Chemo Session #4 (and a new job)

Sedated but always aware.......

Today was Chemo Session #4 for Blue, which has become a routine that Blue finds quite relaxing, but that is on Blue's scale. Any other dog you may feel Blue is far from relaxed, but trust us when we say "he is relaxed".

Blue began the day the evening before, let me explain. Ahead of Chemo, Blue is required to take anti-sickness tablets, these were lovingly crushed in a pestle and mortar, sprinkled and mixed in with a tin of sardines. Once sniffed, for any nasties, Blue wolfs it down, and proceeds to clean the bowl of all evidence that it was ever used to dish up food.

So back to today, we all had a lie in, and Blue went and done his business in the park, before coming home and having a hearty breakfast, unaware of what lay ahead, until 10 minutes before we left, he spotted the muzzle on the stairs. But there was no fuss, that might be in part to the sedatives that he was given at 8:20 am
The previous session the sedatives did not seem to kick in within the prescribed 2 hours, so we gave him them a little earlier so they would be in his system and working before his 10:30 appointment.

We left home shortly after 9:00am needing to get fuel for the car and a minor diversion to Asda to exchange a DVD, a completely different story.

 Reading to Guilford is just over 30+ miles and at this time of the day, very little traffic was encountered meaning we were there at 10:20am As we opened the car door, Blue was not up and alert ready to go, so a bit of coaxing was required, but once his paws were on the pavement we were heading for the door, well Blue was heading for the door, we did well to keep up. The push button on the sliding doors activated before Blue could ram it with his snout, and the same with the inner door. We made our way to a waiting pod in reception, where Blue quickly settled, to await our turn.

Once in the pod with Sue and me, Blue quickly settles, and is very relaxed, although he has been here before many times, he accepts it as a safe place, that is a credit to the Staff, team and designers of this state of the art unit. 

Bliss was disturbed with the arrival of Dr Kelvin Kow, and his assistant Nurse Emma. Moments later Blue settled back down, giving us the chance to recall how Blue has been since his last visit.

We told how Blue had been improving to the point that he had gone for two swim sessions and an hour plus walk at Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire. Also he retained a healthy appetite and was on minimum pain relief.

There was some concerns about Blue that we had agreed to share, it would be in Blue's interest long term. That concern was since Blue had undergone the major surgery to remove the mass from his abdomen, to date we had seen improvement in various different ways. That changed on Sunday, Blue was being playful and boisterous, and rolled over on his back, and gave a yelp. We then noticed he was "hovering" his back leg. From there on in we have tailored back his walks and avoided getting him too excited.

Dr Kelvin suggested we did not jump to any conclusions, let's see how he is. With a bit less than usual handling Blue went with me and Dr Kelvin to the door through to the business part of the building, where Nurse Emma and Dr Kelvin took Blue for his session and checks.

Sue and me sat in our Pod, accepting the offer of coffee while we waited, the 30-45minutes.

Sue recognised Blue was approaching, before he had turned the corner and come into view, Blue was coming straight back to us, with Dr Kelvin on the other end of the lead, doing well to keep up.

Blue quickly settled down enabling us to be updated; Dr Kelvin Kow was pleased on a number of counts, blood tests were normal for Blue, based on previous tests. Although there would be concern for blood results returned in a healthy dog, these were causing no concern in Blue. His weight has gone up about 300grams. 

There was a twist though, not only was the Dr pleased with what he had seen, but was taken aback at how well Blue was walking, and his strength, we joked and said "Blue knows where Blue wants to go" and he said he started to protect me like I was one of the family, when a Nurse approached them.

Sue said, welcome to an exclusive club, fancy that Blue protecting the vet, which made us all smile.

In three weeks time Blue will return to the Oncology and Soft Tissue Centre of Fitzpatrick referrals where he will have a CT scan, this will determine the next stage.

Blue is not following a well defined path, his treatment is bespoke to him. The permutations are endless, even as we were consulting with the Doctor, you could see he was working out options that would best suit Blue and his condition. 

Blue has gained a new friend in this process, one he is keen to protect, and that is Blue's new job.

Blue was even presented with his own file box, to keep his paperwork up together..........

We arrived home safe and sound around about 12:30 and once again found it difficult to scoop Blue out of the car, I said to Sue, we could do with one of them tipper trucks.
Blues medicine for the next three weeks.......

 If you have found this blog interesting, enlightening especially the progress of Blue and his fight against cancer, you can learn more of what this practice does on 4th February 2016

World Cancer Day is the subject of a forum from 6-7pm

https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/services/oncology-and-soft-tissue/

Blue stayed awake for one more picture before getting his head down,the eyes say it all!!

5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 Inject boosters, we have blast-off

The gentler side of Blue

Well, another strange title, but it is all about events of last Thursday, where a trip to the Vets was required for Blue to receive his annual booster and flea,tick and worming chewable tablets.

For those that have followed Blue over the years, none of the following will come as a big surprise, for those that read about Blue for the first time, I am sure it will be descriptive enough for you to feel you were there in the waiting room with him.

It was 5:40pm on Thursday afternoon, and Blue was lifted into the back of the car, not that he can't jump, just not as much these days,beginning to show the mobility of a seven year old large German Shepherd, but in fairness he did leap into the back of the car unaided after swimming last night, sometimes I think he just pulls the wool over our eyes, the sheep in wolf's clothing so to speak.

So we set off to the Vets which is only a couple of miles away, sure in the knowledge that because of Blue's file note "a difficult customer" we have been given a time where there will be no others attending immediately before or after Blues 6:00pm appointment. We arrived 10 minutes ahead of schedule, the journey into Reading met very little traffic. Out of the car, and muzzle put on we made our way into the reception, booked in and there was already someone sat waiting. We were informed there was a discharge, a dog being booked out, taking place, so we found a seat and sat down. But before sitting, as we always do, we weighed Blue on the electronic scales - 50.1kg oh dear that has gone up a little since his last visit. More about his weight later.

The surroundings are not unfamiliar to Blue, as he has visited this surgery many times previous, and the anxiety was already showing, his breathing had sped up and his senses were heightened to the max.

With his muzzle on, and the alertness, you can see how his whole demeanour changes, he is not happy and will focus on anything that moves, as time passed by it was evident that the "space" they promised Blue was not going to happen, and time had moved on, but Blue had begun to settle a little despite more people arriving, with a C-A-T in the basket, good job Blue can't spell.

Blue enhances his reputation, and this is not just an image, it is very real, he can not be approached when he is in this zone, he has enough about him to inflict harm, but only because of his anxiety, he is scared, and we do our best to reassure and protect him. The muzzle protects him as much as others.

Eyes firmly focused on the door, he knew where the biggest threat would appear from.

Finally it was our turn to enter "Consultation Room 2" where we were welcomed by a new Vet, who we had not met before. A young Spanish Vet called "Laura Blanco" who was not phased by the snarling and barking of Blue as we entered the room. Upon closing the door conversation was difficult over the constant barking. To her credit she was not concerned or threatened by Blue's antics, making a number of attempts to approach him, but no, Blue wasn't going to engage with anyone in this mood, the halti collar and muzzle were resisting all attempts of Blue to get out, just.

We were there for Blue to receive his booster, which required an injection in between his shoulder blades, (a feat the previous vet could not manage, and my wife Sue (@Bluesmummy) had to administer under supervision from the vet), the idea would be to manoeuvre Blue against the wall while we kept him still for the Vet to insert the drug. Despite all our efforts, Blue is one powerful and determined dog, using all his strength cunning and tactics, only 3/4 of the fluid had been injected.

We tried once more to put the last bit in, but then Blue used his final and most effective tactic, lunging, followed swiftly with a death-roll (just as prey animals, like sharks or crocodiles perform)

no injection was administered then, we had suffered a broken nail for Sue and I had a bruised knuckle.

The Vet said we had two options, either trained nurses would come in to restrain Blue, or as we finally agreed Sue would put in the remaining injection.

Success Sue put in the final part of the vaccination, and calm descended, we all breathed a huge sigh of relief. There is probably an element of us being there is not helping Blue, but because of his history we know that it runs far deeper, next time we will consider using a sedative to remove the tension, or hand him in, for them them to treat him in our absence. Either way, Blue is not helping himself, as he is missing out on a thorough examination, god forbid they ever have to take his temperature. 

As we stood discussing the options Laura had gotten close enough to Blue for him to sniff her hand, relaxed, she was excellent, never batted an eyelid, showed no fear of Blue, and was equally concerned for the injuries suffered by me and Sue.

Anyone reading this who has had similar experience and found a way through it, it would be nice to hear.

On the wall was a list of dog statements, I said he is none of them, especially "Happy"

As is customary we left the Vets with a toy for Blue, who was now back to his old self, sat in the car being chauffeured home.

I mentioned earlier about his weight, Blue has always been a large dog, normally fluctuating around 46 - 48 kg but as he is getting older he is becoming less active, a few walks last weekend he kept wanting to lay down, to the point a few walks were cut short. Because he had spinal surgery on his back at 7 months, we monitor his walks and activity.

Blue, only eats dog food, apart from the licking of a lolly stick, once we finished a magnum, oh and when he does the pre-wash on the dishwasher.

Treats are not major, but yes he does have them, he is very driven by treats, but a treat for Blue is also drinking from the outside tap. Sometimes he has to search out the treat.

Anyhow back to his weight. He has perked up since his visit to the vets, so we are going to increase his minutes of exercise, but over more walks, so slightly longer but more frequent, and the last few days he has responded well.

This morning we had a good walk for an hour through the park and surround roads........

Finally 

lolly stick licking, 

Blue style 

Not our finest hour.

Today was the day for Blue's booster, which means a trip to our local vets.

This didn't go well, to say the least. The main thing that suffered was pride and dignity, first off, is what happened, then I will say why we think it happened, finally what we are going to do, to put right any wrongs.

Arrived home from work, collected Blue and my wife Sue, and set off on the short journey into the London Road vets in Reading town centre.

Parking in the car park, Blue was taken out of the back of the car, and his muzzle was fitted. As we crossed the car park he was pulling like a train, as if eager to enter, but reality is something I will explain in due course. We entered the waiting area, where we always check Blues weight.

51 kilos (112 pounds) the biggest he has ever weighed in at, far too much for a six year old German Shepherd, let alone one that has undergone spinal surgery as a pup.

So as we waited Blue was unsettled, nudging and barging into both Sue and I, as we waited our turn in the empty waiting room.

The door opened and we were summoned in by the vet, Sue first and then Blue literally dragging me through the door. With the vet keeping her distance, talking was difficult, Blue was very vocal and boisterous, this is not unusual for him, but there was a determination and menace in his actions. The vet began explaining that she would like to listen to his heart, but was concerned about his temperament and stress levels. Generally by now he settles down sufficiently to be manipulated into a corner or against a wall to allow the vet to do the deed as they say, but not today, Blue was having none of it.

At this point i took him out of the consultation room into the waiting room, where sat a gentleman and his elderly dog, it was then i knew Blue needed to be taken outside to calm him down.

As we strolled around the car park he did calm down, Sue looked out to see how he was, so I beckoned her out, to say this is not a good idea.

She came out, and told me that the vet was ok, but she had just been told by the fellow with the other dog, "it's bad owners, not bad dog's; it should have been nipped in the bud when he was a youngster" This had made my mind up, an anxious dog and now an angry owner, would not be suitably minded to return into the vets. I said to Sue, Blue would not be going back in, not today.

Blue was put into the car, and Sue had returned after informing the vet we would re-schedule Blue's booster appointment.

Sue also had told the man with his dog who had made the comment about bad owners, "He did not know Blue or us and should keep his opinion to himself".

That is what happened, why is more difficult to explain, when you don't know, but here goes.

Blue has had some hard times at vets over the years, and this seemed one visit that was ill fated before it began. We have always had to cajole, and man handle Blue upon each and every visit when he has needed treatment or assessments. Sue has over a period of time done the familiarisation, where Blue is almost treated like a celebrity visiting, popping in to say hello. Those work out fine.

Blue is a very strong willed German Shepherd, who loves to be top dog. Most of the time it has been dealt with, but just lately it has been creeping back in under the radar. Only little things, but when you look for reasons, you can find a fit somewhere.

The road to peace and tranquility;

Like a marathon, it will be one step at a time, looking to achieve three specific goals, which will lead to a more sociable Blue

• Loose some of the weight, cutting out the already sparse treats
• Avoid opportunities for Blue to assert dominance, namely by distraction
• Improve his doggie and human social skills

Three steps easy to write, three steps needed to enable Blue to live a longer and happier life.

I know Sue is not a bad owner, I feel that I too am not a bad owner, but neither of us are ostriches, burying our heads in the sand.

Blue is a terrific dog, who has had a difficult start in life, and through no fault of his own missed out the key socialising skills that a pup goes through because of his spinal surgery at six months of age.

Today "team us" have taken that first step forward, Blue enjoyed playing ball in the park, on his long training lead, a good run, puffing a bit, but enjoying every minute.

Finally to the man in the vets, don't judge what you don't know, instead offer some supporting or constructive advice.

Timing, like training your dog is key.

Blue resting after a hectic day.

Blue meets the vampire vet

Special privileges

For a while now Blue has been suffering with hot spots and constant itching, today was our biggest step forward, to seek some answers.

Since the end of November Blue has had a few hot spots, some longer lasting than others, but increasingly he has been scratching nibbling and biting. He has not been swimming for two months, and is one itchy dog.

We have changed his diet, provided him with Yumega oil, and coconut oil, alas to no avail.

Today we took Blue to the vets to see if they could help discover, what the cause could be, a time was booked for Blue to attend, to gather samples for testing.

When I say samples, we are talking blood and skin scrapings, neither would be given up without resistance, so sedation would be essential.

Leading up to today, my wife Sue and Blue had been making regular visits  to help remove any stigma or anxiety that Blue had developed in attending the vets.

We had the entire waiting room to ourselves upon arrival, after a five minute wait Blue was greeted by the vet, Nadine, and in return Blue gave her the Blue greeting, barking and prancing, no less than we had experienced in the past.

Weighing Blue in at 48.6kg we joined Nadine in the consulting room, conversation was difficult with Blue's barking. At this point I took Blue out of the room to calm him down, a walk around the waiting room and back into the consultancy room, it worked, and after repeating this several times we were able not only to enter the room without Blue barking, but walk past the vet and back out again.

So we had a plan, I would repeat this three times, and on the third visit, the vet would administer the sedative by injection into his hind leg. On cue me and Blue walked in, and the barking began and he was agitated, the vet had been joined by a veterinary nurse, so we did a few trials and agreed the next time we enter the room we would do the deed.

Blue is a strong dog and as well as that he has a determined attitude, despite our best efforts it was not working, he was winning this battle. The vet was concerned that an excited agitated dog would resist the sedative. So this time we went for it and bingo, the deed was done.

The plan now was the vet and the nurse would leave the room and we would sit quietly without any interaction with Blue, to give the sedative chance to work. In his face he was fighting the effects of sleep, but slowly loosing the battle.

After ten minutes the vet returned, to be greeted by Blue barking and showing his displeasure, she quietly exited, and a further ten minutes elapsed, and he was under, sleeping soundly.

Nadine the vet, checked to see if Blue was asleep, calling his name touching and moving him, peace was confirmed, time for them to do their thing.

The first thing was to shave a section of his front leg to draw off the blood samples which would be sent for analysis to seek conformation of any allergy, being the root cause of his scratching.

Taking blood was difficult, because of the sedative, the veins were not pumping blood at their normal rate, and there were three entries required to gather enough blood for the eight sample phials. Stage one completed. Not a murmur or a twitch from the big fella.

Now came the skin scrapping samples, in order to check for mites etc, an affected area has to be scrapped to remove skin, tissue and blood, this was done from three sample areas.

While under the vet gave him a check over, and as she touched the top inside of his hind leg, he kicked out, she explained this was the muscles reaction to the high sensitivity of his skin, and she said the poor thing must be beside himself with the itchiness.

Mission accomplished regarding the samples, now Blue had to be brought around, a reversing agent was administered, and once again Blue, Sue and me sat quietly waiting for him to recover from his enforced slumber.

Blue took about fifteen minutes to fully come around, with a few false early dawns, he was back with us although very subdued.

By the time we left the vets, it was confirmed there were no mites in the skin samples, but results from the blood samples will take about seven days.

Blue spent the rest of the afternoon drifting in and out of sleep, but struggling to get settled, but after a dinner of turkey and rice, as recommended by the vet, he is much more settled.

So next time you have an itch or a scratch, think of poor old Blue, who will be waiting patiently, as patient as Blue can be for some answers that will relieve the itchiness.

Below are a few pictures of Blue resting, nice and snug at home.

Bless him!!!

Blue gets his booster

Blue visited the vets last night for his annual booster. We travel a couple of miles to our local vet Abbey vets, which have been Blues vets since a puppy, just over 5 years now.

As the back door opened in the car Blue was raring to go, attaching his short Wainwright leash, we made fast tracks across the car park, taking all my weight and strength to hold him back.

Barging through the doors into an empty waiting room, Blue looked around and then up at me as if to say where is everyone, what do we do now!

While waiting, as per usual we take the opportunity to weigh Blue. Manoeuvring him around, first attempt, we noticed he had slid one back foot off, readjusting him, he then was leaning with his back against the wall. Finally sat on the scales, in his entirety, 47.2 Kilo's (104 lbs) slightly up on his last visit.

So we took our seats after he had been booked in at reception, taking the opportunity to put his muzzle on in a calm environment.

On time the female vet opened the door and said Blue, you are next. On entering the consultation room Blue began to bark towards the vet, muted partly by the muzzle.

We explained that Blue was in good health and he required his annual booster, so with syringe, in hand the wife held his head while i held a tight reign on his leash; Quicker than you can say Blue, the jab was in and out, without a flinch.

The consultation was conducted for a further five minutes with Blue relaxed and sniffing around, still on his leash and wearing his muzzle.

This was also a good opportunity to obtain a worming tablet, which we collected at reception, along with a new furry friend a rabbit "Wubba"

Back into the car we went home for Blue to play with his new friend.

Blue plays with his new mate

Trip to the vets

It is that time of the year, Blue is due his annual trip to the vets to have his booster.

The importance of the booster is essential for Blue to be protected from the nasty bugs and bacteria that could cause life threatening diseases, but the term booster does tickle me. Before we set off to the local vets Blue decided it would be a good time to play rough, it is easy to get drawn into his games, but he does play a bit dirty at times.

With a stern look from my wife Sue, both Blue and I knew now was not the right time to wind each other up.

Our local vet has a few places to visit, today we are going to the one in London Road, to see his favourite vet Adrian. When I say favourite, the only one who has a bad memory is Blue, but their history goes way back. Adrian was the vet who immediately diagnosed the spinal problem that Blue had when he was six months old. A speedy appointment to Fitzpatrick Referrals, was one we would forever appreciate.

Blue is well familiar with this local vets, we took him there as a puppy for the open days to get him familiar with visiting a veterinary practice, well it kind of worked, but Blue is Blue, and he likes to make an impact.

On our arrival we were greeted by the receptionist, who was cradling a five month old puppy, the poor thing had to have its left eye removed, she explained it had been in an altercation with a cat, and as a result the eye was so badly damaged it had needed removal by surgery. Poor little mite.

So we were booked in, and next job was to weigh Blue. On previous visits we had been told at 45 kilo's Blue was really at the top end of where his weight should be. Much to our surprise settling on the scales up went the digital readout to 47 kilo's. That would mean there was work to be done, with his history of his spine, Blue needs to remain fit and trim. Like all pet owners they look ok to us, but the scales don't lie. Blue has a healthy well balanced diet and plenty of exercise, so it is probably the reward treats that is pushing his weight up, no problem, he will now have to work harder for fewer rewards.

Even though Blue and Adrian go back a long way, Blue likes to go into the vets in fancy dress, today he is going as Hannibal Lecture, he likes the menacing look, and gets into the part very well with the growling and barking, and prancing.

Blue as his favourite character from Silence of the Lambs

As the door to the vets opened, Blue and the exiting Spaniel exchanged looks and woofs, the owner explaining that if Blue had been a small dog her dog would have ignored him, but she does like to challenge the bigger breeds. Her little girl said that Blue was a big dog, which we cannot deny, the scales do not lie, and asked what his name was. When we said it was Blue, she said that she liked him.

After a few moments wait, Adrian, Blues favourite vet, summoned us in. Blue played his role well, but remained on a tight leash. After a general check over Blue was ushered round into position for his booster.

I think a sedative might have been more in order.

With his current weight revealed, Adrian did not need to tell us what we knew, that extra weight needed to go, for the long term health and benefit of Blue.

To ensure his mobility was not being hindered we went back out into the waiting room so the vet could assess his gait and movement. He was happy that Blue was moving nice and freely without any undue stresses or strains.Not eaactly the parade ring at Cruft's, but Blue did walk well to heel.

When Blue was recovering from his spinal op a few years back, we were advised to keep an eye on his gait. I am not sure if it is true of all German Shepherds, but Blue can look slightly awkward when walking at a slow pace, and the longer you watch him the worse he gets, but he is fine, no concerns today.

The check up was over, all that was required was to exchange some money and obtain his worming tablets.

But before we parted with our money Blue had taken to a new friend "Kong Cozie"

New family addition

We returned home via a well earned walk around the campus at the University of Reading, and the trip to the vets was but a distant memory.

Time to help the new member of Blue's family to settle in

Bless

Blue goes swimming

A regular treat for our German Shepherd is to go swimming.

  

Blue goes for a swim at Aquadoggies in Swallowfield, an outdoor pool specifically designed for dogs.

It is run by a couple who we first meet at one of the Dog Training sessions that they run, a couple of years previous. 

When Blue was 7 months old he became lame, with a hasty trip to the vets, Blue my wife or me were not aware of how this visit to the vets would change the lives of the three of us. The vet was a young eager and keen, and his early suspicions were unfortunately proved to be correct.

Blue had loss the use of his back legs, following a night of trauma he was taken to the now renowned specialist Fitzpatrick referrals. Blue was in so much discomfort they took him in immediately, where he underwent major surgery for spinal laminectomy. This surgical procedure where a portion of the bone of a spinal vertebra is removed to allow access to the spinal canal / cord. This culminated in a three night stay were he spent time in the recovery wing.

With Blue back home with no fur down his whole back he was restricted to living in a metal crate, which he had previously been crate trained in, as a younger puppy, he began the long road to recovery.

He would return for regular check-ups, but no further surgery

Blue was now not only more precious, but needed the love and support of my wife Sue and me even more so, which was given unreservedly.

Due to this life changing operation, Blue missed out on developing from a puppy to a socialised dog, and the agility training we had hoped he could develop was advised against. As part of his rehabilitation the specialists advised that he had aqua therapy, to help not only build up his muscles but to reduce the chances of putting undue strain on his spine.

Blue did not take like a duck to water, in fact the complete opposite

 

Each Friday we would take him for his hydrotherapy, where the therapist would don a wet suit and enter the pool, unfortunately the pool required entry by walking up a sloped side turning left going down two steps and then straight into the pool. 

Not only was Blue apprehensive, but that strong will that he had, played a significant part in the long slow progress. After an hours drive across town, for an hour session, he probably spent a couple of minutes in the pool, even to the point a couple of packs of his favourite treats Schmackos, were the only thing which would bribe him to enter. The hydro therapist was more concerned with not stressing him and each visit a little longer or more strenuous activity was achieved. Blue was not swimming at any stage he wore a life jacket and was supported in the pool by the therapist. Blue would sometimes not enter the pool until 30 minutes after getting his toes wet.

Once the hydrotherapy sessions were concluded, we felt that it was worth finding somewhere closer by that had a more accessible pool. With patience and understanding all the boxes were ticked at Aquadoggies.

Both Andrew and Carol were qualified trainers and knew what Blue needed, coaxing with a bit of an assertive manner, once a few sessions with Andrew had passed, Carol took up the lead, no pun intended.

Blue needed a lot of coaxing to go in and began with a life jacket, with a long training lead, as his confidence grew, the lead was removed and finally the life jacket.

There has been now two and a half years of these weekly sessions, and as seen in the video he loves not only swimming, but acting partly as a tart and partly mischievous, enjoying every minute.

At the end he enjoys having a foamy shower, rinse blow dry and scented baby fresh fragrances conditioner then off home in the car for his dinner. Winter times wearing his coat

At this point we would like to make a special Thank You to

• CS Hydrotherapy (Caroline)
• Aquadoggies (Andrew & Carol)
• Fitzpatrick Referrals (Guilford) (Noel Fitzpatrick, Sarah Girling, and all the Team)
• Abbey Vets (Adrian Caunter)
• My wife Suzanne