Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well since there hasn't been many posts here for this month(hard to believe how far we've fallen) I'll post an update on Beni. On his last visit to Cornell the exam was another good one as far as the tests are concerned. His sight is still severly restricted but does have some and can still distingush between light and shadow. The best I can hope for is for the cataract to break up some and then he has his vision back. The glaucoma has been under control for quite some time now and believe it or not it will be 4 years this week that he was first diagnosed.

Now I'll wait for the echo to die...
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

It was good to see your post, Bob. It's really too bad that the list has slowed down so like this. When I joined, almost 4 years ago, it was very active, and such a help to a first time Shiba mom!

Good news for Beni! I'm so happy to know that he has some vision, and the possibility of improvement. I'll be keeping good thoughts for him.

How is your wrist coming along? I know it's been a tough summer for you. Good thoughts coming your way, as well!

I'll think good too Mom
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

Anne the wrist is coming along. All of the hardware came off and out about 4 weeks ago. I'm to the point in therapy where I can almost make a full fist and gaining the strength back. Still not working but I see the doctor on Monday so I'll see what he says. He will be the harshest critic as to just how much progress I have made with the movement and such. I'm thinking there may be some adhesions in the break site that might be holding me back a little but I'll know for sure on Monday.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I sure hope you'll be recovered and able to do whatever you want very soon. I know it's been a tough summer for you!
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

Good to hear Beni is doing so well!

Great news on Beni! Still slightly sighted after 4 years with battling glaucoma is very nice to read! Perseverance DOES pay off! YEAH!

Update for us- Kita and Taiko are doing well overall. We are dealing with some minor getting older issues. Taiko is in the clinic today getting dental x-rays because he isn't able to chew a bully stick right now. Hoping it's an easy fix- and no I don't do root canals for dogs. Kita's dealing with some elevated liver enzymes and low thyroid function- not dangerously high, but being monitored and we are waiting to see if fixing the liver helps the thyroid. New bloodwork in about 6 weeks.

Diet changes all around for my crew. They both get a high protein grainless food in the morning soaked in water, but the evening meals have been me homecooking for them. The morning meal is beacause I like my sleep and I don't have the home cooked balanced exactly right yet. Eventually they will be completely homecooked. Both seem to do better on it and I'm loath to put them on strong daily meds if I can deal with their issues with diet.

A good friend of mine lost her 10 year old shiba a few months ago. He was a VERY good agility dog and an inspiration to us on what shibas are able to do. That hit me hard. Two weeks before he passed we were at a show together competing and laughing and the line up was Kovu followed by Taiko. This was normal for us and we often joked about how odd it was to have two shibas at a show and often we'd take first and second (rotating who got first) beating all the shelties- unless one of ours got a wild streak and went off course. It happened every so often. Yet, we'd still be the fastest even with extra credit. Kovu is sorely missed.

Life goes on though and last weekend I travelled with his owner to meet her new agility prospect- a stunning 2 year old black and tan that is a similar situation to what I have with Taiko. He's a wild hcild, but in a good way. He needs a job and my friend can give him that.

So, that's our life lately. Kids go off to school next week. We may take in another foster this fall. Life is never dull.

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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

Chelle I hope Taiko made out okay at the clinic with his teeth. I know what you are saying about Kita and her getting old issues. I'm kinda going through this with Keiko. Not knowing how old he is but guessing between 10-13 we are at the beginning of trying to found out what his problems are. It could be the early stages of kidney problems as his numbers were elevated but not dangerously so. He's had a bout with diaherria and is being a little picky with his food. Lots of little things to contend with.

They say the homecooking is hard to get right at first but once done it gets much easier. What is the other food you are using?

Sorry to read about your friends Shiba but glad to see she has another propect lined up.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

My Beni is app. 9, Kari is 8. They are my forever puppies, as I'm sure yours are to you.
I almost wanted to quote the song lyric - What a drag it is getting old - but, there are too many wonderful memories that we created together, and it couldn't have happened without time. It is so heartwarming to read how well your pups are being cared for and how much love and compassion you all have for all of your pups and pets. Even when we don't post we check regularly, because we love getting our Shiba updates......Kisses, belly rubs, and smiles are always being sent out to all of you out there...

Patty, Beni, and The Queen of Shiba ... Kari