Hi Kate,Sorry that you got the dreaded knews about Bart. It really sucks. Dozer is just 26 months. We had to take him back in to the vet the other day,this time we saw Dr.Doug,who we usually see and I asked him lots of questions. I'm hoping that Dozer will be like Jan's Markus,and live to be a very dignified-ok maybe not dignified-probably wicked ornery

-senior guy. The vet told us that the worst thing we could do was to restrict his activities,let him play but just to keep an eye on him.He loves to play rough with Bownser and Cissy,so,no more jumping on each other,or high jumps which he loves to do. We found out that he has 2 completely bridged vertebrae just at the base of his neck,with 3 more close behind,not completely bridged yet.
We are going to dicsuss stretching exercises when he goes back in 2 weeks for bloodwork and the possibility of hydro therapy. Found a place here that specializes in canine arthritis problems so dh and I are going to check them out over the weekend.
We aren't able to pm each other.That has been disabled,but we can all stay in touch here through posting.
Take care of Bart and yourself,we'll all get through this,we have the world's greatest support system here
Sue and the kids,Pooh,Bownser,Dozer 7 Cissy
Buddy & Dusty,romping at the bridge