Today I took a look at man-man with a critical eye. Could I still tell that he's recoverING and not recoverED? I checked his gait, his musculature, his energy. Good news? He's better than ever. But I can still see room for improvement.
Otis runs great. His gait is strong and light. He trots along like a champ--and you'd never know he'd had surgery less than 9 months ago! When he plays with Loki (his favorite of the neighbor dogs), he sprints and cuts like a running back in the NFL, and although you can tell he's quite a bit slower than Loki (with his lab/greyhound genes), he still manages to keep it close. Part of that is his smarts--he cuts Loki off and takes shortcuts. :-)
When I bribe him, he'll jump in the air. Sometimes, his back legs will come a good 2-3 inches off of the ground. But that's on a good day. He still hates to jump. And this means that mom or dad has to boost his rear into the jeep when we go on hikes or to the dog park. He also still struggles with steps--he bunny hops less on the way down--sometimes (meaning that he's starting to alternate back feet instead of hopping both at the same time), but he always takes his time going up. He's got this weird mental thing with steps. You really have to coax him about them. That's a good thing for the kitties though...Butchie will just go up or down a few steps and flaunt his independence by giving himself a bath. Oh the whining that ensues! haha! (below you'll see a video of Butchie and Otis in a typical encounter...)
Overall, I really see improvement in his movement, strength and mobility. And we'll chase each other and run and play all afternoon, and he shows no indication that he's in any pain at all. He's currently on no medication but his daily chondroitin+MSM+glucosomine pills (just a supplement to lubricate the joints). We're gonna keep working him and making sure that his movement is improving...I think he's got more room to grow and I'll keep nudging him forward until I think he's gotten as good as he can get. He's so happy now, though--and I don't regret choosing surgery at all. It's been a bonding experience--and one that proves the resilience and strength of a puppy (and his humans).
Awww.. Otis sounds like he is doing great!! I'm jealous!
ReplyDeleteI really wish Summer was a candidate for TPO surgery, but she is not =( Shes coming to a year old soon and we're still coping with limited mobility.. Our options now are FHR or FHO.. FHR is way too costly, and FHO, well I'd love to consider it but our ortho feels we should only do it as a salvage procedure..
I don't know if our pain management is failing but Summer has been very reactive, barking and growling at things, making it hard to live with her! Last night she decided there was a monster under my bed and barked and growled and attacked the air for a good 20 mins before settling with me on the floor and refusing to let me move. Oh well..
Just a rant!
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that Summer isn't a good candidate for TPO. Those reactions don't sound very good...Otis acted somewhat similarly before we started physical therapy and pain meds. He used to act like a sniper was shooting at him from the bushes and whip around and bite his butt.
ReplyDeleteNo monster catching yet. Thank goodness!
Is she on pain meds? Good luck with it all...