We joined Boxer Board some time ago, but we were too busy, having too much fun, running in the yard. Laughing, playing. But no longer. Our Jazzy girl died suddenly yesterday, Jan 29/07 from acute liver failure. She was 8.
Our back was a bit arthritic and our hips were a bit calcified, but still quite flexible said the doc after the x-rays. It was the old back that was making us yelp from time to time as she got up, so we did a 4 day trial dose of Metacam. About 3 weeks ago, we had started Metacam regularly - half dosing it - (ie) giving it every other day. The doc said to dose by trial and error, but never to exceed the dose for a 70 lb dog. As health care professionals, the wife and I were very careful about giving Jazzy just the right amount. However, we didn't research the drug as we should have, and the vet didn't order up bloodwork as suggested on the internet information we could gather.
Our Jazzy got sick very suddenly. Thursday she wasn't her happy, wiggly self - she lost her appetite and began vomiting. Friday she was sick enough looking to have concern to call the vet, but he couldn't squeeze her in. "just keep an eye on her and if she seems to get worse, use the emergency number - and oh yes - did you stop the metacam? Sometimes this can cause problems"
Yes doc - we did stop the Metacam on Thursday.
On Sunday, we were concerned enough to take her to the hospital. She hadn't eaten in 3 days, was losing interest in water, and rarely moved or came to look for an ear scratch. I had to lift her into the Jeep.
The on call vet did some bloodwork, but only a hbg and a clotting time. The labs were'nt open on Sundays. "She'll need an intravenous overnight for dehydration - hopefully she'll feel better in the morning".
We felt terrible leaving her there and she looked back at us forlornly as we watched her go off to be treated. "See you tomorrow girlie" we promised.
Jazzy seizured Monday morning around 9:30 am and died instantly. We are devastated.
If your dog has to use Metacam, please be aware that it has potentially fatal side effects. And please monitor your dog's bloodwork frequently as you use it.
In memory of our little girl Jazzy. Till we meet again girl.
Dana and Brenda (Dad and Mom)
Our back was a bit arthritic and our hips were a bit calcified, but still quite flexible said the doc after the x-rays. It was the old back that was making us yelp from time to time as she got up, so we did a 4 day trial dose of Metacam. About 3 weeks ago, we had started Metacam regularly - half dosing it - (ie) giving it every other day. The doc said to dose by trial and error, but never to exceed the dose for a 70 lb dog. As health care professionals, the wife and I were very careful about giving Jazzy just the right amount. However, we didn't research the drug as we should have, and the vet didn't order up bloodwork as suggested on the internet information we could gather.
Our Jazzy got sick very suddenly. Thursday she wasn't her happy, wiggly self - she lost her appetite and began vomiting. Friday she was sick enough looking to have concern to call the vet, but he couldn't squeeze her in. "just keep an eye on her and if she seems to get worse, use the emergency number - and oh yes - did you stop the metacam? Sometimes this can cause problems"
Yes doc - we did stop the Metacam on Thursday.
On Sunday, we were concerned enough to take her to the hospital. She hadn't eaten in 3 days, was losing interest in water, and rarely moved or came to look for an ear scratch. I had to lift her into the Jeep.
The on call vet did some bloodwork, but only a hbg and a clotting time. The labs were'nt open on Sundays. "She'll need an intravenous overnight for dehydration - hopefully she'll feel better in the morning".
We felt terrible leaving her there and she looked back at us forlornly as we watched her go off to be treated. "See you tomorrow girlie" we promised.
Jazzy seizured Monday morning around 9:30 am and died instantly. We are devastated.
If your dog has to use Metacam, please be aware that it has potentially fatal side effects. And please monitor your dog's bloodwork frequently as you use it.
In memory of our little girl Jazzy. Till we meet again girl.
Dana and Brenda (Dad and Mom)
