Health issue question - Page 3

Thanks kitkat, very appropriate right now :)

Good news, Travels. Hope everything checks out for your boy.

Drake isn't 'just' anything, though, Travels--he's your best friend, your loyal companion and a Good Dog. Those are the most IMPORTANT things.   

You're right Hexe, he's not just any dog, at least to me.  He's been with me through thick and thin and it's mostly been thin.  Here he is just this morning, baby-sitting my great-grandson as he naps :)  He really is such a good dog!

Just to give you an update, Drake has been fine, though he does seem to trickle more when he first goes out in the morning, but then he goes two or three more times and he gets a good stream.  I think it is probably his prostate and I will be making an appointment.  He's been fine as far as having any issues unexpectedly, so I'm making sure he's getting plenty of water, plenty of time outside and plenty of attention in general.  He's liking it.  When he sees the vet, I'll let you know what they say and recommend.  Thanks again all!

Wonderful news!! So happy to hear it!! Thanks for letting us know how he's doing.

Travels, years ago had older dog w/ bladder stones followed by infection and prostatitis due to vet incompetence. Eventually nuetered sad to say - I'd really wanted something from him casue he was the end of my line.  Couple of things. Search the web there are some products that "supposedly" can help dissolve the bladder stones - thought there are several kinds and GSD seem most suspectible to the oxalic ones.

Be careful at the vets - many will include a prednisone shot along w/ whatever else they are treating w/ because it will "perk" up the dog - he looks like he feels better so owner thinks the vet is the bomb. Problem pred is like lighting a match to gasoline if an infection is co-present. This is what happended to me. The vet returned to the room w/ a # of meds in hand and started jabbing the dog before I could get the words out what the heck are you giving him. First jab was the pred and yes there was a serious infection already present. We spent MONTHS on baytril which then caused a yeast infection etc etc.

By the way cipro is the human sub for Baytril You can get 90 for $10 at Target pharmacy as long as the vet writes for 90 ( extras are saved ovbiously as insurance for later use). Both are of the class levoquinolones - watch out for problems with the ligaments especially if they have to be on it for any length of time.

I too am on a very fixed income and live in fear of vet bills - even routine which nowadays just stepping in the door can rack up a significant piece of change. Thank God now I have a very experienced pragmatic vet who keeps his prices low - will always work with me on the price of meds or give me a script to get at Target, Costco or walmart.

Do you know many cities /regions now have dog food pantries as well as human food pantry? We have one locally and they have bailed me out a couple of times when money was non-existent. When I can I volunteer and help out in thanks. Their point of view is no person should have to give up a beloved pet because they have fallen on hard times. Also check out the USDA commodity food program in your area, the local food bank, Salvation Army and Catholic charity and local food pantries ( usually churches or sevice organization). Pretty much get staples such as rice beans oatmeal etc hardly ever get protein but the the carbs can help extend dog food. Before dry dog food, the old time Germans used to cook up a mash w/ oatmeal as the base and almost all commercial dog foods have either rice or oatmeal in them.

Again search the web there are a number of orgazations that might help w/ a vet bill. I have  been blessed with good friends who when Seffe blew her knew out ( damn squirrel!) helped me (plus the superb surgeon who operated did it for about a third of what many lesser vets get)

I wish both of you the best. Please keep us posted. I know how hard it is to be struggling. If I can help w ay other ideas for resources please pm me I'd be glad to talk to you.

I've had a dog with prostatitis, and it does take the prostate awhle to shrink back to normal after an infection. So, if that's what the problem was, hopefully, this will get better with time.

TIG, thank you so much for all of the infomation, much appreciated.  I have a plan in the works that may solve my financial issues for good, so keep your fingers crossed!  In the meantime, it's good to know there's help out there.