We're back to the vet's - AGAIN!

[marg robb]

It's been many weeks since I was on this site - I'm no longer getting email notification when there's a message.  I thought I posted a message of Farley's latest situation but since I can't find it anywhere, I'm trying again.  (You can tell I'm not much of a "techie")

 

Look at the photo on the header of the main page - a doodle having a great time running in shallow water.  Well, that's EXACTLY what Farley was doing earlier this week at the sandy beach in town - and guess what?  He blew out his left ACL.  So on Tuesday, he is undergoing his third surgery in 7 months to replace the ruptured knee ligament.  I've posted my past experiences(about the first surgery failing, repeating surgery with another vet, aquatherapy etc) and had Farley back to multiple walks totalling over an hr/day.  He was doing great.  The good news is the vet says the repaired knee is very healthy & stong so should help in rehab.  Also, the vet I found specializes in surgery, which he does daily and dogs come from Toronto and afar for his services - all of which makes me confident of his skills.  Wish us luck - and cross all your fingers and paws.  Thanks, Marg

[Grace and Pemon The Gentle Giant]

Glad to hear that Marg.  I just can't imagine the expense.  But we sure would do almost anything for our Doodles, huh?

[marg robb]

Hi Grace Thanks for asking - Farley's almost finished his aquatherapy and is now taking glucosamine with condritine to help maintain his cartilage in his joints.  He's been walking in the lake a few times a week to help build muscle and is now able to climb stairs to the second floor of my house.  So dare I say, I think we might be in the home stretch of this very long, expensive saga!!!!!

 

[Grace and Pemon The Gentle Giant]

Yeah Marg, we haven't heard from you in awhile.  Hope all is O.K.

[Lois - Izzi]

is Farley doing better this month?

[Laurie, Nug & Puk]

I use a harness that attaches to the seatbelt and it has saved mine from injury and heartache for me. It is well worth the extra time it takes to buckle them up isn't it?

[marg robb]

Farley's latest experience:

 

Last week when Farley & I were heading to the vet's for his cruceate surgery physio, I had to stop very fast to avoid a rear-ender.  Farley was in the front of my SUV and  flew right into the dashboard, striking his mouth/ nose.  It really shook him up and me too.  Bottom line:  I now have a heavy duty seatbelt which is a bit tricky to get done up but when I think what might have happened, it's well worth the extra couple of minutes.

[marg robb]

Thanks for your  advice, well-taken.  He loves to chase a ball so instead of having him run for it, I lob it from about 6' away for him to catch, with high praise when he does.  We do lots of "sit"s in between since the up & down movement helps build the weakened area too.  I'll have to try the number cards - sounds like something my young granddaughter might like to try with him.

[Lois - Izzi]

I'm  delighted Farley is with this particular vet also...  My I also suggest Farley will rest no more than his recovery needs...  (I share that because I once owned a German Shorthaired Pointer that sliced through a tendon from a half buried broken bottle. she was 6 weeks in a cast and bandage changes for months.  Recovery was slow...  I let her set the pace..  She was a wonder within a yr.)  Farley can still be trained sitting on the living room floor..  His attitude is most important.. if he likes a ball roll it to him.  Give him the longest rawhide chews you can purchase (Sam's).  Talk to him... he may not understand but he will know he is part of your life...  You may laugh but you really can teach him numbers.   Start with #1 and @ two cards... when he looks on the correct direction.. give him a treat..  I will admit that trick takes a long time but once recognized he will be able to distinguish between #2 vs #5...  1 vs 3  etc...  ha... that's a far as I got.  Had kids to run to ball fields

[marg robb]

Thanks for your computer advice lois- you're probably bang on.  Farley is s l o w l y regaining his strength but after a month, he still tires quickly on his walks and is not load bearing fully yet.  We are back to doing figure 8's in my neighbour's driveway and 3 legged stands to help bulk up the muscles.  He had another treadmill session today so is presently flaked out in a deep sleep.  I learned today my vet has closed his practice to new clients so feel very fortunate to have found him when I did.

[Lois - Izzi]

Marge, you probably sent a response to a particular person instead of the blog site...   Regardless just sending cheers to keep up your good work with Farley's rehab..