Week Six Post Op
April 20, 2006 - Rompin’ and Rollin’ and Sniffin’
Up until now, all of Buddy’s outdoor adventures since the surgery have been on the end of a leash. But yesterday we went to an off-leash area of the park and let the dogs run around on their own. It was the end of the day, and after our on-leash exercise/therapy walk.
I expected them to be tired and I thought they would just stroll around and sniff the flowers. But I was amazed by the energy Buddy had. There were two other dogs there and he romped and rolled and played like there was no tomorrow. He ran (galloped) from one end of the park to the other, back and forth, back and forth. The owners of the other dogs could not believe he was only six weeks from the surgery. Buddy could not believe it. It was the first time he realized he could run and it was very evident he was excited about this new ability.
Once again, Buddy has shown me he is capable of more than I was giving him credit for. It is now going to be important for me to provide the opportunities for him to extend himself and continue to test his strength and ability.
April 18 2006 - On the Trail
We were out on the trail at the Sandy River Delta today, a beautiful spring day and lots more people than usual. I set out on the “easy” trail with both dogs in tow. Buddy heels on the right and Princess on the left. We went a little over a mile today but over more rugged terrain than Buddy has walked on since the surgery.
He kept up pretty well on the way out, but he began to lag a bit on the way home and Princess and I had to slow our pace. He wanted to stop and sniff each tuft of grass. I think that was a subterfuge. Like the out-of-shape people on the hikes I lead who have to stop to tie their shoes or to examine a tiny flower by the trail and secretly catch their breath.
The ramp always is a cause for comment in the parking lot and today was no exception. I continue to be amazed at how many people are interested in Buddy’s surgery and his recovery. He has many friends and admirers. This has been an experience for dog and owner and we are happy to share.
For the record, he still is not able to jump up or to climb the back stairs. So a ways to go but we are making better than expected progress. The vets said it would be two to three months so we keep going along.
April 17, 2006 - A Better Dog
At this point, charting the daily progress is not as relevant as during the early weeks. Buddy has now reached a plateau and at this point, he will continue to do as he is doing, but working to strengthen his muscles and extend his period of endurance. He is more flexible in his head and neck area and the muscles in his shoulders are more relaxed.
He will be starting trail walking today and navigating rougher terrain than on the paved walks we have been taking. He can go one mile and we will gradually increase that as the weather gets warmer.
It is safe to say that he is a “better” dog than before the surgery. He is pain free and now realizes it, so he is attempting many new activities like swimming and ball chasing. He is showing more self-confidence and is less submissive to Princess. He is definitely more active in the house and yard and on his feet more hours of the day. He has a “spark” in his personality now, and a bit of rambunctiousness. Yesterday, in a bit of retroactive puppyhood, he chewed up his bed!
He will go for another swim therapy session on the 21st and back to the vet on May 8th. He continues to receive the joint meds. The prognosis is good and he is thriving.
Up until now, all of Buddy’s outdoor adventures since the surgery have been on the end of a leash. But yesterday we went to an off-leash area of the park and let the dogs run around on their own. It was the end of the day, and after our on-leash exercise/therapy walk.
I expected them to be tired and I thought they would just stroll around and sniff the flowers. But I was amazed by the energy Buddy had. There were two other dogs there and he romped and rolled and played like there was no tomorrow. He ran (galloped) from one end of the park to the other, back and forth, back and forth. The owners of the other dogs could not believe he was only six weeks from the surgery. Buddy could not believe it. It was the first time he realized he could run and it was very evident he was excited about this new ability.
Once again, Buddy has shown me he is capable of more than I was giving him credit for. It is now going to be important for me to provide the opportunities for him to extend himself and continue to test his strength and ability.
April 18 2006 - On the Trail
We were out on the trail at the Sandy River Delta today, a beautiful spring day and lots more people than usual. I set out on the “easy” trail with both dogs in tow. Buddy heels on the right and Princess on the left. We went a little over a mile today but over more rugged terrain than Buddy has walked on since the surgery.
He kept up pretty well on the way out, but he began to lag a bit on the way home and Princess and I had to slow our pace. He wanted to stop and sniff each tuft of grass. I think that was a subterfuge. Like the out-of-shape people on the hikes I lead who have to stop to tie their shoes or to examine a tiny flower by the trail and secretly catch their breath.
The ramp always is a cause for comment in the parking lot and today was no exception. I continue to be amazed at how many people are interested in Buddy’s surgery and his recovery. He has many friends and admirers. This has been an experience for dog and owner and we are happy to share.
For the record, he still is not able to jump up or to climb the back stairs. So a ways to go but we are making better than expected progress. The vets said it would be two to three months so we keep going along.
April 17, 2006 - A Better Dog
At this point, charting the daily progress is not as relevant as during the early weeks. Buddy has now reached a plateau and at this point, he will continue to do as he is doing, but working to strengthen his muscles and extend his period of endurance. He is more flexible in his head and neck area and the muscles in his shoulders are more relaxed.
He will be starting trail walking today and navigating rougher terrain than on the paved walks we have been taking. He can go one mile and we will gradually increase that as the weather gets warmer.
It is safe to say that he is a “better” dog than before the surgery. He is pain free and now realizes it, so he is attempting many new activities like swimming and ball chasing. He is showing more self-confidence and is less submissive to Princess. He is definitely more active in the house and yard and on his feet more hours of the day. He has a “spark” in his personality now, and a bit of rambunctiousness. Yesterday, in a bit of retroactive puppyhood, he chewed up his bed!
He will go for another swim therapy session on the 21st and back to the vet on May 8th. He continues to receive the joint meds. The prognosis is good and he is thriving.
posted by Free Spirit at 10:30 AM
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