Is this just an act?

Hmmmm,

Mr Beebs has taken to looking at his food bowl and retiring to another part of the house.I get worried and say come on boy eat your breakfast. He follows me back to his food bowl and stares at it like a snake is lurking in the bottom of it and is about to strike any minute. In the meantime Sydney has eaten half his food with total abandon. I ask myself..is he in pain? So I get a towel out and make him sit in front of me and then I hand feed him noodles and chicken.All of a sudden his appetite returns and he eats like a dog who has been roaming the streets for several weeks. It occurs to me that I am being trained. Why should he stand up and eat his food when he know's I'll run to his rescue and feed him succulent morsels by hand and then wipe off his big sloppy jowls. Who ever came up with that saying "Work like a dog". It must of been someone who never owned one thats for sure.

Merry Christmas to all

Well Mr Beebs has a swollen abdomen and the vets think its prostatitus..or bacterial infection of the prostate .No bacteria has shown up in the cultures so far and I'm feeling like something isn't adding up. I have the Merck Vet manual and was reading it last night and his symptoms seem to be more closely related to a cystic condition. I have no idea but I need to really stop...think...and get very clear on his treatment. The poor old guy has had so many surgeries and numerous set backs that I have to really pray about this one. He's such a good boy but I can see he's tired and I believe even with the pain meds its uncomfortable for him.So I need to get him taken care of.Its been a real heartbreak these last couple of years...I guess its true the "cup that holds your deepest joy holds your deepest sorrow."

Here we go again

Well Poor Mr Beebs is now looking at castration after 10 years of having his testicles .Apparently his prostate is 10 times its normal size and its infected. What concerns me is his heart. When we were in Georgia they called in a cardiologist because there was something going on. How many operations can and should this dog have? He's been through so much already and if he died on the table over a swollen prostate I'd be heart broken.He could be in pain though and so its a quality of life issue.Oh boy...anyone who thinks a family pet is property is living in an alternate reality. I have had so many emotional ups and downs over his situation not to mention the financial aspects. Well I'll pray about it and perhaps get a clear answer...he deserves to live pain free.

Bleeding from his penis

Oh boy...I had thought when I saw drops of blood coming out of there that it was surely a bladder infection. Unfortunately it's not...the culture came back clear that means its coming from his prostate . It's most likely an infection in the protate and after a physical exam the vet could not feel any enlargement so to speak of or any irregular shapes ect.
His back leg is horribly weak and one of the signs of protatis is terible back leg stiffness.
I'm learning way more than I ewver bargained for. I feel like I've been to vet school over the last year.
Naturally this blood appeared on Thanksgiving weekend while we had 2 international guest staying with us. Right now Mr Beebs is taking tramadol twice daily, deramax, and ciproflaxin 2 times daily. I did some research as soon as we got home from the vets and found that certain ab's work much better at getting into the gland and getting at the infection. The vet was all set to continue the cephalexin until I mentioned to her that I didn't think it was one of the more effective drugs in treating this scenario. She called me back half hour later and changed to ciproflaxin which thank God I had about 60 pills left over from the least ordeal.
The poor guy...my first thought was cancer...the vet says' neutering would solve it all. However after 13 surgeries I wonder how wise it would be to put him under again.The other vet agreed and said if it were my dog at 10 and with his history I wouldn't either. So we are aiming for quality of life..pain free living. I carry him everywhere it seems and my back feels like an 80 year old womans. He is chipper and flinging his toys around the room in fact he makes his son look like an old man the way he carries on. Appetite is really good. He enjoys rides, and short hops in the park. I watch very closely to see if he's happy. So far he has rebounded very well and I believe has a good quality of life.I never want to be selfish and keep him longer than he can stand to be here.
I'm working on my bill for the CT state legislature and went for an internship interview yesterday. I hope I land this as it will give me insight in ways no amount of schooling can. The interview went very well and if fate allows I'll be in there by January...and I'll do everything I can to make the world a better place for the beautiful animals we have in it.

Well no Fox news for us

I tried...I tried to get a lady in town who's dog got MRSA from a TPLO to do an interview. If only the public had the info...knew what to look for. But I can't make someone help if they don't want to.I'm very disappointed because I believe what has happened here could be of use to pet owners...the vets...it could save alot of pain and suffering.

Mr Beebs back leg is really wobbly and the dam wheelchair is wrong so I have to take a ride up to Mass. I have term papers, book reviews and a state intership on the line.

Taking him up and down the stair climber is getting harder and harder because he is more unsteady.I dread winter snow and ice and how unsafe I too will be walking backwards down the stairs with a dog who is not stable.God help us. Maybe I'll live in the basement with the dogs for the winter. Make a potty station outside the door with wood chips or something. One bad fall on the ice and it could mean the end of Mr Beebs.

I injected him yesterday with 1.5 mls of adequan.I'm hoping it will stave off anymore deterioration. I can only do my best for him. If I get that job in the statehouse I'm going to study the process like a hawk...make the contacts that will aid the cause and make a move when everything is in place.I will protect my pets and if I have to do it this way I will.

Back leg is weakening

Well Mr Beebs has been standing on his back foot upside down . I just went and got more adequan to help. Its more likely in the twist in his spine which is exaggerated from placing his remaining leg more centered. I have a massager and it seem to help when i run it down his back...but he is falling alot more than he has been.Getting on the stair climber has also become more of an issue. I have to put a towel under his back end try and coax him onto the platform and then while holding him up walk around to the front and walk backwards down the stairs ...while holding the toggle switch and his body weight up with my arm.The other day he fell down on the platform and thank God I had put plastic mesh and a strap to keep him safe.
He's is good spirits and lunges at poor Sydney and is no doubt still top dog around here!
I just hope that what ever time he has left I can make it good for him. We go out for a wobble in the park everyday.Sydney runs around and Beebs pojo's after him.Sometimes he just sits down because he's tired. Then we all sit on the grass and watch the world go by. Maybe he's trying to get me to slow down. He's such a great dog....I kiss his face everyday.

What a surprise

Well it seems MRSA has been found in numerous high schools and colleges in CT. In fact in the town I lived in when Mr Beebs was oozing pus.So the moral of the story is this... it is not a niggling or pesty infection...it is a serious health concern which the vet hospital in Ct and the surgeons ignored over and over and over.
So now we have super bugs in our school systems as well as hospitals. We the public have been coddled and decieved and there couldn't be a better time to bring my story before our state legislators.
Mr Beebs is doing okay because the weather is dry and cool.Thank God for some peace back in our lives after a hellish adventure.

MRSA and super bugs/ from pets to people and back

Sadly there are schools all over the country that have been closed because of serious and deadly staph infections. In fact a college here in Ct and several other schools have had incidents of these things. Going back a year and a half ...I remember just how casual..the vets seeing Mr Beebs were about the bacteria coming out of his leg. Lately i have seen the custodian at my college washing the floors with ammonia or bleach and water.This was several weeks before the student dies in Virginia from MRSA.Oh boy...the only good news I can see coming out of all this is that it is bringing national attention to a problem that has been swept under the carpet for far too long.
When I look back to the amount of contact I had with various strains of these bugs I consider myself lucky I did not become seriously ill. The public health guy here in CT is a vet and he left a message on my phone saying these bugs were opportunist...meaning I guess someone with a compromised immune system.How did he know I don't have aids or have chemo treatment at present? What made him and all the other vets be so sure that every single person and animal in there waiting room was indeed in picture perfect health?s. A Position based on ignorance and laziness. As a consumer it has dawned on me that in all the various operations ,treatment and drugs that were used and paid for over a year and a half...that not ONE of these doctors was a specialist in this field ..nor did they send me to any specialist..they experimented with my dog and my pocket book.When in truth...there wasn't a dam thing that they were doing that could have stopped the progress of this nightmare. Oh course it wasn't cost effective to say that though..As long as I was willing to believe in the false hopes they were dishing out they were more than happy to take my money and put Mr Beebs through an astonishing amount of useless surgery and treatment that was doomed to fail from the start. I hope these national cases will bring outrage from the general population..as it should.Keeping this under raps has done alot more harm than good.Now I must go write to the lawyer here in CT that is willing to help me work on the legislative process.One small step at a time.

Adequan

Well the shots don't seem to be doing a great deal of good.Beebs gets another one today it will be his 8th week and without the deramax he seems to be very weak in his back leg.
All this lifting him in and out of my truck since June 06 has taken its toll on my body.I have lifted his full body weight out of my SUV supporting his front end with my left arm./That elbow is getting more and more crunchy and achy.Everytime he goes to the upper floor to eat I have to lift his back end up three long steps until his front end is on the top landing.My lower back feels strained and now when he can't walk I support his back end in the sling and pogo along with him taking all the weight off his back end.I'm tired and worn out from all this.That one dam surgery has had a mushroom affect on my life. Yesterday I took both my guys for the blessing of the animals on the town green.I was able to tell many animal people why he lost his back leg and perhaps that news will spread and people will be more conscious of the complications in animal hospitals.
The clergyman was very kind and Mr Beebs spent the entire time trying to kiss his face while he blessed him.There were even horses running around on the green which was an awesome sight.
Well I'm glad he's still with me and I hope he is content and happy ...I can only guess he is.He still plays and eats well.Loves rides and trips to the park. This ordeal has aged me though.It has been a terrible strain on me physically, mentally and spiritually. I'm glad I have faith...otherwise I would have been in much worse shape long ago.

The weather is a real factor

Mr Beebs has had some very good days and they were always the days when the temp was around 60 and the humidity zero. Yesterday it was 83 and humid and he fell down constantly...
I guess the added stress of the weather compounds a general weakness he has now.
Besides all that...my nurse Sydney has to go into the hospital today to have his gums cut away from his teeth.Its a boxer condition and I am worried sick about him being in this hospital.Unfortunately its the only place my reg. vet operates out of and I trust him.
The fun never stops around here and the dogs are such a matter source of concern for me I have a hard time sleeping. Sydneys gums are growing right over his teeth and they look hideous...thankfully Beebs are not nearly as pronounces. Thank God for small blessings.
Anyway...I might have a great way to upend the existing animal property laws here in CT.The idea's are a by product of my college courses.Ya never know unless you try...
as Plato said "if not now? When?"

Everyday brings a new challenge

Mr Beebs is becoming more and more leery of getting on the stair climber so I can take him out to go potty.It has to do with his falling down alot lately. He's scared and so I am holding him up with a sling under his back end and walking backwards down a flight of stairs. I hope I don't fall myself.When Winter comes I'm going to be really in trouble once the stairs get icy or lick.I'm already thinking of ways to put straw below the deck so that we can go potty right at the bottom of the stairs instead of slipping and sliding all over the yard.

I also need to go back up to Mass. to get the wheelchair fixed. 4 hours of driving and 16 credits at school...its not going to be easy that's for sure. At least I'm used to challenges...

He had his 3rd adequan shot IM yesterday. Its hard to see whether it has had a positive affect yet. I hope to God it does.We need to strengthen that back leg.I canceled a pool treatment because I just can't afford another $700.00.I haven't been to a doctor myself in the last year and a half let alone a dentist.I massage his leg with this portable massager every night and he sems to be alot less stiff when I do that. Oh boy...its Sept 11th and in the scope of things this is an inconvenience compared to what some people are suffering today.

I'm tired...too tired to move

No Legal representation anywhere

What I find disturbing is that even the lawyers and law students I met at the Harvard Animal Law conference have not been able to get back to me either by returning an email or a call.I feel so out on a limb.
I took the boys to the vet today and Mr Beebs has had so many surgeries that it took the vet 15 minutes to find a usable vein in order to get a blood test done.Two assistants and him could barely find a place to get blood.His leg is horrible today and he is falling down every 20 feet or so.Its so painful to watch and the adequan injections don't seem to be doing anything.I dread another 4 hours of driving to fix the wheelchair situation but its our last resort for mobility.
My regular vet suggested I write a letter to the surgeon and state the facts and see what he will do.I'm not really sure I trust that man to do the right thing by me and Beebs.In fact its doubtful.
What his surgery and that filthy hospital has done to our lives has been hell.I have stair climbers, wheel chairs, slings, booties, meds. needles, massage tools...It has smothered our lives.It has had "cause and affect" a domino effect which is and has been damming from day one. I have alot of work to do if I wish to right this.I feel so alone and over whelmed .

The answer is no...Said the attorney

I am sitting here stunned that in this day and age in the Constitution State of Connecticut I can not get legal representation for a mis justice! I am beyonds shocked in that I offered to pay an hourly fee just to get some expertise advice or direction or anything and I have been left high and dry by the legal profession.
Why?? Because I don't have a leg to stand on the with the existing law in this state at the moment. In my wildest dreams I would have never imagined a day when I could be financially devastated by a professionals services and have no legal recourse nor the council of an attorney to guide me.It feels like I went back in time to the 1800's.This can't be.
All things point in one direction and that is ...from the bottom up. I must initiate a change from the bottom of our law up to a law that pertains to today's standards and protection.
When she she said "I kicked it around with my colleague's and I decided no".
I said...its because "I told you I had no recourse didn't I?"
She said "yes"...
"I could play around with it but I'm swamped so hang in there"
This is not the America I would have envisioned ion 2007.When you are begging attorney after attorney to help you in what is clearly a case of negligence.
Once I get over this new shock I'll contact some politicians I know.Perhaps they...can help turn this tide. Unbelievable.

up to Five CT attorneys and counting

So far I have contacted 5 different attorneys regarding the Mr Beebs case and have yet to get a commitment from one of them. So...apparently we as animal guardians and owners can't even get the paid help of the legal profession when things go very wrong with our animals treatment.
In this day and age I find it unbelievable.When I first contacted the last attorney she got back to me within the hour...but that was before she knew it was a case involving a dog. Now a return phone is last on her list of priorities. I know these people need to make money...but who can I turn to? I continue to study our legislative law everyday and have taken two political science courses in college.Perhaps I can find a few allies somewhere.
Beebs leg has been worse more than better of late. I use the sling alot to keep his back end up.
Every time he falls down and looks at me with the "help me look" in his eyes I could just cry.I hate that surgeon...I hate what he has done to us. I know hate is a strong word and I rarely use it but in this case I can honestly say I have no sympathy for him or what happens to him once I bring this before our State reps etc. I will afford the same treatment he has given me and my poor Mr Beebs. The wheelchair is still useless and because I have 5 courses right now I have little time to do anything.But I will get that remedied.

Hmmm...I need info

I have tried to contact the lady who's dog got MRSA from a hospital here in CT and she has not returned my calls.Maybe they are out of town maybe what I told her was so upsetting she can't speak to me. There was no doubt her vets are shufflinbg the diagnosis under the rug all the while her dog is on a collision course with ongoing infection and worse. I could not give her a sugar coated answer because something as dangerous as MRSA and all the other pathogens need immediate attention. The deeper I go into this the more it sickens me.
I wonder just how many hospitals have this problem and why we the consumers aren't told of these risks. My sister is furious as that same hospital is the one she takes her dog to and wonders just what kind of cleaning they do there now.
Mr Beebs has had several bad days and when I see him collapsing unable to move I think about that arrogant surgeon...and what he has done to my beautiful dog. One of my dearest friends said to me the other day...
"you're a lovely friend to have because I would never want to be your enemy."I hope that dear doctor rest up for the fight that he is in for along with the rest of his profession. Poor Beebs...
Maybe one day...this injustice will be corrected and the pendulum will swing back to center.At the moment we as pet guardians...or what ever you want to call them are being taken advantage of in the most disturbing way.
Not for long I hope.

one adequan shot so far

The stuff is expensive and is made from bovine trachea...after one injection with an inferior needle I saw no difference. The vet assistant gave me a puny little needle to use and its supposed to be an IM needle to it goes deep into the muscle. I'm thinking of sending his wheelchair back as well. He seems so uncomfortable in it.I don't think its a behavior issue because he is a very devoted dog and has always been obedient. The design is wrong for him .Too narrow and too tight around his genitals. I've tried putting a towel adjustment and I also noticed the yoke puts a great deal of compression on his spine.Over time I think it would compress the nerves and cause more pain. I may augment what is there by adding a bottom harness so that his back and neck aren't taking such a jolting action.Besides all that he's pogoing around at high speed pretty good its getting up and moving slow that are painful to watch.

I've resigned myself to giving him the best care I can and accepting it is a down hill slope from here. The amputation slowed its speed but so much damage was done I don't think we can ever go back to therapy work.The floors in hospitals are slippery and my own back and neck are taking a beating from hoisting him in the sling constantly.I'm pretty sad about that. I know lots of old folks would have been thrilled to see him but ...its just not possible at the moment.Unless i can produce a sling that takes the load off my elbow, shoulders and back I'll end up with a problem as well. Maybe I could come up with something...but the wheelchair is wrong i just know it. He's a good boy and he does what I ask. Period. So here we go again with money down the drain.

His nurse Sydney is totally devoted to his Dad and smothers him with love although Beebs would prefer he sleep in his own bed!

Physical Therapy vet

Well I got a call from the surgeon who removed Mr Beebs broken plate back in December. She was interested in how he is doing. I said "up and down". His leg collapses quite often.
She had just been speaking with another vet in another town in Ct who does PT for dogs.
I did call him and make an appointment. When I described how the initial surgery turned into a $50,000.00 ordeal he said
"That was your choice" "You did that because you love your animal"
Hmmmm..I found that curious in that I made a decision to try to save him and his life but as far as a choice? What choice was there? It was a long down hill slide from day one and yes I love Mr Beebs ....but seeing his existing back leg full of arthritis ...I wonder what choice I ever had.Is this the new dialogue that vets are using? I wonder if its some sort of legalise that says..You love your animal...so if we hurt them, injure them or kill them...you have the choice to pay for the repair..or you can let them die and that is your choice. How about doing a good job and being accountable for the fee's you charge with no responsibility for screwed up surgeries or care?Hmmm...Maybe I'm just paranoid.Could be...and then again I was lead down a trail by allot of vets willing to take allot of money for vain attempts that I'm sure they knew would never save that leg. Not ever. From June 6 2006...we were on that slide downhill.
The lady who's rottie has MRSA has also been hushed and placated by the same surgeon who did Mr Beebs and another hospital entirely.
I was very direct with her. I said MRSA will kill your dog if you don't start doing damage control right now.The more I learn the more I'm sickened by the back door ethics that I'm seeing all across CT.
Today I will buy some IM adequin shots for Beebs to see if it helps his back leg and the pain.
The fun never ends around here!

My fears are confirmed...

I got an email from a lady in the same town as me who's dog had surgery and now has MRSA.

It pained me to read her email and when I wrote back was very direct as far as the gravity of their situation.

She said "they thought the vets were shoving it under the rug yet their gut told them it was bad".

We'll talk later today...I hope I can help them before their dog slides into oblivion.

I'm pissed...why are the vets down playing this? Why aren't we informed of this danger. How prevalents is MRSE and enterobacter in our animal hospitals?

I feel the worst is behind us now but I'm afraid these poor people are facing a terrible situation.

Not right. Not right at all.

Anyway...Here's Beebs about to eat a nutritious meal and is so worried that Sydney is late for breakfast that he is standing over his bowl saying "Come on ...get over here".I've never seen dogs so gentle around food and so polite! They wait for each other before they will take even one bite! Now that's good manners.

I'm afraid the surgeon has harmed yet another dog

I just got a disturbing email from a friend of my sister who says her neighbors dog had surgery a month ago with the same vet and now has an infection....
To say I wasn't sick reading that would be an understatement. My gut says...oh no...I know whats coming. I'm angry at the doctor and until I speak with the people I wonder if it is also the same hospital.
I'm furious and that's a good thing because I'm going to redirect this energy and turn it on the people who are causing such pain and suffering because of their stupidity and laziness.
The first person I give this report to will be our State attorney general. The "Act for a Bill" is formulating daily and I'm lining up[ facts figures, and foe's.
"Know your enemy" At the moment that is the AHI (Animal Health Institute) and the AVMA...I have read their position on changing existing laws and to be honest they are based on fear but not on facts. In dollars and cents it would have very little impact on their insurance cost or the cost to their clients. It might go from $188.00 a year to a whopping $450.00.Hmmmm...sounds like the cost to us is really going to escalate. Oh but we'll have to practice defensive medicine.IE inform the paying customers of the risk! Wow now there's a new idea.
I'm tired of the having their cake and eat it crowd taking advantage of our love for our non human family members.
Once I speak with the people facing the infection I'll update.
One vet told m,e the bacteria is resistant to cleaning solutions. Really? a little ammonia and water...how about bothering to clean at all. How many cleaning personal have you ever seen at your vets office? I saw one...one time. She was cleaning the door window as you walk into the hospital....I'm tired of this BS...
Mr Beebs is up and down lately...the wheelchair has been very difficult. When it cools down I'll keep trying and also change the design to accommodate his male anatomy.
Thats all for now...

Old pogo is getting stronger

Today I left the wheel chair home and let him and Sydney run around a shady area of a park. He did really good except on the way back Mr Beebs fell down in the sun and wouldn't move.
I had a t shirt I put under him and carried him over to the shade . We rested a few minutes and then he poggoed some more.He stopped again and laid down.
After all he is 10 and this past year has kicked his butt. Even so he is so cheery and happy these days...eating well and not seeming to be suffering.
I can only pray that the worst is over. Wow a simple walk brings such pleasure when I can take both my guys.Its the little things.

He's such a good boy

This cart thing is not going well

We tried again today to walk a dozen steps or so in the cart. Fat chance....I seriously think its got to be something about the way its pressing on his male parts that is making him resistant.
Thinking back to the day we got fitted for a custom cart...Mr Beebs did better in that cart then the one he has now. On that day he walked down the handi cap ramp and up to my truck ...
Now its like pulling teeth.Getting hold of the company is not turning out to be such an easy thing either. When I wanted to buy a cart I got calls and appointments now every time I call no one answers the phone.I know they're busy and perhaps its just bad timing.But $500.00 later I want something that works great.
He also been off all ab's for one full week and so far...he looks healthy and happy.I don't see any of the usual signs of infection that I have in the past. He's on;y taking deramax and tramadol and thats just to keep him pain free.Its nice to feel like life is getting almost normal again. I never appreciated normal as much as I do now.

one step at a time

I've recently called the doggie wheel company because something about the way the cart Ka thunks... behind Mr Beebs makes me think something needs adjustment.Either the yolk is to long, low, or uncomfortable. Keeping his male parts from shifting during walking is also a concern. It seems after walking 10 steps or so his "sacs" are under him which means they are being crushed by his pelvis slightly. I know there are some that would say see...you should have neutered him.But then I wouldn't have Sydney spurring his Dad on.
I start school in a week and so need to get this cart situation figured out. I don't want to drive another 4 hours to go to the place and have them adjust it. I was hoping I could speak with the designer and get a few tips. Two days in a row we went to the park! I was so excited to see them out together again sniffing and whining in the car.
I let Beebs pogo around till his good and tired and then try his cart out. With time and conviction I hope to get him good enough in that cart to resume our therapy visits. He would be a tremendous inspiration to so many if I could only get him walking well in it.
I also talked with a mal practice attorney today. She will look into the law here in CT. I called because I was afraid of a statutes of limitation..God forbid. The money I spent saving him was my college education money. I don't regret using it for one bit..he is worth it and especially seeing his goofy face playing with Sydney.I never thought the day would come when I could take a deep breath...even smile.
What ever this attorney can do as far as directing me would be a tremendous help. In the mean time I'm studying the CT legislative procedure book and revving myself up for a chance to change it for good. And to expose the myths the Vet profession and drug companies have been presenting as facts. The facts actually make them look like a bunch of money grubbers who know a good thing when they see it. Gee whiz...wouldn't it be nice for the rest of us to provide a service or good and not be responsible for what it does to those who pay for it. What kind of crazy thinking is that. Mr Beebs and this battle have inspired me to seek the truth and get some solid answers from these professionals.Its about time they had to present numbers instead of myths and fear tactics.
In the mean time my guy is alive and well!!! Thank God...we made it this far.

He is resisting this contraption

Boxers are known for digging their heels in and MR Beebs is no exception. He is trying me every step of the way with our new chariot. If only I could help him understand how using it will be better rather than worse for him. This morning he would not budge in it. Not a step...I had to hold on to the yolk and demand he walk with me which he did for 3 steps and stopped.
This afternoon we got ten feet and i lavished him with praise and hugs...he walked 10 feet at best. After seeing that dalmatian whizz around in two seconds flat I feel like having a serious word with Mr Beebs about his stubbornness.
Well....I did stop the ab's. I'm watching like a hawk to see what happens.I now know that they have no bearing on his back leg collapsing and its probably in his spine which is being jarred. I have a massage machine I run along his leg and back at night.He is so full of life outside of all this.That's what has made this so very difficult all along. He wants to live.There is no doubt about it.I hear him at night rolling over and making goofy noises he does when he is content and just scratching his head.
In the mean time I am reading a very informative book about legislative law. I need a commitee of people here in Ct to use our brain power and skills together. I made a huge list today of people from various fields and have my work cut out for me.However...I do believe in my heart that Mr Beebs is more than property ...he is a part of my family as is millions of animals all over the United States.Why should we be treated as second class citizens regarding the animals that we are guardians of. There is only one good reason that I can see. Profit...having your cake and eat it to. No matter what you do, sell, manufacture, produce or distribute...our animals have no protection.So alot of companies reap huge profits and yet have little to no responsibility for their behavior or the quality of goods. Even the groomer who turned her back on a dog and it hung itself most likely got little more than a hand slapping or a small claim. I'd like to know when we as consumers and taxpayers got sold up the river regarding the animals we protect, groom, inoculate, feed, house,...the list is long and yet we are so unprotected .I say we because we are guardians for innocent animals who can not speak for themselves and trust us to do right by them. In 2007 I think this is archaic.I intend to do what is fair , reasonable, and just.On behalf of my poor Mr Beebs and every other animal and its owner who feels abandoned by the system and even abused. I put my hard earned money down...and I have no protection from shoddy work or lazy arrogant surgeons...not when it involves my dog. He after all has little value to society and especially to me...and thats why I have spent a year and a half trying to save him.Because he is a washing machine...a car , a toaster oven. Even though he is included in every one of our family photo's albums along with every cat, dog, and bird we have ever known.The jig is up...lets face it if you want to make the profit than accept the responsibilty that goes with it. We are not stupid people who fear your degree's or your white coats. I certainly don't. I suppose the big drug companies and AVMA think that Americans will never mobilize on this issue. I think they would be wrong.Afterall we are a majority in this country...not some fanatical group of lonely hermits. We are tax payers...and we come from every walk of life.Every color... sex, education level , value's, religions....income levels...political parties, all in all we as a whole are the most diverse group of people in all of America and we all share one thing. We love...our animals and they mean alot to us. Period. They are part of our family.

Beebs new wheels

Well we drove 4 hours today to pick up and test out Beebs new wheels up in Shelburne Mass. He seems a little irratated by it but willing to go along with me...alittle. If he gets really tired and is sick of collapsing he will probably welcome the support. I HOPE!

It was a $500.00 investment and if it gives him a year or so of fun it will be worth it after the unnatural stressful year and a half he has endured.

Boxers are willful dogs and I know he will balk like an old mule until he decideds when he is good and ready to get around for more than five minutes at a time before falling down or sitting down.

While we were there there was an old dalmation getting fitted for the wheels and he took off like a shot with them on.I guess when your legs have been as worn out as his rolling along probably feels awesome.

I must be very sure to adjust Mr Beebs private parts as his pelvis sits on a padded support.I forget when we got home and he stopped dead in his tracks.It will only take a few dumb mistakes on my part to put him off from this wheel cart indefinately.

Each day I'll have him walk a bit more and a bit more until it feels semi normal to him.Then God willing he migfht actually like being able to stroll along again.

Back from Vacation

God did I ever need that. It was exactly what i needed to clear my mind and recharge my flat batteries. Mr Beebs is falling down just as bad as before and yet is very high spirited as well. He eats well...plays with his toys in fact steals them out of Sydney's mouth.
Today we go to Eddies' wheels and pick up his custom wheels. I am hoping he adjust well to it and it will allow him to go out to the park once again and back to his therapy dog status.
Thank goodness the hospital in Georgia was able to send me all the records they had on Beebs. The missing culture and sensitivity panel was in there and the recent ones I collected had no such paper. So...I do have the original from June 2006.I also ordered a book on law and legislation which is a guide to how it all works. I'll be studying that and compiling my case for our state legislatures now that I've got tin a little rest and much needed peace.
I'm taking my camera and video camera so that I can get photo's of the wheel company and Beebs trial run. I may even post it on Utube....
Not sure about continuing ab's....he had deramax today and no tramadol yet. He seems just so happy to see me after ten days and wouldn't stop licking my face.I bought both my guys squeaky toys from Nantucket!
Fingers crossed...

Hanging in the In Law apt.

leaving today with mixed feelings

Well we are going away for 10 or 11 days starting today and I'm relieved and afraid at the same time. I did put Mr Beebs back on ab's for damage control.
The dogs are both now living in our basement which is converted into an inlaw apt. There is no way he can get on the stair climber and join us upstairs at this point and I wonder if ever again. I spend half my time down in the basement and the other half feeling guilty upstairs.
I hate this situation. Maybe after a week of rest...I'll be able to put him in a sling and bring him upstairs once in a while with help. His back leg is really doping badly.The Dr W who said it was very stable was dead wrong..the radio graph shows "extensive" damage.
So.....his wheelchair will be ready when I return so I'll drive the 2 hours up north to have them fit him and bring it home.
I am not getting a lot of support in the vet community for my legislative agenda.In the end...it will better serve them if they do get involved and do have a say otherwise...the public when hearing the facts will most likely vote for change.
I'm feeling depressed these days...its as though my brain and body can only take so much grief before it starts shutting down. I need this vacation to go smooth. I have a big battle ahead and a very handicapped boy to take care of. Re charging my own batteries and getting some peace would be wonderful.Now I know why caregivers have such a high burn out rate. At least a nurse gets to go home after 8 hours or so.This has been 24/7 since June 6 of 06.I'm not the same person I was when this started. I truly believe that if i didn't re-direct this grief it would have eroded me down to a clinical condition. Its my love and passion that has kept my head above water...its so unfair.Poor Mr Beebs. Well off we go I've hired a baby sitter/ house sitter for the entire time who is wonderful with the boys and they love her.I'm leaving her emergency instructions, my truck, and meds galore. Oh please let this next 2 weeks be uneventful God...for all our sakes.

Not sure what to think or do anymore

I did see the chiro vet today and she did another treatment on Mr Beebs. He seems to be doing slightly better...BUT...she says that the load on that back leg is taking a beating and it will only get worse.Also there was something in the radiology report that mentioned septic condition in the existing back leg.In other words infection.So he has been off ab's for 3 days and this vet says and I'll call her Dr C for chiro says leave him on them until I return from vacation. My reg. vet Dr D. says stop them there is no infection.Vets 3 and 4 both Dr. W's decided it is systemic and he requires 3 solid months on ab's. With out a culture from the joint which I will not do for all the tea in China..its a guessing game. I also mentioned to her that I would need guidance from the vet community regarding legislation.She seemed reluctant/ hesitant.Not entirely disinterested just afraid to be dragged into something her collegues might view as betrayal. One way or another I'm going to move ahead on this and just ordered a law book which will walk me through the process and help guide my direction.The vets who get onboard now will save themselves alot of grief down the road.Whatever precedence is set in Ct courts will be just that. So...I'm hoping these reasonable , good people will want to be part of animal protection along with consumer protection. I can't make anyone do it but it would sure give them their say and afford a reasonable bill in the end.

The vet told me today that in her small practice she has already worked on 5 dogs who had complications from TPLO surgeries. She said when she was in vet school they were all the rage but now its become clear that they are problematic and the complications can be devastating. "Mr Beebs is an example of the worse case scenerio besides dying on the table."

Here's a photo of her chiro gun

on our way...Mr Beebs and Sydney

Driving an hour to the vet chiropracter...who is the closest I could find here that was available.

more chiro

Well we have vacation planned starting this Friday and I've hired a fulltime dog sitter. I'm feeling worried because we will be out in the Atlantic sailing and won't have any fast way to return. I'm going to look up flights on and off Nantucket and if something does happen we can leave the boat where ever it is.
Its been like this for a year...always wondering IF...if I should go anywhere.
The massage treatments seem to help a bit because after them Mr Beebs hops around a fair bit better than he did 3 days ago. We go to the choro vet again tommorrow for another adjustment whcih i hope continues to help. I got a digital copy of his x-rays and radiology report. "Extentive osteoarthritis". "The possibility of acute sptic arrthritis -on-chronic disease cannot be completely ruled out" This comes the radiologist himself.
I'm glad I got him the wheel chair now. Anything at all that relieves his suffering is what I'm after. I have thought of just how far to take this...all week. I asked 3 different vets that know, see, and can acess his condition and they all said "No". So I feel like Beebs and the docs are saying....he want to live.And he does...tonight i made pasta and sauce and he sat there licking his chops at me like hint hint...

more news...not good

Well I spoke with my regular vet today and he told me he did get the radiology report back regarding Beebs back leg. The first word listed was "extensive" arthritis which would explain the pain he must be feeling. I was afraid all along of amputating for this very reason. The vets who did do the amputation said "Oh that legs really solid" Very stable.Its only bone growth.
So....last night I sat on the floor with my Dads massage machine and went up and down his spine and leg for about an hour. Today he is popping along pretty well compared to 3 days ago when he was just collapsing. The nerve probably was pinched in his back. We go back to the chiro vet tomorrow for another adjustment.If this continues to go "well" I will keep this up. Otherwise my vet said he could inject something directly into the dogs joint which works very well.They have done this on race horses for years.At least we are not totally out of options. I really thought that I would be putting him down this past week.It was that bad. I'll go massage him some more and make sure he has his deramax and tramadol.I don't want him to be in pain.

A trip to the chiropracter vet

Well Mr Beebs condition is worse than ever and I was up all night worrying and wondering what was going on. When I woke up this morning it occurred to me that his problem could be his back and spine and not his leg. That the symptom isn't necessarily the cause/I massaged his back end for about 15 minutes and then let him out to go potty. He hopped around quite a bit better...which made me think that maybe he had a pinched nerve and he couldn't feel his leg.
So I went online and found a chiro vet in Stamford Ct.Mr Beebs responded very well to her treatment and visibly relaxed while she was performing her task. He seems less wobbly and we go back Thursday...one day before our vacation .
His wheelchair will be ready in 2 weeks and I was very impressed with the quality of the chair itself. Ultra sturdy and well thought out. He was measured by the staff and his back leg will be able to walk along and yet it will support his back and hips. So perhaps if we have any luck at all.Beebs, Sydney, and I will be able to go to the park once again for a stroll. This entire ordeal has me very depressed and anxious. My sleeping is very turbulent and it seems like every single day I am trouble shooting yet another complication.
It is truly a TPLO nightmare. NO more ab's...for now at least. Although it is only 2pm I am so tired from the 3 hours of driving today and the 5 yesterday I want to take a nap.I hope we can take our vacation and a crisis doesn't arise as soon as we leave town.I can always pray for a miracle. I have all along and the fact that he's still here 14 months later maybe shows that it really is a miracle considering the trauma over this past year plus. Okay...the war continues.

A trip to Mass.

Tommorrow I'll drive Beebs up to Shelburne Mass. to have him fitted for a wheelchair. His back leg is in such bad shape I can't stand watching him walking on it. Exactly what I feared would happene after amputation. This wheel chair will provide freedom from pain...and mobility...happiness to resume a walk in the park.I'm crossing my fingers...its not cheap at $500.00 ...but I can drive there if there's a problem.Its a 2 hour ride which compared to dving to Georgia is nothing. He deserves a break and so do I.

Feeling down

Mr Beebs has never been a humidity dog and here in CT the humidity is way up there. Right now he is eating a bone and seems happy...yet his face every morning has a depressed look about it...a sadness, as does mine for the pain I feel for him.

A wheel chair is in our future. I think he may be frustrated and bummed because he has been so weak for so long.K9Karts( is a developed product from an orthopedic vet). I'll call them asap and ask...his advice. Mr Beebs front end and stamina is huge and yet his back leg is a burden. He drags it and wobbles ..sometimes falls. Thats why I think he is so upset. Who wouldn't be?

Everyday I wish to God I had never done a TPLO, and especially with the surgeon who did it, in the place that he operates out of. I can't change the past but I can point out glaring inequalities. On a side bar: I get email from Bella Moss ...a lady who's dog in the UK suffered and died because of MRSA. Bella died from a contagion that has now become an animal problem as well as human. The Bella Moss foundation tells the horrible story. Because our companions have no rights beside market value/purchase price... their harsh deaths from contagion goes unnoticed. As does mal practice and negligence.Without recourse or justifiable condemnation. I personally want to acknowledge the bond between companion animals and humans and say ..please...they are not washing machines and toasters...they are in our family photo albums. I have more photo's of Beebs and Sydney than any vacation , trip or, social accomplishment. Why? Because they are my family.

Where is the culture report?

I did get a copy of Mr Beebs initial care at the hospital back in June of 2006. Whats interesting is that the culture report which had the original enterobacter organism listed was not in his file. Could be that its was an oversight.Could also be a deliberate attempt to bury the results. I'll have my regular vet call and ask for it and see what happens.
Fortunately...I had already copied this report 9 months ago and brought it to Geogia with me. So there are numerous copies of that still in existances.
Maybe I'm just paranoid.....Beebs is still wobbly today and I considered getting him a wheel chair, so he can still go for short walks without falling down.
I registered for a heavy load of college courses in fall and can't wait to dig in.One day I hope I can represent animals in my state and protect them as I believe they should be. Funny how a dog can change your life .

up and down and not sure how bright the future is

Every day is different in regards to Mr Beebs health.Today he is a little perkier than yesterday, but still tired. I was on the CDC web sight today and noticed just how resistant to treatment GNB (gram negative bacteria) are becoming. Several of the species Beebs has or had are resistant to all known ab's and the mortality rate is staggering. How we made it to this point is a miracle. I truly believe that my love and devotion coupled with his will to live and strong heart have given us one more year. I don't know how much longer the ab's will continue to work...or if they too will become fatalities in our war with the bacteria. I see that he has lost alot of life force since the amputation. I also believe that taking him off everything and assuming he was bacteria free was a huge mistake on the part of the vets. It gave the organism 10 days to start invading body systems ...and weaken the poor guy terribly.
Its as though no one takes it seriously. Are doctors lazy? Is it to much effort to implement safe precautions. Is it because animals have no rights that the vets do only as much as they need to and not a drop more. After all...what recourse do we have ? None.But not for long.
I found out by reading manuscripts from the Harvard law conference that the California vet assoc. tried to change the law regarding animals as property to companions. Guess who lobbied to stop em and won.The pharmaceutical company that I won't mention by name but is in the top 10 .So in that case the vets tried to remedy a bad situation/ an unfair situation and a big gun drug comp. paid off someone in the legislature (its called lobbying)...
I have been studying the disastrous clinical trials of the big guys and will make surer I have enough damaging evidence to shut them up before they try and stop me here in CT.
There;s an old saying "Know your enemy"...well I intend to and with that in mind I will imagine Mr Beebs how he could have been had it not been for this horrific lack of sound judgement.He would have lived a very good and long life had I never taken him in for that TPLO with that surgeon in that hospital. I hope I can turn these lemons into something useful...just so I can live with this outcome.

Pathology from Yale New Haven Hospital

Just to see for myself..I went on the Yale University site looking for a pathologist I could speak to about the various organisms I have come in contact with myself. While looking at the university info I found the Yale hospital precaution list for contagious diseases. Well after reading about enterobacter cloacae and seeing that from day one Mr Beebs and I should have been in a private room...they should have been wearing masks and gowns...upon entering and thrown out when leaving.The gloves that were worn should be thrown out and the examing doctor should wash their hands as well. It goes on and on and the more I read the more disgusted and upset I became.
Today I will go speak to my own doctor regarding this as I have felt punky/gastro problems for about nine months. Could be an ulcer from the stress of this or it could be the bacteria that flew into my face while I was syringing the tract.
I also noted that when in fact any hospital has a diagnosis of a contagion such as the numerous ones in Mr Beebs leg...they are to notify the public health dept. within 48 hours. It is very doubtful that the animal hospitals did that. Ironically I called the Public health dept number in hartford....I was told that the doctor I would be speaking to is a veterinarian! That I found astounding..that the State of CT has an animal doctor over seeing this .It was on the yale web site.
He was in a meeting and did call me back to say..that it is very unlikely I would get sick from bacteria...he used his very biggest words to describe why I shouldn't worry. If its not a worry why did my reg vet wash his hands thoroughly every time he examined the dog amd warned me to do so as well.
Today Beebs is limping more and seems tired.He over did it yesterday or Sydney banged into his back end. He is eating well and playing with his toys. But...his face is so much grayer lately.
I bet ifd it weren't for lady Clairol my hair would be white.

one week after resuming AB's

Phew...well its been one solid week of ab's and Mr Beebs is hopping around like a puppy.He is eating well and being a pest which is a wonderful sign. However it points to one very obvious problem.The bacteria roaming his body ..is here to stay.
The vets have been wrong.It is systemic and it is obviously well versed in hiding.I wondered if it wasn't the scar tissue from his traditional acl surgery from 7 years ago. Wherever it is the blood supply is not carrying the medicine to the infection or a few rogue cells. That says that its got a place to spawn and once the ab's hit the generalized blood stream they back way down and hide.That I believe is why his back leg is so tender and painful...until he was put back on the various drugs.Perhaps in a few days I'll let the vet exam him while I hold his head so he can press on that femur and see if it bothers him.
Thank God for ortho dogs...I went up to Maine to sell my parents rv trailer and I was deeply distressed about Beebs condition when I left.I saw a brightening but felt it was dangerous to be 6 hours away.That night when I went to bed I was hashing all the possibilities through my mind. The next morning at 5am I sat bolt upright and said to myself.."This is Norman all over again". It was such a strong feeling that I had my dog sitter pick my dogs up and bring them home to watch them like a hawk. My Mother whines about giving the dogs pills and does a bad job of it. I always find pills that have been spiyt out after she watches them.The last thing on this earth Mr Beebs needed was to miss a pill or have my mom forget if she gave him his "life saving" drugs. So...if it hadn't been for the Norman story...which is the exact opposite of what all the vets here have said. Mr Beebs would be going down hill fast just like Norman.There is no doubt in my mind that "their assumptions " would have killed him. I even called my vets and told them to look up the Norman story and read it.Read it and perhaps learn a very powerful lesson.
Thanks to all those people sharing I was able to see the trend....and make a snap decision that was the right one. He is playing, bright eyed ...and goofy...even more so than his 7 year old son!Thank God

brightening

Well Mr Beebs was taken off anti biotics Friday morning and put back on them Monday.Today is wed. and he is not faliing down like he was. He still seems weak...but not exhausted.He went out to potty this morning and didn't fall down once.I am holding my breath.
I have a feeling the infection is still present and that his back end is the weakest part of his body and thats why it manifest in that area.Its the weak link in the chain.
I can only guess thats what I'm seeing ...but i do see a brightening in his appearance and ability to move around.If its a sprain maybe its corrected itself...however it is my gut instinct that says...ab's for the rest of his life.
When he is taking them he is running...yes running around like a rabbit.
Quality over quantity.If it causes damage long term ...so be it...because he needs to feel good in the now...
I spoke with my vet about the legislative tack I am taking and hopefully I can get some honest compassionate vets onboard with me so that a "reasonable" solution can be made.It is in their own best interest to be apart of it...
Right now I am focusing on getting Beebs a few good days that manage to turn into a few good years. If I am really in the end only pushing back the tide...I'll have to end his suffering .And that will pierce my heart like nothing else could.

x-rays of existing back leg

The domino effect would be the best way to describe this ordeal. I called a local vet who is very down to earth and honest.He examined Beebs and could not find anything wrong...however when he pressed on his femur beebs lunged at him out of pain and I was glad I had my arms around his neck.
So we went to the hospital...he works out of and I waited in the waiting room because I would not leave him off there after they let him bite his cage.
The x-rays look okay...but a radiologist will view them and get back to us.
The doc says stop the AB's it might be a sprain and long term use can do more harm than good.
My gut says its something hiding in him...the 48 hours after the ab's were stopped were really telling.
I bought 60 days worth of them at a cost of $512.00.I asked the pharmacist if she made a mistake...wishful thinking on my part.
The hospital where the TPLO was done was the place I was at today.I asked for my records and they said Dr...TPLO would not release them to me or any other client...so the vet I do like and trust asked for them and I got them.He lso gave him a shot of morphine...so tired.

The fight continue's...

Well I was afraid 3 days ago that when I stopped the anti bio tics I would see a change...well I did and rapidly. Lethargy...stumbling like he is too exhausted to walk.Today I took him and the other boxers to the park for a bit. He walked half the lenght of a football field and was falling down and couldn't get up.
He does not have a temperature.He never has as a matter of fact.But after over a year of watching this nightmare i can see the signs in a heartbeat now.
I called one of the vets who must be quite shocked as she was the one who said "Its localized "when we amputate we will take the source....Well today she made light of it saying.
Its an even better systemic infection than the last one.She called in the refills and luckily I had some older capsules left from the numerous drugs I have stockpiled. I'm tired...and I was in tears in that park.I hate those doctors for doing this to us...especially to see him struggle.Its not in my nature to wish ill feelings but...I do hope what goes around comes around. Sorry if I sound bitter.
Thats the latest.
Lori and beebs

Father , son, holy ghost

Beebs and his son and daughter...

anti biotics

Oh okay here we go...I'm holding my breath its been 21 days of ciproflaxacin HCL and clindamycin since amputation. I will know in very short order if all the various strains of bacteria have been killed once and for all.
I am still astounded that the vets that did the amputation thought that he didn't need any anti biotics after a year long fight.
They assumed...(key word) that the infection was localized...that the leg was the source.
Well just like cancer a tumopr could be in one place and still besending out its cells all over the body. How can 2 doctors who have had 16 years of school between them not see the obvious?
Because Mr Beebs has contracted 3 different strains after each and every surgery...I finds it hard to belive that the culture results point to some rapid mutation between May 27 to June 6th to june 15th.Highly unlikely. What is more likely is that he got the new infections from the surgeries in Georgia and Connecticut.
I was told by onew of the vets up here...that
"they are cleaning the place all the time" That the bacteria's have become resistant to the cleaning solutions"
What a load of fecal matter that is. I bet common amonia and water kills 99% of all pathogens.The more I read from my Harvard animal law manuel the more outraged I'm becoming. If its the last thing I do on this earth I'm going to affect a change in our CT legislature to change the status of animals from property to companion.
Why? Because I have NO legal recourse in this state for what numerous parties did to my guy Mr Beebs. None...zip...
When I've compiled all the arguements I will post it as a link for all to see and then I will petition CT state residents to get behind this. Once people know the truth they will be equally disatifyied with the currant status of our laws here.Lasw written in the 1800's.
I pray Mr Beebs is finally clear of any contagion.I will never not feel heartache when I look at him and what he has endured....It should have never happened.

My Babysitter and nurse Sydney who has also paid a price

Well I ordered another booty which is smaller and a hock brace to stabilaze the poor guys back left leg. When he walks it reminds me of that old movie "The Mummy" who also dragged his leg just like Mr Beebs.I recently....(had to stop laughing) Recently is a relative term over the last year for us. It could mean every day at the vets..every other day or a surgery every two weeks.So Recently in this case as of July 5th 07 is 4 days ago which is a long stretch for us.The vet did a reflex test on his back leg and it did respond fairly well.He did walk into the kitchen on to the hard woodf floor for the firts time in search of cooked chicken. So thats good. As far as a wheelchair. The vets says nop don't do it.Build the leg up. Well at 10 years old...I'm afraid by the time he builds the leg up something else will go wrong and he'll never get to go on a stroll with his buddy Sydney ever again.
Sydney is my other boxer who happens to be Mr Beebs son. They are like pea's and carrots and Sydney has beeen a wonderful babysitter and nurse for me.He has also lost a year of his life during all this though. It has made me very aware of what people go through when they have one sick child and another that is healthy...what I've been doing is whats best for both of them and in the mean time I've been depleted by the whole situation.I feel guilty that one dog wants to run and play for hours and the other wants to and can't...If they were children I might be able to explain this but all they see is one is leaving and I'm made to stay.Almost like punishment.Truth is I never leave Mr Beebs alone without Sydney.

A face that says it all

His last days trying to save that leg

This is a photo of the fixator that was put on by Dr Budsberg in UGA of Georgia.It was our last ditch attempt to fuse the leg bone together even with the bacteria present.

After the doctore found out that several beading attempts failed his response was
"Shit...I wish I had seen him 9 months ago".So do I.In truth most vets/surgeons are way out of their league when it comes to super bugs and the complications from them.The doctor in Georgia works strictly with these sorts of things and God knows I wish I had heard about him a year ago. The truth is that when the fixator was cut away before amputation one of the surgeons noticed that the screws that had broken off in the bone back in January were now in a position to be taken out. The reason: The bacteria had eaten its way down the screws virtually routing out the bone.So I see that in the end...there was no other option left and that not only was it systemic but any hopes of healing that bone were over. All because of procedure.
I've recently gone back to school and wonder if micro biology or animal law is where I belong. I'm conflicted and feel strongly about both.I spoke to a state rep yesterday about going through legislative channels here to change the law regarding pets status as property verses companions.She is willingto help me.Hopefully over time CT can be a leader in animals rights and the rights of owners to competent treatment of their companion animals.

What happened and Why it shouldn't have

Systemic infection afterall...slight anemia

Well The docs assumed....and thats the key word that the infection was strictly localized. A week after being home Mr Beebs became more and more lethargic and dispondant.The clavimox we were told to continue come to find out were useless in fighting what ever roaming bacteria was in his body. The culture arrived on a Friday the 22nd of Jubne and a wek later a receptionist informed me that I needed to change the AB's and bring in the unused.I was beside myself. The poor guy had suffered so much already and here it was 10 days after surgery and his body was being attacked and unprotected once again.
I got alot of excuses...and my response was that this amputation and infection weren't exactly a hang nail.Unacceptable.He is perking up Thank God....his is taking two other drugs that attack the bacteria that was reported in the culture taking at the time of the amputation. What made the vets think it would stay in one spot is beyond me.All that brain power and years of training and still lots of blundering going on.I had my regular vet do a blood sample and he said it came back showing Beebs was slightly anemic.Massive blood loss. Which I can understand having his entire leg cut off. There needs to be an animal /owner protection agency. This has been an experience I never want to repeat as long as I live.I will get the report out and post the exact nature of the beast.

Are the doctors too busy to notice?

I'm pissed. My dog has been on the decline for days now and I and getting more and more worried about him. This morning June 29 ...10 days after surgery I called the animal hospital where the surgery was done. No the culture report had not come back/ BUT there is a note in here that says bring clavamox back and start 2 other anti biotics.So...On Monday when the doctor rang at 7am...he never mentioned that the ones Mr Beebs is taking is ineffective. June 25th the note was dated.No the dog has been taking drugs for a week that are lettinbg the infection travel.He doesn't need to suffer anymore at their hands.I am so dam mad...I am going to go down there and write a complaint.For God's sake the dog just had his leg amputated because of an infection...PLease...this is not the time to get lazy or absent minded and I'm sick to death of out thinking the doctors who apparently are too busy to do a good job. The last thing Mr Beebs needs at this point is an infection to roam his body. God help those vets when I see them.This wasn't a hang nail..it was a contagion for Gods sake.

Well Things are still iffy

I'm not exactly sure if its the heat , poor air quality,his age, the amputation...but Beebs seems depressed. Last week he seemed more lively and now something seems weird to me.I'm on top of the pain meds and do everything to keep him comfortable and relaxed.Phew...i just hope he gets a few good years to enjoy life again. The other back leg is not holding up very well which I suspected would happen because of the arthritus in there which is big and knobby.I just want him to be happy.

Compliments of the UGA

trying to put that leg back together for the last time.

goof ball with a fixator

June 2007 and our last days with all 4's

Mr Beebs had a consult last friday June 15 2007.It was decided then and there that all that could be done had been done to try and kill the bacteria in his leg.The morning before I had given him a 1.3ml shot of imipenem.24 hours later his leg was dripping rusty ooze onto the vets waiting room floor.The bacteria was showing me just how fast it could rebound and I decided then and there that he was not his leg..he was a spirit in a furry body.Screw the bacteria....
whats also interesting is that when I touched his incision my fingertips were covered in serum/slim.When I used the staffs pen to sign a consent form...they informed me that it was "my pen now".However no one cleaned the floor up which had dots of red droplets.Everyone there knew that he was having his leg amputated because of the very thing dropping onto the floor. How could it be such a problem and almost a fact of fact thing these horrendous bugs...and yet...no one takes cleaning seriously. I say that because I have been to the vets office and many vets offices for the last year. I have never and I mean Swear to God NEVER seen anyone cleaning up after us or anywhere for that matter.
I'm still looking for an attorney here in CT that will go to bat for me and go after the arrogant SOB that put us in this nightmare.Help CT...Please

Merck says No

I wasn't really surprised but I was very disappointed.The letter basically said we donate lots of product worldwide but not for peoples pets.
So today I leave with Mr Beebs for Athens Georgia to meet with Dr Budsberg on Thursday.
He is an innovator in drug delivery systems regarding chronic infection.This is our last best option before amputation. Beebs is playful, happy, and eating well.I'm crossing my fingers this works.If it doesn't...then I have done everything I can for him.That I can live with.
We will be down there for nearly a week(Memorial Day weekend)Will pray every day that this doctor can do something to finally kill of that bacteria.

No response from Merck

Well I am surprised and disappointed to say the least. I sent to registered letters and materials to several depts. at Merck.Its been several weeks and not even an acknowledgement.Shame on them. But the good news is that Dr Budsberg in Georgia has a new technique that implants anti biotics directly to the site.I
've given his citation to 6 different surgeons here and they all think its a solid and bennificial approach. So when I return from England next week I shall be driving the bubs down to Georgia.
It would be easy to amputate...but in the end..what happens with this new procedure will offer hope to many animals and humans alike who get these resistant infections. In fact the work the Dr is doing can be applied to cancer treatment as well in animals and humans.If we have success then I will know I have done all I can do for my guy.I will also have brought thsi hope up north to CT where I have several surgeons very interested in learning how to do this technique.
Every day...I make sure Mr Beebs is pain free..happy...loved. After his last vets visit last week I was informed that He is a happy dog"!That was priceless to hear.Thats all I ever wanted for him.

Waiting on Merck

I wrote letters to two different Merck reps and wait for a response.In the mean time my vets are stumped and telling me to go ahead and give him clydimiacin even though the bacteria is not at all sensitive to it. The problem of over using AB's is pretty obvious to me at this point. in fact i'd be willing to bet that the hand sanitizers and cleaning problems are accelerating the microbes ability to mutate and get stronger and stronger.
I also wrote to Animal Rehab services and asked about a leg brace. At least it will support his good leg and stabilise his bad leg. Besides all that...we just keep plowing through this mire.