[aprillovesherdogs]

Hi all. I've been away due to a death in the family. I was worried the whole time about Ansel but he did well with our housesitter. I wanted to comment on the use of Tylenol. My ortho vet recommended giving Ansel 250mg in the morning and 250mg at night. I too was shocked to hear it, but he said that there have been new studies to prove that it is ok. I am now terrified to hear about the possible liver damage and that "oh well, who really cares now" attitude. That comment from the vet just disgusts me. I have been using the Tylenol for well over a week now and have seen no ill outward effects in Ansel. He has, in fact, had some visible improvement in his walking and his spirits are up. Granted, there could be things going on internally that may rear their ugly head sooner or later...but how can any of us be sure. This has been the most frustrating medical experience because one vet says this, one says that and another says something completely off the charts. I am so glad that we can all share our info and experiences.

I think I will continue on his current regimine of 100mg Deramaxx, the tylenol and OTC glucosamine. Both of my vets seem to agree on it, since we decided against the cell regeneration therapy. Something that I'm doing is working for, well, prolonging him and I'm not going to veer from it unless something changes for the worse.

I am so thrilled to have had these extra weeks with him. I have had more time with him than I thought possible. I was so sure that he was going to be leaving me two weeks ago that I started preparing my immediate and other family members for my anticipated mental breakdown. God has been good...as always. I know this is a calm before the storm but I'm loving every minute of him.

Take care all. Seriously, my prayers to all of you as always.