Starting the new year with another addition to our Pawjourr Spotlight series, where we highlight unique creators and the jobs they have taken on to showcase our pool of talents and how they work with brands.
Introducing… Dr. Laura
Growing up in sunny SoCal, Dr. Laura experienced firsthand the different ways people view animals based on their cultural differences. She believes that as an animal health care professional, one’s utmost duty is to be an advocate for the safety and well-being of all pets. Especially improving the quality of life for all animals.
After graduating from the Western University of Health Sciences, Dr. Laura went on to work at Pawp, as a lead veterinarian. She served as an advisor and consultant to their network of pet owners – sounds exciting if you ask me!
Dr. Laura is also very passionate about pet food and nutrition and has worked with various brands as a consultant, along with crafting recipes for different clients.
Dr. Laura, like the rest of us, love warm hugs
“Vet Lo where the pets go”
Similarly, with Pawjourr, Dr. Laura serves as a veterinarian advisor and consultant.
In 2022, Animal Ortho Care wanted to work with vets through Pawjourr to promote their bracing products. We engaged Dr Laura who is an active content creator and practicing vet to take part in this campaign.
Dr. Laura worked with her patients to understand their conditions and customized Animal Ortho Care bracing products to suit their needs. Having personally tested the bracing products on her patients, she saw how it has helped them, giving them a stamp of approval for medical products like the Haute Wheels Dog Wheelchair and Lil’ Back Bracer.
She further shared video testimonials on her social accounts and provided testimonials to be used on the brand’s website.
Besides testing medical products, Dr. Laura tested out pet tech gadgets too. For example, the Eufy pet camera allows you to keep an eye on your pet while you’re not home. According to Dr. Laura’s review, the device is perfect for pets with separation anxiety, as it allows you to feed treats and talk to them through the Eufy app.
Benefits of working with vets
We previously shared about the benefits of customer reviews and how it has the power to influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. And what if I told you that a product review by an expert goes an even longer way!
A partnership between an accredited vet and a brand provides credibility and social proof for a product or service. Vets are considered experts in their field and their endorsement of a product or service can help to increase consumer trust and confidence in that product or service.
Additionally, when a product or service is recommended by a trusted professional, it helps to increase the perceived value of the product or service, which can potentially lead to increased sales.
The advantages of getting an expert opinion are endless! These experts tend to have a greater understanding and experience of the matter, which makes their opinion much more legitimate in the eye of a consumer. In this case, Dr. Laura was able to showcase the effectiveness of certain products and share them with her loyal audience.
If you’re a brand looking to work with vets, Dr. Laura is one of our best picks! Reach out to us at hello@pawjourr.com , and we’ll connect you with the right expert..
Article originally published on The Spruce Pets. Written by Franny Syufy. Refer to the original article here.
You know the drill: the sun is blinding, relentlessly beating down like something out of an old Western movie. If you don’t have air conditioning, you seek out shady spots and sigh in relief from the slightest breeze, otherwise, you huddle inside. If you stay in the sun too long you may become dizzy, have heart palpitations, and increased internal temperature, all signs of impending heat exhaustion.
Consider this: before you ever reach that point, your cat may also be showing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Although heat stroke is more commonly discussed in dogs, because of people’s propensity to leave them in parked cars, cats can be affected too. Cats can’t always tell you they’re not feeling up to par, but they sure can show you. Early symptoms of heat stroke and the accompanying dehydration are:
Panting
Anxiety, possibly demonstrated by pacing
Increased heartbeat
Respiratory distress or hyperventilation (Breeds with flat noses, such as Persians, may exhibit this earlier because of compromised airways.)
Dark red gums
Lethargy
Increased internal body temperature Your cat’s internal temperature should be between 100.5 and 101.5 F. A temperature of 104 For more is a definite warning sign.
How to Help Your Cat Avoid Heatstroke
You can help your cat survive extremely hot weather by keeping him indoors in a cool interior room. Rubbing him down with a damp towel will help; so will immersing his feet in a tub of cool water. Wrapping a cold compress under the cat’s neck will also help cool him off. He may fight at first, but most likely will appreciate it once he gets used to the idea. Try wrapping a plastic bag of frozen peas in a towel, and place in his bed for a cool spot to lie. The peas will rearrange themselves to fit his contours and he’ll have a “custom spa” for cooling off.
Jill Ferry Photography / Getty Images
Provide Fresh Cool Water
The optimum water bowl is an automatic water dispenser. There is a variety of them on the market, but after testing many over the years, I have returned time and again to my favorite, the Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain I have three of them in my home – one in the dining room, one in my bedroom and one in my son’s bedroom. As anyone who has ever dipped a toe in a mountain spring knows, fresh, flowing water stays naturally cool.
Lacking an automated fountain, make sure your cat has several bowls of cool water available. It doesn’t hurt to drop an ice cube in once in a while, not only to cool the water but to pique kitty’s interest in drinking.
Strangely enough, cats affected by external heat may refuse to drink water, exacerbating the problem of dehydration, so you may want to “force” water by using an eyedropper or syringe. Be careful not to shoot the water down his throat as it can enter his lungs and/or cause choking. Just dribble a drop or two at a time in the corner of his mouth, which will help hydrate him and draw his interest to drinking on his own.
If your cat exhibits any of the signs above that lead you to think he is suffering heat exhaustion, cool him down as quickly as possible by immersing him in cool water, and then wrapping him with wet towels. Then get him to the veterinarian immediately. This is a serious, potentially fatal condition.
Friederike Von Gilsa / EyeEm / Getty Images
Sunburn
White cats, or cats with white ears and faces, are particularly susceptible to sunburn. Over a period of time, repeated exposure to the sun can cause squamous cell carcinoma, cancer found most often on the tips of the ears and nose. Early signs are a sore that does not heal, or that bleeds. My own introduction to squamous cell carcinoma was with our beloved little white cat, Arthur, who died of it at 18 years. Because of her age, we were reluctant to allow either surgery or chemotherapy, the two treatments of choice, and she passed on about three months after being diagnosed.
White cats should be kept out of the direct sun as much as possible, and if they must be in the sun, you can help them prevent sunburn by using a sunscreen on their ears and noses. Your veterinarian can recommend one which will not be harmful if ingested.
The sun is a powerful giver of life and still worshiped by people all over the world, but it is not always your cat’s best friend. Be aware of his condition on sweltering summer days, and if you have any doubts at all, get him to the veterinarian immediately. You are your cat’s first line of defense with health issues.
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. This article is meant only to give you a starting place to do your own research so you can make an informed decision, should it ever become necessary.
Moggy / Getty Images
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet’s health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
It can be difficult to tell if your cat is in pain for many reasons. Cat owners may often miss the subtle signs of pain in their cats or do not notice until their cats are showing more obvious signs, such as loss of appetite and lethargy. In some cases, cats only show more obvious symptoms after being ill for an extended period of time or if they are very ill. By the time you actually notice something is wrong with your cat, it might have been going on for longer than you think.
Although no one likes to think about their pets living with pain, it is important to be able to notice telltale signs of pain in cats, so that you can take the necessary steps to provide comfort and prevent medical issues from worsening.
It Can Be Difficult to Tell If a Cat Is in Pain
Cats are experts at hiding illness. This is in part because cats are both prey and predator animals, and in the wild, not showing pain can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. Showing signs of pain makes them more vulnerable to attacks.
It can also be difficult for your veterinarian to notice signs of pain because of cats hiding their pain due to fear and stress, which is common during veterinary visits. Your cat may also go into fight or flight mode, which can cause a decrease in pain perception.
Signs of Pain
When cats are dealing with pain, similar to humans, it can affect their behavior. In fact, cats often show behavioral changes prior to physical symptoms.
It is important for you to know your cat’s normal temperament and behavior. This includes your cat’s normal attitude, energy level, gait, appetite, sleep patterns, thirst, and other physical and behavior patterns. Just the slightest change could be a sign that your cat is sick or in pain. Since your cat cannot tell you it’s in pain, your veterinarian relies on you to determine if there are any abnormal behavior patterns that may be pain-related. If your cat is just not acting like itself, this can be a sign that they are experiencing pain.
Note: Changes in your cats’ daily habits should not always be contributed to aging. Age is not a disease, but as your cat ages, they are more likely to be suffering from pain.
Grooming Changes
You may notice that your cat is not grooming itself or if it does groom itself, it only focuses on its face and the front of its body. Cats are meticulous cleaners, so be aware of your cat’s grooming habits have changed or you notice that its coat is unkempt.
Behavioral Changes
Your cat may be more withdrawn and even start hiding. Our cats are bonded to us and like to be engaged and present where we are. When your cat is suddenly not greeting you at the door, not sleeping with you, and other engaging behaviors that are normal, this may be a sign that something’s wrong.
Less Activity and Low Energy
You may notice that your cat has less energy or decreased stamina to engage in previously enjoyable activities, such as playing with toys or chasing that red dot. Your cat may be reluctant to jump, walk up and down stairs, have difficulty getting up from laying down, exhibit restlessness, and have difficulty finding a comfortable place to rest. You may also notice changes in sleeping patterns—the cat may sleep more or less and may sleep in unusual positions and places.
Litter Box Changes
Cats commonly will miss the litter boxes due to the pain associated with going in and out of the litter box, as well as difficulty squatting. Holding the squatting position can be very difficult for a cat with sore hips or knees. Other medical issues can cause cats to not use the litter box due to pain and urgency associated with them.
Increased Irritability
Cats in pain can also uncharacteristically have episodes of aggression. A cat may begin to growl or hiss when people or other pets in the household approach it, may not be comfortable with being held and may resent being brushed or combed. They may bite or scratch, too, especially when a person touches or moves the painful area or if the cat anticipates you doing it.
Changes in Appetite and Water Intake
Cats who are experiencing pain may lose interest in eating and drinking. If you notice any changes in your cat’s eating and drinking habits, be sure to alert your veterinarian. This can be a sign of pain and various other serious medical issues.
Posture
A cat in a lot of pain will appear as if it’s trying to curl up into a ball or will sit hunched over in a guarded, crouched position with its back curved higher than normal, its head lowered, and front paws often folded under it. You may notice that once it lays down, the cat keeps its legs tucked up underneath itself instead of stretching out on its side. It may avoid or have difficulty engaging in scratching behaviors.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Cat Is in Pain
Do not give pain medications designed for humans or dogs to cats. Cats process drugs very differently from other species. Common pain medications used in humans can cause death in cats. Always seek veterinary care and consult your veterinarian for an appropriate pain therapy plan. Consult your veterinarian and address potential pain rather than letting your cat suffer in silence. Our cat companions rely on us to speak for them, so monitor your cats closely and alert the veterinarian to any concerns.
Have you ever considered changing your dog’s diet to something more natural and fresh? If your answer is a resounding yes, then this article is perfect for you!
More dog owners have been seen switching their pups to a primarily fresh meal diet. And it’s no wonder, given that there’s a host of benefits associated with doing so, such as healthier skin, smoother coats and less trips to the vet.
We had the exciting opportunity to have a chat with the founders of The Grateful Dog (TGD), Rachel and Sandee. The Grateful Dog is a company that specialises in fresh meals for dogs of all kinds. Read along as they share their motivations, challenges, and opinions when it comes to feeding your dogs fresh meals.
Q: Tell us a little bit more about The Grateful Dog!
TGD: We’re a fresh food company for dogs in Singapore that focuses on providing great tasting, highly nutritious, and easy-to-serve meals that are suitable for dogs of all shapes and sizes—created with busy, modern-day dog owners in mind.
The Grateful Dog Fresh Meals
Q: What’s the motivation and reason for starting The Grateful Dog? Did you self learn when it comes to feeding fresh meals?
TGD: The Grateful Dog was born out of our passion and huge love for dogs. My co-founder, Rachel Pereira and I found ourselves at a cross roads at the same time in our career; it was a question of whether to move on to another ‘conventional’ job within our respective industries, or to embark on a brand-new adventure that could potentially help lots of dogs? The answer then (and till today) was very clear to us.
At the initial stage, we spent a long-time brainstorming on impactful ways we would be able to serve the local dog community in Singapore while making a living, and with most Singaporeans, our thoughts veered to food!
As dog owners ourselves, we also understand that people take their role of being their pet’s guardian very seriously. That’s why we know that empathy, transparency and attention to details are things that dog owners will care about, and these values are what The Grateful Dog is built on.
Together with the help of experts in the fields of nutrition and veterinary care, we poured through industry journals, articles, in-depth interviews, and tweaks along the way.
In 2017, we launched our clean label, human-grade, lean animal protein meals with the intention to help dog owners cut through the clutter and jargon of commercial dog food. In addition, we wanted to give them peace of mind, knowing that their best friend are enjoying the best quality of food for them to thrive.
Q: How does a typical day look like for you at The Grateful Dog?
TGD: I would say that we spend a large majority of time advising dog owners who are either entirely new to fresh food, or want to find out about our products (especially if their dog has specific dietary restrictions due to a health condition). We also share advice about the proper combination of food and supplements, and other knowledge resources that could help a dog owner who might feel at loss of how to manage their dog’s health and wellbeing.
We also devote time during the day to dig into trends on dog nutrition or research in detail about certain ingredients. Of course, there’s our guilty pleasure of scrolling through IG for a mid-day break to catch up on our favourite dogs online.
Q: What is one of the top challenge when it comes to running a business in Singapore? (E.g. delivery, securing fresh ingredients)
Staying relevant and making sure that we’re providing the right product/service at a competitive price for our customer is our priority. We know that schools of thought can adapt and change, which is why being nimble and open to feedback is important to us.
Good feedback motivates us and constructive feedback helps us improve! That’s why we always encourage dog owners not to be afraid to share their thoughts with us.
Preparation of Fresh Food
Q: What are your thoughts about the different available diets (Kibbles, Freeze-Dried, Raw) available out there for dogs?
TGD: There’s no right or wrong diet for a dog. The age, biology and genes of the dog have a role to play on deciding which diet works better for a dog during that specific time point in its life whether it’s freeze-dried, dehydrated, raw, or gently cooked.
Q: What has been your proudest The Grateful Dog moment so far?
TGD: In June this year, we celebrated our third-year anniversary. And this year has been an exceptionally challenging one for everyone which is why I’m truly appreciative of all the amazing support our dog owners have given us, and we’re proud to be serving more dog owners all over Singapore as we move into 2021.
Q: What is your ultimate vision and goal for The Grateful Dog?
TGD: Our vision is for The Grateful Dog to fit into every pet owner’s lifestyle. 2021 will see us evolving as a brand to provide more high quality, fresh meal options to pet owners, as we continue to develop innovative and thoughtful products.
Oreo is a two-year-old adopted Japanese Spitz- Alaskan Malamute mix. When we adopted him in 2018, he had severe anxiety and he was not comfortable with people at all. He cried every second he was home and it took a lot of training (both home and professional) to improve his behavior.
Towards his family members, Oreo is a sweet and gentle fellow and is honestly one of the most obedient dogs I’ve seen or had. Today, he no longer barks at strangers but he isn’t outwardly friendly to them-so you can imagine a trip to the emergency vet was a nightmare for him (and maybe the nurses too!)
August 5, 2020
The day started out typical with Oreo and our Shih Tzu named Yani doing their normal routine of playing, sleeping, and fighting each other. At around 6:00pm, my mom reminded us that a flea collar needed to be put on the dogs (we use a collar because my Shih Tzu couldn’t take oral medications due to kidney issues). My sister obliged and put their brand new collar on. We didn’t think much of it because we’ve been using the same brand for almost 2 years now. The dogs didn’t seem to mind either, there was absolutely no change in their behavior.
At 8:30pm my sister went to bed with the dogs (yes, it’s early I know) and at 10:00pm she woke up to Oreo pacing. She thought Oreo was just restless so she went downstairs to get herself a glass of water. When she returned, she realized that there was white foam and blood on the bedsheet. Oreo was now vomiting but still strong and playful, even then we knew something was wrong and we prepared to take him to the emergency vet.
We saw a part of his flea collar chewed off (1/4 an inch-very tiny) and suspected that it might have been poisonous.
Since it was lockdown in Metro Manila, all the usual vets that we go to for emergencies were closed. We spent 18 minutes calling and finding a vet that would take him in after office hours. We finally found one and due to the road blockage, it took over 30 minutes to get there. The wait was excruciating, Oreo started changing within 48 minutes. He wouldn’t drink water, he was drooling excessively and he was panting.
Vet’s Office
You can see the wet part of the stairs, that was Oreo excessively drooling outside the vet’s office
It took two nurses to carry him out. The vet confirmed our suspicions that it was probably the flea collar and asked us to remove it from our other dog immediately.
Unfortunately for Oreo, an x-ray confirmed that the collar was no longer in his stomach and induced vomiting would no longer help. He needed to be warded for at least 3 days because with poisoning things can take a turn for the worse quickly as they start to digest the poison.
Oreo during his first night
Oreo’s treatment consisted of charcoal pills, an IV drip, and extra oxygen. His first night, he was extremely weak and unhappy. This vet was a whole new place for him and his usual humans were not around.
The next morning we got a message from his vet that Oreo refused to eat anything they gave him. My sister and her partner prepared Oreo’s favorite meals and visited him. The only place Oreo was comfortable and familiar with was the car. For the next days, it would be routine for my sister to visit Oreo and for the nurses to carry Oreo to the car with an IV to be fed.
Oreo in the car with his IV
By the third day, you could see a big improvement in Oreo. He was no longer drooling, he was stronger and he even seemed to be smiling again. There were still a few problems, the first one was that his kidney levels were not completely back to normal and the second was that for 3 days Oreo did not want to pass stool in the vet’s office.
Oreo still eating in the car but much happier
The vet decided that the next day (4th day) if he was still in stable condition, he could continue medicines for his kidney at home in the hopes that he would be in a more comfortable area where he can pass stool. Passing stool was important because Oreo needed to excrete the collar so it would stop releasing poison in his body.
The vet warned that taking him home would mean constant monitoring and any sign of drooling, pale gums, or seizures in the next 3 days would warrant an emergency trip back to the vet.
Bringing him home
Discharged from the vet
Oreo was discharged on August 8, 2pm. The next few days were filled with sleepless nights because we were continuously monitoring Oreo. Finally, on August 11 the vet was officially happy to declare that Oreo survived the poisoning and is out of the critical zone.
Learnings
Always have a list of emergency vets. We wasted precious time just figuring out where to take Oreo. It’s important to update this list especially during COVID where establishments change their hours.
Socialise your dog. It’s important for them to be very comfortable in a vet’s office. We realized after that Oreo never had a pleasant visit to the vet. We tried to avoid vet visits previously due to his anxiety but when he really needed to go, he was uncomfortable, to say the least.
Never use Bayopet flea collar. It’s insane how only 1/4 inch of the collar could poison a 20kg dog. I shudder to think about what would’ve happened if it was my Shih Tzu that ate the collar.
Today
Today, Oreo is back to normal. He’s happy and playful but his poisoning was a traumatic experience for everyone. We can’t believe he was poisoned by a flea collar – an item that has been deemed safe for dogs to use.
At some point, Oreo still needs to do a blood test to check if his kidney function is back to normal. At the end of the day, we’re just proud and happy to have our pup back home and healthy!
Being a first-time dog owner, I was relatively lucky that Coffee had no major health issues for the first few years of her life. I always knew she had a weak stomach and had her fair share of vet visits, but nothing prepared me (and my wallet) for the multiple bouts of gastroenteritis that happened last year in 2019. I’m sharing my personal experience in hopes that you can avoid some of the mistakes that I made.
How it began
The first time it happened was on 27 Feb 2019, and it started with some diarrhoea earlier in the day. I did not think much about it at first because she occasionally had loose stools that resolved on their own. However, I knew something was wrong when she started vomiting and there was even blood in the diarrhoea. By the time I realised it was an emergency, her usual vet clinic was already closed. In my panic, I searched for vets nearby and found one that was open until 11pm. We rushed her there and disappointingly, the vet barely examined her (red flag!!), explained some possibilities and sent us off with metronidazole. Our bill easily came up to over $250 that night, which leads me to my point number 1:
1. Please research and have a list of vets for different situations! Your usual vet may not always be open when you need them, so be prepared with a list of good vet clinics you can go to for emergencies late at night/on public holidays etc. If I had a choice, I would not have gone to that vet that day.
We were then told to give her a bland diet and would likely still see blood in her diarrhoea for the next few days. She was still lively and had her good appetite then.
Coffee happily waiting for her steamed fish and pumpkin.
With the antibiotics she was taking, we thought she would get better but it took a turn for the worse. She continued to vomit and diarrhoea day and night and by 1 Mar, she had stopped wanting to eat or drink anything. I was working full time then, and the lack of sleep and stress was really building up. Luckily, I managed to squeeze in an appointment with her usual vet and I’m glad we went back to her usual vet for a second opinion.
2. Trust your gut instincts and if you feel like something is not right, you should see the vet immediately.
They examined her thoroughly (the vet even stuck her finger up Coffee’s butt to feel for any abnormalities), gave her injections and more medicine. Surprisingly, the total bill was only about $159 despite having more medicine. She eventually recovered and we thought that was the last of it.
The second and worst
In hindsight, we should have learnt from that experience and tried to be more prepared. We only learnt our lesson when disaster struck on a public holiday – 19 April 2019. Most vet clinics we knew of were closed, so we had to go to one of the few that were open and it was really far away. As usual, they gave her some injections as well as metronidazole and other anti-diarrhoea medicine. The vet had also suggested that we can hospitalise her so that they can keep an eye on her condition. Thinking that it was similar to the previous episode, I assumed she would recover and so I declined and brought her home. It was another bad decision because when she got home, the frequency of vomiting increased and there was even more blood.
It looked like a murder scene. Her diarrhoea was so bad she could not control herself and did it in the house multiple times.
I was so heartbroken seeing her in so much pain that I knew I had to bring her back despite the cost. She was later hospitalized that night, put on the IV drip to ensure she was hydrated. By the time I got home, it was almost 1am and I hardly slept that night because I was so worried. It was a relief to find out the next day that she was recovering and was ready to be discharged.
Coffee was feeling much better but very drowsy.
Her blood test results showed nothing out of the ordinary and they ruled out pancreatitis as well so they suspected it was food sensitivity or gastroenteritis. The total bill burned a big hole in my wallet as it eventually came up to around $1500 and this leads me to point 3:
3. Always have an emergency fund for your pets. You’ll never know when you will need it and emergency vet bills can really add up. You may also consider pet insurance.
The third and fourth time
To cut the story short, it happened again 2 more times in Oct and Nov 2019. It always started with the same symptoms and progressed to something serious and we had to rush to yet another clinic recommended by her usual vet for emergencies. We did a lot of blood tests, x-ray and even tested her stool samples, which is important for pets having diarrhoea.
4. Whenever possible, save a fresh stool sample (best to be within 1 hour) so the clinic can test for certain bacteria/parasites.
A learning experience
Unfortunately, all the tests came back negative and we never really knew the cause of all this. It is frustrating because it feels like we are up against an invisible enemy. However, at least I can take comfort in the fact that I am a little more prepared the next time it strikes. This whole episode was traumatic for my family and Coffee but we have emerged much stronger through this. Do comment and share your experiences too so that it may one day help anyone going through the same thing (although I pray you never have to!).
In early July 2020, our family was met with some unexpected news. Our dog Hana was not only diagnosed with patellar luxation in her hind legs, but also hip dysplasia, at the tender age of 9 months. It was a double whammy for us. Between January to June, we had already made multiple trips to the vet to treat a variety of ongoing issues. But what made the situation even worse was the fact that Hana had already been displaying early symptoms of both conditions—right under our noses.
X-rays displaying Hip dysplasia(left) and Patellar luxation(right) respectively.
She had been quietly enduring the pain in her hips and joints, while we unknowingly brushed it off as a simple sprain that will naturally disappear and heal in no time. During the car ride home from the vet that day, many thoughts and unanswered questions went racing through my head. How did things come to this? Are we at fault for causing her to suffer so greatly? Will invasive surgery be a better or worse option?
Photo of Hana taken the day before her diagnosis. We went for a walk at Bukit Batok Nature Park.
The next few days went by in a blur. Each time I woke up in the morning, the only thought nagging inside my mind was Hana’s diagnosis. I read up many articles regarding HD and PL, sought for advice from people on Instagram, and also joined a specialized chat group hoping to gain more knowledge from other experienced owners. Fast-forward to present day, I’ve decided to compile my first-hand experience+what I’ve learnt, into this blog post, in the hopes of sharing what preventive measures you can start taking, as well as how to care for your dog—the natural way, if he or she has any hip or joint issues.
Now that I’ve shared with you some background information, I’ll be splitting the rest of this article into 2 main sections: Pre-diagnosis and Post-diagnosis.
The Pre-diagnosis aims to share what are some red flags to keep an eye out for to prevent yourself from getting a dog who is likely to suffer hip or joint conditions AND if you suspect that your dog is suffering from these conditions. This section is especially important for potential first-time owners who are planning to welcome a new puppy into their household/already own a puppy.
The Post-diagnosis aims to share our experience at RehabVet, some lifestyle changes we have made for Hana to address her needs, as well as several natural remedies that can prevent/ maintain hip and joint conditions in dogs.
Pre-diagnosis
Where you get your puppy from matters. I cannot stress this further enough. Did you know that majority of the adorable puppies sold in local pet shops are sourced from unethical puppy mills and unregistered breeders—whose sole purpose is to produce puppies for profit? Temperament, health and breed standards are rarely taken into consideration. One of the main woes of owners today is the fact that many puppies are very sickly and can suffer from several health issues, even before the age of 1.
If you are reading this post as a potential new owner, I highly recommend and suggest getting your puppy from a trusted and registered breeder overseas. These breeders show love and care to their dogs as they sincerely want to ensure that the dogs are being bred to be best in temperament, health and standard. Sure, the price you pay+amount of paperwork done for an imported breed will definitely be much higher than a local one, but then again, Affordable and Cheap ≠ Healthy dog. More than oftentimes, you’ll end up paying the price of unethical breeding through mountains of medical bills—just like we did.
This article: tinyurl.com/ImportJS written by @i.am.fuji_haku (IG) gives a very detailed and in-depth insight on importing a puppy into Singapore. A must read for anyone who plans to get a puppy, be it imported or local.
Red flag #1: We purchased Hana from a disreputable pet shop. Lets call it TC. When we asked them to show us images of her parents, the staff declined our request. They were also unable to produce health certificates to justify that her parents were hip-scored and tested to be free from hip dysplasia. This goes to show the poor level of transparency most pet shops have here.
Red flag #2: Hana’s health certificate as provided by TC after a vet check-up, did not display her knee grade for both knees e.g. Grade 1,2,3 etc. Strangely, it was left blank but we proceeded with making the purchase thinking that was just a harmless mistake.
Red Flag #3: When we met Hana for the first time, the staff did not allow her to walk on the floor. We were only allowed to carry her on our laps. Why not walk on the floor? They said that the puppies will then be easily susceptible to bacteria and germs. Looking back now, I believe that they did so in order to prevent unsuspecting owners from noticing any hobbling/limping in any puppies’ legs.
Never turn a blind eye on possible symptoms. We learnt it the hard way when Hana started limping and “bunny-hopping” in her left hind leg at the start of May. When that ceased to subside over a few days, we decided to call up the vet and book an appointment. However, since this was during the circuit breaker period and priority for vet visits was given to severe cases, the vet told us to send in videos first, and assess whether the limping was severe enough to require a physical diagnosis. Based on the videos sent, the vet told us not to worry as it was just a minor sprain that will eventually heal on its own. Our initial worries faded away…but even that was just temporary.
Red flag #4: Hana started limping occasionally in her left hind leg during her daily walks and at home. She also developed the habit of shifting both hind legs to the left side when sitting down.
Limping is visibly seen in her left hind leg when walking. This was taken after her first session of rehabilitation + consultation.
This particular sitting style may seem endearing to some, but in fact signals that there is pain in one hind leg(in this case, the left side). This caused Hana to shift all her weight onto her other right hind leg instead.
Red flag #5: At the end of June, we brought Hana for her first full grooming session at a groomers’ place near our home. The entire duration of the session? 5 hours. The groomer told us that Hana constantly kicked her legs up, and refused to stand for long periods of time. Instead, she chose to lie down on the groomer’s table and so the grooming process took way longer than it should. We suspect that she had low pain tolerance in her joints and thus was unable to stand up for long periods of time during the grooming session.
Red flag #6: Since young, Hana has a bad habit of tugging at the leash in an attempt to walk/run ahead of us during walks. This often results in her pulling against the leash and leaning sideways when we make her walk beside us, thus straining her hind legs immensely.
After seeking advice, we were told that harnesses encourage dogs to pull more frequently, and so we switched to using both collars and harnesses. If you are concerned over collar tension, you can use a martingale collar instead. They are known to be effective training collars that can reduce pulling and tugging, whilst remaining loosely fitted unless pulled.
Example of a martingale collar, sold by local brand The Sleek Hound.
Post-diagnosis
Over the next few days, I sought for help and advice from fellow owners via Instagram. These owners also had dogs diagnosed with either hip dysplasia or patellar luxation. I had a relatively long and informative conversation with one of them. Coincidentally, her dog also came from the same pet shop as Hana did, and was suffering from severe hip dysplasia. Eventually, she sent her dog for a surgical procedure as its hips were already dislocated. Another owner whose dog suffered from grade 3 patellar luxation in both hind legs also sought for surgery. On the contrary, we currently send Hana for weekly rehabilitation at RehabVet to maintain both hip and joint conditions from further deterioration.
With many owners opting for surgical procedures, you may be wondering—why didn’t we choose surgery as well? At first glance, surgery seems like a viable solution. For patellar luxation, surgical correction is often recommended for dogs with grades 2, 3 and 4. It aims to keep the patellar in place at all times. In severe cases of canine hip dysplasia, surgery is also recommended as the best possible treatment. Surgery costs for both joint and hip procedures differs according to the type of surgical procedure you think is best for your dog.
Shortly after speaking to our Mt Pleasant vet regarding surgery options, we sought for a second opinion at RehabVet (https://rehabvet.com/), which specialises in rehabilitation, physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Our consultation session lasted one full hour and cost us SGD$180. During the session, a series of tests were conducted to deduce the severity of Hana’s hip and joint conditions. The rehabilitation therapist Janny Chen concluded that Hana had overworked her tricep muscles, shifted majority of her weight onto 3 limbs and had more muscular front legs as compared to other growing puppies. It was also evident that Hana was in a lot of pain, as she screamed and whined loudly throughout the session.
Towards the end, our therapist laid out 2 different options: we could either send Hana in for surgery to treat both hips and joints (that makes 2 surgical procedures), or seek rehabilitation treatment to naturally manage and maintain the pain. The reasons why we decided on rehabilitation treatment are listed below:
My family and I felt uncomfortable over the thought of Hana undergoing an invasive surgery, let alone two different procedures.
Post-surgery complications may arise and can lead to even more detrimental effects on Hana.
Even after a successful surgery, rehabilitation is still required for her to regain strength and balance in her affected hips and joints.
The people at RehabVet were very understanding towards our concerns and told us that many of their patients (especially puppies) opted for rehabilitation instead, and are thriving well with a change in lifestyle.
We were told that puppies diagnosed with hip/joint conditions are better able to “bounce back” to their regular selves by simply undergoing rehabilitation.
We wanted Hana to live a more comfortable life, in the most natural, non-invasive way possible. Prior to this, she was constantly on medications and antibiotics to treat a multitude of issues that cropped up over the first few months of her life.
After confirming our decision for Hana to start rehabilitation, we then signed up for a package of 10 sessions (rehabilitation+physiotherapy), costing SGD$1300 (for small breed). Package prices differs depending on the breed’s size. If keen, you may wish to visit https://rehabvet.com/ for more information on their various services.
It is also important to note that every dog’s rehabilitation/physiotherapy journey differs on a case-by-case basis. While some dogs are able to start hydrotherapy (swimming) almost immediately, the team at RehabVet advised us to start slow and work on strengthening her weak joints before starting hydrotherapy. Thus, our first few sessions were mainly focused on building up muscle strength in her joints+alleviating pain in the hips and back.
Pyramid chart from RehabVet’s website explains how they carry out their services for each individual pet.
Our rehab sessions took place once per week on Wednesday afternoons. From Week 1-5, Hana underwent laser therapy and stretching exercises (rehabilitation) to soothe her sore muscles and ease the pain felt in her joints, hips and back.
Happy Hana in the midst of her weekly laser therapy.
From Week 6-9, Hana underwent both laser therapy and physiotherapy in the form of hydrotherapy (swimming). The hydrotherapy sessions were conducted in a mildly heated pool, under the supervision of a hydrotherapist. Owners are welcome to step into the pool as well.
Hana’s first hydrotherapy session on Week 6! She was trembling slightly at first but managed to swim across from one end of the pool to the other under the watchful eye of her hydrotherapist.
Since starting on her rehab journey 10 weeks ago, it is evident that improvements have been made in Hana’s hip and joints! The limping/bunny-hopping has slowly but gradually ceased in her left hind leg, and her back+tricep muscles are less sore than before.
As I’m writing this article, Hana has yet to attend her 10th and final session of the package, but will be visiting again next week. From what I know, the last session will still see her undergoing rehab and hydrotherapy. Additionally, the same series of tests conducted during the first consultation will be done again, to record and compare any significant areas of improvement being made after time spent on rehabilitation. After that, it is up to the owners to decide on whether to continue on a next package of 10 sessions or take a break from rehab etc. (For us, we will likely continue with another set of 10 sessions.)
After sharing my experience with RehabVet, I’ll now be moving on to several changes we’ve implemented into Hana’s daily lifestyle:
#1Stretch, stretch, stretch!: Shortly after starting rehab, we were advised to carry out stretching exercises for Hana’s joints, twice a day on a daily basis. This was done so right after she woke up in the morning and before she goes to sleep at night. Heat packs also had to be placed on the joints area.
#2:No climbing of stairs: As per professionals’ advice, we have stopped letting Hana climb up or down staircases, and carry her instead. Other forms of movement deemed strenuous on the hind legs such as jumping has also been kept to a minimum.
#3 Transition to raw: Somewhat of a controversial topic amongst owners and experts alike, raw diets for pets are nonetheless gaining much traction and popularity within the pet community. The moment I stumbled upon this “new” feeding method last year, it made complete sense to me that raw feeding was the most natural, nutritional and wholesome feeding method for both dogs and cats. My family on the other hand, were initially skeptical over this diet. After much persuasion, Hana is now on a DIY raw+home-cooked food diet. Because I’m feeding her on a DIY raw diet, nutritional imbalances are more likely to occur. Thus, I recently sought for help and advice from an expert @twomanylegs (IG) to create a balanced meal recipe that will be especially beneficial for Hana’s hip and joints. She took both issues into consideration and so made a recipe that has higher levels of manganese, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. If you are unable to consult an expert or prefer to craft your own recipe, you can head over to https://rawfedandnerdy.com/, or join raw feeding communities on social media platforms to gain advice and knowledge on raw feeding.
#4 We bought a pram: Nope, not the one for babies—but the one made just for pets. We bought our pram (used condition but relatively new) off Carousell for a reasonable price of SGD$50, and often bring it out during “excursions” to outdoor locations such as cafes, parks and neighbourhoods. Before getting a dog, whenever my family and I saw a dog in a stroller, we’d ogle at it and wonder why its owners didn’t allow it to walk on the floor instead. How the tables have turned! Nowadays we often see children and adults pointing at Hana in her pram, openly asking why there was a dog in the pram. Sometimes, I even felt like just pasting a piece of cardboard in front of the pram explaining the reason (lols!) All in all, the pram was a great transportation mode for Hana. Gone are the days when we had to carry her halfway through walks till our arms went slightly sore. You can try your luck by finding a pet pram on Carousell like we did, or get one off Shopee which also sells affordable prams.
#5 Supplements: Before the diagnosis, Hana was taking Augustine Approved powder on a daily basis. Now, we’ve also added in Canine Rose-hip Vital powder as well as Connectin Hip & Joint powder in a bid to improve her overall conditions. Rose-hip powder is one of the most popular and well known kinds of supplements that owners feed their dogs for better joint health. You can read more about the benefits of rosehip powder via https://rosehipvitalcanine.com.sg/. Besides powdered supplements, we also provide her with tablets—mainly M&C Kalsium and Antinol. If your pet is fussy with powdered/tablet supplements, or you prefer liquid ones, feel free to visit https://perromart.com.sgcollections/nhv for a variety of liquid-based supplements that supports joint health. For other powdered supplements, I’ve also heard great reviews about Happy Again joint supplement. You can find it here: https://shop.vanillapup.com/products/happy-again-collagen-joint-supplement.
#6 Yummy bone broth: Bone broth is a delicious, prized stock liquid made using any type of bones and simmered over a period of 24 hours. It is also common to throw in additional vegetables/herbs/fungi for a boost of flavour and nourishment. The many benefits of bone broth includes protecting the joints and improving gut health. Strangely, Hana seems to dislike bone broth (she is a very picky eater). I made several batches using chicken feet, pork bones, celery, carrots, turmeric and ACV, on different occassions using a pressure cooker, but Hana never finished her meals when I added the broth in. Over here https://thepetlifestyleguru.com/benefits-of-bone-broth/ includes some useful recipes for you to get started on making bone broth for your pet. If you value convenience, there are also ready-made options available on the market. One local brand I highly recommend is The Awoo’s Kitchen (@the_awookitchen on IG), as their rich, jelly-like golden broths are popular choices among the owners and pets alike! If their slots aren’t fully booked for the month yet, you can make a purchase on their website https://theawookitchen.com/.
#7 Correcting the “Ah Pek” sitting style: As mentioned earlier, one red flag that Hana displayed pre-diagnosis was shifting all her body weight onto one side of her hind legs. This is not a recommended sitting position as it can add further strain onto the “good” hind leg that the dog is leaning on. She still does it sometimes, but less frequently than before. When we see her sitting “Ah Pek” style, we’ll encourage her to get up on all fours and sit down normally instead. We’ll also coax her to stand back up before carrying her to the bed, which provides a softer cushioning on her joints.
And…That’s all folks!
You’ve finally come to the end of my long article (laughs). I’ve had lots of fun writing this as it gave me the chance to reflect back on Hana’s rehabilitation journey from start till now, albeit the fact that we still have a long way to go. So far, we’ve met so many helpful and experienced owners who’ve stepped forward to share their own personal experiences on having a dog with hip/joint conditions, or simply to share useful nuggets of advice with me. Some things that I’ve written here would not have been possible without the help of these people! So thank you very much:)
The reason why I decided to compile my experience here on Pawjourr is because many other owners have approached me on social media seeking for words of advice, or simply to share Hana’s journey so far. Thus, I jumped upon the chance to pour out all that I had wanted to say to other fellow owners on social media, but couldn’t due to limited word count+limited time to process my thoughts properly.
I hope that you found this article useful! You can follow us @hanathecloud on Instagram to see more regular updates of Hana, or to ask any further questions:D
Allergy is defined as an over-reactivity or hypersensitivity of the immune system to a particular substance called an allergen. Allergens are protein that can come from plants, foods or animals.
Allergies are one of the most common issues here in Singapore. Allergies can start to appear when your pet is around six months of age and the majority of dogs affected with allergies are over the age of one or two.
Types of allergy
Flea Bite Allergy
Food Allergy
Environmental Allergy (Atopy)
The most common type of allergies seen in pets is either environmental allergy or food allergy. Common food allergens are chicken, dairy, eggs or beef. Common environmental allergens are pollens from trees/grasses and dust mites.
Signs and symptoms of allergies
Itching of the skin
Constantly biting and licking of the skin
Scabs on the body
Flaking on the skin
Redness on the skin
Treatment options for food allergy would be elimination diet for 8 weeks with no other food, treats, flavoured chews or medications. A home cooked novel protein and carbohydrate diet or hydrolysed protein diet. Novel protein such as rabbit, kangaroo or frog meat can be sourced easily available from any meat supplier. Novel carbohydrate such as sweet potato, white potato and chickpea can be sourced easily from the supermarket. Hydrolysed protein diet can be found in veterinary clinics selling prescription diet.
Treatment options for environmental allergy would be giving medications or allergen specific immunotherapy. Medications such as apoquel, cyclosporine, corticosteroids and cytopoint injections can help to manage allergies. Allergen specific immunotherapy such as serum allergy testing or intradermal skin testing can help you identify what allergens your pet is allergic to. Most veterinary clinics can provide this service where they are able to draw your pet’s blood and send out the serum for lab testing.
*Do note that allergies CANNOT be cured but can only be managed
My Personal Experience
Hiro started showing signs of scabbing and crusting around his groin area when he was about six months of age. His main diet was kibbles and chicken is the main ingredient. We rarely give him treats and do not give him milk either.
Scabs started showing day by day and even though he wasn’t scratching or biting it, it definitely bothered me a lot and it was concerning. I immediately stopped his diet and avoided chicken at all cost and changed to another food brand with the main protein as lamb. To my relief, the scabs started going away and his groin area does not look nasty anymore!
Everything was going smooth sailing till he nearly turns 2 and that was the time when I found out that he has been licking and biting on his paws once in a while. It did not bother me at all as I thought he was only doing it due to boredom and a way to get our attention. Soon, the licking and chewing became so frequent that his paws were filled with saliva staining, fur loss and it was inflamed!
His angry red paws were definitely a red flag and worth the investigation! The vet did a simple skin cytology test and there is a yeast infection going on in all four paws! To manage the yeast infection in his paws, we got some antifungal and anti-itch medication to help him manage his allergies. The medication definitely helped to calm his angry red paws and he stopped biting and licking his paws! When there is no medication, I try to manage his allergies by washing his paws regularly with a medicated shampoo (Vetazole/Malaseb) and putting him on a cone to prevent him from traumatising his paws and applying antibiotic cream.
Conclusion
It is definitely worth a trip to the vet if your pet has been experiencing any of the above signs! Don’t let their skin issues deteriorate over time! If medications are not your preferred choice, regular washing of the paws with a medicated shampoo and putting on the e-collar at least so they do not traumatise their own paws just like silly Hiro!
I hope my personal experience dealing with Hiro’s allergies help to enlighten pet owners! Remember, each dog is different and our experiences may vary. Thankfully Hiro’s allergies are only his paws where yeast overproduces.
Follow us on Instagram:@hiroxcharoadventures to see the goofballs and their crazy daily antics!
To sterilise or not to sterilise, that is the question that many pet parents face at some point in time. But what happens after the decision is made?
So you’ve finally come to a conclusion after weeks and weeks of researching the pros and cons of sterilising your furry mate. The tough part’s over, right? Not necessarily!
To ensure that the surgery and recovery process is as smooth as it can get, these are some of the things that all pawrents should consider during the planning process.
When to do it?
We often hear advice like “You should spay her after a few rounds of heat” or “Let her experience motherhood first” or “Male dogs don’t need to be sterilised” etc. Then there’s the other recommendation that it’s safe to sterilise puppies from 4 months old.
Personally for me, I spoke to three vets about this issue and all of them gave me differing advice. Even within veterinary science, there are different schools of thought. Initially I had planned to spay Duoji at 6 months, then it was pushed back to 8 months cos she just looks so young and baby-ish. I didn’t have the heart to subject her to surgery. Ultimately she was spayed at 13 months old, after she reached adulthood. Incidentally, she had her first heat at around 9 months old. In a way I was reassured that she had developed properly physically before surgery.
At the end of the day, every furkid is different and there’s no right timing to do it. There are some underlying conditions, such as undescended testicles, of which sterilisation is recommended but otherwise, best to seek a trusted vet’s opinion and make an informed decision.
Where to do it?
For something as important as a surgery, it would be unwise to just waltz in to any vet clinic. I strongly recommend all pawrents to begin searching for a trustworthy and reputable vet in the early stages, before you trust them with any operation procedure.
Check online reviews or chat with other pawrents. Better still, visit them for a simple check-up or vaccination – you’d want to assess the clinic, its staff and facilities, whether it’s a good experience overall, before you make your final decision.
Location is also an important consideration. Not only would you save time travelling to and fro (or $$ for those who don’t drive), the journey would also be more comfortable for your furkid. This is particularly important for furkids who get anxious when travelling in cars. Imagine having to endure a long car ride while feeling groggy and in pain after surgery.
Sterilisation fees vary across different vet clinics as well, so if price is an area of concern, best to call up your shortlisted clinics to enquire before confirming the appointment.
Checked in at the clinic
Any add-ons?
During the procedure, your furkid will be under general anesthesia so why not plan the sterilisation surgery to coincide with procedures that you may want/need? Common ones include dental scaling, extraction of teeth etc. This way, you’ll only need to subject your furkid to general anesthesia once.
E-collar
Wearing an e-collar is a must for furkids post-surgery as it helps to prevent them from licking or disturbing their wound. Most incisions are held together by self-dissolving threads which can come apart when in contact with their saliva, putting the wound at risk of infection.
If your dog is fussy, it’s best to get him or her used to the feeling of wearing an e-collar at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Ease them into it by keeping the initial duration short, then slowly extending the time, with plenty of treats in between, of course.
During this step, you can also take the chance to check the fit of the e-collar. The last thing you want is for your furkid to reject the e-collar or try to shake it off and risk aggravating the wound. Or worse, to find out that the e-collar doesn’t fit on the day of surgery and you have to scramble to get a replacement.
Trying on the first collar, which was too small. Duoji’s not pleased.
Grooming
Post-surgery, you won’t be able to shower your furkid for around 10-14 days so do plan a shower before the appointment day to keep your furkid clean and comfortable. I strongly recommend sending your furkid to full grooming before that – a shorter and neater fur coat can come in handy especially since you won’t be able to shower or brush their coat much during the recovery phase.
Setting up a confinement area
During recovery, your furkid would have to minimise movement and get plenty of rest. That means no running, jumping about or rough play. If you don’t already have a playpen or crate, the next best way is to set up a temporary confinement area in a spare room. This would be the space that your furkid is confined in for the next 14 days, ideally, so make it comfortable with soft blankets/pillows etc.
But if your furkid is as active as mine, then you will have to devise some additional ways to keep them safe and out of trouble. You might even want to pre-plan these stop measures and test them out first to make sure it’s foolproof.
In Duoji’s case, she was actually almost normal by the 3rd day after surgery, which means it was impossible to keep her confined for long periods of time. I ended up allowing her to have some pockets of free roaming time under close supervision from day 5 onwards but with makeshift barricades (think rows of chairs to block the stairs, leg massager and random metal tins to block the sofa etc) around the house to prevent her from accessing areas that I deem dangerous.
Trying to get past the chairs blocking the stairs.Blocked. She eventually figured out how to open the gate so I had to use a carton of drinks to secure it.
Caregiver
After the surgery, your furkid will be weaker than usual and require extra care. Hence it’s best to have someone responsible and attentive around to take care of them round the clock, especially for the first few days. For working pawrents, that means you might have to make arrangements to work from home or plan your leave days around the surgery date.
In my case, I planned the surgery on a Wednesday so I’ll have Thursday through Sunday to take care of Duoji before I head back to work on Monday.
Just discharged. Another reason to go for full grooming is so that the shaved leg wont look too weird.Tired and listless
Fasting
The night before surgery, your furkid would be required to fast so do remember to stop all food and treats by the stipulated cut-off time. Don’t forget to keep the water bowl too.
Keeping record
So you and your furkid have made it through the surgery and all safety measures are in place. What’s left is to ensure that the wound heals properly. It’s very important to keep the wound clean and dry – follow the aftercare instructions given by your vet closely.
As an additional step, you might want to keep a record of your furkid’s healing progress. Check for open/split wounds or signs of infection like pus and bleeding. The easiest way is to take a photo of the wound everyday, ideally using the same device and under similar lighting conditions. This way, you can compare the progress and show your vet if you suspect anything amiss.
By day 5, Duoji’s wound looked almost closed up and the swelling and redness had gone down already. Eventually the incision wound will fade away and be covered by the belly fur. Now, almost 7 months on, I cannot even locate the scar anymore.
Hopefully the above tips are helpful to pawrents who have upcoming surgeries and are unsure of what to expect.
IVDD: Intervertebral disc disease One of the most common neurological disorders of dogs and it is the most common spinal disease of dogs.
Do you know?
Chondrodystrophoid (dwarfed) breeds of dogs whose normal cartilage development have been altered genetically for the purpose of a short, stout appearance – i.e.: Dachshund, Beagle, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and Pekingese — are most commonly affected. Other chondrodystrophic breeds that may be affected by IVDD include Corgis, Cocker Spaniel, Pekingese, Shih-Tzu and Poodle. Nonchondrodystrophic breeds that are commonly affected by IVDD include German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever and Doberman Pinscher. Obese dogs of predisposed breeds are especially likely to suffer from IVDD.
BOO’S STORY
I wish I could turn back time.
Boo’s mom.
She is perfect in my eyes. Nothing can replace her. We have each other and that is enough. I wouldn’t mind burning my salary all on her, it was worth it. You can say I am the worst kind of pawrent, but I wouldn’t care. I give her my best.
I recalled 8 months back, I couldn’t bring myself to talk about Boo’s condition. Boo was diagnosed with IVDD days before Christmas. Retracing the memories, I wish I could turn back time. There was so many regrets, so many things where I wish I knew. I wish somebody knew. There were so many sequence of events that I wish I could change, maybe Boo will be better. But who really know? Who was actually prepared for this?
French Bulldog has always been my love. I recalled 3 years back, I did the necessary research; finding a true frenchie breeder, research on their possible medical conditions. Oh boy, found her and that was it. I got her from a reputable breeder. The chances of lesser medical issues is getting from a reputable breeder where you know the complete bloodline of the pedigree, you know the prerequisites. To me, first step complete with additional coverage to getting her an insurance.
Trust me. French Bulldog are not for the faint of the heart. They are highly expensive. It is never the initial cost but the maintenance of it. Imagine getting a printer and the inks are hella expensive, oh sorry wrong. More like getting a Ferrari, and the road tax and the petrol will kill you. Well, we are here on IVDD, so let’s keep it as that.
Definitely it was my fault, I allowed her to jump. It was difficult. We slept on the same bed, she takes the stairs, she loves playing fetch, occasionally I’m lazy I didn’t use a harness but instead a collar. Whatever it is, she was a very happy hyper dog. Nothing could stop her. She was invincible. There are so many wrongs here that I did not stop.
Honestly, all the research in the world, how the hell would you even know how does IVDD look like? When you probably noticed, you are posssibly going downhill. Trust me, google ain’t helpful by then. You can only guess and assume. It was terrible. I remembered I brought her home after a playdate. She was restless. I thought ok maybe she was tired. I carried her, she screamed in pain. I left her. She was dirty, I decided to bathe her. I probably shouldn’t have. I lifted her up and put her down, she screamed again. Oh god, it was bad. It hurt her so bad that she pooped.
She was shivering. I thought maybe she was cold from bathing. She didn’t want to sit at all. She was eating as per normal. It didn’t affect her. I left her alone with heat pad and towels surrounding her. Until 2 hours later, she peed and poop where she slept. This was not normal. It was 9pm. I couldn’t find a place where I could go. I didn’t want to pay extra for overnight consultation. I decided to go to where Boo’s always go. I was so dumb, I should have rushed her to a specialist.
So many mistakes, I didn’t even know where to begin. My emotions was taking over all my decisions. I couldn’t stay sane. I see pain in her eyes, it was terrible. My heart was breaking at every minute. My happy little girl became a 360 change within 12 hours. Honestly up to date, I wish I could turn back the clock.
I should have brought her to a specialist. Don’t bother on saving money. It cost the same end of the day. Or maybe I wasn’t smart enough or maybe the vets I went all charges crazily high.
Reasons to go to a specialist
Going to a specialist, you get your diagnose quicker. Time is the essence for IVDD. Every minute counts as the dog can lose the ability to walk, control their bladder, or even have any sensation in their legs. There are 5 stages of IVDD, 5 being the worst.
Personal experience
Some clinics do not have all the equipment. You will end up transferring your pet from vet to vet. – It was too painful and stressful for both parties. Imagine, you want to know what was the condition but it was all you can get is only a suspected diagnosis because they do not have the full amenities for a proper diagnosis.
After many times saying no, the vet continued to insist on the dog to be in something because it will be easier for them to do the scan or they probably learnt it that way. – it was too painful to watch. Boo freaked out, couldn’t recognise me, she blanked out. They dropped her at that moment, Boo was rolling on the floor non-stop, went into a panic attack and bit me till I was bleeding non-stop at the vet.It was terrible, the only pain I could feel was my heart.
Anyhow, only about 4 days later. Boo was operated on. Did not go to a specialist. It was said we need a miracle if she ever walks again. We bit the bullet and proceeded anyway. She was diagnosed with stage 5 of IVDD with no deep pain sensation and being incontinence. We are still ongoing physiotherapy weekly and she only shows improvements of her core.
Total damage:
Surgery + Mis = ~SGD$14,000K Physiotherapy = $180 per session
Boo used to go intensive physiotherapy 3 x week for Dec to Feb Which cut down to 2x week for March to May Currently: 1 x week for June to Aug Think it’s cheap, think it’s easy? Do the math….
Above are some of the little glimpse of Boo’s story on her facing IVDD. I wished I could be of more help on the signs. But one can never be so prepared for it. What are we? We are still humans. Nobody expected this. Nobody wants this. However, trust me. If i could turn back the clock, I promise you I will do it better.
I see many people owning Frenchies these days because of certain trends etc, but do they really know the cost? Do they know what they got themselves into? I see Frenchies being abandoned due to medical issues. I got Boo from a reputable breeder, but shit still happen. Are you really prepared for these cost? Do you have minimum SGD$20,000 set aside for emergency? Oh btw, credit card extension isn’t allowed on vet bills – It is not approved by MOM. Bank loan isn’t immediate also. BTW, vet will ask for 60% downpayment of the estimated bill before admitting the dog in. Will you dedicate your time to assist them if things go downhill? Are you willing to sacrifice your personal live for them? Are you really? I see people thrashing me previously, but really what will you do if you were living in my shoes?
Getting a pet is a commitment. It is a responsibility and sadly, love isn’t enough. It cost money. To older generation or people who don’t own a pet, might think it is just a dog/cat/animal, but it is a life. A life you hold. Remember in these 10-18 years of commitment, you have many responsibilities or milestone things coming your way, but your pet only have you. Please don’t abandon them if you are not ready for the cost or the hefty bills or not willing to part with it. Pets only understand love but love alone isn’t enough.
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