Jasper (12 yr old Mini Schnauzer) is now at peace

Thanks Kim, and thanks so much for telling me about the pooch pads! Yesterday while I was at work he used them for the first time. His aim needs a bit of work, but hopefully that will improve with time! :D Today he didn't use the pooch pads but went on the blanket that I put on the floor for him. No matter, at least he is peeing instead of trying to hold it all day. I really hope that he will just get used that and learn that it is ok to use those pads while I am gone at work. So far so good, 2 days in a row.

Tina and Jasper

Hurray! I learned about them from someone on this forum! That is great news. Poor little guy. Great invention though huh? I had the paper like ones and didn't like using them. These are real convenient.

Yeah, I have some of those disposable ones left from before my puppy Shelby was house trained. I put a couple of those down the first day I tried him in the kitchen. All he did was scratch and scruff them up almost into a ball. They were useless for Shelby also, she would tear them up after just a few minutes and tried to eat them. The pooch pads are much better. I am lucky that Jasper still squats like a girl. Not sure how well anything would work if he lifted his leg like a normal boy, lol. :p. :D

Tina

:D:D:D:D:D Oh the visual. You'd have to tape them to the wall or furniture! :D:D:D:D:D

No doubt. I would have to cover a lot of area!! I have never cared that he never learned to lift his leg, it was always kind of a relief actually. And now I am really thankful! :) :)

I talked to my vet yesterday and gave her a full update on Jasper. He is doing pretty well overall, other than continuing with some hesitation when eating at times. Sometimes he will walk away from the bowl for a second or two but then returns and finishes. I am still mixing about 2 tablespoons or so of the canned prescription diet with his regular portion of food so he will eat. The vet doesn't seem too concerned about this for now.

I have a refill of the metronidazole on hand in case the colitis flares up, but have not needed to restart it this point. Yay!! She said we will keep things the same for the weekend and she will check in with me on Monday. If he continues to do well, the plan is to start to taper down the prednisone. She said she did not want to do that on the weekend. I told her I was nervous about that, actually I am quite scared. She reassured that we would do it slowly and said that the dose he is getting now (5mg once a day) is higher than the dose he would need if he had addisons. So I guess that is somewhat reassuring as far as trying to decrease the dose. I am still scared though because he seems to be feeling pretty good now. I think I am just gun-shy because he was so incredibly sick a couple weeks ago.

Jasper has had a pretty good day today, and I am so grateful. I would say it is the first really good day he has had since he was so sick. Hopefully we have turned the corner now!

I will update again after I find out what the plan is on Monday. I hope everyone and their pups are having a good weekend!

Hugs,

Tina and Jasper

Great update. Keep up the good work and know we are all behind you guys! Kim

TIna, I am so happy to read Jasper is improving. I understand your nervousness about changing a med when you see improvement. Each time I had to finally discontinue an eye drop, I would worry so much.
Go slow and remember to breathe. If Jasper seems off at all , just call your vet and come here. :):):):)

I hope the colitis stays at bay!!!

You are doing a wonderful job. Jasper is very lucky to have you.

Yay, good news for Jasper. I'm glad he is doing better. That was so scary what he went through before. Tapering off the prednisone at a steady schedule should be okay. You are looking for him to not need it any more over all. So if he can remain in good health, without the pred that would be an optimal result. You'll be taking it really slow with the weaning and this will give his body time to adapt to not needing it and take over doing everything itself.

Hang in there.

hugs,
Sharlene

Hi Tina,

Good to hear that Jasper continues to improve! :) Keep up the good work and let us know how the vet visit goes.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang