Long time no bark
I am going to claim December as the chaos it tends to be. Not that anyone is or should be keeping track but last I posted (exactly a month ago) we were headed back to the vet for back/coughing/not eating issues. In the true way of things, the cough cleared up a couple of days before our appointment and has not returned, thank goodness. We’re back on gabapentin and vetprophen (sp?) and that has helped her back immeasurably but not completely. Vet said he doesn’t want to do another cortisone shot until spring – I’ve no clue why. Because steroids cause cancer? The ways of veterinarians are quite mysterious (to me). The pain meds have helped with her appetite, mostly, so that explains that.
Her elbow on the other hand, lord have mercy. After a month of bandages and crossed fingers, on Monday he called me into the back to look at her owie – if anything it was worse! This has been going on since the middle of July! The vet’s comment: “She almost died. Who’d have thought she’d be doing so well?” I’m not entirely certain how to process that one. At any rate, the decision was made to put her under, make some small incisions and slide some skin down over the wound instead of continuing “conservative” management by squishing the sides together and hoping for the best. Done and done Tuesday this week. She was incredibly dopey when I picked her up that evening, always good for entertainment value.
We go back next Monday for a check. It’s a minor issue in the scheme of things but please everyone think good thoughts for her/us. In the meantime my plan is to scrounge some scrap foam from somewhere and create some padding that will (miraculously) stay on – that’s part of the problem, she’s heavy on her elbows. Seems like there’s a (bad) joke in there somewhere.
We had a quiet Christmas or I did. I built a fire in the fireplace which freaked her out so she hid in the garage, including once again going up the steps she swears she cannot negotiate without help. She looked at me like I had been beating her so I coaxed her back in and let the fire die out. It is now official, not that it wasn’t before. My life is ruled by my dog. It could be worse.
And because I’m liable to be exiled from the community if I post without pictures, here is evidence of our cozy winter nest:
or maybe it’s evidence of how thoroughly Isa is not a morning dog. I don’t think I got so much as an ear twitch when I took the picture.
I hope everyone had a lovely whichever-December-holiday you celebrate and wishing one and all and happy and healthy 2017!
woof!
UPDATE: Because I totally forgot to tell you! Of course they took a chest x-ray last month – identical to the one taken last July at diagnosis! Hooray!
Honestly, Isa! What are you like! I’m very pleased the coughing’s cleared up. Re the elbow, I know from rather extensive experience what a nightmare it can be getting elbows to heal, and also getting dressings/cushioning etc., to stay on them. Have you tried Dogleggs? They’re pricey but the ONLY thing that was really effective for Meg. They are properly durable and they stay on… I will certainly be thinking of you on Monday. These ongoing issues can be wearing and frustrating.
Sending you a big hug, Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
I have looked at the Dogleggs – I wish they had pictures from more than the one angle. How much padding is there on the elbow? I can’t tell from the picture on the site – mostly it looks like there’s a pouch for their cell phones. I don’t know about Meg but if Isa had a cell phone, she’d just call Euridyce in Portugal, not to mention Meg. Then I had have phone bills on top of vet bills!
They’re not bad. And the thing is you can stick more padding inside if you want, and they will hold it in place. Elbows are a b@gger, because the bone is so close to the surface, and, as you know, it is hard to get padding to stay on reliably. A scuff, and you’re back to square one. The thing with the Dogleggs is that they are (or at least they were for us) completely reliable. They stay where they are supposed to stay and they hold whatever dressing/bandage in place. I posted a video of Meg in her Dogleggs. I’ll try and find it and post a link.
I don’t allow Meg a mobile phone, as she’s not responsible enough. Occasionally I let her borrow mine, but I keep close eye on her usage.
So this is perhaps notterribly enlightening, but… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0b2-vRc5EE
no, not enlightening but so much fun! We’ve not had much/any snow here so I’m planning on taking Isa out to find some soon. May be a couple of weeks due to scheduling conflicts but snow we will find! My neighbor has some foam scraps so I’m going to see if I can concoct something for less than $155. I’ve made a couple of preliminary tries and learned a lot. With a little guidance from dogleggs, hopefully I can manage something workable – I’m pretty handy. If successful, I will post pictures. If not, well I’ll never bring it up.
Great to hear that Isa and the mighty cat are both doing well! Gator is also not allowed a cell phone. He keeps putting it down to chase critters and loosing it under a bush, behind the gazebo, etc.
Goodness gracious Miss Isa!!Quite an update!! And thanks for including the ADORABLE photo!! Grinning ear to ear over that one!!
I don’t k ow about that Vet of yours! His comment was a little weird to say the least! And as far as the cortisone injections, yeah they certainly can have their side effects with overuse I suppose. I jad a senior girl they helped tremendously. I don’t remember the frequency, but I do remember the Vet saying that when it comes to qualify with seniors, the benefits outweigh the side effects.
Anyway, it sounds like the MAGNIFICENT ISA is doing well and thoroughly enjoying all the loving a d spoiling she is getting!! Spoiling a tripawd is so much fun! Especially when it’s an ADORABLE senior tripawd!!
Yeah, Isa rules your world…Just as it’s supposed to be!!
And YAAAAAAAAAY FOR CLEAR XRAYS!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 Fantastic news!!! 🙂 🙂
I really hope you are able to have the padding worked out so Isa’s elbow can be protected. What a bummer!
Tha ks so much for the update AND the precious ohoto!! Love photos of that sweet girl…and kitty is cute too!!
Lots of love and hugs!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!