Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Tuesday's Earworm





"Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees, and toes!"



Wait - that's not right - let's try it this way:

"Head, ears, tail, and toes, tail and toes!"



The woeful tale of my tail has now expanded to the top of my head, inside my ear, and on one of my toes.  Ugly, nasty, very bad, fast-growing lumps galore.

"Head, ears, tail, and toes, tail and toes!"




Mom, please don't gross everyone out with photos of the ugly buggers.  They don't need to see the evidence.

"Head, ears, tail, and toes, tail and toes!"


Then to make matters even worse, I have a bad ear infection deep inside each of my ears.

"Head, ears, tail, and toes, tail and toes!"





So I am getting some goopy stuff squirted in my ears once a day.  That isn't so bad.  Mom says it is a lot better than having to clean my ears and wipe them out with cotton balls.

"Head, ears, tail, and toes, tail and toes!"

Here is the new stuff I am getting:




Mom isn't sure how new it is because she can't remember when any of us last had an ear infection.  It is so easy to use.  Just place the applicator tip in the ear canal and one pump of the pumper - voila, DONE!!!  I don't mind it at all.  And we only have to do it for five days.

"Head, ears, tail, and toes, tail and toes!" 


Now about the other lumps.  One is on the top of my head, one is just inside my outer ear, and the really bad one is just above the nail bed on one of my back paws.  They all have the same appearance as the bad boy ones on my tail.  The one on my toe is fire engine red and the one of the biggest concern because of its location.  The vet is not anxious to aspirate any of them, but especially that one as he is very concerned about some bad bleeding.  As Mom says, when you are three weeks away from your 16th birthday and have all these bad probabilities, there isn't a lot of point in getting a diagnosis that you already know won't be good news.  The vet says surgery really is not a viable solution for me.  Fine with me, I can live with those bumps.  That one on my paw is annoying though - I want to bite it and lick it.  So Mom is using that Bitter Orange cream on both my tail and my toe.


This is the face I make when I lick that orange stuff - ick!!!



But as long as the jerky and treats keep coming, I am good to go.



And of course, I am always willing to share with Ciara and Lightning.


Question from Mom:  I know many of you have used booties on your pups for various reasons.  The vet has suggested putting them on at least Phantom's back paws so he isn't scraping that toe on the ground - he tends to drag his foot under as he walks.  Do you have any suggestions as to which ones are the best for both indoor and outdoor use?  I don't mean outdoor in the sense of snow, but more just as a protection in generally decent weather.  I have no idea if he will even leave them on, probably not, but I am willing to try.   Any suggestions would be so appreciated, either via a comment here or via email: theoppack AT gmail DOT com.  Thank you.

Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning


35 comments:

  1. Oh dear....those are lots of ear nose and toes problems. We're glad the ear one is easily fixable and wish those bad bumpies would just go AWAY and leave you alone.

    The Florida Furkids

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  2. When Samba tore her dew claws and then had them removed she had to wear boots while they healed. We bought Ultra Paws wound boots. They zip up the front and then have velcro straps that wrap around. They looked like they'd stay on and they did. I don't think she ever took them off. She walked funny at first but got used to them quickly.
    email coming

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  3. Oh goodness, Phantom! You've just got problems everywhere. Try to be nice to your poor worried momma, okay? Feel better soon!

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  4. Oh dear Phantom my sweet old boy, Ancient Pip was covered in lumps but luckily they were just fatty growths. We feel for you. So difficult being a senior. Hope someone can help with the boots. Sending you our love and gentle hugs. Have a terrific Tuesday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  5. Oh Phantom, we are so so sorry you are having so many problems. Getting old is so darn hard. I don't know anything about the boots but Sugar wears booties all the time. We sure send many prayers to help you get over this hump and some great big hugs to the Mom. We know how hard all this is on her. We have all our paws crossed too.

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  6. Phantom you are one tough guy!!! Please don't let those lumps and bumps get you down buddy. We don't wear anything on our feets cos we are naughty when mom tries that, hopefully someone else can help you, we are sending you our puggy hugs...we have heard they can be magic.
    stella rose hug>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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  7. Our poor boy. We can't help with the bootie thing, but we know many dogs who wear them and appear to like them.

    Glad most of the bumps aren't causing any bother. At his age, it's probably better not to have too much intervention...except fish jerky....that's the best medicine.

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  8. PHANTOM YOU ARE THE MOST HANDSOME ALMOST 16 YEAR OLD I KNOW....BUMPS AND LUMPS AND ALL. YOUR KIND SPIRIT RADIATES FROM YOUR GORGEOUS EYES.
    LOTS OF HUGS MADI YOUR BFFF

    KATHIE, SUGAR WEARS A TYPE OF BOOTIE ALL THE TIME. i'M THINKING AT ONE TIME SHE HAD A POST ABOUT THE STYLE. HEADING OVER NOW TO SEE IF I CAN FIND SOMETHING ABOUT THEM ON HER SIDEBOARD.
    HUGS CECILIA

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  9. it is going to be hard to find a boot that doesn't also irritate the lump on his foot. Do a search on orthopedic dog boots - there are some excellent companies selling all kinds of thing now

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  10. Phantom my friend, you are most handsome, no matter what, and we all love you!

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  11. Oh Phantom sweetie, yous in the wars a bit there but you still look a very handsome, lumpy bumpy bits and all !
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  12. Phantom Dear furend, We are SOOOOO very sorry to hear this ... We know you will feel better when the infection is cleared up... that sounds like a GOOD delivery system fur it.

    PAWS CROSSED fur you buddy.

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  13. Major bummer, Phantom! We have never worn booties before. We hope you get lots of great suggestions.

    Love ya lots♥
    Mitch and Molly

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  14. We know Lily wears socks too...I hope you find something to help put...Hang in there tough guy!!
    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo

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  15. Dear Phantom, We are so sorry that you are having issues with your ears as well as toes. Praying that both clear up quickly.
    Wags,
    Noreen & Hunter

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  16. Greta wore boots in the extreme cold.
    Hers had velcro straps that kept them on. POTP for you Phantom!
    Hugs
    Mr Bailey & Hazel

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  17. OH, Phantom what are we going to do with you? So sorry that you're going through this and hope you feel better soon.

    We've never wore booties before, just toddler socks. Sorry can't be any help there.

    You're in our prayers and so is your Mom. ☺

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  18. Oh sweet Phantom. I'm sorry that there are more lumps but I'm so glad that your family loves you so much, and takes such good care of you.

    I once had a dog who needed boots for that reason. I did learn one thing the hard way - unless they are very very breathable - a dog can't wear them all the time. Our dog got infections from having moist toes when she wore them all the time. I also know that you need boots that have a bit of rubber on the toes (the part that drags). An all-fabric boot will wear out extremely quickly with toe-dragging.

    I am hoping that others know the latest in boots for this kind of use. I do know that Ruffwear boots have rubber toes so they might work... but they might not be the most comfy.

    We are sending lots of hugs and love!

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  19. Before I had my toe amputated ( I'm doing great, thanks, if mom would do a post you wouldn't have to wonder... ) the vet wrapped my foot. It really felt better wrapped. I never tried to get the bandage off even once. I also had that ear stuff. It's good, right?!?

    Your old buddy,

    -Bart

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  20. Oh Phantom, I'm sorry to hear of your troubles. Like KB said, it's wonderful you have such a loving family to take care of you guys.
    Kathie, sorry to hear of your woes. It must have been hard with Ciara (about a month ago when you emailed) and poor Phantom doesn't quite look himself here, I think. I bet he'll feel much better once the ears clear up though.

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  21. Phantom,
    So very sorry to hear you have icky bumps and ear infections. Mommy says I am getting old too. I sleep too much.
    That ear medicine is good stuff too.
    it worked for me but it tickles my ears.
    Hope you fell better soon.
    xo Cinnamon

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  22. Oh, sweet Phantom, I hope you aren't in too much pain from being bumpy. I can't help with the boots but I know your mom will find the perfect ones for you. Hugs from us to you!

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  23. Phantom , that is a lot of bumps!. I know your a strong boy and trying your best to ignore those bumpys!
    There is a blogger who made uggs for Pugs,,-- I think its on the internet. Suggestions on how to make something,, The dogs name was Walter,,, maybe you could look at the style,, The mom mentioned the boot did need to breathe,
    Hope you feel better soon,
    love
    tweedles

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  24. Phantom, dude, sorry to hears about your ear infection! I know exactly how you feel!! I have never had that most FABulous delivery system though! Ma just had the squirt/drop bottle, which was hard to guess how many drops were going in my ear, since I'm a wiggle butt! Anyhu, don't feel bad abouts the lumps and bumps. I gots lots of them (butts they are just fatty cysts), not quite the same, butts hey, perfect pups are weird! BOL
    I don't have any experience with the bootie thing. Butts sounds like you have gotten some good advice! though, when Ma's Angel Annie had to have her footie wrapped for a couple of months she wore infant socks over it. Might be good for around the house. They make them with little rubber grippers on the bottom now!
    Okays, enough of that...where is that jerky?!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  25. Poor Phantom. That sounds nasty and unpleasant. Hang in there, Big Guy!

    As for booties, for indoor use, the best ones we have ever tried on Tommy are felt ones with a velcro fastening that we found at a dollar store in Canada. But baby.infant socks might work just as well.

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  26. Oh dear...we are so sorry to hear about all the bumps and lumps. We are having issues with that here as well...with Miss Chloe. She has a new one every day it seems. The only time I have used boots on the girls was when we had an extended period of below zero weather and their paws were sticking to the ground so they could not walk. We used Pawz Boots. Here is a link to them: http://pawzdogboots.com/prod_boots/ We purchased ours at PetCo. I don't know if they might work for him. Sugar also uses them...and he is a big dog! Good luck!! Hope you feel better! xo Chloe and LadyBug

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  27. Phantom, you still look handsome, even at 16!
    We wish you didn't have these lumpies or ear problems.
    Sending you lots of purrs to feel better.
    XOXO

    Pee Ess - Sugar the Golden Retriever ALWAYS wears booties. Her Mom is a firm believer in them.

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  28. Phantom I hope the ear treatment will help you. I've got the same in spring as I had a bad ear infection. With the long thingy you can put it even on deep places and it has my name: Easyotic, so it must be good

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  29. Well, I don't like this news one bit at all. I put a super thick sock on Maggie May's foot when she was dragging it. She wouldn't keep it on long.

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  30. Oh Phantom we are sending healing purrs. Getting old sure isn't for cissies.

    We love you!!!!!!

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  31. Phantom-I hope you feel better soon. That song is stuck in my head now!

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  32. Oh Phantom, you sweet boy. I am so sorry about the nasty lumps and eye goop yuck! I hope you feel better soon, I can't wait to see you on your 16th birthday you beautiful boy.
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  33. Dear Phantom, you and I are the same age and I agree that getting old presents all kinds of problems. I hope you can keep the pain managed and your dignity intact and enjoy waking up every morning...that is what momma hopes for me and I think it is a pretty loving and realistic approach. We are both tough old cookies and there is still a LOT of things that make life so worthwhile...like jerky, and naps in the warm sun...and momma cuddles! Know you are always in the White Dog Army's thoughts and hearts...Puff The Magical, Still Another White Dog!

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  34. Hey, Mr. BlueEyes!

    We haven't had a need for boots/socks, but my Mom said she would knit you anything you wanted. Just send a size or two along.

    We love you and we want you to get well for some more good years!

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  35. Hey, Mr. BlueEyes!

    We haven't had a need for boots/socks, but my Mom said she would knit you anything you wanted. Just send a size or two along.

    We love you and we want you to get well for some more good years!

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