Until then, enjoy Clover at 5 months, and then at 13 years 4 months.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Day 23
I was slammed at work this week, so look for a real post tomorrow after I catch up on my sleep.
Until then, enjoy Clover at 5 months, and then at 13 years 4 months.
Until then, enjoy Clover at 5 months, and then at 13 years 4 months.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Day 17
Sadly, my camera has officially kicked the bucket. So I'm going to ask you to mentally photoshop the previous post's picture of Clover in his life jacket with this one from last March:
I will be honest, the actual result of taking Clover swimming was hysterical.
First, I imagined at 9:30 on a Saturday morning after it had down poured, I would be alone on the beach. Yeah, not so much, actually. There were several families there, along with a tent that was clearly set up for a wedding later in the day. Well, fine. Dogs are ok on the beach, and mine had a legit reason to be sporting a bright yellow PFD.
So I carried him out over the sand, got in just over knee deep, and put Clover down. Clover has gone swimming before, but I'm sure it's been at least two years.
He didn't quite remember.
First, he sort of splayed all four legs like a falling cat and sort of bobbed in the tide. I took the handle on the back of the PFD and started backing up, at which point he started frantically paddling with his front legs, leaving his hind legs sticking straight out behind him. I glanced behind me to make sure I wasn't walking into anything, then looked back and he was still swimming oddly. It wasn't until I picked him up I noticed I hadn't tightened the front chest strap enough, and he'd managed to thread on of his legs into it. As I went to fix it, he actually then put his other front leg into it, and sat pretty contentedly, just floating, his front feet resting on the chest strap of the life jacket. He was very proud of himself. That is, until the next ripple of a wave passed through and he nearly capsized. So I took him back to shore, tightened up his life jacket, and headed back into the water.
This time, I lead him gently by the handle and by his chin, and he got it down. If they flail, it's bad, but a nice, even, determined swim is a very good thing, as it's a full range of motion with absolutely no press/stress on the joint. So I sort of based up and down the shore (remember, I'm only in a bit over my knees) where Clover would either swim or just barely touch bottom and walk. Walking like this is also good for the same reasons, there is a lot less stress on the joint; many rehab facilities use swimming and water treadmills.
Anyway, I was at the beach for perhaps half an hour and Clover swam perhaps 10 or 15 minutes all together.
He slept so hard when we got home he was dreaming and whining on the sofa. I had to wake him up to take him outside, and he came back in and passed out. I had to wake him up to feed him dinner! Amazing. And even today, he's still pretty tired. I love it. This is exactly what we both needed.
I am currently thinking he can swim once a week for a few more weeks, until our six week follow up with the surgeon, and go from there. Really, by mid-September it will likely be too cold anymore, but we should have a pretty good start by then.
I will be honest, the actual result of taking Clover swimming was hysterical.
First, I imagined at 9:30 on a Saturday morning after it had down poured, I would be alone on the beach. Yeah, not so much, actually. There were several families there, along with a tent that was clearly set up for a wedding later in the day. Well, fine. Dogs are ok on the beach, and mine had a legit reason to be sporting a bright yellow PFD.
So I carried him out over the sand, got in just over knee deep, and put Clover down. Clover has gone swimming before, but I'm sure it's been at least two years.
He didn't quite remember.
First, he sort of splayed all four legs like a falling cat and sort of bobbed in the tide. I took the handle on the back of the PFD and started backing up, at which point he started frantically paddling with his front legs, leaving his hind legs sticking straight out behind him. I glanced behind me to make sure I wasn't walking into anything, then looked back and he was still swimming oddly. It wasn't until I picked him up I noticed I hadn't tightened the front chest strap enough, and he'd managed to thread on of his legs into it. As I went to fix it, he actually then put his other front leg into it, and sat pretty contentedly, just floating, his front feet resting on the chest strap of the life jacket. He was very proud of himself. That is, until the next ripple of a wave passed through and he nearly capsized. So I took him back to shore, tightened up his life jacket, and headed back into the water.
This time, I lead him gently by the handle and by his chin, and he got it down. If they flail, it's bad, but a nice, even, determined swim is a very good thing, as it's a full range of motion with absolutely no press/stress on the joint. So I sort of based up and down the shore (remember, I'm only in a bit over my knees) where Clover would either swim or just barely touch bottom and walk. Walking like this is also good for the same reasons, there is a lot less stress on the joint; many rehab facilities use swimming and water treadmills.
Anyway, I was at the beach for perhaps half an hour and Clover swam perhaps 10 or 15 minutes all together.
He slept so hard when we got home he was dreaming and whining on the sofa. I had to wake him up to take him outside, and he came back in and passed out. I had to wake him up to feed him dinner! Amazing. And even today, he's still pretty tired. I love it. This is exactly what we both needed.
I am currently thinking he can swim once a week for a few more weeks, until our six week follow up with the surgeon, and go from there. Really, by mid-September it will likely be too cold anymore, but we should have a pretty good start by then.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Day 13
Clover had his stitches removed yesterday. It went something like this:
Lindsey, my charming local vet, wanders in with the Vet Tech, who is pretty much there for show, since a vet could have done a knee surgery without a sedative and Clover would have remained stoic. Lindsey is the daughter of a nearby IG breeder I've known for some time from dog shows. She is young, pretty, wavy hair, but rumor has it that her love life has been somewhat affected by her honest answer to favorite part of being a vet: Neutering.
Lindsey: "Oh, look at that haircut. He looks like a Portuguese Water Dog instead of a Lowchen this time."
He does. The front leg is less shaved, and they've shaved from ribs, up his tail a bit, and down to his foot. She looks again at Clover standing on the table, head pressed into my hands, hoping if he doesn't move, she won't see him.
Lindsey: "Wow, he's weight on that all ready. How long has it been?"
Me: "Two weeks on Thursday."
Lindsey: "Really? Most dogs are just toe touching around now, that's great."
Lindsey finds her small, angled scissors from a drawer and starts snipping.
Lindsey: "Oh, that incision is really nicely healed. When did he have surgery again?"
Me: "July 8th."
Lindsey: "I'm impressed, Clover."
Lindsey brushes the black remains of sutures into the trash, puts down the scissors, and picks up Clover's knee, and tests the stability, then the range of motion, and furrows her brown.
Lindsey: "I'm sorry, when was the surgery?"
I should take a moment to mention Lindsey is not, in any way, dense. In fact, we have very
intelligent discussions about things, and I have great faith in her.
Me: "Twelve days ago."
Lindsey: "I would be happy to see this level of healing, pain control, and range of motion on a four year old dog who was five weeks out of surgery. He's 13 isn't he? Twelve days? I guess bionic suits him."
I guess so. Hopefully the weather clears this week and we can start swimming soon. There's a nice dog friendly (if you don't bother anyone) beach up the road and the dog needs to burn some energy.
PS, I actually attribute his good health and fast healing in large part to his magic green powder. I started taking their spirulina and man, it really is a super food.
Lindsey, my charming local vet, wanders in with the Vet Tech, who is pretty much there for show, since a vet could have done a knee surgery without a sedative and Clover would have remained stoic. Lindsey is the daughter of a nearby IG breeder I've known for some time from dog shows. She is young, pretty, wavy hair, but rumor has it that her love life has been somewhat affected by her honest answer to favorite part of being a vet: Neutering.
Lindsey: "Oh, look at that haircut. He looks like a Portuguese Water Dog instead of a Lowchen this time."
He does. The front leg is less shaved, and they've shaved from ribs, up his tail a bit, and down to his foot. She looks again at Clover standing on the table, head pressed into my hands, hoping if he doesn't move, she won't see him.
Lindsey: "Wow, he's weight on that all ready. How long has it been?"
Me: "Two weeks on Thursday."
Lindsey: "Really? Most dogs are just toe touching around now, that's great."
Lindsey finds her small, angled scissors from a drawer and starts snipping.
Lindsey: "Oh, that incision is really nicely healed. When did he have surgery again?"
Me: "July 8th."
Lindsey: "I'm impressed, Clover."
Lindsey brushes the black remains of sutures into the trash, puts down the scissors, and picks up Clover's knee, and tests the stability, then the range of motion, and furrows her brown.
Lindsey: "I'm sorry, when was the surgery?"
I should take a moment to mention Lindsey is not, in any way, dense. In fact, we have very
intelligent discussions about things, and I have great faith in her.Me: "Twelve days ago."
Lindsey: "I would be happy to see this level of healing, pain control, and range of motion on a four year old dog who was five weeks out of surgery. He's 13 isn't he? Twelve days? I guess bionic suits him."
I guess so. Hopefully the weather clears this week and we can start swimming soon. There's a nice dog friendly (if you don't bother anyone) beach up the road and the dog needs to burn some energy.
PS, I actually attribute his good health and fast healing in large part to his magic green powder. I started taking their spirulina and man, it really is a super food.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Day 10
Clover is doing pretty well. He's less out of his mind today for no apparent reason, but I'll take it.
While he was napping in the pack'n'play, I was going through my closets. I am moving next month to a smaller apartment (partly due to me $2500 dog), so I'm trying to get rid of some stuff. And since when I open my wallet bugs fly out, I'm trying to sell at least some of it.
Such as this awesome Agility Trial Day/Weekend Warrior bag set I put together (Clover Not Included).
This set includes a positively adorable, blue, padded, messenger-style bag. It has mesh pockets on the outside (outside is perfect for leashes and pick up bags). Inside has more mesh pockets (treats), and a waterproof zipper spot for two foldable soft water bowls (included). I'm also including a hand-made martingale style lead. This is a one piece lead/collar that slips over the head and then you can slide down a buckle for a tight, slip-proof fit (my friend who makes these has Italian Greyhounds and they are IG proof!). It's nice and wide for little throats, brown seude outside and a sassy leopard print inside. Leopard print goes against the throat, and the black webbing goes over the ears. It might not fit REALLY big Havs but it's a pretty good size, ask for a measurement if you're worried. Dogs won't really be too small for it because of how it adjusts. Also included is a cool-down mat that has thirsty crystals in it. Soak in cold water for 15-30 minutes and it stays damp and cool for 24+ hours. I'd roll it in a cooler with some ice packs, and Clover loved flopping down on it after a run. It's not big like a bed, just a little patch of coldness in the grass. And finally, two one-use pouches of Meyers oatmeal dog shampoo, perfect for when putting a dog that dirty in your car isn't an option.
I am asking $40 + shipping for this set but accepting bids.
I also have a larger, bed-sized cool down mat available. Asking $15 + shipping.
All items are gently used but seem to be in good order. The smaller cool down mat seems to have one half of one 'tube' that doesn't fill up, but I couldn't find any evidence of a hole or leaking gel. I soaked both of them today and they seemed fine.
I have some other stuff on Craigslist... if you're interested in a corduroy messenger bag, cute Route 66 luggage, Red Sox '07 victory signs, let me know.
If you're interested in any of the stuff here, please leave a comment or email me Narwyn at Gmail dot Com
While he was napping in the pack'n'play, I was going through my closets. I am moving next month to a smaller apartment (partly due to me $2500 dog), so I'm trying to get rid of some stuff. And since when I open my wallet bugs fly out, I'm trying to sell at least some of it.
Such as this awesome Agility Trial Day/Weekend Warrior bag set I put together (Clover Not Included).
This set includes a positively adorable, blue, padded, messenger-style bag. It has mesh pockets on the outside (outside is perfect for leashes and pick up bags). Inside has more mesh pockets (treats), and a waterproof zipper spot for two foldable soft water bowls (included). I'm also including a hand-made martingale style lead. This is a one piece lead/collar that slips over the head and then you can slide down a buckle for a tight, slip-proof fit (my friend who makes these has Italian Greyhounds and they are IG proof!). It's nice and wide for little throats, brown seude outside and a sassy leopard print inside. Leopard print goes against the throat, and the black webbing goes over the ears. It might not fit REALLY big Havs but it's a pretty good size, ask for a measurement if you're worried. Dogs won't really be too small for it because of how it adjusts. Also included is a cool-down mat that has thirsty crystals in it. Soak in cold water for 15-30 minutes and it stays damp and cool for 24+ hours. I'd roll it in a cooler with some ice packs, and Clover loved flopping down on it after a run. It's not big like a bed, just a little patch of coldness in the grass. And finally, two one-use pouches of Meyers oatmeal dog shampoo, perfect for when putting a dog that dirty in your car isn't an option.I am asking $40 + shipping for this set but accepting bids.
I also have a larger, bed-sized cool down mat available. Asking $15 + shipping.
All items are gently used but seem to be in good order. The smaller cool down mat seems to have one half of one 'tube' that doesn't fill up, but I couldn't find any evidence of a hole or leaking gel. I soaked both of them today and they seemed fine.I have some other stuff on Craigslist... if you're interested in a corduroy messenger bag, cute Route 66 luggage, Red Sox '07 victory signs, let me know.
If you're interested in any of the stuff here, please leave a comment or email me Narwyn at Gmail dot Com
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Day 9
Still waiting for those tranquilizers. I am debating a trip to the nearby amazing organic store for some melatonin, which I've used in the past as a reasonably effective chill pill for dogs. My only hesitation is that he's on so many other things right now. But to be fair, I both of his painkillers are "10 days then as needed." So I might start a slow taper tomorrow. I certainly don't want him to be in pain, but he seems to be a little bit too comfortable for how fragile his knee is right now. Hey, maybe if I don't give him the melatonin, I'll just take it.
In an effort to induce sanity, I put Clover in his bag and headed for a couple of pet stores today. Now, I feel that I should note that I'm generally not a proponent of the dog bag. Aside from the fact pets are not fashion accessories, even tiny dogs have legs and should use them. And like to use them. Also, taking your dog everywhere sets them up for some major separation anxiety when you cannot. However, there are some times having a slightly incognito and portable bag comes in handy. Perhaps the best example is visiting my brother in Boston. On a nice spring or fall day, Clover can walk around outside, and hop in the bag if we wander into a store or coffee shop. Most places that don't sell food don't mind a small dog who can't do any damage to their products. Also, many restaurants around town are happy to have a well-behaved dog at their patio seating, which makes for a nice lunch.
Anyway, today Clover got to ride around in Petco and Pet Supplies Plus. I admit, I felt the need to tell everyone he had knee surgery, and that the bag wasn't just for kicks. He likes being in the bag (I imagine it's like being carried) so he'll just sit or lie down and look around. I bought him a bone he's not that interested in eating (surprise, surprise) and a shampoo on sale. He got to sniff everything I picked up, got pet by several people, and generally got some much needed mental stimulation.
I have an appointment for his stitches to co
me out Tuesday evening, but I really think they could probably have come out yesterday with no ill effects. This photo's pretty bad because, well, so is my camera at this stage of its life. I should have taken a picture of day 1 for comparison, but as you can see, it looks like a pink scar with stitches through it more than a wound that needs to be stitched together. And he's got a tiny layer of fuzzy growing back, although as I learned, the hair will be six months in the making. It really does look like a chicken leg, doesn't it?
In an effort to induce sanity, I put Clover in his bag and headed for a couple of pet stores today. Now, I feel that I should note that I'm generally not a proponent of the dog bag. Aside from the fact pets are not fashion accessories, even tiny dogs have legs and should use them. And like to use them. Also, taking your dog everywhere sets them up for some major separation anxiety when you cannot. However, there are some times having a slightly incognito and portable bag comes in handy. Perhaps the best example is visiting my brother in Boston. On a nice spring or fall day, Clover can walk around outside, and hop in the bag if we wander into a store or coffee shop. Most places that don't sell food don't mind a small dog who can't do any damage to their products. Also, many restaurants around town are happy to have a well-behaved dog at their patio seating, which makes for a nice lunch.Anyway, today Clover got to ride around in Petco and Pet Supplies Plus. I admit, I felt the need to tell everyone he had knee surgery, and that the bag wasn't just for kicks. He likes being in the bag (I imagine it's like being carried) so he'll just sit or lie down and look around. I bought him a bone he's not that interested in eating (surprise, surprise) and a shampoo on sale. He got to sniff everything I picked up, got pet by several people, and generally got some much needed mental stimulation.
I have an appointment for his stitches to co
me out Tuesday evening, but I really think they could probably have come out yesterday with no ill effects. This photo's pretty bad because, well, so is my camera at this stage of its life. I should have taken a picture of day 1 for comparison, but as you can see, it looks like a pink scar with stitches through it more than a wound that needs to be stitched together. And he's got a tiny layer of fuzzy growing back, although as I learned, the hair will be six months in the making. It really does look like a chicken leg, doesn't it?
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Day 6
.... and one of us needs a tranquilizer.
I don't know what it is, but he seems like he's weeks ahead of the last recovery. Maybe the absence of the cast? The extra fluids post-op? The lack of this being a novel experience?
Every day he is putting more and more weight on the leg, which is good. But every day he is more and more INSANE.
Yesterday, he came inside and grabbed a toy and started bouncing around, so I picked him up. He tried to push off my leg and yelped because, shockingly, trying to shove me into the next township so he can get the squeaky duck back in his mouth kind of hurt considering he's less than a week out from knee surgery. He would happily run around on however many legs he currently likes. This evening he was in is pen and when I brought his dinner over, and the dog had the audacity to try to raise himself onto two legs!
To give you a baseline, most vets are very please if a dog has started toe touching - and that is NOT limping along the leg, that is literally just starting to put its toes down for a few seconds at a time - two weeks post-op. Clover started toe touching the next day, and his now limping on that leg about 60-75% of the time. Limping, as they are comfortable with it, is a good thing, as it increases strength and circulation. But beyond a slow, light limp - bad.
Before you think this is great, Clover is doing so well, why is she so worried - let me explain.
Basically, Clover has a very slow-dissolving suture that I often refer to it as fishing wire strung around the outside of his knee to hold the upper leg and lower leg bones together to form an actual joint. This is what the CCL did before its vanishing act, except it strung under/through the joint (a technique that just doesn't work as well artificially and is rarely used anymore).The problem with too much activity to soon is that this suture can actually rupture or stretch. Obviously another rupture is bad news, but even a stretched out can lead to more knee instability that can, ultimately, make the surgery fail.
Clover, being not much of a chewer, is hard to entertain. Plus, even if he did, there's only so many more calories I can get in him without him gaining wait, which will only put more strain on the knee, also not a good thing.
I'm not anti-medication, per say, but I'm a big fan of keeping it pretty minimal, and using alternatives as possible and practical (my dog eats garlic instead of pouring a topical flea/tick pesticide down his back every month). But I am seriously thinking I might need some mild tranquilizer to get us through another week or two. Granted, the dog is on three medications that should be making him sleepy, so what else can you do? But having him wreck his knee won't do anyone any good.
Poor guy. I don't know who is more frustrated right now, my dog who whines all night because he doesn't want to be confined to a pen yet again, or me, who would really just like to get some sleep.
My camera seems to be broken again (it had a near death experience with Victoria Falls last April) so there are no recent pictures. So I present you with Vintage Clover, from his very first obedience trial EVER in 2001 (age 4). Clearly we had a good result - first place with a score of 196.4 out of 200. Fritz Clark of The Standard Image took the photo, if you're ever at dog shows in New England, he's a good guy and a very talented photographer.
I don't know what it is, but he seems like he's weeks ahead of the last recovery. Maybe the absence of the cast? The extra fluids post-op? The lack of this being a novel experience?
Every day he is putting more and more weight on the leg, which is good. But every day he is more and more INSANE.
Yesterday, he came inside and grabbed a toy and started bouncing around, so I picked him up. He tried to push off my leg and yelped because, shockingly, trying to shove me into the next township so he can get the squeaky duck back in his mouth kind of hurt considering he's less than a week out from knee surgery. He would happily run around on however many legs he currently likes. This evening he was in is pen and when I brought his dinner over, and the dog had the audacity to try to raise himself onto two legs!
To give you a baseline, most vets are very please if a dog has started toe touching - and that is NOT limping along the leg, that is literally just starting to put its toes down for a few seconds at a time - two weeks post-op. Clover started toe touching the next day, and his now limping on that leg about 60-75% of the time. Limping, as they are comfortable with it, is a good thing, as it increases strength and circulation. But beyond a slow, light limp - bad.
Before you think this is great, Clover is doing so well, why is she so worried - let me explain.
Basically, Clover has a very slow-dissolving suture that I often refer to it as fishing wire strung around the outside of his knee to hold the upper leg and lower leg bones together to form an actual joint. This is what the CCL did before its vanishing act, except it strung under/through the joint (a technique that just doesn't work as well artificially and is rarely used anymore).The problem with too much activity to soon is that this suture can actually rupture or stretch. Obviously another rupture is bad news, but even a stretched out can lead to more knee instability that can, ultimately, make the surgery fail.
Clover, being not much of a chewer, is hard to entertain. Plus, even if he did, there's only so many more calories I can get in him without him gaining wait, which will only put more strain on the knee, also not a good thing.
I'm not anti-medication, per say, but I'm a big fan of keeping it pretty minimal, and using alternatives as possible and practical (my dog eats garlic instead of pouring a topical flea/tick pesticide down his back every month). But I am seriously thinking I might need some mild tranquilizer to get us through another week or two. Granted, the dog is on three medications that should be making him sleepy, so what else can you do? But having him wreck his knee won't do anyone any good.
Poor guy. I don't know who is more frustrated right now, my dog who whines all night because he doesn't want to be confined to a pen yet again, or me, who would really just like to get some sleep.
My camera seems to be broken again (it had a near death experience with Victoria Falls last April) so there are no recent pictures. So I present you with Vintage Clover, from his very first obedience trial EVER in 2001 (age 4). Clearly we had a good result - first place with a score of 196.4 out of 200. Fritz Clark of The Standard Image took the photo, if you're ever at dog shows in New England, he's a good guy and a very talented photographer.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Day 4
Clover has a long way to go, for sure. But his incision is all ready healing up, yesterday's toe touching is today's slight weight bearing, and last time's happy medicinal buzz is today's "NO YOU CAN NOT RUN I DONT CARE HOW WELL YOU CAN MOVE ON 3.25 LEGS."
I don't know who has lost more of their mind, my dog who is crazy bored, or me who is going crazy trying to stop him from being bored.
I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery.I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery.I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery.
Though that's better than the alternative. It's going to be a LONG 12 weeks.
No, you know what? Let's break this up into small increments. Seven more days and the battle of Kat vs. Clover vs. his stitches is over. Looking forward to that. Meanwhile, any good ideas of how to cover a stifle? He won't pull off anything (vet wrap, socks) but they all slide down because his leg tapers. Sigh.
I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery.
I don't know who has lost more of their mind, my dog who is crazy bored, or me who is going crazy trying to stop him from being bored.
I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery. I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery.I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery.I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery.
Though that's better than the alternative. It's going to be a LONG 12 weeks.
No, you know what? Let's break this up into small increments. Seven more days and the battle of Kat vs. Clover vs. his stitches is over. Looking forward to that. Meanwhile, any good ideas of how to cover a stifle? He won't pull off anything (vet wrap, socks) but they all slide down because his leg tapers. Sigh.
I am happy my dog is recovering so nicely from surgery.
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