Please Help

[selenia]

I have been having alot of trouble with my oldest Newf, Sultan he is turning 11yrs old in Aug.huray!! However he has been suffering from arthitis, and hip displaxia (sorry for mispelling) he is not always able to get up and have been having accidents even while he sleeps which often times I have had to bathe and shave him in the belly and around his hind legs to keep him clean, but recently with my shaver broken and him having had several accident has gotten really matted, I would take him to the groomers but he has to much trouble going outside let alone having to go to the groomers, Are there groomers that come to the house. He cannot climb onto the tables the poor guy doesn't do much anymore but there are days when he seems ok and is active for his age that is. He has an appointment with the Vet, and he has been seen not that long ago, so I don't think much has change, he is taking medication Dermaxx for his Arithitis. Anyway maybe they will be able to help me find a groomer around here. The Vet wants him totally shaved and i didn't agree then, but now its the only way to keep him clean and comfortable so I am going to go for it. If anyone has gone thru this or If you know where I can contact a groomer in the Downingtown area of Pennsylvania I would so apprieciate. Thanks and please pray for him, He is my childhood dream come true, I so love this guy.

Selenia
Sultan and Megan (the Newfs)
Prince (the St./Pyr Mix)

 

[Lisa@Caeles Hills]

Prayers coming strong from here! Bless you for seeing him through his life and making him comfortable and happy. I don't know anyone near you of course...but I'm sure my own groomer would be willing to help if you were nearby. They have power-lift tables now, and you could stay with and "hold his hand". I would try just shaving the rear end and stomach area, so he looks nice. I had a curly coated retriever that just died at 15 yrs recently and he had the same stuff going on...and shaving just those parts worked just fine. And he had many, many joyful days with me that last two years...some bad days too but who doesnt have bad days? God Bless..Lisa

 

[Lisa@Caeles Hills]

Oh, forgot to say...I bought my dog a regular baby crib mattress for a bed (waterproof) He loved it!
Also bought a couple fitted sheets for it and bought those diaper pads (for humans). If you put the diaper pad under the fitted sheet it absorbs away the Urine and keeps Newfie nice and dry. Also I would put one right under him at bedtime in case he messed was easy to clean up. Helped with hips too cause mattress had lots of cushion to it.

 

[camel24j]

its the hardest thing to watch them age and get slower and weak my moms going through something very similar to this. i do not know to much about newfs yet but if it will make yours and his life a little better to shave him than maybe you should but personally i wouldn't want to becuse he will not look like himself afterwords but that is up to you really on what you do. and i would say just spend as much time as you can with him (not saying you dont already) and give him lots of love.

 

[levy84]

Hi,
It's so great your boy is 11 years old! Mine is 10 1/2 and also has arthritis, hip dysplasia and spondylosis. He takes Cosequin DS and has recently started taking Metacam and Tramadol for a flare-up of his spondylosis. The Metacam is a non-steroidal like the Deramaxx, and the Tramadol is for pain. He also gets acupuncture treatments, which I think are really helping him. Maybe he's not getting relief from the Deramaxx and needs a different medication. They do have medication for urinary leakage. I wouldn't let them shave him completely. Just his belly and privates. I know in my area there are groomers who do come to your house, so I would bet there are some by you. Call some groomers and ask if they know anyone, explain his situation, being a senior and his medical problems. Good luck!

 

[selenia]

Thank You, guys you have given me hope, I am going to look up the groomers around here, and just keep on asking.

Lisa K, I will try out the idea with baby mattress and pads, thank you. Camel24j thank you for your kind words.

Levy84: I will speak to the Vet to see if he will change or add those medications you mention above I will also look into the acupuncture treatments and see if they do or know someone who does those treatment around here.

Thank you all so much I have something to look forward to, I hate seeing him sleep and lying so much as he does I know he sometimes have a great deal of pain they just don't show it like other dogs do.

Anyway I will be calling all around and keep you posted a Big Thanks from my heart to yours.

Selenia
Sultan and Megan (the Newfs)
Prince (the Saint/Pyrenee)

 

[Sue M.]

Selenia,
I sent you a PM.

 

[afreas]

Selenia
Been a long time since I lived in that area but I would check with the local vets and may be the NewPenDel folks. I seem to remember a good vet in the upper uwchlan or lionville area. Maybe even mainline animal hospital would know (they had hooks in with a lot of different vets and folk).
ART

 

[amyk]

I was thinking of you Sue.

 

[jacqueline]

I know how it must hurt to see your boy hurting, i think its so lovely seeing him through all his bad times , he will sure feel you there loving him.shaving him sounds a good idea, it will make him feel more comfertable , and as long as he has you he wont mind if he looks a little different, all newfs are as beautiful on the inside as they are to look at, and to you he will always look just wonderful. good luck to you, lots of good thoughts and prayers from all of us.
jac, (saska and laylas mum)