According to Gus, his mom’s Type A, controlling personality will shine through on today’s post.
We intended to blog about something much more uplifting today. After all, it’s Friday (woohoo!) and serious blog topics are not nearly as fun. However, after the week we’ve had, we thought there was no better time to share this with you.
On Tuesday evening, we noticed Gus was acting melancholy and abnormally clingy. He is not one to cuddle, but this particular night all he wanted to do was sit on our laps. We also noticed his tail was between his legs which is always a sure-fire sign something is up. On Wednesday, I picked him up to set him on the sofa and he let out the most horrific squeal. It was mortifying. We called our vet and were lucky enough to be squeezed in yesterday. We heart Dr. Kyzar. He’s caring, comforting and always takes his time. He gave Gus a thorough exam and concluded that Gus probably hurt his back. Sigh… We’re the type that like definitive answers and hoped to hear a simple, straight-forward prognosis. We were sent home with a prescription of Novax and instructions to limit Gus’s activity for a week. It’ll be difficult for Gus to go without his 3x daily walks, but we must follow Dr. Kyzar’s orders. We’ll keep you posted.
Thank you, Dr. Kyzar and the entire staff at Community Pet Health Center. We will miss you terribly when we move!
On a very selfish note, Gus is avoiding me like the plague since I’m the one who picked him up and caused him further pain. It’s breaking my heart. 😦
*******************************
Okay, on to what this post is really about…Gus’s medical blog. We created this a couple of years ago while going through a very frustrating time dealing with Gus’s allergies. It’s a great way for us to document any medical issues Gus is dealing with and we love that we’re able to access it on-the-go. This is especially helpful during vet visits. We can pull up his medical blog on our phones and provide Dr. Kyzar with all the pertinent details. It also allows us to easily enter new information during the appointment or any other time we’re away from home. Is it excessive? Yeah, maybe. Does it keep us me sane? Yes. Well, mostly. 😉
The blog has four sections:
- Home Page: includes a running history (by date) of all medical issues. We update this once a week on Fridays unless an issue comes up (like this week)
- Vet Info: includes name, address and phone number of our vet along with all the closest emergency animal hospitals
- Heimlich for Dogs: includes instructions for the Heimlich maneuver + CPR
- Rx History: includes history of all medications ever prescribed to Gus
Vet information is something we always leave behind if M and I are out-of-town. That along with 2-page detailed instructions and directions to the nearest emergency animal hospital. Paranoid much?
Heimlich and CPR for dogs are both things we hope to NEVER perform, but nonetheless, we want the information easily available if the situation ever arises.
Ahhhh, we heart our Google Calendars. Not only do we keep track of all of our personal events, we also have a separate “Gus” calendar linked to our account. It’s great for routine items such as heartworm and flea meds, monthly baths, ear cleaning and vet appointments. Although Gus wishes we’d forget everything we just mentioned, thanks to our trusty calendar + text message reminders, we’ll never forget.
Instead of linking to Gus’s medical blog, we chose to only post screenshots. We figured you wouldn’t really want to read that on August 26, 2010, Gus’s poop was slightly green. You’re welcome.
So, what’s the verdict? Are we crazy-meticulous, or just plain crazy? How do you manage your furry loved one’s medical information?
According to Gus 
2browndawgs
March 11, 2011
Oh no! Poor Gus! I hope he feels better soon. He will forgive and forget once he starts to hurt less.
No you are not crazy. In addition to keeping vet and medical information, we have an extensive first aid kit for the 2 brown dawgs. They have their own duffel with the first aid kit, extra leashes, waste bags, bowls, water, vet and microchip info. When we travel with them we take their gigantic duffel bag. Since they spend time in the field, we have had to use the kit on more than one occasion. Nothing major-cuts, sprains and such. Time change weekend, while others are checking their smoke detector batteries, we check expiration dates on the medical supplies. 🙂
According to Gus
March 11, 2011
That’s a great idea to check all the supplies during daylight savings…thanks for the tip!
Kristine
March 11, 2011
Poor Gus, poor YOU! That really sucks. I hope he gets back to his normal self soon. I know he will forget all about whatever pain you may have caused in time. Even if you won’t. *hugs*
What a smart idea is your medical blog. I am much too lazy to document everything in such a detailed way but I should think about even just starting a paper journal. I do make everything on our calendar, like when we give flea treatments or other such things, but I am sure as she gets older, there will be a lot more to add to the list. Very cool of you to be so on the ball.
I hope you have a great weekend, even if you are forced to take it easy. Give gus a scratch behind the ears for me.
Tiff
March 11, 2011
Gus is so fortunate to have such loving and caring parents. We hope he feels better soon. Tell Gus that Tiffy has also been known to sprain her back on numerous occasions and tends to act the same way,( tail between legs but she also hides and shakes) and we are familiar with the routine by now. I guess that’s just one of the hazards of being a little dog who likes to jump up on things…
Alison @The Other Winnie Cooper
March 11, 2011
I WISH I had those kinds of details for all my pets! I just have a file folder with receipts and rabies certificates.
I have heard that the strained/ sprained back in small dogs is common…and have been considering getting Winnie some steps for the bed and for our daybed/couch to minimize her leaps up and down.
Hope Gus is feeling 100% soon!
Jen
March 11, 2011
I hope Gus’s back feels better soon!
I think it is wonderful that you keep track of his medical records that way!
If I didn’t work at a vet where I have all the records of the boys at my fingertips-I would do the same thing, maybe not as organized as you, but I would try:)
Pip
March 11, 2011
Oh no, poor Gus! I hope he feels better soon – I am sure he will forgive you soon!
Your pal, Pip
Anna
March 11, 2011
aww poor Gus. I hope he gets better soon and you all can get out again. I know what its like to not be able to take your active dogs out for a walk. Luna cut her rear foot really bad on summer at the river. And she had to go through daily bandage changes for over a month. And she was not allowed to do anything beyond going out to pee on a leash. Since that happened I now have an extensive first aid kit for the pups, as well as one to take in the car. She is in the field a lot training etc so it was bound to happen eventually. I prefer to be my animal’s own vet when I can, and will only take them in if I feel it’s something I can’t handle. And I have an accordion folder with all of the pups vet info in it. I should put their shot info on my Mac calendar now that you mention it.
The CPR and Heimlich papers would be a good inclusion though, we had to use CPR on a dog here as he passed out over a nail trim (insane considering I have trimmed hundreds of dogs nails and never seen that).
Kudos to you for keeping such good track of Gus. I would also think about getting stairs for couches etc, I know it would help prevent injuries. Massage might be another option for his back, I would ask about that.
Good luck
Anna
http://www.akginspiration.com
raisingdaisy
March 11, 2011
Oh, poor little Gus! I can feel your pain too, though – when you wrote about Gus avoiding you, my heart broke right along with yours. I’m sure he’ll return to his loving self once this is all behind him.
I had no idea dogs could injure themselves from things they routinely do. Does the vet think it was from jumping up and down off things?
Your calendar is outstanding! I keep Daisy’s info on my paper calendar, but it’s nowhere near as complete as yours. I still have to look up the vet’s phone number in the phone book! You’ve shamed me into being a better doggy parent – I’m starting more complete online records today!
According to Gus
March 11, 2011
Our vet said back injuries are very common in small dogs and can be caused by them jumping. Sigh… Gus is constantly jumping on and off the sofa, so we’ll try to limit that going forward.
Oh no…we hope we didn’t shame you! I’m a very detail-oriented person and tend to go overboard when it comes to lists, schedules, calendars, etc… We just wanted to share our routine. We know how much Daisy is loved, even if she chews through laptop cords. 😉
Ruff Toy Reviews
March 11, 2011
I hope Gus is feeling better soon! Do you have a chiropractor for him? We find the dogs heal SO much faster after an adjustment, and sometimes we bring them for an adjustment if they just seem a little “off kilter”. Our chiropractor uses a clicker thingie to do the adjustments so it doesn’t freak out the dogs at all. Good luck to Gus!
According to Gus
March 11, 2011
We don’t have a chirpractor for him, but someone else suggested that as well. I think it sounds like a fantastic idea and will look into that today. I know for me personally, I’ve had great luck with chiropractor visits. Thanks for the suggestion!
Elizabeth
March 11, 2011
Very impressive and I’m sure that one day I’ll regret not having my six pets’ vet records at such ready disposal. 🙂
I keep folders for each dog, in which I chronologically stash every piece of paper I have ever received from their vet visits. And I keep the most recent copy of their vaccination history on top of each stack. So far so good.
I have a magnet with all the city’s emergency vet info on my fridge.
My hubby is proficient at using Google on his Blackberry. I don’t bother since I have an old flip phone. 😉
Elizabeth
March 11, 2011
Oh, and we hope Gus is feeling better soon. Poor guy.
Adentureweiner
March 11, 2011
Having a seperate Google calendar for Gus is a cool idea. I had never thought about that before. I don’t think I have enough appointments for my dogs to make it worth while right now but I will keep that in mind.
I hope Gus gets better soon.
Chunyo's Corner
March 11, 2011
I’m so impressed! Poor Chunyo only gets a file folder. Hope he feels better soon! 🙂
Elyse and Riley
March 11, 2011
Aww, poor baby!! I have saved ALL of Riley’s detailed vet invoices/info sheets since I got her when she was 7 weeks old. I thought I was crazy for doing that…! 🙂 I have even saved the invoices from me just picking up Heartguard for her when she’s not even with me…!
Our vet’s office has this awesome thing called Pet Portal that’s the dogs’ medical records online. I can log in and see all of the medications she’s ever been prescribed and read the directions for giving each of them and read any follow-up care instructions. It also has every single one of our visits documented…it’s so cool. You can request appointments and refills online. You can even upload pictures and pet sitter/boarding instructions. Have I mentioned how cool it is? 🙂
Hope Gus gets to feeling better soon!!
According to Gus
March 11, 2011
Thanks for the reminder….our vet has the same Pet Portal. My only concern is when we move…I wonder if all the info would be transferred? I’ll have to ask about that. Thanks for the kind words, Elyse!
Happy.Bark.Days
March 11, 2011
We keep all of Maple’s medical records in a file, complete with emergency numbers and first-aid instructions. However, it has been a while since we’ve updated the records—thanks for reminding us!
Here’s wishing Gus a speedy recovery 🙂
jan
March 11, 2011
I’m still doing paper trails with my dogs, but I love your Type A methods. Don’t worry about Gus avoiding you. Dog memory lasts a short time.
Jasmine
March 11, 2011
Get well Gus….
It's me, Buddy
March 11, 2011
With a new puppy and Buddy still very young this post and comments are full of good ideas! I enjoyed reading it. We hope that Gus is much better very soon!
Helen
March 11, 2011
I hope poor Gus is feeling better soon and forgives you sooner. I am so far on the other end of the organizational spectrum. However, as I read through the post I kept thinking “Oh that’s a good idea” and “We should do that”. So I’m vote in favor of uber organized and something we slobs aspire to 🙂 I didn’t know Google Calendars gave text message reminders, that is SO COOL!
cate
March 11, 2011
You’re such a smarty pants Gus! Hope you feel better soon.
Current Instincts
March 11, 2011
It’s never a bad thing to have information in order when it comes to pets! Hope Gus feels better soon!
Chandra
March 11, 2011
What a great post – sharing your system helps others think of how they can create or adjust their own! (Daley had his own Google calendar, too – I found it so useful!)
Back injuries are certainly no fun. Bravo to you for keeping a close eye on Gus and knowing when something’s not right. You may have caused him some discomfort for a brief moment but that’s what started him on the road to healing!
Have a wonderful (low-impact!) weekend,
-Chandra at Daley’s Dog Years
According to Gus
March 11, 2011
Awww…thanks for the sweet comment, Chandra. I’ve been beating myself up over causing him pain, but you’re right….that’s when we definitely knew something was wrong. Thanks for making me feel better. 🙂
Vicky
March 11, 2011
I could easily see myself keeping a calendar like that if Darby were ill, and have done something similar back when he had digestive issues.
Sorry to hear the little dude is down. I know just how you feel, what with the Doodle being on the Novox express himself this week. Hugs to your little guy 🙂
AngelColbert
March 11, 2011
I hope Gus feels better soon.
Debby and Kirby
March 11, 2011
I’m so glad Gus is ok! Kirby has dachshund in him so we knew from the beginning that he could have back problems. I have a high bed so he has stairs to go up and down. We bought a really good one which is sturdy and has carpeting on the treads. Well worth the money since it will last forever! You may want to look into getting some for Gus.
Love your idea about the medical blog and calendar. I hadn’t thought of either. I’ve kept a small petbook in my purse since we got him with all his medical information and important numbers but if I lost it then the info would be GONE. I’m going to set up a med blog for Kirbs this weekend!
Also, don’t think for a sec that Gus blames you! Doug wouldn’t come see Kirby for a few days when he got bit because he was afraid Kirby blamed him since it happened at his apartment. As soon as Kirby saw Doug, he was all wags and kisses.
According to Gus
March 11, 2011
Awwww…thanks for the kind words Debby! Gus still seems cautious around me, but he’s definitely given me lots of kisses today, which was soooo nice!
Gus has steps for our bed, but we’re definitely going to consider steps for the sofa. We don’t want him to go through this again!
simplyshaka
March 11, 2011
This broke my heart reading it–I hope he gets better soon!!! That is the worst feeling in the world knowing your pup feels horrible but not knowing what it is or being able to help them.
I don’t leep track of Lincoln’s doctors appointments but he always go to the vet in March. I remember b/c that is right around the time that I get my tax return-perfectly so 🙂
Peggy @Peggy's Pet Place
March 11, 2011
I sure hope Gus feels better soon. Don’t feel too bad about him avoiding you, he will come around soon. I like your medical record keeping. think anything that keeps you organized is good.
Christina Lee
March 11, 2011
Oh my. Sounds like you have had a hard week. I hope Gus feels better soon. Hugs and Kisses from Lexi!
thatjenk
March 11, 2011
Oh no! I hope Gus starts to recoup very soon and can get back to his happy, healthy self! Feel better, little guy.
Cheryl Gustin
March 12, 2011
I’m sorry to hear Gus is now under the weather. I hope he’s better soon. We will see him in a few days. Yeh!!!
ajbaci
March 12, 2011
Oh Gus please feel better. I know hard it is not to be out and about. You have good humans to take care of you. My humans were great care of me when I had knee operation. No walks, running and no stairs. I hated it. Let them pamper you as much as possable.
one person's view
March 12, 2011
Well, maybe I’m with Gus– I don’t think I’d call you controlling, just a little O/C. 🙂
That’s okay, I can be O/C too, even if I keep our vet records in a plain old file folder. And I don’t care what colour his poop is, as long as it’s solid and and done outdoors.
Heidi Alberti and Atticus Uncensored
March 14, 2011
Poor Gus baby!! my mum is like you Lori, she wants (needs!) definitive answers when I’m not feeling well. I hope his back injury is not serious. Did you have x-rays or mri’s done? my paws are in prayer for Gus’s healing…
Thanks for the links back to your terrific info — especially canine Heimlich maneuver.
Get well soon pal!!
Atticus
http://www.atticusuncensored.com
“commentary to give you paws…”
Lavi
March 16, 2011
I’d say you’re crazy in a good way. It’s always useful to know your dog’s medical history and future appointments. Since the dog can’t really say “I have a pain there. I also had it a few months back and I got this medicine for it.”, it’s our job to do it.
We have a small notebook, a medical dossier, for Aschiuta. Our vet writes down the date for her next vaccinations and deworming and also all the shots and meds she took for an ailment or other.
Sorry I haven’t caught up on the news, I hope Gus is doing better…
whatsapp on mac
July 20, 2013
Such photographers are well known for the
services that they provide. We assist newcomers to
perfect their skills for street or urban photography. The
first thing you can do is read that long manual that came with your DSLR camera.
メンズファッション 激安
September 28, 2013
上半身と下半身をくっきり二分して、足の短さを強調したら意味がないです。.
少し個性的なもの（zipper、CUTiEなど）.
メンズ ファッション 通販
September 30, 2013
定番の組み合わせなどもあれば教えてください。.
また参考になりそうな雑誌があれば教えて下さい。.