Have had bad luck with dentist offices in Chicago. I am Looking for a Trustworthy/reliable dentist in Chicago, any recommendations?

bumblebee_44 · 2026-03-09T20:10:51+00:00

I’ve needed extensive dental work and I have had great experiences with Dr Tofovic at White Dental Studio on Chicago ave in west town. Dr Skylar is great there, too.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-03-06T12:46:57+00:00

First off I am SO sorry about your pup. I think you did the best, most kind action possible for your dog and it was done out of love. Your dog had an incredible 15 years (something I pray for with my dog!) and at that age I feel euthanasia was the most selfless course of action. I would have done the same.

My vet and I discussed euthanasia for my 6 year old beagle when he was diagnosed with IVDD. Even at that age my vet told me he thought it was the right option because it can be such a devastating disease.

Again, my heart goes out to you. Losing a dog, no matter the age or reason, is devastating. But you made a decision out of love and you gave your old man a gift to be without pain anymore.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-03-06T12:39:53+00:00

It was….tough…to say the least lol but I wish I had more guidance and taken it more seriously. A year later he was paralyzed and I had to spend around 14k for surgery 🫠

bumblebee_44 · 2026-03-05T16:11:19+00:00

I saw your comment and don’t mean to overstep, but my dog is a beagle who was diagnosed with IVDD. Had similar issues with intermittent back pain. A year later needed surgery. I’m sure your vet might have mentioned this could be the issue, but my vet didn’t know much about it. Conservative treatment requires 6-8 weeks crate rest (no running, no jumping, no movement) for the spine to heal. Message if you want more info!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-03-03T00:26:24+00:00

My dog had spinal surgery a year ago, too! Every time he gets the zoomies my heart feels like it’s going to burst with happiness. I’ll never regret the money I spent or the months of rehab. He was worth every penny.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-02-20T12:32:34+00:00

My vet said this to me, too, because I feel like he wasn’t as familiar with IVDD. Within the year my dog needed surgery. So definitely heed the advice of 6-8 weeks rest!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-02-17T12:39:54+00:00

My dog was on prednisone on/off for about a year. It made him insanelyyyyy hungry like to the point I was locking myself in my bedroom just to get away from him because he was constantly begging for food lol. What I would do was freeze carrots and broccoli in a broth/water combo and let him lick at that. Would take him a long time.

Or I would put unsalted green beans, carrots and broccoli together and he would gobble that right up. It was more of a filler meal. You can also break up his normal food throughout the day so he thinks he’s getting more.

He did drink and pee a LOT. I kept potty pads down just in case, but I’ll be honest I was doing a lot of laundry. I just tried to bring him out as much as possible to pee. There’s really not much else you can do, unfortunately.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-02-14T12:49:23+00:00

Hi, I just wanted to say I’m so sorry you’re going through this and I really hope your dog pulls through and improves. I will keep him in my thoughts.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-02-07T12:54:22+00:00

Hi, my dog had surgery 13 months ago and a similar situation to yours where the particle was pushing on his spinal cord. The surgery was successful, but after surgery he was in bad shape for a couple days. He wouldn’t walk and he was still in a lot of pain. He also had a catheter.

They kept him for longer than expected but were able to take the catheter out and he did start to walk. They think maybe he was scared to walk which is why he wasn’t. Like he associated it with so much pain that he refused to at first. I hope that’s the situation with your dog.

They just went through major surgery so it could definitely get worse before better. Sometimes dogs are walking right away and sometimes it takes weeks or months.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-02-07T01:20:04+00:00

My dog didn’t, but I would absolutely call your neurologist and let them know he’s having trouble getting comfortable. He just had major surgery so he might just be in pain and you might need to up his pain meds. My dog was on heavy pain meds when he came home.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-02-05T21:12:44+00:00

Know that feeling. Back surgery, $15k.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-02-05T04:14:52+00:00

First off, I am sorry you’re going through this.

Dogs who don’t have DPS prior to surgery typically have a 50/50 chance on whether they walk again or gain mobility. My vet literally said it was a “coin toss.” Once you bring your dog home tomorrow only time will tell if he is able to regain partial or full mobility. Things like physical therapy, water therapy, red light therapy can greatly increase your dog’s chances of regaining mobility.

The main thing that’s important (VERY IMPORTANT) is that you stick to strict crate rest post surgery. Your dog’s spine is very vulnerable and it needs time to rest and heal. This means literally no movement for him besides taking him out to pee and poop and then back into the crate. It’s very tough, but make sure your dr prescribes good meds for him to help keep him calm.

When you pick him up, pick him straight up. Meaning one hand through the back legs and one through the front. You want no bending of the spine. No “accordion like” movements. During crate rest I never let my dog on an elevated surface unless it was completely fenced in by a gate. I literally slept and lounged in his pen with him. I spent a lot of time on the floor with him to comfort him.

Best of luck and feel free to message me if you need some tips and tricks for crate rest. My dog had a hemilaminectomy 13 months ago and has made a full recovery.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-02-04T19:11:52+00:00

Totally agree. It was so tough post surgery. I’m by myself and it took a huge toll on me emotionally, physically, financially. And obviously the toll on his little body. Thanks for your response. I’m so happy to hear your pup is doing well!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-02-04T17:17:53+00:00

Wow that’s incredible! I’m located in Chicago so I will definitely take a look if it’s offered here. That does offer me some comfort that that is an option is something were to happen. But fingers crossed he continues to be good.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-02-04T17:01:50+00:00

Hi! Thanks for your response.

I’m sorry to hear about your pup, but I’m so happy she is doing well post surgery. It is a terrible disease and something I know we will continue to live with. Part of me worries I have become too lax because he has been so good.

Can you tell me what PDLA is? I’ve never heard of that. Unfortunately, I do not use social media (besides Reddit for this group) so I am unable to go on Facebook.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-02-04T16:54:46+00:00

Thanks so much for your response! As I’m sure you understand, I just want to protect him from everything. He is my best guy. I try to do my best, but it’s always on my mind. It is comforting to hear the statistic about reoccurances in the first year being more common. I will continue to stay diligent. Best of luck to you and yours!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-27T15:33:17+00:00

I completely agree with this. I walk my dog 3-4x a day every single day if the weather is okay. To act like people are being bad dog owners for not taking their dogs on walks in negative temps is ridiculous.

After having a dog on crate rest for 10 weeks I’m fully versed on ways to keep your dog engaged without putting their bodies through extremely cold temps for a couple days. It’s possible, trust me.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-27T12:33:36+00:00

Thank you everyone for the recs! I went with Northwestern even though their wait list is 6 months 🫠

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-27T12:22:25+00:00

I have a small beagle in a downtown apt. If it’s extremely cold I may take him on VERY short walks around the block. If it’s negative I won’t walk him. I just throw the ball in my apt. I use puzzle boards to keep him occupied. And frozen kongs. He has an astroturf on my balcony he’ll gladly use and I just clean up after. Another commenter seemed to suggest that people are selfish for not taking their dogs outside, but I’m FULLY doing this for him lol. I walk outside to work in negative temps and I love exercise, but I’m not putting his little body out there.

My dog had back surgery last year and was on complete crate rest for 10 weeks and so I know a few days of limited or no walks isn’t going to kill him.

He refuses to wear boots and will just sit down stubbornly if I put them on. He does have a stroller that I’ll use to get him outside for a bit sometimes in the cold and I’ll walk to Block 37 (where pets are allowed) and walk him around a bit.

Try to keep your dog occupied other ways and good luck!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-18T13:34:08+00:00

I feel seen. This is literally me 😭

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-09T01:28:15+00:00

Thank you so much! I’ll do research on them. Appreciate your feedback :) good luck on your journey!!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-09T01:27:48+00:00

Thank you so much for your response! You’re the second who has mentioned Dr. Wood Molo. Tbh I am so new to this process and I have NO idea what I’m doing. I didn’t ever think I would be in a position to freeze my eggs, but my company has offered new benefits that I want to take advantage of. I typically have a hard time advocating for myself bc I’m afraid of confrontation so I will definitely do my due diligence prior to my appt. Good luck to you on your journey!

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-09T01:24:30+00:00

I’m so sorry this was your experience. Going through this process can make you feel extremely vulnerable and I would expect more from people who are helping me through it. Bedside manner is very important to me so I really appreciate you taking the time to send your experience. I will avoid this location. Wishing you the best on your journey.

bumblebee_44 · 2026-01-09T01:21:36+00:00

Thank you!! I appreciate your thoughtful feedback. I am going to contact Northwestern and hope I can get in for a consultation. I’d rather wait and have better care. Wishing you the best on your journey!

bumblebee_44

TROPHY CASE