In her early middle age (she is almost nine years old), Cricket has developed the most common human disorder, lower back pain. She has always known she was a human, and now she has proof. Unfortunately, when she first started to exhibit symptoms, I had no idea what I was looking at and started to imagine the worst.
Cricket, the pulling machine.
First she threw up during her mid-day walk, which isn’t that unusual for her, but then, out on a walk she did this funny thing where she walked backwards three steps and sat down, demurely, on top of her back feet. As soon as we returned to the apartment she ran under the couch, to her apartment, and stayed there. Even when chicken treats were offered, she didn’t leave her apartment. I had to bring her room service. Normal, for Cricket, is staring at the treat bag until it opens, then jumping up and trying to climb my leg to get to the treats. This sad looking dog under the couch was someone I didn’t know.
couch dog.
“Ouchy.”
I did a full body check on her to see if any particular part was sore, but she didn’t yelp or grumble at any particular point. She seemed to recover a bit on her next walk, running and barking at our neighbors, but still, she was strangely subdued indoors, and not up to jumping on the bed that night.
The next morning, Friday, we called the vet’s office and they said that Cricket’s regular doctor wouldn’t be available until Monday morning, and since Cricket seemed to be doing better we decided that would be soon enough.
We went out to Friday night services, after a day of watching Cricket go almost back to normal. I even thought we might be able to cancel her doctor’s appointment. But when we came back home, Cricket jumped up to greet her Grandma, and started to cry in pain. I sat down on the floor with her, but she walked backwards and kept crying; until she saw her sister sneak out the open front door of the apartment and start down the stairs. Cricket immediately stopped crying and ran to the top of the steps to catch Butterfly, but then she balked again.
I carried Cricket down the stairs and outside for her walk, but she just kept sitting down on her feet and looking very frightened. I had to carry her back up to the apartment. Her whole body was vibrating, and she was gulping air. I put her on my bed and she struggled to find a comfortable position to sleep in, dragging her back legs behind her to each new location. I had nightmares about dying dogs all night long.
“Mommy, I don’t feel good.”
When I took the girls out early Saturday morning, Cricket still looked frightened and her back feet started to twist, as if she was walking more like a ballet dancer in toe shoes than like her usual tomboy self.
The thing is, I kept worrying that her symptoms were neurological, because of the walking backwards, and the twisted feet, and the fear in her eyes. I was afraid we’d find out that she had Lyme disease (because she’d been bitten by a tick two months earlier when I forgot to give the girls their monthly meds). I was pretty sure the whole thing was my fault.
We called the vet to see if Cricket could have an emergency appointment, and they scheduled us in for Sunday morning.
All day Saturday, Cricket’s symptoms only got worse, and it was a relief when it was finally Sunday morning, and we could take her to the doctor. Well, it was a relief to me. Cricket hid under the bench in the vet’s waiting room as usual, and had to be dragged out to stand on the scale and check her weight. She’s vain, and that scale is so public!
In the examining room, she did her best to hide behind me, which is normal for her, and the vet tech was able to, easily, put the blue muzzle over her head for the exam, which is not normal at all. In the past, Cricket has been able to pop those things off with one paw grab, and a defiant twist of her head, but not this time.
The doctor did a neurological exam to see how Cricket walked and stood and responded to being in different positions, and she said that, neurologically, everything was fine. But I wasn’t ready to believe her. She wanted to do an x-ray, to make sure there was no arthritis or orthopedic issues, and help her to make a diagnosis, and I agreed whole heartedly with the plan.
The doctor gave Cricket a shot of a pain reliever that would calm her enough to allow them to do the x-ray, and then we all waited in the waiting room, with Boopy the African Grey parrot, until the meds kicked in. Boopy is a scratchy glutton, just like Cricket. He stood right next to the bars of his cage and stared at me, then lowered his head for scratching. When I was too slow to comply, he stomped one of his feet, and then lowered his head again.
Boopy is very demanding.
“I’m waiting, human.”
Cricket’s x-rays were perfect, meaning they showed no arthritis and no other issues with her hips or legs, which meant that we could assume the problem was with a disc in her back. I still didn’t believe it, though. I don’t mean that I argued with the vet, or refused the meds she prescribed (Prednisone and Gabapentin), I just wasn’t sure any of it would help.
The doctor told us to limit Cricket’s movement, either by keeping her in her crate (which we gave away years ago because she used to climb up the sides trying desperately to get out), or keeping her in a small room where she couldn’t crawl under or climb over anything (there is no such room in our apartment). The vet also said that Cricket shouldn’t crawl under her couch, and I just couldn’t imagine that. The only place Cricket had felt safe for the last few days was under her couch.
A cozy couch, and a soft tushy to lean on, that’s what Cricket needs.
When we came home, of course, Butterfly sniffed Cricket all over, in her armpit, under her ears, to find out where she’d been and what Butterfly had missed. Clearly it was nothing good, so Butterfly could relax on the floor, knowing she’d had the better part of the deal.
“What is that smell?”
We gave Cricket the first dose of Prednisone right away, with a big serving of peanut butter, and pretty soon, she thought she should be able to jump off beds again. She still couldn’t jump onto the beds or climb the stairs, but whatever independence she could manage she wanted to have. The frightened look was gone. The vet really had got it right, thank god.
The vet warned us that the Prednisone would make Cricket eat and drink more, and therefore pee and poop more, and within a few days, Cricket became the queen of poop, outperforming her sister, by a lot. She was feeling better every day, by literal leaps and bounds, and she was convinced it was because of the peanut butter, and therefore I should give her more.
Peanut butter heals everything.
Pretty soon, I’ll need to start her on a physical therapy regimen to build up her core muscles. For some reason, the physical therapists for humans are unwilling to work with Cricket, so I will have to do this myself, with the aid of many many chicken treats.
I guess being an honorary human doesn’t count with some people. Harrumph.
“What do you mean, I’m not human?!”
rachelmankowitz 
Poor baby! I hope she’s better soon.
Thank you!
The poor baby. Sorry to hear she’s having back pain. Hope all will be fine with her.
She’s back to her usual crazy self already, if you can believe it. When I tell her I was worried about her, she just rolls her eyes.
Poor Cricket – and poor you!
It’s horrible when your babies are in pain and frightened. The worst thing about dogs (and other pets too I guess) is that they can’t tell you what hurts, and you in turn can’t let them know that being seen by the vet / injections / x-rays will actually help!
If you ever (really really) need to restrict either of your pup’s movements as much as possible, ‘X-pens’ or puppy playpens can help. Most dogs who freak out in crates do okay in pens, when introduced properly anyway. You can also get extra high ones to prevent jumping, and some are covered for extra protection 🙂
When Kasper cut an artery and had to have his movement seriously restricted, although keeping him occupied was a nightmare, I was very grateful for the crate…he’s generally pretty immune to pain, so without it he would have been leaping about and wrestling with his sister = bad move Kasper 😛
I hope Cricket feels better soon xxx
I’ll have to look into an extra tall play pen. I never thought of that. Cricket might even like having a space of her own that Butterfly can’t get into, as long as all of the treats are inside of the pen with her.
I feel your pain, I hate it when the puppies are in pain and they can’t tell you exactly why, how and where, I’m so glad Cricket was able to get the help she needed, some good medecine and her mommy.
She LOVES Prednisone! I’ve created a drug addict!!!!!
Oh Cricket, you are ruled by your belly! Oh dear mommy is going to have to put you on the treadmill lol
I’m not sure that’s any worse than a peanut butter addict, Rachel x)
I’ve known dogs who are more polite that some people. It’s hard when our babies hurt and I’m glad she has help.
Thank you!
Oh Rachel! We have a shih tzu that has the same problem! The vet said it’s because their backs cannot handle all the jumping – too much pressure on the discs – thankfully he’s a really good listener and won’t jump if we say no…it’s been four years now and as long as we keep him from jumping he’s been really good! Good luck with Cricket! 😀
Yeah, Cricket is not a listener, she’s an ignorer. She’s very good at it too.
I am so glad cricket is feeling better. I agree with her that it’s all because of the peanut butter. Every time I’ve been sick, peanut butter is what made me better. Love and *ear licks*, Noodle
When we started to go down to one dose every other day, Cricket had some peanut butter withdrawal symptoms. That is potent stuff!
Sorry Cricket 😔
I feel so bad for poor Cricket! At least she is feeling a bit better now with the Prednisone. I love the way you write, by the way. You are a really talented storyteller. I look forward to your email updates. Mickey and I wish Cricket a speedy recovery!
Thank you so much!
I hope Cricket is better soon- I love that photo of the two of them resting together ❤
Poor Cricket! Glad to hear the medicine in helping, and hope she is better soon!
Thank you!
Poor little darling! It’s stressful for all when a pup is feeling bad!
Especially when she’s standing on me, it’s very stressful.
Ever notice how bony a little dog’s foot is, especially when they are standing anywhere near your boobs?
Cricket, keep it up and you may get a big promotion. Boopy and I may make you an honorary parrot.
Oh, tough…. 9 years is good!
She’s planning on twenty years. Peanut butter is the secret to a long life!
Oh poor little Cricket. Pain is terrible. So good the medicine is helping. Hugs to Cricket 🙂
Thank you! She loves hugs!
Poor Cricket. I feel her pain. Hope she gets better soon.
Thank you!
Hope ur cricket feels better…
Thank you!
Cricket I’m glad you feel better and I hope all ouchies and sickies will stay away from you… and I cross my paws that your dogtor chased all bad things away from you…
Thank you!
“Dogtor” lol – great word!
Around here we have some canine physiotherapists… Do you have none near you?
I went to one after I had my knee operation and she helped build up my muscles again so I could run and jump. Four years later, I’m still doing agility training 🙂
Cricket doesn’t really believe that she’s a dog. It’s an argument we have every once in a while when she sits down to eat salad for dinner.
Poor baby! Glad you got her in so quickly so that she is already feeling much better.
It’s funny, I felt like I waited so long, because every hour of watching her in pain felt like a week. But now that Cricket is back to full barking strength, it seems like she was sick for barely a minute.
So glad Cricket (and you) survived the ordeal and she is feeling better. I agree with her, peanut butter cures everything!
Thank you! I may have to invest a big bucket of peanut butter to get us through the rest of the summer.
Rachel, Glad that honorary human is feeling better! And just to be completely nosy– are those olives next to the peanut butter on Cricket’s dish?
Yes! Cricket loves olives! And grapefruit and bell peppers and lettuce. She’s a foodie.
More proof of her human-ness!
I hope Cricket feels better. Those physical therapists don’t recognize a great business opportunity. I am sure they would make lots of money providing physical therapy to pets as well as humans.
Thank you! I think the humans who go for physical therapy would enjoy it more if they had dog buddies to go through the exercises with them. Can you imagine the side by side treadmills?
Great Idea!
What a touching story. You write beautifully, and I’m glad Cricket is getting better, Farley, my Wheaten. had lyme’s disease. It was a horrible two months waiting for him to get better. He was young, and we caught it early, so there is no long term damage, but watching him in pain broke my heart.
Thank you so much! Lyme disease was my big fear! There’s something about neurological symptoms that are frightening to watch, so when I knew Cricket’s issue was with her back, that calmed me down a lot. I’m worried that Cricket will start to miss the peanut butter, though, and teach herself how to fake her symptoms in order to restart the meds.
Dogs are smart. You might have to keep that jar handy.
Aw so sorry. Hope the pup is feeling better. We’ve been dealing with flea bites and the itchies. Bo is SO allergic. Just one flea and he’s a mess. Cortisone shot and some anti-biotics. Not even taking him for walks now, limiting his time outside! I feel for you. ❤
Oh no! Itchies are so awful. When Butterfly’s ears itch, for no reason at all, she looks like she’s trying to break her head off against the rug.
Reblogged this on الشركة المتحده لتمديدات شبكات الغاز ت/0500539880.
Thank you!
Watching your fur baby in pain is just awful. But you know what’s worse? Assuming your fur baby is okay because he doesn’t show his pain. Then have him die at the vet’s with pancreatitis.
The guilt I am feeling just doesn’t go away. The vet keeps assuring me that dogs usually hide their pain VERY well and not to blame myself. I think I would have been thankful if Oreo HAD shown his pain. Then I could have gotten him to the vet in time to save his life…maybe.
So there is a reason for pain, hard to bear as it is.
Oh no! I worry about that with Butterfly, because she’s likely to go off on her own and not complain.
I am more of a cat person, but I have to say, your dogs are just adorable! 🙂
Thank you!
awww….. its really creep…. i wish they could proper treatment
Our animal friends in pain… the worst thing! Such a relief she is getting better 😀
Nuffin’ better happen to that dog.
When our two kittens came home from being neutered, years ago, the vet ordered them to be kept quiet and restricted in their movements. Hah! Might as well order the tide not to come in. Next thing we knew, they were both up on top of the refrigerator. To this day I don’t know how they got there. They must be able to fly when we’re not looking. The next time they did it, one of them got inside the bag holding my ice cream machine and toppled it onto the floor with a great crash like the crack of doom. We fully expected her to be crushed, but she was completely unharmed and my ice cream machine was completely destroyed.
It’s very hard to get cats and dogs to obey doctor’s orders.
Ha! Do you know how much Cricket would love to be able to fly?!
Hi Rachel, Sorry I haven’t been by. My computer died and I had to wait to get a new one. Oh poor Cricket having to go threw such pain. I am glad she is feeling better. On the topic of African Grey’s I have one as part of my family. Her name is Sasha. This bird has quite a sense of humor. She has me laughing so much. BabyGirl and her have bonded. BabyGirl has taught her how to cry,and bark like a dog. She is learning and practicing her dog howl. She also can meow and the other day she was in the window and dogs outside laying down and she meowed and the dogs jumped up and started looking all over for a cat to chase. Sasha kept meowing then the bird started laughing while the dogs were in a tizzy looking for a cat. Sasha has video’s on u tube.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmVLjeT1XYTTdFz3PrBHJmQ
Those African Grey’s are amazing. I don’t know if Cricket could deal with that level of competition.
Poor Baby. Hope she is feeling better (and you too). 🙂
Thank you!
How worrying. Glad she’s OK
Wonderful telling of Cricket’s turmoil and current recovery. It is so, so difficult and scary when we see our animals in pain. I am glad the doctor’s new how to treat her symptoms. I hope the relief will be long lasting.
☀ Memee
I was so relieved that the doctor knew what she was looking at! Cricket and I were both completely freaked out.
I am sure. I remember when I came home one day to my beloved Forest just laying in the living room as I walked through the front door. Of course I immediately knew something was wrong, dogs always greet their humans. I was so terrified, thinking OMG, he’s dying. But no, he was just in pain and now that he is taking glucosamine with his food he is doing great. Getting older, it’s tough on all bodies!
Oh that is very sad. Hope she recovers soon.
Thank you!
Back pain is no fun. Hope she is doing better.
She is. Thank you!
Glad that Cricket is doing well. You said you couldn’t find a physical therapist but maybe you could find a canine massage therapist or hydro therapy center.
I would love to take her for hydrotherapy. Oh, who am I kidding, I want to go myself!
Poor puppy — I’m glad she’s improving, and I hope the upward trend continues!
Me too! Thank you!
Take it easy Cricket..we want to see you well and not hurting..
She LOVES to take it easy, between bouts of crazy.
Oh, Cricket! Max calls that “magic peanut butter” because he’s on antibiotics right now and peanut butter makes those pills go right down! Please do your exercises for Mom and get better really soon, okay?
She’s thinking about it. There will probably have to be some bargaining involved.
Goodness. Hope she gets better soon!
Thank you!
Hoping for her full recovery! My chihuahua is 9 yo too!
Thank you!
Glad Cricket is doing well know and hope she feels better!
Thank you!
Poor Cricket. I hope the therapy works for her and that she doesn’t have to stay on the medication for too long and that she doesn’t have any adverse reactions to her medication. My dog Isabelle was prescribed a steroid once which was supposed to stop her from chewing on herself (she made huge wounds on her sides.) It did nothing for the chewing and instead made her completely lose bladder control so she would pee all over and not even know she was peeing until there was already a puddle. Luckily we were about to move out of that house and had to put in new carpets and things anyway. The answer to her problem came from a lady at a feed store who recommended grain-free food and a probiotic digestive supplement – no side effects and she hasn’t chewed on herself in ages. Costs a lot more to feed her though, the grain free food is expensive – but a lot cheaper than new carpets.
So great that you were bale to find a solution that really worked.
All of us at Casa de Canterbury are sending Paw Snaps and Twirls to Cricket and hoping that the meds work well for her…maladies are so, so very annoying and frightening. We are tempted to lose our cool but must remain calm under all conditions.
Cricket is not an especially cool character. Especially on Prednisone. Oh my lord.
Hugs and paws to little Cricket! ❤
Be careful with those paws; Cricket is a grabber!
🐾😀🐾
Very glad to hear that Cricket is on the mend 🙂
Thank you!
That was a frightening experience for you and poor Cricket. I am glad she is on the mend and the peanut butter has performed its magic. Now, after all her worrying, we just need a treat for mum :o)
I tried to take a picture of Cricket’s newly robust Prednisone butt, and she was offended and ran under the couch. She does not think I deserve any treats.
I’m glad Cricket is doing better again, I sure hope she completely heals and not gets worse.
Me too! Thank you!