get to sleep because of the fuss the dogs were creating. She goes downstairs, opens the patio door, & starts telling both dogs to knock it off, & get in the house. They don't quit, so my friend turns on the patio light, goes out to see what the problem is, & sees the rattler in between the 2 dogs. Now, my friend is screaming like a banshee for her husband. I don't remember if she or her husband got the shovel, but that was the end of one rattlesnake.

Deb

[molly muffin]

LOL Deb, cracking up at poor Chip in the snake session.

I have to tell you, Molly will pick up anything and everything that she shouldn't and won't give it up either. So, I've gone down the same road as Marianne and we do exchange for treat. She'll swallow something rather than give it up, so I really try to make sure there is nothing at all on the floor ever, for her to get. It's a pain, but I don't trust her one bit. Luckily no scorpions because that is really scary. :(

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[addy]

Geez Deb, and I only have snow and ice to worry about. I sure am glad poison spiders are not on my list!!!! I would be hysterical.

Boy, if that isnt my Koko! Always something in his mouth. I spent two years working on clicker training on walks trying to teach him not to pick up anything and EAT it:eek:

A few things I found for him: I clicked to teach a strong drop it and a leave it command. I also noticed that part of the reason he goes after stuff is if he gets to stimulated by a squirrel, rabbit, another dog, he gets frustrated and then runs around trying to find something to pick up in his mouth. I also noticed that I could not take him on long walks but more frequent short walks worked better as he could not concentrate for long periods of time.

I also had to teach him to check in with me more often which we did with the clicker and taught him to sit nicely to watch squirrels, etc.

He is not 100% but he is much better but boy, I have to reinforce all the time and it was and still is a lot of work.:rolleyes::rolleyes:

A muzzle would be faster for sure.

[Bailey's Mom]

Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years!!!!!!!
May all of your Christmas wishes come true...
May we all stay away from any and all cliffs,
Peace and Joy to all!
-Susan

[molly muffin]

Hey Deb! Merry Christmas and a joyful, nonspider related holiday season!!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[StarDeb55]

Monster man hasn't had an update in a long time, so here we go.

Obi is Obi. He heads to the vet for his yearly checkup next week. The worst problem I have with him is still his "mouthiness". If I don't pickup every little scrap of paper or whatever, he will grab it & chew it up. I've got to make sure that I have nothing on my bedside table that he might find remotely interesting or he will get at the edge of the bed, step onto the table, & help himself. He has figured out that the best shot he has to get into mischief is the 8-9 minutes that I'm in the shower. For instance, this morning I get out of shower, walk around to the side of the bed, & he's dumped the garbage can in that corner. I'm going to talk to the vet about his previous history of urine crystals, & see if he feels that a cysto is needed to check a UA & possible culture. Obi has had no problems with incontinence in a very long time. He has gotten much better in the house training area, not 100% probably 95%. The times he has a problem seems to be when there's a change in the routine. For instance, when I left for the dentist yesterday morning, I had to shut him in the kitchen as my yard guy was due, & I didn't want Obi shooting into the backyard to pester Mike, along with risk of him taking off through the back gate while Mike was going in & out. I didn't think about him having any accidents in the kitchen, but I found a poo in the corner of the kitchen this afternoon that was old. I know, now, that a large part of Obi's house training issues his first year with me was because of Chewy. Chewy had gotten so bad about soiling in the house, that I think Obi just thought, "If that other dog can do it, than it must be ok." Anyway, if the vet doesn't think a UA is really needed, I will seriously considering moving Obi off the Royal Canin urinary SO kibble to a better quality food.

That's about all I know.

Deb

[molly muffin]

Hi Deb, how wonderful to see you back. Obi adventures indeed. So glad he's gotten better with the house training. What a great guy he is.
Molly has been on that Medi-Cal SO for a long time. Do you find that Obi drinks less when you try to take him off it? I've had a hard time getting Molly off because then her water intake goes down and the crystals come back. Very frustrating.
I'm beyond thrilled to see you again. :)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

[addy]

Hey Deb,

Thanks for giving us an Obi update. I get the biggest kick out of his antics though I know you pull your hair out over them:):):) It reminds me of the grandma that thinks everything the grandkids do is cute because she dont have to put up with it.;):D

You are probably right about routine. I know my two get all messed up when theirs change.

Glad to hear from you!!!!

[StarDeb55]

This update is for both Obi & Pippin.
When Pip started growing his hair back after his last groom about 8 weeks ago, the hair on his body has grown back a light tan color. His head & tail are still white. I'm thinking that maybe he has either a recessive apricot or chocolate gene somewhere. I know that poodle puppies will change color as they get older as one of my aunts used to raise poodles. She always told me that her silver poodles were born black, then the color changed as they got older. I thought she was pulling my leg, but finally got to see this happen in one of her puppies, but does an older dog change color like this? I've been asking Pip that whoever did his "dye job" forgot to take care of his head & tail.

Obi & I had an argument last Thurs. evening. He was trying to "disembowel" a stuffed toy. I use my left hand to grab his collar & jerk him away, thinking he will drop the toy. Well, I was partially right, he dropped the toy, but went after me. He didn't like me trying to get his toy AT ALL! Fortunately, I moved away fast enough that he never broke the skin, but left forearm is pretty badly bruised. Next time, I guess I'll work a trade, "here's a nice treat for you, if I can have your toy."
Speaking of mouthy, both of them have gotten into the habit of trying to eat the dead leaves when I take them out in the front yard. It's a constant battle to stop them, including pulling leaves out of their mouths. I know I'm not successful all the time, as some of the poos I've seen can be kind of strange looking.

Hope this finds everyone well.

Debbie

[Budsters Mom]

Hi Debbie,
Thanks for the update. That's toy thing is downright scary!:eek::eek: Please be extra cautious from now on.

Pip changing colors is very interesting. Buddy's (my angel yorkie) black hair grew back silver after one of his grooms. His dark brown parts grew back light tan. It's odd when that happens, but rather fascinating too.:p

When you figure out how to stop your fur babies from eating leaves, please let me know A.S.A.P. I have a constant battle with my little Rosie picking up and eating anything and everything. She even tried to eat her own hair when she was groomed. I had to stop every few minutes to pull hair out of her mouth. :o:eek: xxxxx

[StarDeb55]

Hi, Kathy! Believe me, I already know the dangers of stuffed toy ingestion. 3 months after I got him, Obi ate 2 of the limbs off of one his toys, & ingested a lot of the stuffing, too. He had actually thrown up the feet, but ended up in surgery for a bowel obstruction, losing a fairly good size piece of his bowel. I know this danger very, very well, unfortunately.

Debbie

[mcdavis]

Cairn terriers change colour throughout their lives - I think it's because of the brindle gene so when you look closely at their fur a single hair may be 2 or more different colours. That may be the same with poodles, although ours was white his entire life.
My previous cairn was black as a puppy then went red when he was around 4, then lightened to cream retaining the red stripe down his back around 8 and was very pale cream by the time he was 12 (and constantly mistaken for a westie).
My current cairn is red but lightening a bit already, although the breeder expects him to be charcoal by the time he's 3.
They say if you own a cairn you have to remember to update their KC records (and any lost / found databases) with the colour changes ;)

When it comes to toys etc. we try trading as Henry always seems to know when he's eating something he shouldn't, but being a terrier any attempt to take it from him results in a chase during which he often swallows the item, and we occasionally manage to identify it at a later date :D

[molly muffin]

Great to hear from you Deb.

We do the trade thing here too as Molly will really go for you if you try to remove something from her. Not so much toy's since she doesn't tear those up, but a rawhide, she will take your arm off (she isn't allowed to have anything like that any longer) That and she can choke of them and is a royal idiot.

Papertowls though, trade 1/2 a treat for a papertowl or some other object she has and is going to town on.

That is really interesting about the color changes. I wonder if then after the next groom it will change again. hmm..

Don't be a stranger! We love to hear what the gang is up to. :)
hugs,
sharlene and molly muffin

[StarDeb55]

Well, Mr. Obi has had another round of GI upset starting at the end of last week. He refused supper last Thurs. night, didn't eat all day on Fri. He was vomiting off/on, & the one time I caught it. It was very mucoid & full of grass. He was still drinking so I wasn't terribly alarmed, yet.

I did remember that the vet had told me, along with a number of postings on this board that they can have Pepcid. i picked some up on my way home Sat., gave him one, & put in a call to the vet, as my crazy man hadn't eaten in 36 hours. Well, by the time the vet called back, I could tell Obi felt a lot better. I was given instructions to feed him a bland diet, Pepcid daily, & Kaopectate, if needed for vomiting. As a side note, PeptoBismol has fallen out of favor because of the sulfasalycilic acid that is one its components. Vet said to feed him like 1 tbsp of bland food, if he keeps that down, then he can have a little more. We were doing good until about 7PM. I was on the computer waiting for the dryer to stop, Obi was laying on the bed. I turned around & found a good size spot on the mattress pad that certainly looked like bloody diarrhea to me. I told Obi, "You've convinced me, I guess we're going to the ER clinic." With his history of foreign body ingestion & a bowel obstruction, I'm not about to risk another one.

The x-rays at the ER clinic were inconclusive, the radiologist could not absolutely rule out an obstruction, but what I saw was not as obvious as the films when he was sick 2 years ago. I mean that obstruction was so bad, a child could have picked it out on the films. They sent us home with metronidazole, sulcrate, & ID dog food.

I paid for 5 films, so they told me I could bring him back in on sunday for a recheck, with films at no charge. When I got home, he met me at the door was bouncing off the walls, so I told him, "Good, we're not going back to the ER." I did a big no no, though, I stopped the metronidazole after only 3 days, supposed to have been 5. Basically, he seems to feel fine, but we went to the regular vet today as Obi was overdue for vaccines. The one thing that was bothering me about this GI issue is that his stools are really not formed yet, soft serve ice cream in consistency, along with the fact that he is probably pooping double the amount that he usually does. The vet went ahead & drew blood for a Wellness panel to make sure that there's nothing out of whack with liver or kidneys. Put him back on ID canned for five days, & wants me to pick up some type of lactobacillus supplement to try to repopulate his normal gut flora. The vet thinks that even though he feels better that something is still going on in his GI tract that is causing him to not really digest his food which is causing the increased volume of his stools.

Now, here's a chuckle for everyone. Obi really also needed a fecal done, & considering what's been going on, that was probably a good idea. We had walked over to the shelves were the food is kept, I turned around & came back. How very considerate, & thoughtful of Obi to have left a sample just inside the front door. I laughed & said at least I don't have to go following a dog around the yard. I even offered to pick it up if they would give me a sample cup, but the girls were "No, no, we'll take care of it".

Should know more by Saturday at the latest.

Debbie & the monster, aka Obi

[Bailey's Mom]

Hi Debbie-sorry Obi is under the weather. Let us know what the vet/tests showed.

[StarDeb55]

Obi's labs are all normal. I will pick up copies tomorrow as I always like to review them myself. He acts like he feels ok, but he did jump up about 2AM & run outside. I will bet anything he had to vomit, but I'm not taking a flashlight out to check. Obi just doesn't get up at night unless he's sick or he thinks the mad rapist of Chandler is breaking in, & he has to play guard dog. When he came back in, I noticed that his tummy was just rumbling & grumbling, so he got another Pepcid.

After talking to the vet, & telling him about last night's episode. I'm to restart the flagyl for 5 days, (I had to swear an oath that he would get all five days), back on ID canned food for five days, & a daily Pepcid for the immediate future. The one thing I have noticed with Obi even before this GI upset, is that he seems to have the "burps" a lot. I told the vet this and asked if dogs can develop reflux. He said they can, but it's not usually as bad as people. He, also, said that reflux could be a contributing factor to the GI upset.

Don't have the fecal exam report back yet, but I'm pretty confident that it will be negative.

That's all I know.

Debbie & Obi

[addy]

Sorry to read about Obi. Dietary indiscretion can cause GI upset so we do have to wonder about our little boy,Obi.:):)

Deb, Zoe's tests were always normal in the beginning as well but she never vomited, just the bad stool though never bloody. Funny thing is, a local vet thought Zoe had helicobactor infection and a few years later when the IMS scoped her and did biopsies, sure enough, that was part of her diagnosis.


Let us know how things are going,ok?