Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Phantom Photo-less Update



No pics today, but several of you have been emailing to see how Phantom made out today.  Because of a heavy surgery day for his vet, Phantom didn't have his x-rays until this afternoon.  I just got a call from the vet.

 The good news is that there is NO sign of the evil "C".  YAY!!!  Phantom was so cooperative that they were able to do the x-rays without sedating him.  Double YAY!!!  They got images of both front legs, knees, and shoulders, as well as  neck and spine.  Lots of evidence of arthritis. And like his Mom, he has some bulging disks.  Physical exam showed him to be very sensitive to moving of the head to the left and up and down.  This probably explains why he always looks so hunched over in his photos if he is sitting.  For now, we are going to continue with the adequan and put him back on Deramaxx.  If it helps, great.  If not, then we will consider some steroids or other options.  I really wish Phantom would not be so stoic and would let me know sooner when he hurts.

So all in all, it wasn't too bad.  It surely could have been much worse.  It sure is tough to get old.  

Woos - Phantom's Mom (relieved but still concerned)
Posted by at

74 comments:

  1. CowspotdogOctober 30, 2013 at 7:25 PM

    That is over all good news - he just needs lots of tlc, a nice big soft bed extra cuddles :)

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  2. Brian's Home BlogOctober 30, 2013 at 7:38 PM

    That is good news, we love you Phantom!

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  3. SissySeesOctober 30, 2013 at 7:40 PM

    Exhale. We'll keep our paws crossed that Phantom feels better very soon!

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  4. Cyndi and StumpyOctober 30, 2013 at 7:45 PM

    PHEW!!!! Arthritis (and getting old) isn't much fun but it sure beats the C word!

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  5. What Remains NowOctober 30, 2013 at 8:21 PM

    So glad. You're right, getting old is not for sissies.

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  6. KBOctober 30, 2013 at 8:50 PM

    I am so glad about no evil C.

    It does stink getting old - but it sure is great to have the opportunity to get old. You know that from your sweet Thunder and I know that from my sweet K. I am so glad that Phantom is having such a long life filled with love.

    I hope that you find the right mix of anti-inflammatories to keep him comfy. Our Lab who lived to be 16 also benefited a lot from acupuncture...

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  7. White Dog BlogOctober 30, 2013 at 9:30 PM

    VERY relieved here, too! Have you considered K laser therapy? Quinn received it and it was quite effective and I believe that one of the 5 Sibes does as well. And maybe ask your vet about adding in Alenza to his meds. It is a natural compound that again, seemed to provide relief for both Quinn and Nuka.

    Phantom, it is ok to let us humans know when it hurts. Sometimes we can help manage the pain. Love from all of the WDA

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  8. LorenzaOctober 30, 2013 at 9:42 PM

    I hope the meds work for him.
    Paws crossed here.
    Take care
    Lorenza

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  9. jenOctober 30, 2013 at 10:14 PM

    That is great news!

    I hope you see some results with the Adequan. We used it on Sherman and had really good results and will probably be starting it up again soon. Tramadol and Deramaxx worked really good too, I was told that they worked well together. Keeping our paws crossed for Phantom!

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  10. Golden Woofs! SUGAROctober 30, 2013 at 11:14 PM

    Good to hear GOOD NEWS. C is really evil. Continue to send Lots of Golden LOVE. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

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  11. Millie and WalterOctober 30, 2013 at 11:15 PM

    We are so glad to hear there is no evil C and it was great they didn't have to sedate Phantom for his xrays. We will keep our paws crossed that the medications help.

    Millie & Walter

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  12. 24 Paws of LoveOctober 30, 2013 at 11:53 PM

    Such wonderful news and we are so happy to hear none of that "c"-word.

    Our Fiona has hip dysplsia (sp?) and we give her Dasuquin. It is a glucosamine tablet with an anti-inflammatory in it. It works great!! It's expensive but it is worth it.

    Just some food for thought. :)

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  13. The Furries of WhisppyOctober 31, 2013 at 2:09 AM

    We're super happy that the "C" word is no longer a possibility. :)

    Back in 2010, Whisky would sit, hunched and would cry out every now and again. She would pant heavily and was just miserable. An xray pointed to a slipped disc at her neck. I made a "brace" to stabilize her neck and she wore it for several months. She was also on supplements and metacam (only when the pain was very bad). She was also on acupuncture.

    Today, she no longer has issues with her neck though the osteoarthritis in her hips does cause her to have good and bad days in terms of her mobility.

    I really hope the meds and supplements will help Phantom feel more comfortable. It's hard to watch them in so much discomfort and being helpless to take the pain away instantly.

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  14. dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet MoonfurOctober 31, 2013 at 2:11 AM

    Oh thank heavens. We're going to purr purr purr for you guys till Phantom feels 100% again.

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  15. Sketching with DogsOctober 31, 2013 at 3:21 AM

    We are pleased and relieved the news is good. Hopefully they will get his medication right to make him more comfortable. Take it easy big boy.
    Dip Bridge and Elliot x

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  16. 3 doxiesOctober 31, 2013 at 4:10 AM

    Dis is such a relief dat it was not dat C stuffs. But a disc issue ain't great BUT at least it can be treated easier....thank goodness. I really do hope da meds work so Phantom can gets some relief.
    My brudder is like Phantom, he will never let you know if he be hurtin'. He did da same thing when he was paralyzed.

    Puddles

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  17. DukeOctober 31, 2013 at 4:15 AM

    Our paws are crossed that the meds help you out, Phantom! Thank doG it's not the evil-c.

    Love ya lots♥
    Mitch and Molly

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  18. UnknownOctober 31, 2013 at 5:03 AM

    Bless Phantom and at least it is just old age. We know how worrying it is as with Ancient Pip we have also keep an eye out for any changes.
    Have a tremendous Thursday and Happy Halloween to all your family. Hope it is a spectacularly good spooky one.
    Best wishes Molly

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  19. Ruby and PennyOctober 31, 2013 at 5:40 AM

    We are still sending our very strongest doxie feel good vibes Phantoms' way.

    Hugs

    Love Ruby & Penny

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  20. Lovable LilyOctober 31, 2013 at 5:55 AM

    It's such great news to hear that there is NO cancer! Sounds like you are on the right road to managing the disk issues. Hang in there Phantom!

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  21. Misaki @ misadventuresofMisakiOctober 31, 2013 at 6:59 AM

    Great to hear that its not as bad as you feared. Hugs to you all xxx

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  22. JennOctober 31, 2013 at 8:11 AM

    Glad to hear he doesn't have the evil C. Hope the medicine helps him!

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  23. stellaroselongOctober 31, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    Prayers answered!! Happy Halloween.
    stella rose, mags and gussie

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  24. Matilda the BoxerOctober 31, 2013 at 8:54 AM

    That sounds like pretty good results! Yay Phantom!

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  25. Mrs. JPOctober 31, 2013 at 8:56 AM

    Arthritis hurts,,,can I get a witness? and bulging discs! well,,,he's a tough old bird like you said. Good flight plan mom and dad. We are doing the same with our Daisy. Getting old is not for the faint of heart and that's what our two have tons of HEART! lots of love from the holler.....YAY no C!!!

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  26. Frankie Furter and ErnieOctober 31, 2013 at 9:24 AM

    That is GOOD news .

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  27. BobbyOctober 31, 2013 at 9:27 AM

    Oh poor Phantom all the pains, we hope your meds work well and make you feel better.
    I have pain killers us old guys do feel every joint.
    Glad it was not the big C
    Licks Bobby

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  28. janice2pugsandaboxermixOctober 31, 2013 at 9:50 AM

    So happy things were not any worse. For myself, I say, getting older is not for whimps.

    Janice, Snuggles, Sassy, and Dixie

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  29. MayzieOctober 31, 2013 at 9:56 AM

    YIPPPPPEEEEEE!!!! This is Most Wonderful news! Oh, I'm so happy!

    We know what you mean cuz Brudder Ranger is real stoic, too.

    Mom says you might look into Class IV laser. My Cuzin Bridger had so much of that arthur-itis that my auntie thought she was gonna have to send him to the Bridge. But then they started doing laser on him and he became almost like a new dog! That was about 3 years ago. He's a big doggie - about 85 pounds - and almost 14 years old but cuz of the laser, he still gets around real good. Mom says it's almost like a miracle.

    Wiggles & Wags,
    Mayzie

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  30. AnonymousOctober 31, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    I'm glad there is no sign of the big "C", Phantom. I hope now you can enjoy a wonderful Howl-o-ween-feast.

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  31. Furry BottomsOctober 31, 2013 at 10:22 AM

    So happy its not the C! Heres to hoping there's a way to make Phantom comfortable really soon. Acupuncture? It really did wonders for Freddy when he had his hip problems.

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  32. MargOctober 31, 2013 at 10:22 AM

    That is good news for sure. We are sorry he has so much arthritis but hopefully the medicine will help that. So glad there wasn't any thing else. Happy day to all of you.

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  33. Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, RyuOctober 31, 2013 at 10:29 AM

    You've probably tried this already but the chondroitin/glucosamine/MSM combo works pretty well for some dogs (and humans…).

    Another possibility might be Devil's Claw which is used quite wildly in arthritic horses and exists for dogs too. Take a look at the very end of this article: http://www.naf-equine.eu/uk/katescorner/devils-relief.jsp

    Anyway, we're very glad the results didn't show anything evil lurking!

    Woofs,
    Tommy (and #1)

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  34. The Daily Pip October 31, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    Hurray for no evil "c" monster! Yes, we know all about arthritis. Poor Pip had a terrible time with his back legs the last year of his life.

    We love you Phantom!

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  35. The Florida FurkidsOctober 31, 2013 at 10:58 AM

    OMC we missed the Tuesday post and just found out that Phantom wasn't feeling well. Yippee for no evil C. We hope the new meds make him feel better. Please give him a big hug for us!

    The Florida Furkids

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  36. SteweyOctober 31, 2013 at 11:09 AM

    So glad that there's no "C"!
    Hopefully, the new meds will help! Have you tried underwater treadmill treatments? It's supposed to help take the pressure off of the dog's arthritic joints - maybe it would help Phantom feel better :)
    Stewey

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  37. BeadedTailOctober 31, 2013 at 11:17 AM

    We're so glad it's not the evil C! We're sending purrs that he feels better soon! Give him a smooch from all of us!

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  38. AnonymousOctober 31, 2013 at 11:45 AM

    Only thing to say is Whew!

    The Mad Scots

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  39. AnonymousOctober 31, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    Oh thanks for the update on Phantom! Happy there is no evil "C" but I know it's very uncomfortable to ache and hurt - we animals don't want to ACT like we hurt so our humans don't feel bad for us but sometimes we just can't help ourselves!! We hope the medication works on our friend Phantom and wish him lots of "FEEL BETTERS"......Happy Halloween to everyone too!!

    Spooky Hugs, Sammy

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  40. My Mind's EyeOctober 31, 2013 at 12:51 PM

    GIVE THAT SWEET BRAVE PHANTOM A HUG AND KISS FROM ME...HUGS MADI YOUR BFFF

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  41. SueOctober 31, 2013 at 12:51 PM

    Now we can let out that breath we've been holding. One of my dogs, Pylon, had a neck/back issue that bothered her from time to time. She took pred for a few days when it was bad, but we discovered that certain foods caused it to flare up and be super painful. Any processed meats or cheese made it hurt.

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  42. CreekHiker / HollysFollyOctober 31, 2013 at 1:32 PM

    So relieved to hear that it's not the evil C! It's not good that he's in pain but it's fantastic that it's not something worse!!!

    Happy Howloween! Hope the construction is nearly done!

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  43. Two French BulldogsOctober 31, 2013 at 2:08 PM

    Thank God!!
    Lily

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  44. KatOctober 31, 2013 at 2:28 PM

    Phew. So glad to hear it wasn't the big C. Maybe try some natural sources of glucosamine for Phantom? It seemed to really help Audi out with his pain and walking.

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  45. YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel SamanthaOctober 31, 2013 at 3:18 PM

    I am so relieved to hear!!!
    We can deal with a bulging disc. It's tough to get old...

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  46. Angel Ginger JasperOctober 31, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    Glad my friend has now sign of the evil C. Hope the meds help with the pain of the arthritis. Paws crossed. Hugs GJ xx

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  47. Life with WrigsOctober 31, 2013 at 4:03 PM

    We are just getting caught up on your news. So relieved that Phantom's X-rays didn't reveal any signs of cancer! We hope you will find a combination of medications to keep him comfortable. It's great that there are so many options available these days. Getting old is tough, for sure.

    Susan and Wrigs

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  48. SoggibottomOctober 31, 2013 at 4:09 PM

    Good news is always welcome. Well done Phantom :-) x x x

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  49. STELLA and RORY from Down UnderOctober 31, 2013 at 4:19 PM

    Howdy Woos, that is GREAT news. Sorry about the arthur i tis though Thunder. Take it easy mate.
    No worries, and LOVE, Stella and Rory

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  50. AlienOctober 31, 2013 at 6:46 PM

    Thinking of Phantom!

    Happy Halloween!

    Yours,

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  51. Jans Funny FarmOctober 31, 2013 at 7:16 PM

    Great news you didn't have to be sedated, Phantom. It's always nice to be able to keep an eye on events. :) Hope the meds help. It's no fun to be in pain.

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  52. AnonymousNovember 1, 2013 at 5:50 AM

    That's great news that it isn't the big c!

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  53. rottroverNovember 1, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    Oh thank DOG!! Would you ever consider acupuncture for Phantom? He might be a good candidate because he's so mellow. Bart swears by it - even for his current issues. Plus it's just a nice way to spend time with your pal!

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  54. JunoNovember 1, 2013 at 10:20 AM

    Phantom, our paws crossed.

    Your friends,
    Momo & Pinot

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  55. UnknownNovember 1, 2013 at 1:16 PM

    I'm so happy to read this! That's great! All the best for you, dear Phantom!
    Love
    Arno

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  56. NanaNor'sNovember 1, 2013 at 3:19 PM

    Such great news-a reason to celebrate. Phantom is just showing signs of aging like the rest of us. Have a great weekend.
    Hugs, Noreen

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  57. Ziggy StardustNovember 1, 2013 at 9:24 PM

    We are sooooooooo happy for the good news part.I will cross paws and Mommy will pray that the medicine helps Phantom feel better. I was just thinking that I bet jerky treats would help him feel better also(hint hint) Thank you for the update

    Loveys Sasha

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  58. WyattNovember 1, 2013 at 9:50 PM

    Sending lots of love to Phantom. It's sucky getting old....Miss Stanzie has a lot more vet visits these days and we do the best we can. She is on Deramaxx too. But, she still loves to hike and hunt and she tends to "Over DO". The vet clinic staff calls her "Party Girl". Maybe she should get together with "Party Boy Phantom".

    Wyatt's mom

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  59. How Sam Sees ItNovember 2, 2013 at 7:17 AM

    Oh that is good news!

    Monty and Harlow

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  60. Angel Prancer PieNovember 2, 2013 at 11:50 PM

    We're so glad the visit went ok. Arthritis can be very painful. We know your Mom and Dad are gonna do their best to help. We'll try to help by sending pawsitive thoughts and comforting purrs. XOXO

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  61. Jo's WorldNovember 3, 2013 at 1:40 AM

    I somehow missed this on our "return" but we are most happy for the big guy and Mom as well. Some pills and being home with his brother and sister might at first just give some sweet gentle help. I too concur that aging can be the pits but the alternative is worse!

    Cheers and hugs,

    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  62. Pippa SheltieNovember 3, 2013 at 10:30 AM

    Hi guys,
    I'm so sorry I haven't been around in a while, and I feel so bad now I've read this! I'm so sorry!
    But, phew Phantom, that seems goodish news. Just take it easy on your back and do what the humans say. They seem to know!
    Hope you get better soon, I would hate to see your beautiful face so sad!
    Pippa :)

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  63. Tweedles -- that's meNovember 3, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    Phantom- I am sorry you hurt-I hope you get to feeling better.
    Now we come to thank you for all the love and caring and prayers that you have been sending to me while I have been sick. I am still fighting to get better.
    Thank you too for all the love and prayers for my moms.
    I do not have words to tell you how you have touched our hearts, Thank you for all the love .
    forever
    your tweedles

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  64. The Oceanside AnimalsNovember 3, 2013 at 3:27 PM

    hello phantom its dennis the vizsla dog hay this is grayt nooz we ar verry happy to heer yoo ar dooing wel!!! tucker duz tel me that the faymus minstrels the rolling stones wer rite wen they sed wot a drag it is gitting old but we ar lukking forward to having the kompany of owr elders for a long time to come!!! ok bye

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  65. FANCY the Red Standard PoodleNovember 3, 2013 at 5:49 PM

    Hi Y'all!

    So glad the news was not the big C!

    Y'all come by now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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  66. Kari in AlaskaNovember 3, 2013 at 8:11 PM

    That is GREAT news

    Stop on by for a visit
    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

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  67. AnonymousNovember 4, 2013 at 8:00 AM

    Great news!

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  68. The WebstersNovember 4, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    We missed this post completely somehow. How is Phantom doing?

    Please tell him that I say the best remedy for arthritis is chicken broth. Tasty and good for your joints.

    Also, how is your home remodel?

    NOra

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  69. Tweedles -- that's meNovember 4, 2013 at 10:46 PM

    Thank you for all the love you brought to Tweedles today. She loves you all-- and she also sends healing wishes for Phantom.
    Tweedles is recovering from her surgery.
    love
    tweedles mommy

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  70. Bailey Be Good!November 6, 2013 at 1:08 AM

    That's WONDERFUL news!! We're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. <3

    Woofs & huggies,

    ~Bailey & Nala (Yep, we're girls!)

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  71. Backcountry BrodieNovember 6, 2013 at 3:09 PM

    Oooooo, I did not knows Phantom be hasing Athur-Itis with udder stuffs. I feel his pain. Seriously, I do. I hope the Adequan helps him like it helped me. Do he be a Candy-Date fur seeing a chiropractor? Here be where I found mine http://www.avcadoctors.com/avcadus.htm They be all ofur the place.

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  72. FiveSibesMomNovember 6, 2013 at 5:32 PM

    Okay, overall that is good news...we are keeping Phantom and you in our thoughts and prayers...sending you lots of love and hugs...

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  73. RubyNovember 7, 2013 at 2:51 PM

    Okays, I don't know how i missed this postie!!! Wait, yes I do, Ma is a total head-case and she has been sucking at her bloggin' duties AGAIN!!!
    Anyhu, YEA! Phantom, this sounds pretty good! It sounds like it's gonna be managable, and you can gets extra treaties...okay, i threw in that last part as a dream for me..BOL
    POTP dude!!!! And paws crossed for your Poor Moms!!! I hopes she gets better soon!!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  74. Biloxi and Siber-sibsNovember 7, 2013 at 7:14 PM

    HaRooo Phantom, Lightning and Ciara!

    You're old pal Biloxi here checking in and tryin' to ketch up! Furry happy to hear woo had sum good results der Phantom!
    Lots o' pampering is what woo needs.

    Maw and I jest wants to say how sorry we are about Thunder as we hasn't kept up wid da postin. Maw's face was furry wet as she read the post.

    I jest wanted to let woo know we still think about all of woo and miss doin' our posts. Hopefully I kin get Maw to sit and git bloggin' again.

    Your pal,
    Biloxi

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