It's been over three weeks since Easton injured his right rear leg after being attacked by an off-leash dog. We were hoping that after a few sessions of swim therapy he could grow strong enough to heal, but that is not the case. A trip to the Vet last week brought a preliminary diagnoses of a torn/ruptured ACL. When our Vet first met and examined Easton a month ago, she thought there might be some minor soft tissue damage to his knee even though his range of motion was good and he was not limping. Since the day we got him, he has "drug" his right-rear paw, occasionally scraping the nails on the asphalt when we toddled around the neighborhood. It has become obvious to me that Easton has had a knee condition for some time now. The attack has made it worse, aggravating or even completing the tear of the soft tissue in his knee. We are expecting an opinion from the radiologist today or tomorrow.
Here is video from Easton's last session at Splash Dog Spa (it's really not fancy, just very well thought out). You'll see in the video, at times, Easton seems to swimming harder; because he is! Leigh Anne turns on the jets and Easton swims against a raging current. Let me tell you, it wears his baggy ass out! Plus, he gets a massage every 5 minutes or so. WOW. He just loves it. When I win the Lottery, we'll do it 5 times a week....ha, ha.
On the advice of our Vet, Easton has to go cold turkey!
NO toys
NO fetch
NO rough house - It's like we've done this all our lives. He is gentle, but tough!
NO dog park
NO more swimming for now - If he has surgery, he'll be swimming a lot for therapy.
Short, controlled walks
Less food (no weight gain allowed) - he is not overweight, but no chances taken!
....And, the toughest one - NO stairs (or at least minimum up-and-down). This one is just about killing him, because he needs to follow me EVERYWHERE. Both flights of stairs are blocked, but I let him come up to sleep with us at night.
When I know more about what the course of action is with Big Red, I'll let you all know. He is still a happy-go-lucky boy who doesn't seem to realize he could be seriously injured. I'm trying to teach him how to play laying on his back. He doesn't get it yet, but I see signs he is starting to relax and let it flow.
Sporadic postings and musing about my Goldens and other dopey, dog inspired nonsense.
7 comments:
We just got over our Rescue girl Sophie, age 8, having ACL & torn meniscus surgery. It was a long haul as she was just about completely healed when she got at her incisions and tore it open. She is doing wonderful now.
Just a word of caution, keep the "cone of shame" on until she is completely healed, it would have saved us months in healing and much worrying.
Sheila & Bob
Hamish & Rescue Sophie
I will be praying for Easton to get much better! I love the video and the music with it is great!! I could tell he was really working very hard and having fun at the same time! Lots of love, Debbie & Holly
Woof! Woof! Oh! Easton .. your name just fits your personality. That swimming Therapy looks like FUN. LOVE the music background. KT try some calming oil/balm that is natural n safe for dogs n lavender candles too ... hopefully it will help Easton to relax. Sending Lots of Golden healing Thoughts and LOVE. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
Hey Easton,
How's your knee? Are you feeling better? We were watching the video of you swimming! You are such a natural swimmer! Like you, I enjoyed swimming and perhaps someday in the future we'll swim together too!
Take care and your humans are doing a good job of taking care of you!
Love,
Homer
I had a feeling I'd missed a post from you, and what do you know, I did!! I love this video, and seeing your boy have such a good time--It also brings back memories of all the dogs that I've taken swimming for rehab too. When I win the lottery, I'll buy you those swim passes KT!!
All paws are crossed here for good news for Easton and we're sending positive vibes your way too!!
That poor guy's knee. I hope it'll get better real soon. Looked like her had an enjoyable time in that pool though! OH man, those are some very strict rules by the Vet. Must really suck not being able to do anything fun anymore. I'd go crazy! HEHE
Get better soon buddy!
I wonder if you could get him one of those rear supports for older doggies and help him up the stairs? That way he won't have to work so hard to join you up there?
Sam
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