Maggie’s Man's Best Friend Thread

I wanted to close out the saga with one of my Akitas "Kaijin" who had a minor benign tumor removed from his left rear paw before Christmas. I posted here for help because efforts to repair the damage were a disaster and then the local vets disappeared for the holidays. Fortunately, I was able to get some good advice from a surgical vet in Boston (Kaijin lives in Nevada) through the internet and "UKDSlayer" here basically held my hand through the next six months of treatment. Several of you also provided support and some good ideas. Without being dramatic, the local talent was either unable to help or under resourced to do so. And we paid... a lot, for nothing and sometimes a lot to make it worse. The vet responsible for the initial surgery stuck by us with access to prescription meds but there was no competent surgical talent to help him and no advanced vet medicine (wound vacs, punch grafts, advanced labs, etc). As late as last month, the vet options were a full thickness skin graft that probably wouldn't take (per the vet) or amputate the foot likely leading to putting him down (our decision). No less than four vets recommended amputation, two recommended putting him down.

We couldn't do that, so with daily and then twice daily dressing changes through three veterinary "revisions" that set him back months, and two infections, today he crossed the line and no longer needs a dressing. He still has a local infection and the skin is fragile but he'll survive. (It's summer now so he'll probably go out and eat bees just to test the theory.) Again, without UKDSlayer, we would have lost our boy months ago and I will always be grateful for her assistance.

The butchery in December opened the wound to over 10cm X 7cm. Although some prescription drugs were required, the wound was closed with Manuka honey and bandages. So...Pics or didn't happen.

Slide1.JPG


Slide2.JPG

Slide3.JPG

_D3X8705.jpg
 
Last edited:
I wanted to close out the saga with one of my Akitas "Kaijin" who had a minor benign tumor removed from his left rear paw before Christmas. I posted here for help because efforts to repair the damage were a disaster and then the local vets disappeared for the holidays. Fortunately, I was able to get some good advice from a surgical vet in Boston (Kaijin lives in Nevada) through the internet and "UKDSlayer" here basically held my hand through the next six months of treatment. Several of you also provided support and some good ideas. Without being dramatic, the local talent was either unable to help or under resourced to do so. And we paid... a lot, for nothing and sometimes a lot to make it worse. The vet responsible for the initial surgery stuck by us with access to prescription meds but there was no competent surgical talent to help him and no advanced vet medicine (wound vacs, punch grafts, advanced labs, etc). As late as last month, the vet options were a full thickness skin graft that probably wouldn't take (per the vet) or amputate the foot likely leading to putting him down (our decision). No less than four vets recommended amputation, two recommended putting him down.

We couldn't do that, so with daily and then twice daily dressing changes through three veterinary "revisions" that set him back months, and two infections, today he crossed the line and no longer needs a dressing. He still has a local infection and the skin is fragile but he'll survive. (It's summer now so he'll probably go out and eat bees just to test the theory.) Again, without UKDSlayer, we would have lost our boy months ago and I will always be grateful for her assistance.

The butchery in December opened the wound to over 10cm X 7cm. Although some prescription drugs were required, the wound was closed with Manuka honey and bandages. So...Pics or didn't happen.

View attachment 8446957

View attachment 8446958
View attachment 8446960
View attachment 8446961
So glad to see the progress and well on your way to a happy ending to your ordeal with Kaijin!

I hope you are blessed with many more years of good times with that fine looking animal!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 34SF and Modoc
I wanted to close out the saga with one of my Akitas "Kaijin" who had a minor benign tumor removed from his left rear paw before Christmas. I posted here for help because efforts to repair the damage were a disaster and then the local vets disappeared for the holidays. Fortunately, I was able to get some good advice from a surgical vet in Boston (Kaijin lives in Nevada) through the internet and "UKDSlayer" here basically held my hand through the next six months of treatment. Several of you also provided support and some good ideas. Without being dramatic, the local talent was either unable to help or under resourced to do so. And we paid... a lot, for nothing and sometimes a lot to make it worse. The vet responsible for the initial surgery stuck by us with access to prescription meds but there was no competent surgical talent to help him and no advanced vet medicine (wound vacs, punch grafts, advanced labs, etc). As late as last month, the vet options were a full thickness skin graft that probably wouldn't take (per the vet) or amputate the foot likely leading to putting him down (our decision). No less than four vets recommended amputation, two recommended putting him down.

We couldn't do that, so with daily and then twice daily dressing changes through three veterinary "revisions" that set him back months, and two infections, today he crossed the line and no longer needs a dressing. He still has a local infection and the skin is fragile but he'll survive. (It's summer now so he'll probably go out and eat bees just to test the theory.) Again, without UKDSlayer, we would have lost our boy months ago and I will always be grateful for her assistance.

The butchery in December opened the wound to over 10cm X 7cm. Although some prescription drugs were required, the wound was closed with Manuka honey and bandages. So...Pics or didn't happen.

View attachment 8446957

View attachment 8446958
View attachment 8446960
View attachment 8446961
That's great news. Are you going to put a boot on that foot or some kind of protection for that fragile skin when he goes outside?
Great looking dog!
 
Took Cedar to the park a couple weeks back for a walk with the wife. As we are walking along the path she starts sniffing and dives into the bushes then pops out with a tennis ball. Since it was next to a tennis court I decided to see how many she could find.

7 was the answer before she hit a patch of the brush and came out with bunch of burrs so I called her off to get her home and brushed out. 20 minutes of brushing later and we finally got them all out.

IMG_2254.jpeg
IMG_2255.jpeg
 
I wanted to close out the saga with one of my Akitas "Kaijin" who had a minor benign tumor removed from his left rear paw before Christmas. I posted here for help because efforts to repair the damage were a disaster and then the local vets disappeared for the holidays. Fortunately, I was able to get some good advice from a surgical vet in Boston (Kaijin lives in Nevada) through the internet and "UKDSlayer" here basically held my hand through the next six months of treatment. Several of you also provided support and some good ideas. Without being dramatic, the local talent was either unable to help or under resourced to do so. And we paid... a lot, for nothing and sometimes a lot to make it worse. The vet responsible for the initial surgery stuck by us with access to prescription meds but there was no competent surgical talent to help him and no advanced vet medicine (wound vacs, punch grafts, advanced labs, etc). As late as last month, the vet options were a full thickness skin graft that probably wouldn't take (per the vet) or amputate the foot likely leading to putting him down (our decision). No less than four vets recommended amputation, two recommended putting him down.

We couldn't do that, so with daily and then twice daily dressing changes through three veterinary "revisions" that set him back months, and two infections, today he crossed the line and no longer needs a dressing. He still has a local infection and the skin is fragile but he'll survive. (It's summer now so he'll probably go out and eat bees just to test the theory.) Again, without UKDSlayer, we would have lost our boy months ago and I will always be grateful for her assistance.

The butchery in December opened the wound to over 10cm X 7cm. Although some prescription drugs were required, the wound was closed with Manuka honey and bandages. So...Pics or didn't happen.

View attachment 8446957

View attachment 8446958
View attachment 8446960
View attachment 8446961
Great follow up story to hear. Your boy is lucky to have someone like you. I hope you have many more years together
 
I wanted to close out the saga with one of my Akitas "Kaijin" who had a minor benign tumor removed from his left rear paw before Christmas. I posted here for help because efforts to repair the damage were a disaster and then the local vets disappeared for the holidays. Fortunately, I was able to get some good advice from a surgical vet in Boston (Kaijin lives in Nevada) through the internet and "UKDSlayer" here basically held my hand through the next six months of treatment. Several of you also provided support and some good ideas. Without being dramatic, the local talent was either unable to help or under resourced to do so. And we paid... a lot, for nothing and sometimes a lot to make it worse. The vet responsible for the initial surgery stuck by us with access to prescription meds but there was no competent surgical talent to help him and no advanced vet medicine (wound vacs, punch grafts, advanced labs, etc). As late as last month, the vet options were a full thickness skin graft that probably wouldn't take (per the vet) or amputate the foot likely leading to putting him down (our decision). No less than four vets recommended amputation, two recommended putting him down.

We couldn't do that, so with daily and then twice daily dressing changes through three veterinary "revisions" that set him back months, and two infections, today he crossed the line and no longer needs a dressing. He still has a local infection and the skin is fragile but he'll survive. (It's summer now so he'll probably go out and eat bees just to test the theory.) Again, without UKDSlayer, we would have lost our boy months ago and I will always be grateful for her assistance.

The butchery in December opened the wound to over 10cm X 7cm. Although some prescription drugs were required, the wound was closed with Manuka honey and bandages. So...Pics or didn't happen.

View attachment 8446957

View attachment 8446958
View attachment 8446960
View attachment 8446961
Really glad your pup is on the mend!

We had a similar issue with one of our Mastiffs. IIRC, it was pretty well healed in about a month. We were able to take him to a great vet clinic nearby.

ijwqK19.jpg
 
I wanted to close out the saga with one of my Akitas "Kaijin" who had a minor benign tumor removed from his left rear paw before Christmas. I posted here for help because efforts to repair the damage were a disaster and then the local vets disappeared for the holidays. Fortunately, I was able to get some good advice from a surgical vet in Boston (Kaijin lives in Nevada) through the internet and "UKDSlayer" here basically held my hand through the next six months of treatment. Several of you also provided support and some good ideas. Without being dramatic, the local talent was either unable to help or under resourced to do so. And we paid... a lot, for nothing and sometimes a lot to make it worse. The vet responsible for the initial surgery stuck by us with access to prescription meds but there was no competent surgical talent to help him and no advanced vet medicine (wound vacs, punch grafts, advanced labs, etc). As late as last month, the vet options were a full thickness skin graft that probably wouldn't take (per the vet) or amputate the foot likely leading to putting him down (our decision). No less than four vets recommended amputation, two recommended putting him down.

We couldn't do that, so with daily and then twice daily dressing changes through three veterinary "revisions" that set him back months, and two infections, today he crossed the line and no longer needs a dressing. He still has a local infection and the skin is fragile but he'll survive. (It's summer now so he'll probably go out and eat bees just to test the theory.) Again, without UKDSlayer, we would have lost our boy months ago and I will always be grateful for her assistance.

The butchery in December opened the wound to over 10cm X 7cm. Although some prescription drugs were required, the wound was closed with Manuka honey and bandages. So...Pics or didn't happen.

View attachment 8446957

View attachment 8446958
View attachment 8446960
View attachment 8446961
So so glad to hear it man. I've been following from the beginning. This thing reminds me of my FIL leg infection..... after more than a year of Dr's not being able to heal it, the uab top dr (he finally went there at my demands ) gave him a regiment of vinegar and water soaks 4x a day that got it finally healed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: sandhiller and 34SF
New pup is 4 months now. Was just about to cruise around with my NODS, and thought I should take Tank (the pup) with me. He hasn't had an accident in his kennel since he was maybe 11-12 weeks. He rarely wakes us up at night now to to tell us he needs to relieve himself. Getting pretty good at holding it. Though since I usually am up late, he gets let out regardless most nights about this time. But he's always put right back in his kennel immediately.

Will I possibly screw him up if I randomly take him for walks on our property at night? They are pretty infrequent. Should I let him get a little older and more sure of his routine before mixing it up?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Milf Dots
Another gorgeous dog.
40% wolf, the rest husky, malamute and shepherd. Shes a true character. Gave me 21 sweet puppies over the years, now retired to a life of leisure. Here's one of her pups,,,Cloud.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_7686.JPG
    IMG_7686.JPG
    880.5 KB · Views: 38
  • IMG_7687 - Copy.JPG
    IMG_7687 - Copy.JPG
    478 KB · Views: 37
Just back from putting down one of our Border Collies…

We got her when she was approximately 1-2 years old, found as a stray; likely an escapee from a puppy mill. She was at least 13 years old, but honestly though she would outlive us all. She’s been falling over and having a lot of other issues lately. This morning she was laying on her side, and couldn’t stand up…eyes darting back and forth rapidly, uncontrollable drooling, and laying in a puddle of her own waste. We cleaned her up, and took her in…it was time. 🙁

Last pic of our girl LuLu:

IMG_7808.jpeg


Would have preferred to have it done at our house, so so she’d be more comfortable, and so the other pets could smell her and get some closure, but we needed to get her in ASAP this morning since we weren’t sure if she was having a stroke or if this was something else.

She had a good life with us, but truly believe she’s in a better place now. She was obviously a lot of pain…when the propofol kicked in, and I felt her relax I knew we’d done the right thing…that’s the first time i rubbed her back and her back and hips haven’t been all clenched up that I can remember.

This one is a year after we got her, and decided that would be her second birthday…11 years ago now.

IMG_7810.jpeg


A couple more pics from happier times; she was a good pup…

IMG_6642.jpeg


IMG_0637.jpeg


IMG_0372.jpeg
 
Just back from putting down one of our Border Collies…

We got her when she was approximately 1-2 years old, found as a stray; likely an escapee from a puppy mill. She was at least 13 years old, but honestly though she would outlive us all. She’s been falling over and having a lot of other issues lately. This morning she was laying on her side, and couldn’t stand up…eyes darting back and forth rapidly, uncontrollable drooling, and laying in a puddle of her own waste. We cleaned her up, and took her in…it was time. 🙁

Last pic of our girl LuLu:

View attachment 8466208

Would have preferred to have it done at our house, so so she’d be more comfortable, and so the other pets could smell her and get some closure, but we needed to get her in ASAP this morning since we weren’t sure if she was having a stroke or if this was something else.

She had a good life with us, but truly believe she’s in a better place now. She was obviously a lot of pain…when the propofol kicked in, and I felt her relax I knew we’d done the right thing…that’s the first time i rubbed her back and her back and hips haven’t been all clenched up that I can remember.

This one is a year after we got her, and decided that would be her second birthday…11 years ago now.

View attachment 8466232

A couple more pics from happier times; she was a good pup…

View attachment 8466220

View attachment 8466221
What a beautiful girl
It looks like she found a loving family and returned the love to you.
My sincerest condolances on your loss.
One of the toughest things I have ever done is help a friend out of pain and discomfort
You know it is the right thing to do but it does not make it any easier.
I hope, in time, the memories of all the good times spent together replace the pain you are feeling now.
 
Just back from putting down one of our Border Collies…

We got her when she was approximately 1-2 years old, found as a stray; likely an escapee from a puppy mill. She was at least 13 years old, but honestly though she would outlive us all. She’s been falling over and having a lot of other issues lately. This morning she was laying on her side, and couldn’t stand up…eyes darting back and forth rapidly, uncontrollable drooling, and laying in a puddle of her own waste. We cleaned her up, and took her in…it was time. 🙁

Last pic of our girl LuLu:

View attachment 8466208

Would have preferred to have it done at our house, so so she’d be more comfortable, and so the other pets could smell her and get some closure, but we needed to get her in ASAP this morning since we weren’t sure if she was having a stroke or if this was something else.

She had a good life with us, but truly believe she’s in a better place now. She was obviously a lot of pain…when the propofol kicked in, and I felt her relax I knew we’d done the right thing…that’s the first time i rubbed her back and her back and hips haven’t been all clenched up that I can remember.

This one is a year after we got her, and decided that would be her second birthday…11 years ago now.

View attachment 8466232

A couple more pics from happier times; she was a good pup…

View attachment 8466220

View attachment 8466221

View attachment 8466222
Sad for you. The rest of our pups will help her get squared away on the other side as she waits for you and yours.
 
"What a beautiful girl
It looks like she found a loving family and returned the love to you.
My sincerest condolances on your loss.
One of the toughest things I have ever done is help a friend out of pain and discomfort
You know it is the right thing to do but it does not make it any easier.
I hope, in time, the memories of all the good times spent together replace the pain you are feeling now."

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^. I couldn't have said it any better!
Sorry for your loss. :cry:
 
Sorry for your loss.........you did what was right............but that doesn't make it any easier............


The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain should keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done, For this — the last battle — can’t be won. You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test. We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend, Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close — we two — these years, Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
 
Just back from putting down one of our Border Collies…

We got her when she was approximately 1-2 years old, found as a stray; likely an escapee from a puppy mill. She was at least 13 years old, but honestly though she would outlive us all. She’s been falling over and having a lot of other issues lately. This morning she was laying on her side, and couldn’t stand up…eyes darting back and forth rapidly, uncontrollable drooling, and laying in a puddle of her own waste. We cleaned her up, and took her in…it was time. 🙁

Last pic of our girl LuLu:

View attachment 8466208

Would have preferred to have it done at our house, so so she’d be more comfortable, and so the other pets could smell her and get some closure, but we needed to get her in ASAP this morning since we weren’t sure if she was having a stroke or if this was something else.

She had a good life with us, but truly believe she’s in a better place now. She was obviously a lot of pain…when the propofol kicked in, and I felt her relax I knew we’d done the right thing…that’s the first time i rubbed her back and her back and hips haven’t been all clenched up that I can remember.

This one is a year after we got her, and decided that would be her second birthday…11 years ago now.

View attachment 8466232

A couple more pics from happier times; she was a good pup…

View attachment 8466220

View attachment 8466221

View attachment 8466222
Man I'm so sorry. It just never gets any easier. So sorry
 
Just back from putting down one of our Border Collies…

We got her when she was approximately 1-2 years old, found as a stray; likely an escapee from a puppy mill. She was at least 13 years old, but honestly though she would outlive us all. She’s been falling over and having a lot of other issues lately. This morning she was laying on her side, and couldn’t stand up…eyes darting back and forth rapidly, uncontrollable drooling, and laying in a puddle of her own waste. We cleaned her up, and took her in…it was time. 🙁

Last pic of our girl LuLu:

View attachment 8466208

Would have preferred to have it done at our house, so so she’d be more comfortable, and so the other pets could smell her and get some closure, but we needed to get her in ASAP this morning since we weren’t sure if she was having a stroke or if this was something else.

She had a good life with us, but truly believe she’s in a better place now. She was obviously a lot of pain…when the propofol kicked in, and I felt her relax I knew we’d done the right thing…that’s the first time i rubbed her back and her back and hips haven’t been all clenched up that I can remember.

This one is a year after we got her, and decided that would be her second birthday…11 years ago now.

View attachment 8466232

A couple more pics from happier times; she was a good pup…

View attachment 8466220

View attachment 8466221

View attachment 8466222
So sorry for your loss. She looks like an amazing girl. Happy you got the good times to remember her by until you see her again.