Week Four Post Op
April 4, 2006 Day 22 Post Op - Let's Don't and Say We Did
We have laughed and joked that Buddy does not know he is a Retriever. When you throw a ball or a stick, he just stands there. Unlike Princess who chases anything and brings it back and either drops it or releases it to hand. Buddy waits for her to return and then he tries to grab it away from her. He has never, until now, run after an object. But yesterday he chased the ball! He has been running in the yard, but this is the first time he ran after anything. Perhaps he is starting to realize he is not limited any more.
He does not seem so stiff when he comes out of his crate in the morning. And he is doing his own stretches to loosen up before heading outside. He is turning his head a little better, especially when he is playing with Princess. I think the big dog has been very instrumental in Buddy’s recovery. She has monitored and encouraged him all along. And having the goal of keeping up with her makes him push a little harder. Princess is bred for field trials and she is indefatigable. Not to say she isn’t a great napper as well.
Both of them are sound asleep now after their morning romp. The neighbor kids have left for school, and all is quiet outside. Earlier this morning, honks filled the sky. Princess always poses when the geese fly over. Something genetic tells her to be at the ready for a gun shot and a bird to retrieve. Buddy is oblivious. Again…not quite 100% Retriever. But whatever he is…he is a wonder dog and our very special friend.
April 7, 2006 – Day 25 Post Op – Spa Treatment
Buddy went for his spa treatment and therapy on Wednesday. He does not really enjoy the underwater treadmill and tries several ploys to get out of having to walk. He rides it to the back and just kind of stays there. Or he gets off the treadmill and puts his feet on the frame on the side. (People do that at the gym!)
When the machine is turned off for a rest, the water supports his rear end so he can lift the back legs and just let them float. One of his main goals is to STAND so we are trying to correct that. However, he went farther and longer than last week. We took him out in the middle of the session as he was sending signals he needed to relieve himself which he did in the fenced outside play yard. (I always appreciate my pets being respectful.)
After the water time, we went back outside for some trotting. At a certain speed he switches to the gallop gait so I have to keep it at a controlled pace. He then went inside for massage and stretching. He did MUCH better with the head turning. He seems more limber in the front. But his muscles are still tight.
We made a suggestion to the Center. It would be great if they had a Handicapped Dog parking space near the door. I need an extra wide space in order to be able to unload the ramp for him to get in and out of the car. It never fails when I pull in where there are two spaces together someone comes and parks right beside me. The Center is remodeling and the vet said they will definitely create a “handy” unloading spot. Something for other trainers and vets to think about if they practice in urban areas.
April 8, 2006 – Day 26 Post Op – First Day Out
Buddy and Princess went to the park yesterday. We were, as is often the case, the only ones there so no encounters with other dogs. My daughter threw the ball for Princess in the big open field while Buddy and I did a turn around the trail loop. Then he spent some time off leash just exploring and moving around at his own pace. It was great to be out with both of them again. I am still not taking both by myself though. Waiting till one of my kids can go along. Otherwise, I will take them separately as Buddy is still a bit vulnerable.
This morning he lifted his left leg to pee which is a sign those leg muscles are getting stronger. And before breakfast, I observed him actually stretching like Princess does. This seems like such a simple thing. But because of the location of the crates and my morning routine, Princess is usually up and out before Buddy gets up. Now I am getting Buddy up first and letting him watch Princess do her stretch outs. It seems to be working as he mimicked her this morning!
The scars are barely visible now and the hair has grown back enough that from a distance he looks all one color. We are still putting Metacam on the food once a day. I am to be watching his food amount as we want to control his weight. He is at his maximum 70 lbs now and should not be gaining any more.
Before the surgery I would not have believed that we could reach this level in less than one month. He has a ways to go, but his progress to date has been amazing. I am so proud of him and his tough little spirit. What a pleasure to own such a wonderful dog.
April 10, 2006 Four Weeks Post Op – Before and After
Today seems a good time to reflect on the before and after “snapshots” of Little Buddy. I have gone through my notes and tried to identify the things he could not do before the surgery and what he is capable of now. I expect the latter list to continue to grow as each day he makes progress.
PAIN: Before the surgery, Buddy was a fairly active and very loving dog. So much so that I had trouble believing the vet who told me he was in constant pain. She showed me with models that bone was rubbing against bone and making any movement difficult. Today he is pain free and moving freely although he still has somewhat limited range of motion and his muscles need strengthening. Now that the residual pain from surgery has subsided, his spirit is soaring. He gets up and walks around on his own for the sheer joy of it. This is the single most important and gratifying result.
MOVEMENT: Notable signs that were absent before are that he now lifts his hind leg to pee, uses his back leg to scratch his ear, and rolls over from one side to the other on his back. Most amazing is that he has started some self-care and begun to do some stretching on his own. He does this both standing and laying on his side. He never did that pre-op. He uses his back legs alternately with a four beat gait where before he used them together in “bunny hop” fashion. He seems to favor his weaker left leg a bit but each day that improves.
ACTIVITIES: The observable difference is that before surgery he limited himself somewhat. For example he did not go swimming, did not chase objects, and he went through some convoluted twists and turns to lay down. Today he is willing to try anything although sometimes his weak muscles let him down. For example, he can go down the back stairs but not up. He keeps trying and has mastered going up the easier front steps. Still working on the back. He has chased a ball. He responds to the DOWN command like a normal dog and rests comfortably without the constant shifting positions.
He is walking a twenty minute mile on leash. Still on level paved or maintained trail.
FOOD and MEDICATIONS: He is eating a special dry kibble diet (j/d) purchased from the vet and spiced up with Science Diet Mix It. The Metacam anti-inflammatory oral suspension prescription is given once a day with the food. He received Tramadol pain medication for the first two weeks post op. He received Clavamox (amoxicillin) anti-biotic for three days post-op. His eating habits have improved dramatically and seem to be related to the comfort level of standing at the raised feeding dish (12”). He now finishes his meal in about five minutes and does not walk away as he used to. We have used treats as incentives for some exercises, although I am not a treat provider on a normal basis. We may not need these much longer as I can see Buddy beginning to “get it” that stretching makes him feel better.
WORK IN PROGRESS: Physical therapy is a critical component of the after care plan. He continues to go to once a week therapy and walks on the underwater treadmill to strengthen his muscles in his back legs. He goes through stretching exercises to loosen his front end which had become tight and constricted from the stress of carrying his full weight. He puts weight on his rear end for short periods (treats are used as incentive here) and these periods will lengthen as he continues therapy and walking activities. He continues his odd sitting posture but even that is showing slow improvement. Today he sits with his back legs about 4 inches apart instead of tightly closed together. He is sitting square on his butt which he never did before.
CONTINUUM OF CARE: He will see the veterinary surgeon again on May 8th, eight weeks post op. He will see the referring vet mid-June approx. 90 days post op.
CONCLUSIONS TO DATE: For a dog to have come this far in only one month seems miraculous. Of course, Buddy is a “survivor” dog and has applied himself to this challenge with unwavering courage. He has been exceedingly compliant and cooperative and has not resisted the efforts to encourage him to go longer and farther. Despite the pain he completed a Basic Obedience Course prior to the surgery, and I believe this has helped immensely in his rehabilitation. What astounds me the most is the self-sufficiency he is demonstrating. In terms of dollars and cents, we have certainly gotten our money’s worth. But it goes beyond that. I am privileged to live with such an inspiring friend.
We have laughed and joked that Buddy does not know he is a Retriever. When you throw a ball or a stick, he just stands there. Unlike Princess who chases anything and brings it back and either drops it or releases it to hand. Buddy waits for her to return and then he tries to grab it away from her. He has never, until now, run after an object. But yesterday he chased the ball! He has been running in the yard, but this is the first time he ran after anything. Perhaps he is starting to realize he is not limited any more.
He does not seem so stiff when he comes out of his crate in the morning. And he is doing his own stretches to loosen up before heading outside. He is turning his head a little better, especially when he is playing with Princess. I think the big dog has been very instrumental in Buddy’s recovery. She has monitored and encouraged him all along. And having the goal of keeping up with her makes him push a little harder. Princess is bred for field trials and she is indefatigable. Not to say she isn’t a great napper as well.
Both of them are sound asleep now after their morning romp. The neighbor kids have left for school, and all is quiet outside. Earlier this morning, honks filled the sky. Princess always poses when the geese fly over. Something genetic tells her to be at the ready for a gun shot and a bird to retrieve. Buddy is oblivious. Again…not quite 100% Retriever. But whatever he is…he is a wonder dog and our very special friend.
April 7, 2006 – Day 25 Post Op – Spa Treatment
Buddy went for his spa treatment and therapy on Wednesday. He does not really enjoy the underwater treadmill and tries several ploys to get out of having to walk. He rides it to the back and just kind of stays there. Or he gets off the treadmill and puts his feet on the frame on the side. (People do that at the gym!)
When the machine is turned off for a rest, the water supports his rear end so he can lift the back legs and just let them float. One of his main goals is to STAND so we are trying to correct that. However, he went farther and longer than last week. We took him out in the middle of the session as he was sending signals he needed to relieve himself which he did in the fenced outside play yard. (I always appreciate my pets being respectful.)
After the water time, we went back outside for some trotting. At a certain speed he switches to the gallop gait so I have to keep it at a controlled pace. He then went inside for massage and stretching. He did MUCH better with the head turning. He seems more limber in the front. But his muscles are still tight.
We made a suggestion to the Center. It would be great if they had a Handicapped Dog parking space near the door. I need an extra wide space in order to be able to unload the ramp for him to get in and out of the car. It never fails when I pull in where there are two spaces together someone comes and parks right beside me. The Center is remodeling and the vet said they will definitely create a “handy” unloading spot. Something for other trainers and vets to think about if they practice in urban areas.
April 8, 2006 – Day 26 Post Op – First Day Out
Buddy and Princess went to the park yesterday. We were, as is often the case, the only ones there so no encounters with other dogs. My daughter threw the ball for Princess in the big open field while Buddy and I did a turn around the trail loop. Then he spent some time off leash just exploring and moving around at his own pace. It was great to be out with both of them again. I am still not taking both by myself though. Waiting till one of my kids can go along. Otherwise, I will take them separately as Buddy is still a bit vulnerable.
This morning he lifted his left leg to pee which is a sign those leg muscles are getting stronger. And before breakfast, I observed him actually stretching like Princess does. This seems like such a simple thing. But because of the location of the crates and my morning routine, Princess is usually up and out before Buddy gets up. Now I am getting Buddy up first and letting him watch Princess do her stretch outs. It seems to be working as he mimicked her this morning!
The scars are barely visible now and the hair has grown back enough that from a distance he looks all one color. We are still putting Metacam on the food once a day. I am to be watching his food amount as we want to control his weight. He is at his maximum 70 lbs now and should not be gaining any more.
Before the surgery I would not have believed that we could reach this level in less than one month. He has a ways to go, but his progress to date has been amazing. I am so proud of him and his tough little spirit. What a pleasure to own such a wonderful dog.
April 10, 2006 Four Weeks Post Op – Before and After
Today seems a good time to reflect on the before and after “snapshots” of Little Buddy. I have gone through my notes and tried to identify the things he could not do before the surgery and what he is capable of now. I expect the latter list to continue to grow as each day he makes progress.
PAIN: Before the surgery, Buddy was a fairly active and very loving dog. So much so that I had trouble believing the vet who told me he was in constant pain. She showed me with models that bone was rubbing against bone and making any movement difficult. Today he is pain free and moving freely although he still has somewhat limited range of motion and his muscles need strengthening. Now that the residual pain from surgery has subsided, his spirit is soaring. He gets up and walks around on his own for the sheer joy of it. This is the single most important and gratifying result.
MOVEMENT: Notable signs that were absent before are that he now lifts his hind leg to pee, uses his back leg to scratch his ear, and rolls over from one side to the other on his back. Most amazing is that he has started some self-care and begun to do some stretching on his own. He does this both standing and laying on his side. He never did that pre-op. He uses his back legs alternately with a four beat gait where before he used them together in “bunny hop” fashion. He seems to favor his weaker left leg a bit but each day that improves.
ACTIVITIES: The observable difference is that before surgery he limited himself somewhat. For example he did not go swimming, did not chase objects, and he went through some convoluted twists and turns to lay down. Today he is willing to try anything although sometimes his weak muscles let him down. For example, he can go down the back stairs but not up. He keeps trying and has mastered going up the easier front steps. Still working on the back. He has chased a ball. He responds to the DOWN command like a normal dog and rests comfortably without the constant shifting positions.
He is walking a twenty minute mile on leash. Still on level paved or maintained trail.
FOOD and MEDICATIONS: He is eating a special dry kibble diet (j/d) purchased from the vet and spiced up with Science Diet Mix It. The Metacam anti-inflammatory oral suspension prescription is given once a day with the food. He received Tramadol pain medication for the first two weeks post op. He received Clavamox (amoxicillin) anti-biotic for three days post-op. His eating habits have improved dramatically and seem to be related to the comfort level of standing at the raised feeding dish (12”). He now finishes his meal in about five minutes and does not walk away as he used to. We have used treats as incentives for some exercises, although I am not a treat provider on a normal basis. We may not need these much longer as I can see Buddy beginning to “get it” that stretching makes him feel better.
WORK IN PROGRESS: Physical therapy is a critical component of the after care plan. He continues to go to once a week therapy and walks on the underwater treadmill to strengthen his muscles in his back legs. He goes through stretching exercises to loosen his front end which had become tight and constricted from the stress of carrying his full weight. He puts weight on his rear end for short periods (treats are used as incentive here) and these periods will lengthen as he continues therapy and walking activities. He continues his odd sitting posture but even that is showing slow improvement. Today he sits with his back legs about 4 inches apart instead of tightly closed together. He is sitting square on his butt which he never did before.
CONTINUUM OF CARE: He will see the veterinary surgeon again on May 8th, eight weeks post op. He will see the referring vet mid-June approx. 90 days post op.
CONCLUSIONS TO DATE: For a dog to have come this far in only one month seems miraculous. Of course, Buddy is a “survivor” dog and has applied himself to this challenge with unwavering courage. He has been exceedingly compliant and cooperative and has not resisted the efforts to encourage him to go longer and farther. Despite the pain he completed a Basic Obedience Course prior to the surgery, and I believe this has helped immensely in his rehabilitation. What astounds me the most is the self-sufficiency he is demonstrating. In terms of dollars and cents, we have certainly gotten our money’s worth. But it goes beyond that. I am privileged to live with such an inspiring friend.
posted by Free Spirit at 3:26 PM
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