Max the dog- Brain Tumors, Cyber knife, HBOT and beyond!

HELP COVERING VET COSTS

2017-11-17T17:55:00.001-05:00

HELP WITH COVERING EXPENSES

Depending on your pup's injury, and if you have pet insurance or not, you may have expenses that you need help with. There are tons of organizations that can help with medical and rehab costs, as well as companies that can help you raise money through Crowd Funding, and a lot of people also do their own fundraising events. Also, keep in mind that a lot of people are able to get a lot of equipment donated by people with huge hearts, or groups of their friends.

We have seen some extremely successful campaigns. Some of our members have had wheel chairs donated, physical therapy donated, surgery costs donated, and neurology consults donated.

DON'T EVER BE AFRAID OR EMBARRASSED TO ASK FOR HELP!

ESPECIALLY FROM YOUR FRIENDS!!

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Organizations That Can Help with Your Medical Expenses

All too often we hear from people who don't realize there is help out there. You just have to do a little (ok a lot) of research! There are plenty of organizations and people with huge hearts, and vets, and hospitals that will help, you just have to be persistent, and do your research. Many will have you complete an application of some kind. Unfortunate there are a lot of people out there who are not so honest. So be patient with the processes they put in place and keep trying if some groups can't help! Also do your own research, there are 1000's of organizations NOT on this list all around the world. And don't forget about crowd sourcing!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS

THAT CAN HELP WITH MEDICAL EXPENSES

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CROWD FUNDING

One of the most effective ways to quickly raise money to help cover vet costs is to build a crowdfunding website or facebook page and reach out to all of your contacts and ask them if they can help by helping share your fundraising page and if they are able to donate, and let them know that if they can donate even a little amount - perhaps the cost of a cup of coffee - that will be a huge help! Remember if 50 people donate $5 that's $250 you didn't have before. That's more than the cost for your initial Neurologist consult, or a few physical therapy sessions, or acupuncture, or equipment or items that you may need. And if those 50 people share with 50 more people and each of those people donates $50 thats.... 50x50 = 2500 + 250 = $2750...... and then if each of those 50 share and each brings in another 50... well you get the picture... it's pretty much all in the numbers and how many people you reach - you see it can add up.

One thing we hear a lot is that people are afraid to ask their friends for help... well.. sometimes you just need to suck it up! Your friends WANT to help you out! Just as you'd want to help them out if they needed the help. And your friends also have friends who want to help their friend's friend out... People really do have good hearts. Swallow your pride and give it a go! We have seen some amazing things happen when people do this! We've seen wheel chairs donated, physical therapy donated, spinal surgery costs donated, and all sorts of time, and items donated to those in need.

This group also centers around the concept of "Paying It Forward" We all need help at some time, especially when our pups are first injured... As the pups in the group get better and start to walk again, our members have items and equipment that they donate forward to the next pup who needs it. If you are a member of our Facebook Group, don't be afraid to ask if anyone has a particular item they can donate.

If you are not familiar with Crowd Funding and how it works, Crowd Funding is a concept where a whole crowd gets together and donates a small amount each and it ads up to a large amount. This has been used to find all sorts of medical costs, Films, Artists, Educations, you name it! Below you can find a bunch of links to sites that assist with Crowdfunding. Facebook also allows you to ask for money through their site as well for crowdfunding (Dont forget to read the small print on everything and there are usually applications. Some sites have restrictions on when you can get the money, others have different tiers as to when the money will be available, and different percentages that they keep as their fee. Just keep the fees in mind when you are figuring out how much money you need to raise!

CROWD FUNDING ORGANIZATIONS

Please research any organization you chose to do your crowdfunding campaign through carefully so you understand the terms. Make sure to read all of the fine print about how and when you will get paid . We do not endorse any specific organization, we are simply providing resources for you to start your research and make your own decisions about crowdfunding.

A Washington Post Article about how Crowdfunding is being use to help cover costs of Pet's Medical Bills

"The Crowd-Funding Craze Hits the World of Pet Surgery" - Written by Hallie Golden, Published December 9, 2014

"Crowdfunding: The New Way to Pay Vet Bills" - by Jane Davidson, Published June 20, 2015 - Vet Times

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HOLD A FUNDRAISER!!!

Partner up with local businesses

Contact your local pizza joint and ask if they'll donate a portion of the proceeds for a weekend & promote the event
Reach out to your favorite coffee shop or bar and ask if you can get the promotion for a specific drink - promote the event
A FaceBook Group Member teamed up with an online Esty seller and the proceeds from crocheted roses for dog collars, that were promoted by our member - went to her pup's medical expenses - she raised $2000!!!
Make a Custom T-shirt and sell through an online store like cafepress (there are others - do your research! You may get better prices and more profit)

Hold an Event

One of our Facebook Group members held a dinner dance - all silent auction items, music, and location, and food & drink were donated!!! You just have to ask!!! People want to help but need to be asked! over $2000 was raised!

Bake Sales and Lemonade Stands!

There is a reason these have always been popular! They work! Set up shop outside of the train station when people are heading home. Ask your local school or church or club or organization if you can set up shop and sell your goods!

White Elephant Sales / Yard Sales

It never hurts to sell any items you don't need or haven't been using. Ask friends & neighbors to join in and donate items and have the proceeds go towards your expenses

Ebay & Craigs list

Great places to sell items!

Be Creative Come up with your own ideas!

There are COUNTLESS ways you can help raise money to cover costs! You may be surprised how much you can raise! Don't be afraid to think outside of the box!

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PICK UP SOME FREELANCE WORK

With the internet there are some amazing opportunities to pick up some extra freelance work and work from home when ever you can!    There are some amazing online freelance sites and you can easily make $200 - 2000 a week depending on the freelance work you pick up.

You can do anything from write a song, proof read a movie script, provide marketing support, be a virtual assistant, do data entry after hours, do online research, record tutorials, make something, you name it!   And you don't need to leave your house - it can all be done from home!

These jobs may be slow to pick up in the very beginning but keep trying, once you land one, you'll get another and then another. You pick your own hours, how much you want / can work, and how much you want to make. Keeping in mind it's a supply and demand world, so you don't want to over price yourself.

Once you're in these systems you will get paid every week, through the website, by direct deposit, unless you specify otherwise.    These are GREAT ways to make extra cash!

Here are some Freelance websites to look into

* Members of our FaceBook Group have had a lot of success with Upwork. You can be based anywhere in the world too and work for clients anywhere in the world!. I have personally hired and done work on Upwork and can vouch it's a great site. The talent I hired was fantastic and so were my clients!

There are a lot more groups - keep researching if none of these meet your needs

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Instant Credit Programs to help Cover Costs

There are many companies out there, all around the world, that offer instant credit to help cover your vet bills and give you time to pay them off. You can apply to these programs on the spot, right in the vet office or vet hospital, and get an immediate answer within a few minutes. Often these programs have very high acceptance rates (they also are used for human care too) and even if you are out of work they can help you. Interest rates can vary depending on the program and your plan to repay. We've seen programs with zero interest for a few months to a full year to more standard interest rates. Ask the receptionist, or vet tech or veterinary specialist or doctor about an application and they should have them for you. Below are a few programs and we encourage you do do your own research as well.

FIND A BOARD CERTIFIED VETERINARY NEUROLOGIST

2017-11-17T17:48:00.000-05:00

Find a Veterinary Neurologist

The Following Links are resources to find Board Certified Veterinary Neurologists.

**Please keep in mind many people drive 3-5+ hours to see a veterinary neurologist**

SEARCH THE ACVIM VETERINARY NEUROLOGIST DATABASE (you can refine your search by location - World Wide)
RCVS VETERINARY NEUROLOGIST DATABASE (world wide)
EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY NEUROLOGY DATABASE (world wide)
EBVS NEUROLOGIST DATABASE (world Wide)
PET INTERNATIONAL NEUROLOGY CONSULTANTS (Telemedicine - world wide)
NEUROWEBVET - BOARD CERTIFIED VETERINARY NEUROLOGY CONSULTANTS (Telemedicine - world wide)

UK RESOURCES

Veterinary Neurologists - UK

** This is NOT a comprehensive list and it will continue to grow over time. Please also use the links above to see if there is a veterinary neurologist closer to you!

Bletchingley - North Downs Specialist Referrals - Neurology
Bristol - Langford Vets, University of Bristol - Neurology
Bucks / Buckinghamshire - Chiltern Referrals - Neurology
Cambridge - The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital - Neurology Dept.
Cambridgeshire - Dick White Referrals - Neurology Team
Cheshire, Chester - Chester Gates Referral Hospital - Neurology
Derby - Pride Veterinary Centre - Neurology
Derby - Dovecote Veterinary Hospital _ Neurology
Essex, Southfields, Laindon - Southfields Veterinary Specialists - Neurology
Glasgow - University of Glasgow, School of Veterinary Medicine
Hampshire - Ringwood - Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists - Neurology
Hampshire - Winchester - Anderson Moores - Neurology
Herts - Davies Veterinary Specialists - Neurology
Liverpool - University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital - Neurology (CK)
London - Royal Veterinary College University of London / Queen Mother Hospital for Animals - Veterinary Neurology & Neurosurgery
Surry - Veterinary Referral Center
Surry - Eashing - Fitzpatrick Referrals
Suffolk - Kentford, Newmarket - Animal Health Trust - Neurology
Stirling, Scotland - VetExtra Neurology
West Midlands - Willows Veterinary Center & Referral Service- Neurology
Yorkshire - Animal Medical Center Referrals - Neurology

VETERINARY HBOT RESOURCES

2017-11-17T17:45:00.003-05:00

WHERE TO FIND HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY FACILITIES (HBOT)

hvm - Dr. Anne Chauvet Explains some the Benefits of HBOT

WHERE TO FIND HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY FACILITIES (HBOT)

ORGANIZATIONS LISTING VETERINARY HBOT FACILITIES
Below are a few master links to find facilities that offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or HBOT

https://www.vhbot.org/
https://www.hvmed.com/locations-uk
http://www.vhbo2.com/facilities-loc... (Equine HBOT s work for dogs too)

GOOGLE SEARCHES
New HBOTS are poping up all over the world so when you do a google search try the following search strings (cut and paste them into your search bar - in the last Parentheses - put your city OR state/province Abbreviation OR spell out the state or search without this set of parentheses for a broader search. * If there are 2 words in your city’s name like “New York” put that in quotes or you’ll get results showing anything with the word New and anything with the word York. (equine OR veterinary) AND (“Hyperbaric Oxygen” or HBOT) AND ( )

ORGANIZATIONS TO CALL ...
The following are veterinary HBOT Manufacturers or HBOT Tech Certification Organizations. If you call these organizations and ask them if they know of any Veterinary HBOTs near you they are usually happy to help you find one!

LIST BY LOCATION (this is by no means a comprehensive list)

UNITED STATES

AL - Auburn U http://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/blog/c...
AZ - Phoenix - Integrative Veterinary oncology http://www.integrativeveterinaryoncology.com
CA- Oakland - Holistic Veterinary Care and Rehab http://holisticvetcare.com/regenera...
CA - Pasadena - Animal Dermatology Clinic http://www.animaldermatology.com
CA - Torrence - Animal Emergency Medical Center http://www.aercvet.com
CA - Fountain Valley VCA West Coast Animal Specialist https://vcahospitals.com/west-coast (**have been using HBOT longest in world)
CA - Lancaster - AV Veterinary Center http://avveterinarycenter.com
CA - Los Olivios -Alamo Pintado http://www.alamopintado.com/ (horse & dog)
CO - Colorado Springs Southern CO Vet Medicine https://imvets.com/veterinary-hyper...
CO - Fort Collins - Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency & Rehab Center http://www.vetemergencyandrehab.com/
FL - Boynton Beach - Affordable Vet Care http://www.affordablevetcare.net/
FL - Gainsville - UF - http://smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu/...
FL - Melbourne - Animal ER & Critical Care of Brevard http://centralfloridaanimaler.com
FL - Boca Raton - Calusa Vet Center http://cvcboca.com
FL - Jupiter - Pet Emergency & Specialist Center http://www.jupiterpet.com
FL - Jacksonville St. Frances Animal Hospital http://www.saintfrancisanimalhospital.org
FL - Port Orange - Ravenwood Vet Hospital http://www.ravenwoodvet.net
FL - Homestead, Homestead Animal Hospital http://www.homesteadanimalhospital.net
FL - McClenney Sixth Street Vet hospital http://sixthstreetvet.com
FL - Pointe Verde Beach - Palm Valley Animal Hospital http://www.pontevedraanimalhospital.com/...
FL - Loxahatchee (near West Palm) http://www.equinehyperbariccenter.com/... (horse & Dog)
FL - Sarasota Suncoast Vet http://suncoastveterinary.com/
FL - Vero Beach Treasure Coast Animal Hospital http://www.treasurecoastanimaler.com/
FL - Ocala - Equine Performance Center (Sees dogs too) http://epcrehab.com/?page_id=4136 and http://www.sanctuaryequinerehab.com/...
FL - Winter Haven Veterinary Healthcare Associates http://www.vhavets.com
FL - Fort Pierce Animal And Emergency Center http://www.animalemergency.net/
IL - Aurora VCA Aurora Animal Hospital http://www.vcahospitals.com/aurora
IL - Buffalo Grove Veterinary Specialty Center http://vetspecialty.com
KY - Lexington - BlueGrass Animal Hospital http://www.bgvets.com/index.html
KY - Lexington Hagyard - http://hagyard.com/ (horse & Dog)
KY - Lexington - Veterinary Wellness Center at Uptown Hounds http://www.vwclexington.com/rehabil...
KY - Versailles KY Equine Sports Med & Rehab (will work with dogs) http://kesmarc.com/
LA - Baton Rouge LSU Animal Hospital www.lsu.edu/vetmed
LA - Vinton, Delta Equine & Small Animal Center (link not working with fb - but it’s deltaequinecenter dot com/hyperbaric-oxygen-chamber (horse & dog)
LA - Mandeville Southpaws www.southpawsvetspecialists.com
MD - Frederick - Care Vet Center http://www.carefrederick.com
MD - Elkton - Fair Hill Rehab http://www.fairhilletc.com/ (horse & dog)
MA - North Dartmouth Chase Farm Vet Hospital http://www.cfvh.com
MA - Walpole Veterinary Neurology & Pain Management http://vetneuroandpain.com
NY - Commack - Peace Love and Pets http://peacelovepets.org
NC - Matthews Piedmont Vet Hospital http://www.piedmontvets.com/
NC - Ashville Regional Emergency Animal Care Hospital http://www.reachvet.com
PA - Whitehall http://www.vcvrec.com/hyperbaric-ox...
NJ - Milestone Township - Equine http://www.njequine.com/ (dogs & horses)
SC - Mount Pleasant Veterinary Specialty Care http://www.veterinaryspecialtycare.com
TN - Knoxville - U of TN https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/Pages/...
TN - Chattanooga - RIVER- Regional Institute for Veterinary Emergencies & referrals http://rivervetemergency.com/
Tx - Katy - Old Town Animal Hospital http://oldtownanimal.com/about-us/s...
TX - Houston - Gulf Coast Vet Specialists http://www.gcvs.com
TX - Round Rock Heart of Texas Vets http://www.heartoftexasvets.com
TX - Mansfield - Animal Emergency Hospital http://www.mansfieldanimaler.com/
TX - Weatherford - Equine Rehab & Surgery http://www.equinesportsmedicine.com/... (horse & Dog)
UT - Salt Lake City - Advanced Veterinary Care http://www.avcslc.net
VA - Fairfax VA - VCA Southpaws https://vcahospitals.com/southpaws
VA - Leesburg - The Life Center http://www.tlcvets.com/specialty-pr...
WA - Redmond Pegasus Training & Rehab http://www.pegasustrainingcenter.com/... (horse & Dog)

UNITED KINGDOM

Surrey - Godalming - Fitzpatrick Referrals http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/

ADDITIONAL LINKS FOR RESEARCH

Equine Facilities Links (Public)

Small Animal Facilities

Max Learns a New Trick

2013-06-12T09:36:00.003-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I've been trying to catch up with everything that I've fallen behind in...

Max has been working hard though.. He's been working on mastering sitting and tonight he sat between beanbag chairs for a full hour holding himself up and eating his dinner! He hasn't been able to hold himself up in over a year so this was HUGE!!!

Then he also was able to stand on his own and move around a bit - he's still working on balance and can't get himself up on his own but he's starting to get the motions down and figuring out what muscles to use. We still have a ways to go.. but here are a few videos of the progress tonight

Sorry my angles are off on some of these!

Max practicing his sitting and balancing

More sitting

Max doing some standing and me sitting in his water bowl.. (the things I do.. )

Max standing (sorry I can't figure out how to get these in the right direction)

Progress Report & Pics

2013-06-01T20:58:00.004-04:00

Max developed a pneumonia and hasn't been able to get HBOT treatments the last few weeks, and because he lost those toes he hasn't been able to work out and do his PT as much as he'd like. Every time he put pressure on his bad foot, the scab would come off, it would bleed and the bone would be exposed again. So he spent 2 weeks with me either holding his leg up or laying on the couch - or trying to work out on his exercise ball. He got really depressed and lost all energy. I actually though things were going south.. then... his foot started to heal! he still has a scab but he can now stand on it. It hasn't been bleeding at all either - we're on the mend and back to building strength and learning to stand and walk again (mind you- he was fully limp a few days ago and had lost most of his muscle strength in his neck - we had to start over quite a bit)

Here are some pictures to share.

The 2 back feet... just a wee bit of a scab

Standing on all 4s!

sitting on his own - working on pushing up

Shoulders giving out! But He can push back up

Pushed back up. Just leaning against mom for support

Hope she's not making me jump through hoops next

Max feeling much better!

Max is trying to figure out how to eat on his own - he's watching the syringe and moved his head toward it- making some progress!

Max wiggling his body trying to figure out how to get up off the bean bag chair (He can't sit in his cart right now - he got a huge quarter sized blood blister on his rump and it likes to bleed out when he sits on it... or I pick him up when I'm wearing anything nice.. or white)

Max practicing sitting and balancing while on the ceiling (Just kidding) - I can't figure out how to rotate the video so that it's in the right direction.. so you'll just have to stand on your head or turn your computer upside down to really see what's going on here... Clearly I'm not a professional videographer!! Sorry!

Lots to Catch up on

2013-05-23T13:54:00.004-04:00

Sorry we've been way behind in posting.. lots to catch up on but it'll have to be in another post.

Just wanted to share some quick videos of Max..

We've had some set backs, a lot of frustrations, but he's still the Mighty Max!!!

Max drinking water on his own.

Max frustrated about his leg being much shorter than the other leg now...

By Golly I think He's growing a new toe!

2013-05-07T10:16:00.000-04:00

So... In all honestly I've had a few panic attacks where I'm really worried Max has permanently lost his toes.. (and there's a lot of anger for him being in this situation in the first place.. ) But today I took a look at his foot and realized that I think he may actually be growing a new toe! The HBOT is supposed to push oxygen into the core of the cells (RNA, DNA, mitochondria etc.. ) and that is supposed to help growth of new stem cells.. Stem cells are the cells that the body can use to grow anything. When we were zygotes and fetuses - they are the cells that formed the fingers, hair, eyes, organs, and toes... and it appears that they are growing new toes...

This one is almost the same size as the others - no loner a nub... pretty darn wild!

Pink toe on left is brand new.. the other 3 are cased in necrotic tissue which will eventually slough off, probably with the nail like the one on the left did. There is still some bone exposed from the other side on the middle two - but the new tissue is growing every day... remember this foot used to be entirely black, hard and crusty all the way though! Pretty cool!

HBOT AND OTHER USES

2013-04-29T21:58:00.000-04:00

As I've been researching HBOT, I've been amazed at all of the things it can be used to cure or improve on. It's pretty amazing stuff.

How HBOT WORKS

Here are some of the conditions that are treated by HBOT or Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Acoustic trauma
Abscesses
ADD/ADHD
AIDS / HIV
Air Gas Embolism
ALS
Alzheimer's
Anemia (blood loss)
Aneurysms
Atherosclerosis
Anti-Aging
Arthritis (acute)
Asthma
Autism
Autoimmune
Bells Palsy
Bed Sores / Pressure Wounds
Bone Infection
Bone Breaks / Fractures
Bone grafting
Bone Necrosis
Brain Injury (Concussion, Oxygen Deprivation)
Brain infections
Brain Dysfunction
Brain Stem Syndromes (ischemia, infarct)
Brown Recluse Spider Bite
Burn Injuries
Buerer's disease
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Concussion
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral edema
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Cirrhosis
Colitis
Coma (acute & prolonged)
Compartment Syndrome
Cranial nerve syndromes

Trigeminal neuralgia
vestibular disorders (vertigo, tinnitus, meniere's syndrome)
sudden deafness
brain stem syndromes

Crohn's Disease
Crush Injuries
Cyanide Poisoning
Decompression Sickness
Diabetic Wounds
Diverticulitis GI
Early Organic Brain Syndrome
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Flesh eating bacteria (acute necrotizing fasciitis)
Frostbite
Fungus
Gangrene
Glaucoma with vidual field loss
Heart Attack (with stem cell therapy)

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Hypoxia (with organ transplant, infections, or cancer)
Ileus
Immune System Enhancement
Infections
Inflammatory Bowl Disease (IBS)
Ischema (restricted blood flow)
Lepromatous Leprosy
Ligament injuries (post surgical repair)
Lou Gherig's Disease (ALS)
Lung Disorders

Lung Lavage

Lyme Disease
Meniere's Syndrome
Meningitis
Migraine Headaches
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscle Atrophy
Myocardial infarction
Near Drowning
Neurologic Disorders
Necrotic Tissue / Bone
Optical

Retinal Artery Occlusion
Macular Edema
Diabetic Retinopathy
Macular Degeneration
Macular Hole Surgery

Pancreatitis
Parkinson's
Peptic ulcer
Peyote Poisoning ( Look it up! It really is used for that!)
Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis
Pulmonary Toxcity
Periventricular Leucomalacia (PVL)
Pressure Wounds
Radiation Injury (soft tissue & bone including radiation for cancer treatment)
Scar Reduction post surgery or injury
Scleroderma
Severed Limbs
Sickle Cell Anemia crisis & Hematuria
Slow healing wounds
Smoke inhalation
Soft Tissue Necrosis (including radiation necrosis)
Soft Tissue Swelling
Skin Grafts and Flaps
Spinal cord contusion (partial motor or sensory loss)
Stroke (will benefit even long after the event)
Sympathetic Reflex Dystrophy
Tendon and Ligament injuries
Tinnitus
Traumatic Brain Injury
Trigeminal neuralgia
Vascular Dementia
Vascular Ulcers
Vestibular disorders
Vertigo
Wounds - that are severe or having trouble healing

Pressure Wound...

2013-04-27T19:55:00.001-04:00

So.. I think I may have mentioned earlier, when I came back from vacation I found a sore on Max's right hip - the same one that the gangrene was in. I assumed it was a hot spot from him urinating on himself and not being cleaned up well. Both hospitals informed me that it was a pressure wound from being on the same side so long and not being rotated, and pointed out that it was actually a hole in his side and you could see the bone. I had just cut the fur down around it, but they shaved it down at Southpaws. Looks NICE HUH?!

actually 2 holes - a big one and then a tiny smaller one - they later joined and formed one BIG hole.

Well.. it's been over a month and a half and it still hadn't closed up, it had actually gotten bigger! In fact, the edges had healed leaving a hole in his hip, and new skin had formed in the hole, creating a pocket. NOT a good thing - so we had to have the edges of the hole cut off and then the whole thing stitched up so that it could all heal together and close. Max ended up with a 4 inch cut on his side.

Max hanging out on his beanbag chair... So much for rotating him for the first few days.. I managed to get him in his cart for a while, standing and practicing balance for a while and then he had to lay on the left side for the first few days.. He's now laying on his stitches for a few hours.. He can sit up on his rump but I think it irritates him to do that between his foot and his hip... a few more weeks and all will be better..

Just the Toes

2013-04-23T17:27:00.000-04:00

The following is Max doing a foot soak to try and remove some of the dead (necrotic) tissue from his gangrene. This is after 18 HBOT treatments.. Today is 5 days after his 18th treatment and we are not just left with dead skin on his toes... there is new tissue under the dead black skin.. so we're soaking it in salt water to try and soften it up so that it comes off... I am beginning to thing we need to get Max a bath with those little fish that eat dead skin.... (not sure how sanitary that is... but they'd have a field day on his foot)

Work outs!

2013-04-03T17:49:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow Max is going back up for some additional HBOT treatments and hopefully we'll get him to be able to see Carol for some additional Physical Therapy while he's up there. We got the O.K. for additional weekly treatments!

Max's strength has come back big time, and his awareness and alertness is also SO much better than it's been since June! He constantly wants to be practicing his exercises!!! This is the old Max back in action! He wants to practice standing, wobbling and catching himself and taking steps. He wants to practice holding his head up and he wants to turn left and right! He also loves to practice sitting from a standing position!!

His balance has gotten much better since the beginning of the week! It's amazing!

Here are some pictures and a video of Mr. Max in action!

Hanging out before his workout

Poor lighting but practicing sitting outside

Working out on his "too big" peanut ball

Practicing standing on his own


I'm still standing... yeah yeah yeah...

(The video below is of Max as we were leaving the hospital. He may look rough but he had flopped over to try and get up in his cart. He leads with his head. This is the most I've seen his arm move on it's own! I can now see how the techs might think he was having a seizure!!! He was actually trying to get up! (Video taken Easter Morning, Sun 3/31/2013)

The following Video was taken on Tuesday 3/2/2013 - Granted I've been stuck in a bean bag chair after a night of partying.. in college.. (of course) so I can clearly understand how difficult it might be to get up when one is stuck in a bean bag chair!

And the following video was taken today Wed 3/3/2013. Max has more movement in his legs. He has more balance and he's able to stabilize himself and if that darn ball wasn't so huge he'd probably be able to turn himself around!

*** The shaved hip and the hole in his hip are from a pressure wound from being left in the same place too long. I thought it was a hot spot when I got back from vacation but was told it was a pressure wound by the doc's at the hospital..

***The wrapping on his foot is just a pee pad held up over his hock with a loose rubberband so that he doesn't get any dirt or gunk from outside in his foot. He has no problem standing on that foot as you will see! It's still healing and a little oozy in places and scabbed in others. It's just protection..

Max Diving in the HBOT

2013-03-31T16:56:00.001-04:00

So.. when a patient goes into a HyperBaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber (HBOT) They refer to it as a dive. Probably because it looks like they are going down in a submarine!

Here are some photos of Max and the HBOT at Southpaws!

HyperBaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Chamber

HBOT

Portal!

Getting ready for Mr. Max

Max getting ready to Dive

Getting comfy

Super Max the submarine dog!

Getting all snuggled in to his HBOT!

Ready for a nap during his treatments!

BELOW IS A VIDEO SHOWING HOW IT ALL WORKS

And another video

Click here to learn more about HBOT Treatment at SouthPaws

Where can you find HBOT for animals?

There are a number of places.. this is by NO stretch a complete list. There are many HBOT facilities available for horses that may also work with other animals, and there are some human facilities that have HBOT and will work with local veterinarians for animal treatments.

In the United States
Southpaws in Fairfax / Falls Church VA
Holistic Veterinary Care in Oakland CA
Animal Emergency & Referral Center in Ft. Pierce FL
Ravenwood Veterinary Clinic in Port Orange FL
University of Florida, School of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville FL
Saint Francis Animal Hospital in Jacksonville, FL
Peace Love Pets in Commack NY
Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod in Yarmouth MA
Mars Hill Animal Hospital in Bogart GA
SPCA Florida in Lakeland FL

Around the World
Town & Country Vet in Richmond New Zealand

PHYSICAL THERAPY! & LASER THERAPY FOR MAX

2013-03-31T16:47:00.001-04:00

In addition to the added benefits from HBOT treatments helping Max neurologically get stronger and sharper, and of course curing the case of gangrene! We also got a chance to spend time with the amazing Carol Wasmucky who is an amazing Animal Physical Therapist! Carol spent 17 years in human sports medicine physical therapy before starting her own company Pet Rehab Inc in 2000, applying the same principals in human physical therapy to animals. She has an exceptional track record of helping pets recover from neurologic, and physical challenges!

Carol gave us a month's worth of homework to do that will help strengthen Max and work on his balance... (He's holding his head up when he stands and getting stronger every day! He's also trying to hop on his feet sometimes now!)

Max needless to say LOVED working with Carol!!!

Carol taught Max to sit and bend his elbows!

The Incredible Super Max and the Amazing Carol Wasmucky!

Max learning to sit and hold himself!

We also went to see the Amazing Dr. Khoury who works in the Holistic department at Southpaws. We saw her initially for Acupuncture but she did a little research and came up with some new ideas to help Max out that we were all excited about! This one involved laser treatments!

Max getting Laser treatments from Dr. Khoury

Pictures of Max's Gangrene Foot Before and after HBOT treatments

2013-03-31T15:44:00.000-04:00

Below are pics of what Max's foot looked like when he first came down with gangrene all the way through his last HyperBaric Oxygen Therapy or HBOT treatment on Easter 2013. He received a total of 12 treatments on his foot, each about 45 minutes in the chamber, no sedation, and as an outpatient.

THE FOLLOWING ARE BEFORE TREATMENT
If you wonder what Gangrene looks like as it develops.... here you go!

Right foot is clearly very swollen and darker

Bleeding in between toes (assuming from skin splitting?)

Some blistering forming

After foot was shaved


After they shaved up Max's bad foot - still hasn't had a treatment yet

after 1st treatment - see blisters?


After first treatment - blood is starting to flow 3/24/2013


Pressure wound on Max's hip from laying in the same position for so long while I was on vacation. (gross!)

After 2nd treatment


After 2nd treatment

After 2nd treatment more pink!

After 3rd treatment

after 4th treatment


After 4th treatment - much more pink!

After 5th - blisters are all gone!


after 5th treatment

After 5th treatment

After 6th

After 6th - black dead skin is starting to molt off- lots more normal looking pink!

After #7 - lots more pink! Black crusting and granulation starting to fill in with new tissue

#8 The dead necrotic pads are starting to slough off to make way for new tissue!!!

#9 (Swelling is from standing for too long) - see pink tissue between toes?!

#9 - black is superficial scabbing for the most part


The morning after #9 before #10

After Treatment #11

Day after #11 (doing exercises outside!)

Day after #11 (pads still falling off)

Day After #11

After #13 (old pad falling off)

After #13

After #14

4 days after #14

After #15

After #15 close up - they picked a hole on the top of the crust to help promote healing

After #15 from behind... All Clear!!! Back to normal - just need some fur!!! (please excuse the kankles!)

2 days after #16

4 days after #16

4 days after #16 (dead tissue pealing down)

4 days after #16

After #17 Max's Doc cut off some of the dead black skin that was crusted over to expose the new tissue and help it heal... (a little bone exposed there on the left pinky toe)

After #18 - pink on all toes!!! His foot should go back to normal!!!

1 day after #18 - starting to granulate even more

1 day after #18 - you can see new skin there!!! Pretty amazing huh?! and no more bone exposed...

After 18 treatments!!! Nice color!!! Amazing huh?!

After #20 - bone exposed (no salt baths for now)

After #20 - they cut the toes to let more oxygen in and promote regeneration of the tissue in the ties

Another view of his toes after #20 - as gross as this is.. remember this all used to be dead / necrotic BLACK hard as a rock tissue, with NO LIFE what so ever... now it's nice and pink and red and healthy underneath.

Bottom of Max's foot after #20 - A little bone showing but lots of new pink tissue! (he does stand and take steps on this foot and he wiggled his pinky toe as well.


A new toe is forming - Stem cells are amazing things!

After treatments #21, #22, and #23 - Max's dead skin covering one of his toes came off - along with the nail - we'll have to go through this process with the other toes too - kind of gross.. so the plan is the stem cells that are stimulated from the HBOT treatments should grow a new toe... that's the plan anyway.

By golly - I think it might be working - this is taken on 5/7/2013 4 days after HBOT treatment # 23 and it appears to be growing into a full fledged toe vs. a nub.. it's getting to normal size.. REALLY WILD!

GANGRENE & HBOT

2013-03-25T17:56:00.001-04:00

Many of you who have been following Max know he developed a nasty case of Gangrene in his foot while I was on vacation. The consensus is that it was from not moving enough (should be moved every 4-6 hours minimally and do exercise / Physical therapy).

I had him checked out - all over..

Cardiac EKG, UltraSound and Doppler were done to make sure there was no clot - cardiologist said he has a very heathy heart!
Xrays were done - no masses - just arthritis (he's over 100 in human years)
Blood work done - normal for him for the most part - elevated where you'd expect from being on the meds he's been on.
Test to determine if there was a clot= came back likely for a clot
UltraSound of abodmen - all clear - no masses,
UltraSound of blood vessels - showed a 40% block in his gangrene leg - when the legs were togeher there was no flow, when they were separated the flow was pretty good... so they think this is what was going on

Gangrene can be caused by a few things:

Venomous spider bite (check the poisonous spiders in your area)
Venomous snake or scorpion bites
Diabetes and poor circulation
Ranaud's disease (circulation issues)
Clots

What is__gangrene?

It's necrotic or dead tissue and can include an infection too. It is caused by a lack of blood feeding the tissue and the tissue dies

How Gangrene is treated

Many vets just say to put animals down.

Many others just want to cut off the part of the body that has it. (surgery)

OR.......

there's Oxygen Therapy... or Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).. which is what we are doing.

Little did I know that HBOT treatment is FANTASTIC for neurological patients and helps improve neuroplasticity - which is helping the brain recreate the connections it lost during brain damage (stroke, brain bleed, hemohrage, anurism, brain tumors, head trauma, etc) It also is great for infections too.

Here are some links for you to review:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21287528

http://www.hyperbaricexperts.com/conditions/neurological-disorders/hbot-the-brain.html

(List of other things HBOT can be used to treat:

http://www.vet.utk.edu/departments/LACS/hbot.php

We are getting treatment at Southpaws in DC... google and look for a hospital that offers CERTIFIED AND TRAINED HBOT providers near you

http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/news/article/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-hbot-available-at-southpaws/21833

So... We're now going to post pictures after EACH of Max's Treatments in the next posting.. Max is getting 2 treatments / day with 4 hours in between each treatment -

Quick update

2013-02-28T08:59:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to post a quick update on Max's progress...

When the weather has been nice we've been taking him for walks with the other dogs and he's been riding in Buster's old Pet Gear Expedition.. if you have a dog who is weak, tires out easily or can't walk that weighs under 150 lbs... this is a MUST HAVE!!! I have gotten more use out of this cart than any other piece of equipment or dog toy I've ever purchased...


Max AND his bed in the pet gear stroller holds up to 150 lbs

So.. yesterday we're walking along and Max decides he's going to start kicking and sit up (he's been sitting up and looking around while he's in the cart. He's actually watching things and will turn his head now and pay attention to one particular thing as we walk by! It's very cool to watch! He even sat up when he saw the kids playing in the street and they came over to pet him. This time however he was kicking and trying to get up so I knew what he wanted to do, and took him out of the cart and he stood up on the side of the road, by himself.. leaning against my leg and peed! He peed for the first time on a walk since July! He was so proud of himself! Then when we got back to the house he got out in the front yard and wanted to practicing his walking more and then he pooped outside standing up!!!

So proud of my pee'er and pooper!

This morning he's been a crazy man! We got up at 5AM and went swimming. Max got in a good 5 yards, but he was super active and moving those arms AND legs like crazy to get himself where he wanted to go! He flipped himself back to the side he wanted to be on if I flipped him to his other side, he sat down, stood up, kicked me, growled at me.. let me know I was in the way! Really doing great this morning!

After his swim and a quick towel dry I put him in his cart so I could dry off and he rolled across the room.. and kept on rolling around. Almost rolled over Buttercup.. It was a slow but determined roll!.. He actually rolled around in his cart for 2 hours after his swim! Super active.. Then he hate his breakfast and we rolled for another 1/2 hour and then I took him out, blow dried him and we practiced standing for another 20 minutes (until I could handle no more!- he could keep going) and he practiced taking steps... sometimes he forgets to bring either his back or front legs along with him.. We did a little practice sitting down too. He still is reluctant to bend his elbows when sitting and standing - I am not sure if that's a balance thing, or what. He will bend the top one when sitting or laying down, and will bend both if I pet the top of his head or back (I guess a "duck and cover" reflex maybe?? He'll also bend them in warm water no problem

Now he's taking a nap in the sun!

I've had to try hard and remember that it's ok for him to be uncomfortable and he's gotta try and do this stuff on his own and not to scoop him up and help him stand the second I see him struggling to sit or stand or walk.

We've been practicing balancing while standing - he'll stand on all fours and I'll be next to him with my arms on the other side of him but not touching and he can try and stand up and if he wobbles and hits my arms or my knees he will try and center himself again - sometimes he falls but he's pretty good with trying to get himself back into the center.

The other thing I've noticed over the last 2 weeks, the other dogs and the cat have been MUCH more interactive with him. They are going up to him and sitting with him, sniffing him, barking at him and hanging out with him.. Our vet's kitten even started to clean him on Monday! I think they are all sensing / seeing that he's more able to look aware and be more reactive to stuff going on around him!

I'm proud of my super Max!

More images of the Pet Gear Expedition:

2 labs in a Pet Gear Expedition

It's great for off roading. We take ours in the woods on the trails and to the beach all the time like these guys do. It's very rugged and we have had no break down issues at all!!! It also folds up and easily fits in your trunk or the back of your car


Our rottie likes to poke her head out of the top when she rides in it, but most usually hang out - the front and top flaps zip to keep your buddy safe inside where they can see out all sides and have good ventilation. You can also Jog with this cart too and it has brakes in the back and a couple of pockets to put your keys, poop bags,cell phone and other stuff you want to carry.

This is how Buttercup our Rottie likes to ride!

2013-02-21T17:09:00.002-05:00

I"m trying to get up all the way!

Max's neck works!

2013-02-20T19:48:00.005-05:00

Finally caught Max lifting his head and looking around after waking up... FINALLY!

Max working on standing.. and sitting outside

2013-02-20T16:08:00.001-05:00

Well.. it's a beautiful sunny 50 degree February day... no complaints here.. Max has really been enjoying standing on the hill in the back yard. For some reason he seems to have a little better balance there but still needs to be able to lean against me, but he likes to take steps outside - maybe it's because the ground is softer than the floor? Or he's just outside and enjoying being outside.

He also has been going to the bathroom when he goes outside too which is kind of nice ! (Especially when I remember to move my food out from under him... )

(Oh and he's also been sitting up and looking around each time he wakes up and can do this on both sides now! ... And is using his right arm to help push himself up... and for the first time yesterday - although this hasn't been consistently repeated - actually blinked when I pulled a "3 Stooges" on him and waved my fingers in front of his eyes.. The last few times he's actually moved his whole head rather than blink.. he definitely can see and his depth perception may just be making a come back - Fingers are crossed..

Anyway - thought I'd share some pictures of today's outting..remember he could barely lift his head a month ago. Now he can hold it up for 10 min or so before it gets weak. Wish I had the video camera..

Max sitting up on his own - that head is still heavy!

Max watching stuff while leaning against Mom

(he just ate.. and hadn't licked his lips yet.. saving it for later. )

Leaning - that head gets heavy!

I wish I had video he was moving his right arm down the hill and trying to get up I had to straighten him out so he didn't take a tumble but he was trying hard!

Standing on all 4s.. and leaning against mom (who can't focus the camera in on all of Max)

Leaning against mom

Hey You... What's going on?!

Mom's favorite beach... nobody around as far as the eye can see! Sorry had to throw this one in.. it's what keeps me sane!

Max Sat Up!

2013-02-08T17:06:00.002-05:00

So.. not only is Mr. Max working on his standing and walking skills these day, but he also just woke up from a nap (see below) and sat up on his own and looked around and then focused in on me.. then went back to sleep. This is the first time (That I've witnessed - he may do it at night b/c I find him starring at me quite a bit after he repeatedly clears his throat until I wake up) that I've seen him do it!

He also barked yesterday loud enough that he could be heard on the other side of the house! Super Max is still coming along... side muscles are getting stronger - it's amazing how many muscles will atrophy and you have to build them up... #1 recommendation for anyone dealing with a bed bound, or stroke patient pup... if they can't physically move on their own.. definitely do range of motion as much as you can every day and try to do any sort of resistance with them - even if it's just pushing - Nobody explained to me how extremely important this was - although maybe nobody knew.. - other than a human physical therapist.. and what I had been doing prior was not enough.. Every few hours Max stands up and practices taking steps on his own or even just balancing on his own. Now I can see him standing in his cart with his legs wider apart vs. crossing like he used to - his hips are getting back in place.. The other thing that I've noticed is the muscle atrophy above his left eye is lessening. His vet saw this too.. (He's trying to sit up again and just wagged his tail!)

Catching up...

2013-02-04T09:48:00.000-05:00

Sorry it's been a while since we've posted.. Lots to catch up on.. but for now.. just posting a few pics and videos of Max.

**Max can now stand for over 10 minutes on his own while leaning up against someone or something... He has also started to take more and more steps while standing up and leaning against someone. He has been working on being able to lift his left front leg higher and higher and placing that foot perfectly - vs. knuckle walking.. his elbow is still stiff but he's been working hard and about 25 % of the time he gets that food placed perfectly!

His infections between his legs are gone too!**

Max swimming - this is what we did during the Superbowl... and after he got out, all he did was wiggle around and want to stroll around in his cart.. !

Max and his new doll

Max and his bone

Max has a bone in bed and nobody can get him!

Practicing standing on his own and squatting

Hanging out on his bean bag chair watching TV

Exciting Accomplishment for Max!

2013-01-10T20:58:00.004-05:00

He Peed standing up on his own for the first time in 7 months!!! (Bet you weren't expecting this one!!!)

He did not lift his leg.. as balance is still a major challenge... but he was standing on his own power on all 4 of his legs and hit 95% of his target (A pee pad)... not too bad!!!

(Sorry No photos of this one... I bet you're thankful of that!!!)

Grumbling & starting to take his first steps

2013-01-04T11:37:00.002-05:00

I have some videos I need to post, but wanted to put up a quick update, as I've gotten a few emails asking how Mr. Max is doing!

He's doing great! Aside from some bad gas... (we may have to do some pro-biotics or something) But I had a piece of cheese (not on his diet) in his mouth so he could taste it - just taste it and the next thing I knew his tongue had folded it in half and down the gullet it went. I was trying to pry his mouth open to make sure he didn't choke on it and he licked his lips and opened up wide to show me it was gone!!!

He can stand on his 4 legs longer than he could before and now he's leaning forward and starting to take steps with both his front and back legs. He still needs to work on balance but his strength is definitely improving and his will is as strong as ever!

And... we have an increased amount of grunting! He grunted this morning when he wanted more food, and he grunts when he's uncomfortable and wants to move but can't quite get himself in the correct position and he does some kind of a grunt growl when Rex tries to eat his food or gets too close to him and when Buttercup is cleaning up his feeding syringe.

He's also sporadically drank water out of a bowl.. not all the time but he's working on it.

And the coolest thing is that his tongue seems to have regrown?!!! I'm not sure if that's possible, I didn't think it was.. but remember he had bitten off half of his tongue and there were some splits in it? There are some nasty photos of it earlier in this blog.. well.. it seems to be a full rounded tongue again. There are a few little nicks here and there but it seems to be back to normal.. one of the videos I have that I'll be posting is of him sticking his tongue out - he almost looks like a frog trying to catch a fly!

The insides of his thighs are still a little raw and infected from his cart, but after trying a bazillion things the best I've come up with is neosporin cream and wrapping the seat of his cart up with no-stick gauze pads and then wrapping those with gauze roll and changing it after each time he sits in the cart and when he's not in the cart keeping his legs separated so he can get air in there. He also really likes swimming every day and I think the water helps clean it out (as much as it's helping strengthen his body - arms, legs, core, neck... everything.

New Years even he showed everyone he could roll around and make it a little challenging to feed him as he kept rolling away!. He also sat up on his own a few times and turned to watch what everyone was doing.

And I'm also happy to report that FINALLY - after 6 months, his fur is just now starting to grow back on his arms... and his belly and his rear end. It's almost all back on the bottoms of his feet... I'd love to know what kept it from growing back and what's helping it grow back now...

OH and before I forget.. this is THE BEST! Max had a follow up appointment with his eye doc yesterday.. and the report was "Max is doing EXCELLENT!" I love it!! Even though it's the eye doc! As you may recall Max's tear gland was zapped during his cyber knife treatment.. well.. we've been using tear stimulating eye drops to get the tears back to normal and they are now perfect!!! (which explains why he's actually crying now everytime I pick him up and it hurts!) But the tears are also helping to keep his eyes healthy. So we get to cut back on his tear medicine! and his next appt isn't for another 6 months!!! I LOVE IT!!!

So... If anyone is ever going through something that seems so daunting, please remember to take it minute by minute at first, then hour by hour and then day by day, week by week and you'll be ok. Remember 6 months ago, Max couldn't move, he couldn't blink, he couldn't eat, he was in a coma and they thought the liklihood that he'd be in a vegetative state for ever was extremely high. Don't ever be discouraged... and don't ever be afraid of a little hard work! Be grateful for the little things!

Swimming

2012-12-26T19:53:00.000-05:00

So... I finally figured out how to take pictures of Max swimming without him going snorkeling... well not too much.. Below are some photos and videos of him. He REALLY loves to get in the "pool" and swim around but I'm beginning to see he wishes it was a little bigger and he had further he could go... He may be the one thing that pushes me over the edge to put in a REAL lap pool... and lucky for him.. his mom used to teach swim lessons and coached swimming. I should be able to teach a dog how to swim right?

I've been in here for 2 hours and don't want to come out! It's cold out there!

Nothing like floating to help you stand up!

Below are a series of 3 videos... Max had just woken up from a nap when I put him in his pool, so the first one is him just getting used to the water.. by the 3rd one he was kicking around pretty good!

Video 1: Max first just getting into the pool and getting used to it (He just woke up from a nap) I think he's enjoying floating around actually... (He does have some really raw sores on his inner thighs from moving around in his cart so much... so I'm trying to let those heal and they may have been stingy when he fist got in the water too. He got over it by the 3rd video.

Video 2: Max getting more used to being in the pool and moving around more. He wants to stay on one side of the pool and keeps moving back there even when pushed to the other side.

Video 3: Max has been in the pool for just about 2 hours now.. he's kicking around and moving and didn't want his life preserver around his neck any more...

Pre-Holiday Max

2012-12-22T22:22:00.003-05:00

Happy Holidays everyone!

Just wanted to post a few pictures of Max and keep you updated with what he's been up to.

Max likes to wake up early, sit up and stare at me until I get up and put him in his cart!


Max less than thrilled to be at the hospital with Buttercup while she had her cardiology appt (She's doing well) Max didn't have a schedule appointment so nobody messed with him.


Max watching the squirrels out the window

Max standing up straight in his cart and looking around

Max checking out what's going on around him (and that slop is his favorite dinner - although he had a few pieces of a roaster tonight)