The last few weeks have been a blur as Gigi moved quickly from gimpy to limpy to shifty and gypsy... with every week, she was a little more ambitious and the rules started to be negotiable, at least in her eyes. Gates were for pushing, barricades were for knocking down. Then she's stand there and wag - "I'm READY". "Awanna gofer aRiiide, Mom, noooooooooow. And the wailing and wooing would start. On one particularly spectacular night, Gigi stood her ground and barked at my husband at least 50 times - very purposeful communication, no hysterics. I think she was getting a wee bit bored. Every time he tried to interrupt her, she'd turn her head away - and continue her diatribe. I think that's the Princess' version of "I'm not finished talking yet".
The last week of March her x-rays showed her bone to be completely healed. It is now time to start rehab.
10 minutes walks as many times a day as she wants as long as she rests in between. Because the mountain driveway is still too much for her, we've been popping her into the car and heading to the bottom for our walks. Every tree needs sniffing, every gopher hole, fox den, grounded feather, etc. needs inspecting. Clearly she is glad to be back on patrol. And racking up the "minimum requirement" for daily rides. This will, no doubt, get out of hand as all her expectations eventually do. There will come a day when she will refuse to get out of the car and we will have to drive to Missouri or North Dakota to satisfy her. It's happened before. And she has the photo album to prove it!
We've had more ooops in the past week than in all the priors. Today she decided to ignore the first step up - and ended up sprawled on the stairs. She's tempted to leap out of the car - absolutely not - and is trying to cheat the last half of the extended ramp, on both the up and down trips. If I wasn't already grey I'd be there now!
Interestingly, she has maintained the 2 a.m. "pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeze canni havsum waaaaaaaaaaater" - this is a whine/whistle that catapults me out of bed every time. I'd put her water bowl dish at the end of her bed, but I'd be the one to step in it in the wee hours and set us all awash. And I'd bet she'd still lie there and whine for a drink.
We're on The Diet now. Green beans for filler. Near as I can tell, it simply makes dinner like a great Chinese meal - only good about about 2 hours.
pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze mom, I'm hunnnnnnnnnnnnnnngry.
Oh brother.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Week 6
We just got the first x-ray results - looking GOOD! Dr. Tommy estimates another 3 weeks and we can start rehab. WOOPEE!
Meanwhile, we're feeling our oats. Gigi has set a new routine for the family that includes group hugs on the floor (Pirate isn't allowed unless he BEGS her), Mom has to sit by the computer (even if she doesn't want to) and Cato is allotted his very own place at the Tapioca Ritual...everyone gets 4 bites (used to be 2 but we have to consider inflation...).
Gigi is more independent these days. Getting up is clearly easier for her but assists are still appreciated. Her rear joints still click but her gait is more even, and she'll eat "all standing" at times. She also wants to go up and down the stairs - "the ramp is for sissies, mom".
Occasional tramadol at night (only 1 now instead of 3) to make sleep better. And we have permission to walk a block (on the flats) (if we had one).
Meanwhile, we're feeling our oats. Gigi has set a new routine for the family that includes group hugs on the floor (Pirate isn't allowed unless he BEGS her), Mom has to sit by the computer (even if she doesn't want to) and Cato is allotted his very own place at the Tapioca Ritual...everyone gets 4 bites (used to be 2 but we have to consider inflation...).
Gigi is more independent these days. Getting up is clearly easier for her but assists are still appreciated. Her rear joints still click but her gait is more even, and she'll eat "all standing" at times. She also wants to go up and down the stairs - "the ramp is for sissies, mom".
Occasional tramadol at night (only 1 now instead of 3) to make sleep better. And we have permission to walk a block (on the flats) (if we had one).
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Bouv on Wheels Sunday 2-20-10
Sometimes you just have to run away from it all...
Gigi has been sighing heavily for days, whining more than usual, clinging more than usual. You haven't lived until you have had a bouv in your lap for 3 hours a night, eating popcorn with all noses following lllleft, rrrrright, llllleft as we ALL watch the Olympic downhill skiing or the uuuuuuup, downnnnnnnn, uuuuuuuuup, downnnnn of that half pipe snowboard thingie.
So this morning she declared an agenda by walking up to the car and sitting down. Not moving til we go somewhere. Nope. That's now 121 lbs of definite nope.
It isn't a problem to get her into the car at home - we can put the ramp from the porch to the back of the Subaru wagon. Someday I'll get the hatch fixed. And the post on the porch, too. But for now, the door still closes and the post is still in the upright position...
The ramp down from the car to the ground is doable, even though it is a bit steep. But the ramp up from ground to car is too steep.
I think the problem is more a traction issue than anything else, but it is too risky so our outings are somewhat limited. If we want to get out of the car to walk on flat land (we have none of our own) we have to make sure we back up to a good high curb... like the one at the vet's. I'm sure the staff is wondering why we keep arriving and leaving without coming in the building. "What on earth is she doing? Did she forget something? How bad can her memory be??? She doesn't look that witless..." But they can't complain; their portico posts are still standing and we don't stay for long.
Then it's off to visit a friend - a real friend. The kind that comes out to the car despite the winter chill and gives "tailgate hugs" and feeds you carrots one at a time with lots of kisses in between bites. Gigi's tail/stump wags vigorously and she is utterly devoted to her friends. Until the distractions take over.
Good thing she was in the car, because had she been on the ground we'd have been setting our own ice-slalom records...
First there's the traffic. We don't have cars at our house. Come to think of it, she's never really had a chance to just sit and watch traffic go by. And then there were the people, coming and going from neighboring houses - very normal for most, but not a scene Gigi gets to experience. Our neighbors are only sounds - cows, sheep, and occasional voices, all hidden behind acres of trees. But the squirrels...now those we have plenty of and they all need chasing! And someone mentioned cats, and they always need licking.
It was, by people and dog standards, a great outing. Gigi came home happy and thirsty, with a much lighter step and promptly put herself to bed for a looooooong Olympic nap.
Gigi has been sighing heavily for days, whining more than usual, clinging more than usual. You haven't lived until you have had a bouv in your lap for 3 hours a night, eating popcorn with all noses following lllleft, rrrrright, llllleft as we ALL watch the Olympic downhill skiing or the uuuuuuup, downnnnnnnn, uuuuuuuuup, downnnnn of that half pipe snowboard thingie.
So this morning she declared an agenda by walking up to the car and sitting down. Not moving til we go somewhere. Nope. That's now 121 lbs of definite nope.
It isn't a problem to get her into the car at home - we can put the ramp from the porch to the back of the Subaru wagon. Someday I'll get the hatch fixed. And the post on the porch, too. But for now, the door still closes and the post is still in the upright position...
The ramp down from the car to the ground is doable, even though it is a bit steep. But the ramp up from ground to car is too steep.
I think the problem is more a traction issue than anything else, but it is too risky so our outings are somewhat limited. If we want to get out of the car to walk on flat land (we have none of our own) we have to make sure we back up to a good high curb... like the one at the vet's. I'm sure the staff is wondering why we keep arriving and leaving without coming in the building. "What on earth is she doing? Did she forget something? How bad can her memory be??? She doesn't look that witless..." But they can't complain; their portico posts are still standing and we don't stay for long.
Then it's off to visit a friend - a real friend. The kind that comes out to the car despite the winter chill and gives "tailgate hugs" and feeds you carrots one at a time with lots of kisses in between bites. Gigi's tail/stump wags vigorously and she is utterly devoted to her friends. Until the distractions take over.
Good thing she was in the car, because had she been on the ground we'd have been setting our own ice-slalom records...
First there's the traffic. We don't have cars at our house. Come to think of it, she's never really had a chance to just sit and watch traffic go by. And then there were the people, coming and going from neighboring houses - very normal for most, but not a scene Gigi gets to experience. Our neighbors are only sounds - cows, sheep, and occasional voices, all hidden behind acres of trees. But the squirrels...now those we have plenty of and they all need chasing! And someone mentioned cats, and they always need licking.
It was, by people and dog standards, a great outing. Gigi came home happy and thirsty, with a much lighter step and promptly put herself to bed for a looooooong Olympic nap.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
I'm a Sad-Eyed Dog Friday 2-19-10
After having the whole pack together for 11 days (snow) it has been hard to get back to the routine of Mom leaving Gigi behind. The mornings start out ok - the usual routines of Mom going out to feed the sheep, then walking the dogs, then eating breakfast (first mine, then yours). But when it comes time to pick up the keys, the bag, the phone and the coat, Gigi's head comes up with ears perked and a hopeful look in those big brown eyes...Are we going to work? Upon hearing the dreaded phrase "No, sweetheart, you're gonna be Big Dog In Charge today", the dog deflates. Head down, ears slide down to her shoulders, the eyes close and I can almost see a tear roll down to that big black gumdrop nose.
She's losing some steam and I suspect it is depression. I can see the drop in stamina, the wistful look down the steep driveway. We're planning to take her for some drives this weekend - get her out of the house and maybe even over to see people friends. It takes orchestration - we have to plan to land where there are curbs so we can get her in and out of the car easily using her steps - not too long an outing but enough to give her hope.
I've read all the dog behavior books. The ones that say dogs don't live beyond the moment. Now is now and that's all that counts. And I think that's a nice way to absolve oneself of responsibility for an animal's emotional wellbeing. If a dog can remember how to get from the office to the post office, then what prevents the dog from remembering the trip and anticipating it in the future?
Clearly, Gigi accepts the reality - more people would benefit from learning that skill - but she retains the hope it will be other than how it is - another skill people would benefit from practicing.
So tomorrow, we'll head out for a lark. Something brief and visually stimulating - explore a new road, maybe take the scenic routes from old commutes. Some new smells. Maybe a new scratch and sniff book...
We're doing the range of motion exercises but not often enough. It doesn't take long to do them, but when the entire day of hugs, bellyrubs, dinner and after dinner routine (my dinner, your dinner, a walk outside, a few pounces on the woodpile, a carrot or two, a bone, tapioca ritual and the blackberry snowcone) is compressed into a few hours after work, there isn't much time to do much more. I think I will rearrange things - do the range of motion before the dinner routine starts, so that we aren't trying to end the evening on a less than fun note. The exercise isn't horrible but it is clear Gigi doesn't like it. Don't MESS with my foot, Mom.
Mom will be in traction shortly from supporting the "hinderslingen". Gigi is eager to walk and has much better traction on the accrued ice than I do. The "heel" command is losing its punch. Gigi has always had a ripsnorting walking pace, and nothing has changed. But trying to keep up with the front end and hold up the back end is doing in my arm and shoulder.
LESSON FOR NEWBIES: Build up your forearm and upper arm muscles before scheduling the surgery. You will need them, especially on the 125 pounder puppies.
She's losing some steam and I suspect it is depression. I can see the drop in stamina, the wistful look down the steep driveway. We're planning to take her for some drives this weekend - get her out of the house and maybe even over to see people friends. It takes orchestration - we have to plan to land where there are curbs so we can get her in and out of the car easily using her steps - not too long an outing but enough to give her hope.
I've read all the dog behavior books. The ones that say dogs don't live beyond the moment. Now is now and that's all that counts. And I think that's a nice way to absolve oneself of responsibility for an animal's emotional wellbeing. If a dog can remember how to get from the office to the post office, then what prevents the dog from remembering the trip and anticipating it in the future?
Clearly, Gigi accepts the reality - more people would benefit from learning that skill - but she retains the hope it will be other than how it is - another skill people would benefit from practicing.
So tomorrow, we'll head out for a lark. Something brief and visually stimulating - explore a new road, maybe take the scenic routes from old commutes. Some new smells. Maybe a new scratch and sniff book...
We're doing the range of motion exercises but not often enough. It doesn't take long to do them, but when the entire day of hugs, bellyrubs, dinner and after dinner routine (my dinner, your dinner, a walk outside, a few pounces on the woodpile, a carrot or two, a bone, tapioca ritual and the blackberry snowcone) is compressed into a few hours after work, there isn't much time to do much more. I think I will rearrange things - do the range of motion before the dinner routine starts, so that we aren't trying to end the evening on a less than fun note. The exercise isn't horrible but it is clear Gigi doesn't like it. Don't MESS with my foot, Mom.
Mom will be in traction shortly from supporting the "hinderslingen". Gigi is eager to walk and has much better traction on the accrued ice than I do. The "heel" command is losing its punch. Gigi has always had a ripsnorting walking pace, and nothing has changed. But trying to keep up with the front end and hold up the back end is doing in my arm and shoulder.
LESSON FOR NEWBIES: Build up your forearm and upper arm muscles before scheduling the surgery. You will need them, especially on the 125 pounder puppies.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Making Progress Sunday 2-14-10
I think we're winning. Gigi is walking better these days - she still limps in the morning or when she does not want to go somewhere (cute, eh?) but overall she is walking more evenly on her hind legs. We maintain the sling for extra protection against slipping but she is much steadier these days. She gets a little goofy at times, and I think that sling may be necessary as long as we have a wild child on wood floors, but on carpet she does very well.
For the first time since even before surgery, Gigi was interested and able to make her way up the ramp with only steadying support (not lifting) on her hind end. In fact she tried to climb onto the ramp in the middle instead of coming up from the end...we had a little conversation about that and she's now clear on the ramp procedure. At least for a while.
Boredom is a huge issue, so we started a few games outside. Her favorite is "what's in the woodpile?" where she gets to stick her nose under the tarp and snuffle around. Mom makes little chittering noises and occasionally tweaks the tarp - which Gigi interprets as evidence of Somethings. She did a 2-footed bouv-bounce onto the tarp but apart from a few holes, and some wind-sucking by Mom, all was fine. Mom is watching now for pre-bounce positioning - bouncing has the potential to be an "oops" since she lunges a bit in the process. No lunging for now. But fully engaged attention is good.
Next favorite game is "snow cones" - Gigi gets herself a snow cone every time she goes outside - this is much encouraged, however I fear it will take her many months to clear the drifts...
Gigi is watching a great deal more television these days - she wants to cuddle more and it was quite chummy last night as we all gathered around the Tapioca pudding and then piled onto Gigi's bed. Cato (the cat) was unusually kind, sharing Gigi's bed without biting her feet. In the past this has led to growls, chases and other now-illegal activities. So it seems even Cato is invested in this recovery process. He saves his ambushes for Pirate (our other bouv).
We're doing the range of motion exercises, but Gigi is not happy about it. Leave my feet alone, leave my leg alone and if you want me to walk, lemme get up!!! That the range of motion is limited is particularly clear when she tries to sit - the knee doesn't bend enough to make it comfortable, and she has continued in her old style of "sitting sloppy" - with her leg cocked out to the side. Kinda of a Cleopatra-style...waiting for the grapes to be peeled, or in Gigi's case, the mandarin orange segments to be delicately placed on her tongue...
Monday will be the first day we can get the car up and down the drive, so we're hoping to take her for a ride. She's been asking daily; this will make a nice treat!
For the first time since even before surgery, Gigi was interested and able to make her way up the ramp with only steadying support (not lifting) on her hind end. In fact she tried to climb onto the ramp in the middle instead of coming up from the end...we had a little conversation about that and she's now clear on the ramp procedure. At least for a while.
Boredom is a huge issue, so we started a few games outside. Her favorite is "what's in the woodpile?" where she gets to stick her nose under the tarp and snuffle around. Mom makes little chittering noises and occasionally tweaks the tarp - which Gigi interprets as evidence of Somethings. She did a 2-footed bouv-bounce onto the tarp but apart from a few holes, and some wind-sucking by Mom, all was fine. Mom is watching now for pre-bounce positioning - bouncing has the potential to be an "oops" since she lunges a bit in the process. No lunging for now. But fully engaged attention is good.
Next favorite game is "snow cones" - Gigi gets herself a snow cone every time she goes outside - this is much encouraged, however I fear it will take her many months to clear the drifts...
Gigi is watching a great deal more television these days - she wants to cuddle more and it was quite chummy last night as we all gathered around the Tapioca pudding and then piled onto Gigi's bed. Cato (the cat) was unusually kind, sharing Gigi's bed without biting her feet. In the past this has led to growls, chases and other now-illegal activities. So it seems even Cato is invested in this recovery process. He saves his ambushes for Pirate (our other bouv).
We're doing the range of motion exercises, but Gigi is not happy about it. Leave my feet alone, leave my leg alone and if you want me to walk, lemme get up!!! That the range of motion is limited is particularly clear when she tries to sit - the knee doesn't bend enough to make it comfortable, and she has continued in her old style of "sitting sloppy" - with her leg cocked out to the side. Kinda of a Cleopatra-style...waiting for the grapes to be peeled, or in Gigi's case, the mandarin orange segments to be delicately placed on her tongue...
Monday will be the first day we can get the car up and down the drive, so we're hoping to take her for a ride. She's been asking daily; this will make a nice treat!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
I'm SOOOOOOOOO Bored, Mom
After yet another blizzard, Gigi was once again seriously restricted in her activities because of the snow. We're over 50 inches now. The yard stick disappeared at 37 inches (go figure) and we are at the "frankly, Scarlet" stage.
That there were two storms and the snowfall set a new record for our area seems to be lost on her. She will, no doubt, recall it as The Week of No Car Rides. She led me to the lump that hid the car and made it clear that she KNEW there was a car there. Then snorted derisively at my protests that it just wasn't possible to go anywhere.
There were several times during the storms when she was given the option of going out, but when we opened the door, the high winds blew snow up her nose. That ended that. She'd turn around and head to the kitchen. That the trip was "not productive" does not preclude payment of one carrot...she'd have pulled out a contract if I hadn't just given in.
We did what we could on rehab - hot moist compresses and gentle range of motion exercises. I watched several range of motion videos on YouTube but... I can't see pinning Gigi down and manipulating her leg in a way which seems like it is creating pain. Vet says "gentle range of motion" so we do gentle. Vet says "make her holler", we hire somebody else...
Toys are for sissies. Gigi has a definite penchant for TV watching. In Mom's lap. Getting actively petted the WHOLE time. Even during commercials. I can see where this is going. When she gets back to the office and her regular duties, EVERYone will have to sit on the floor and pet her.
Tomorrow, there is a chance of some melt. Not enough to take an r-i-d-e but perhaps enough to smell something new.
Hugs to all bouvs with bolts. And a snow shovel salute to all their moms and dads.
That there were two storms and the snowfall set a new record for our area seems to be lost on her. She will, no doubt, recall it as The Week of No Car Rides. She led me to the lump that hid the car and made it clear that she KNEW there was a car there. Then snorted derisively at my protests that it just wasn't possible to go anywhere.
There were several times during the storms when she was given the option of going out, but when we opened the door, the high winds blew snow up her nose. That ended that. She'd turn around and head to the kitchen. That the trip was "not productive" does not preclude payment of one carrot...she'd have pulled out a contract if I hadn't just given in.
We did what we could on rehab - hot moist compresses and gentle range of motion exercises. I watched several range of motion videos on YouTube but... I can't see pinning Gigi down and manipulating her leg in a way which seems like it is creating pain. Vet says "gentle range of motion" so we do gentle. Vet says "make her holler", we hire somebody else...
Toys are for sissies. Gigi has a definite penchant for TV watching. In Mom's lap. Getting actively petted the WHOLE time. Even during commercials. I can see where this is going. When she gets back to the office and her regular duties, EVERYone will have to sit on the floor and pet her.
Tomorrow, there is a chance of some melt. Not enough to take an r-i-d-e but perhaps enough to smell something new.
Hugs to all bouvs with bolts. And a snow shovel salute to all their moms and dads.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sunday 2-7-10
Somewhere after 34+ inches of snow...
You know your priorities have changed when the first thing you plow out is the pooping parlor. Ken is still working on the driveway today and by tomorrow afternoon we should be able to get to the main road.
From where Gigi stands, the driveway looks clear enough and there's no reason not to take a walk. It was interesting to see her mind at work when she looked down the driveway, realized the gate to the upper pasture was buried in the snowbanks, and opted to create a whole new routine. Frankly, I was thrilled, because I just couldn't see us taking the Chinese Dragon up the mountain. Not even for medicinal purposes. Not even when it is her "mostest favorite-ist" walk in the world.
Inside, we have new rules. All Gigis are to be tether at all times. She knows this new rule. And she knows why. So she hasn't bothered to get excited about anything all day, not even when the tractor comes home for "refills". I was watching a documentary on TV that featured a hooting owl - that was of great interest to Gigi, but not worth getting up for. She just barked from her boudoir. It would be reasonable to think she has learned her lesson, and that she wouldn't need restraining. Reasonable. But very wrong. Underneath that currently compliant fur coat is an opportunistic renegade.
Odd, that before the surgery, Gigi always walked at heel better without a leash than on. She was very reliable in a down/stay and being told she was "big dog in charge" was good for hours of quiet resting. Not no more, babycakes.
Hugs to all those delightful, contrarian bouvs.
You know your priorities have changed when the first thing you plow out is the pooping parlor. Ken is still working on the driveway today and by tomorrow afternoon we should be able to get to the main road.
From where Gigi stands, the driveway looks clear enough and there's no reason not to take a walk. It was interesting to see her mind at work when she looked down the driveway, realized the gate to the upper pasture was buried in the snowbanks, and opted to create a whole new routine. Frankly, I was thrilled, because I just couldn't see us taking the Chinese Dragon up the mountain. Not even for medicinal purposes. Not even when it is her "mostest favorite-ist" walk in the world.
Inside, we have new rules. All Gigis are to be tether at all times. She knows this new rule. And she knows why. So she hasn't bothered to get excited about anything all day, not even when the tractor comes home for "refills". I was watching a documentary on TV that featured a hooting owl - that was of great interest to Gigi, but not worth getting up for. She just barked from her boudoir. It would be reasonable to think she has learned her lesson, and that she wouldn't need restraining. Reasonable. But very wrong. Underneath that currently compliant fur coat is an opportunistic renegade.
Odd, that before the surgery, Gigi always walked at heel better without a leash than on. She was very reliable in a down/stay and being told she was "big dog in charge" was good for hours of quiet resting. Not no more, babycakes.
Hugs to all those delightful, contrarian bouvs.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Look Ma! No DOG! - Saturday 2-6-10
uh. Did someone mention snow?
Friday
8 pm - The last time we went out for a potty run, the snow was already too deep to walk a tall dog and the wind smelled peculiar - apparently there is a major thunderstorm and we are smelling the ozone. Kinda fun. Even the dog's are sniffing the wind. Then again, with the winds coming up this could be air smells from middle Ohio... great farm smells and such.
midnight - The winds started howling and the log house is shifting - and we're on the the lee side of the mountain so we don't usually feel the wind at all. I'm hoping it blows the gnats out of the county for the next several summers...
3 am - Gigi is whining and there is NO way I'm going to entertain any outdoor action. So I offered her water - that seemed to appease her. We're weaning her off the anti-inflammatory stuff and today was her "on" day, so I'm guessing it makes her very thirsty. She was equally thirsty when we brought her home from surgery.
Saturday
6 am - The cat wants out. And in. And out. And in. The snow is packed against the windows - it looks lacey and not too high. Then again, it is a second floor window. It is too dark to see much more. Probably would be lighter if I opened my eyes, but I'm no fool.
Gigi is resting comfortably and I'm relieved. Friday afternoon she got a bit wild while we were out shoveling snow (the first 5 inches). I heard her barking and came in, expecting to see her sequestered in her "quiet space". She had expanded her quiet space a bit. The chairs, the barricades - all moved out of her way. Fortunately, the floor was under carpeting, so if she bounced at least she didn't slip. Nonetheless, I'm watching her for any sign of damage. And wondering what we could possibly do given that we cannot get out to get to the vet's, and the vet can't even get to the vet's.
8 am - People in the city don't have a clue what people in the country do for fun. Well, let me clue you in...first on the agenda is digging out the sheep.
The snow is deeper than the sheep are high. The snow is actually up to the llamas' bellies. Now one would think that given a choice, everyone would stay under shelter, which happens to mean under the deck since we didn't have a flat enough place to put a barn. But BooBoo, the antique sheep, was not content under the deck and apparently made her way to the sheep shed sometime during the night. It makes some sense - it's not as tall a space so it probably feels more snug, and the hay bedding that we didn't clear out this summer is probably composting - a heating pad for antique hips.
However, she is now trapped in the shed and the llamas are humming with anxiety. So this makes for the first shoveling excursion of the day...Two shovels wide and 5 shovels deep to make a path so she can navigate from the shed to the deck, where breakfast is served... It takes me about 30 minutes to create the 40 foot channel. BooBoo waits patiently until I break through that last little bit of snow and clear the channel of all vestiges of loose snow. Not that these sheep are spoiled or anything like that.
Meanwhile, Ken is shoveling out the kitchen door. Literally. Forget fancy, the goal is to create enough space for the ramp down and a turnaround space once Gigi gets to the end of the ramp. We're on an austerity program today. If you have to go, go there. In fact, she can't go anywhere else because the snow is now higher than her back.
Gigi makes her way down the ramp with enthusiasm and then comes to the reality that there isn't anywhere to go. The pleading eyes - "Could you just shovel a teensy bit in that direction?" Nope. Get over it.
It will take us a day to get the tractor dug out. The carsophagus will take another day to clear. And then we'll tackle the other 1/3 mile of driveway down the mountain.
Meanwhile, I'll redesign the "quiet area" to include tie-down straps.
Friday
8 pm - The last time we went out for a potty run, the snow was already too deep to walk a tall dog and the wind smelled peculiar - apparently there is a major thunderstorm and we are smelling the ozone. Kinda fun. Even the dog's are sniffing the wind. Then again, with the winds coming up this could be air smells from middle Ohio... great farm smells and such.
midnight - The winds started howling and the log house is shifting - and we're on the the lee side of the mountain so we don't usually feel the wind at all. I'm hoping it blows the gnats out of the county for the next several summers...
3 am - Gigi is whining and there is NO way I'm going to entertain any outdoor action. So I offered her water - that seemed to appease her. We're weaning her off the anti-inflammatory stuff and today was her "on" day, so I'm guessing it makes her very thirsty. She was equally thirsty when we brought her home from surgery.
Saturday
6 am - The cat wants out. And in. And out. And in. The snow is packed against the windows - it looks lacey and not too high. Then again, it is a second floor window. It is too dark to see much more. Probably would be lighter if I opened my eyes, but I'm no fool.
Gigi is resting comfortably and I'm relieved. Friday afternoon she got a bit wild while we were out shoveling snow (the first 5 inches). I heard her barking and came in, expecting to see her sequestered in her "quiet space". She had expanded her quiet space a bit. The chairs, the barricades - all moved out of her way. Fortunately, the floor was under carpeting, so if she bounced at least she didn't slip. Nonetheless, I'm watching her for any sign of damage. And wondering what we could possibly do given that we cannot get out to get to the vet's, and the vet can't even get to the vet's.
8 am - People in the city don't have a clue what people in the country do for fun. Well, let me clue you in...first on the agenda is digging out the sheep.
The snow is deeper than the sheep are high. The snow is actually up to the llamas' bellies. Now one would think that given a choice, everyone would stay under shelter, which happens to mean under the deck since we didn't have a flat enough place to put a barn. But BooBoo, the antique sheep, was not content under the deck and apparently made her way to the sheep shed sometime during the night. It makes some sense - it's not as tall a space so it probably feels more snug, and the hay bedding that we didn't clear out this summer is probably composting - a heating pad for antique hips.
However, she is now trapped in the shed and the llamas are humming with anxiety. So this makes for the first shoveling excursion of the day...Two shovels wide and 5 shovels deep to make a path so she can navigate from the shed to the deck, where breakfast is served... It takes me about 30 minutes to create the 40 foot channel. BooBoo waits patiently until I break through that last little bit of snow and clear the channel of all vestiges of loose snow. Not that these sheep are spoiled or anything like that.
Meanwhile, Ken is shoveling out the kitchen door. Literally. Forget fancy, the goal is to create enough space for the ramp down and a turnaround space once Gigi gets to the end of the ramp. We're on an austerity program today. If you have to go, go there. In fact, she can't go anywhere else because the snow is now higher than her back.
Gigi makes her way down the ramp with enthusiasm and then comes to the reality that there isn't anywhere to go. The pleading eyes - "Could you just shovel a teensy bit in that direction?" Nope. Get over it.
It will take us a day to get the tractor dug out. The carsophagus will take another day to clear. And then we'll tackle the other 1/3 mile of driveway down the mountain.
Meanwhile, I'll redesign the "quiet area" to include tie-down straps.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Look Ma, no staples! Wednesday 2-3-10
Ms. Jones was full of herself this morning...trying hard to walk sedately as we wove our way along the snowy path to the NEW P**'n Palace...recently relocated because I ALREADY WENT THERE.
It was rather like walking a merry-go-round horse...up and down and up and down. She'd rev up with every step until she'd shake her head and do a frisky little hop at which point Mom says "settle down" and we'd try again. "But it's SNOW, mom. You just don't GET it!"
We're backing off on the pain meds now, the antibiotics are done, and apparently "we" are feeling much better as a result. Appetite continues to rev up, and Gigi has started barking and growling at my husband (back to normal!) to bring her whatever he's having in the kitchen.
This evening we got Gigi's staples removed - must have been 30 of them, and even though it has only been 13 days, the skin was starting to cover over, so it was a little bit tricky to remove them. Gigi has never in her natural life rolled over onto her back willingly, so it took 4 of us to roll and hold her. Singing sometimes calms agitated animals, and Gigi has a particular song that she likes...now picture 4 of us, on our knees, singing "The Bellyrub Song" - some of us with slightly clenched teeth...I couldn't tell if Gigi was fighting or laughing at us, but we got the staples out. Of her. I'm still finding them in my hair.
And for her celebratory dessert, she demanded one HUGE carrot, one bone, 8 bites of tapioca and 1/2 a tangerine popsicle. Good thing she is on a diet.
Hugs to all bouvs with bolts, and to the mother who sing them silly songs!
It was rather like walking a merry-go-round horse...up and down and up and down. She'd rev up with every step until she'd shake her head and do a frisky little hop at which point Mom says "settle down" and we'd try again. "But it's SNOW, mom. You just don't GET it!"
We're backing off on the pain meds now, the antibiotics are done, and apparently "we" are feeling much better as a result. Appetite continues to rev up, and Gigi has started barking and growling at my husband (back to normal!) to bring her whatever he's having in the kitchen.
This evening we got Gigi's staples removed - must have been 30 of them, and even though it has only been 13 days, the skin was starting to cover over, so it was a little bit tricky to remove them. Gigi has never in her natural life rolled over onto her back willingly, so it took 4 of us to roll and hold her. Singing sometimes calms agitated animals, and Gigi has a particular song that she likes...now picture 4 of us, on our knees, singing "The Bellyrub Song" - some of us with slightly clenched teeth...I couldn't tell if Gigi was fighting or laughing at us, but we got the staples out. Of her. I'm still finding them in my hair.
And for her celebratory dessert, she demanded one HUGE carrot, one bone, 8 bites of tapioca and 1/2 a tangerine popsicle. Good thing she is on a diet.
Hugs to all bouvs with bolts, and to the mother who sing them silly songs!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Look Ma, No Sling!!! - Monday 2/1/10
Oh brother.
Gigi is starting to feel better. MUCH better. First, her appetite is back. She's starting to compare what's in her dish with what is on our plates..."lemme smell your breath, Mom...is that cashews I smell???...I think you're holding out on me, I KNOW my RIGHTS!"
There we were, sitting at the breakfast table, minding our own business when Gigi popped up from her extra-special, princess-approved, portable, therapeutic warming bed with the sheepskin topper, and bounced up to the table..."Whatch got there?". She puts her nose on my plate to clarify. Because this exuberance was only a little over the top from her normal behavior (she doesn't usually snort my vegetables) it didn't dawn on us for a moment that she was supposed to be lying down beside me. Once she had verified we were all eating the same fare, she was content to lie back down and munch out of her own dish.
We spent much of the day in my office, me plundering the treasures of the internet and Gigi snuggled down on her aforementioned bed. Eventually the woodstove needed reloading, so I wandered off and ended up across the greatroom, talking to my sister on the phone and tending the fire. Something caught my eye and I glanced up to see Gigi, positively dancing across the sea of carpets between us, a smile on her face and her stumpy tail just waving with glee..."Look Ma, no Sling!!!" She was truly proud of herself, with her little bouv bounce picking up speed as she headed for me, just the other side of the one and only patch of bare wood floor.
WAIT! I dropped my sister on her head. Fortunately, Gigi is well trained, and she froze in place. And I was able to get her saddled up and back to the safety of carpeting and her bed.
My heart will never be the same. And my hair is a wee bit grayer.
I had to put her collar on today - the first time she's made any attempt to lick her surgical wound. The stitches are coming out soon. Maybe I'll wear the collar for a while...to keep my head from spinning around.
Gigi is starting to feel better. MUCH better. First, her appetite is back. She's starting to compare what's in her dish with what is on our plates..."lemme smell your breath, Mom...is that cashews I smell???...I think you're holding out on me, I KNOW my RIGHTS!"
There we were, sitting at the breakfast table, minding our own business when Gigi popped up from her extra-special, princess-approved, portable, therapeutic warming bed with the sheepskin topper, and bounced up to the table..."Whatch got there?". She puts her nose on my plate to clarify. Because this exuberance was only a little over the top from her normal behavior (she doesn't usually snort my vegetables) it didn't dawn on us for a moment that she was supposed to be lying down beside me. Once she had verified we were all eating the same fare, she was content to lie back down and munch out of her own dish.
We spent much of the day in my office, me plundering the treasures of the internet and Gigi snuggled down on her aforementioned bed. Eventually the woodstove needed reloading, so I wandered off and ended up across the greatroom, talking to my sister on the phone and tending the fire. Something caught my eye and I glanced up to see Gigi, positively dancing across the sea of carpets between us, a smile on her face and her stumpy tail just waving with glee..."Look Ma, no Sling!!!" She was truly proud of herself, with her little bouv bounce picking up speed as she headed for me, just the other side of the one and only patch of bare wood floor.
WAIT! I dropped my sister on her head. Fortunately, Gigi is well trained, and she froze in place. And I was able to get her saddled up and back to the safety of carpeting and her bed.
My heart will never be the same. And my hair is a wee bit grayer.
I had to put her collar on today - the first time she's made any attempt to lick her surgical wound. The stitches are coming out soon. Maybe I'll wear the collar for a while...to keep my head from spinning around.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Day 11
3 am -Lots of whining and fussing this morning - judging from her blankets, she'd been shifting position frequently. Food, water rejected, so I tried putting a blanket over her. She settled down quickly after that - apparently she was too cold. Checked the thermometer and discovered the bedroom was about 58 degrees. Great sleeping weather IF you have all your hair - Gigi had a serious haircut before surgery so I wouldn't have to bug her with grooming demands. I'll put more wood on the fire in the night to come.
10 am - She finally rolled out of bed, appetite intact! I've started her on dog vitamins after reading lots about bone regeneration...I want to make sure she's got the stuff bones are made of.
Off for a brief walk in the snow - it is about 6'' and makes for work as she pulls her leg thru instead of lifting it over. Luckily, the snow is light and still fluffy. For the first time in forever, Gigi isn't interested in eating snow. I know just how she feels...
2 pm -To the vet for #4 laser treatment - Gigi's wound is healing well, and she's putting a bit of weight on the leg. She insists on visiting the Potty Park before her appointment. I can just see it coming... the day she insists on being driven to the vets' in order to relieve herself.
Laser treatment seems to have made a huge difference in her healing and inflammation. The swelling is nearly all gone. We've been putting on moist/warm compresses 3x daily and Gigi now rolls over for her "spa treatments" when I come in holding the compress.
The next laser treatment is nearly a week off now. We'll have to bring her in to get staples removed in a few more days. I hope that means no more collar at night.
Coming home was a little trickier than somewhat - although Ken plowed the driveway, the snow was greasy going up and it took 3 tries to get home. My imagination was already in gear after the first failed attempt up that last hill...I'm trying to figure out how to get The Princess du Furz up the mountain and somehow, I cannot picture her in the bucket of the tractor. Fortunately, after backing nearly all the way down, I was able to get a better running start, and aiming for the far side (how appropriate!) was able to catch enough gravel to make it past the last crest.
We had tried to get the driveway paved several years ago. Since most of it faces south, we figured it would make life easier, both in terms of plowing and melting. Funny, but the contractors we called to bid never called us back. Ever. Not even when work was slow.
10 am - She finally rolled out of bed, appetite intact! I've started her on dog vitamins after reading lots about bone regeneration...I want to make sure she's got the stuff bones are made of.
Off for a brief walk in the snow - it is about 6'' and makes for work as she pulls her leg thru instead of lifting it over. Luckily, the snow is light and still fluffy. For the first time in forever, Gigi isn't interested in eating snow. I know just how she feels...
2 pm -To the vet for #4 laser treatment - Gigi's wound is healing well, and she's putting a bit of weight on the leg. She insists on visiting the Potty Park before her appointment. I can just see it coming... the day she insists on being driven to the vets' in order to relieve herself.
Laser treatment seems to have made a huge difference in her healing and inflammation. The swelling is nearly all gone. We've been putting on moist/warm compresses 3x daily and Gigi now rolls over for her "spa treatments" when I come in holding the compress.
The next laser treatment is nearly a week off now. We'll have to bring her in to get staples removed in a few more days. I hope that means no more collar at night.
Coming home was a little trickier than somewhat - although Ken plowed the driveway, the snow was greasy going up and it took 3 tries to get home. My imagination was already in gear after the first failed attempt up that last hill...I'm trying to figure out how to get The Princess du Furz up the mountain and somehow, I cannot picture her in the bucket of the tractor. Fortunately, after backing nearly all the way down, I was able to get a better running start, and aiming for the far side (how appropriate!) was able to catch enough gravel to make it past the last crest.
We had tried to get the driveway paved several years ago. Since most of it faces south, we figured it would make life easier, both in terms of plowing and melting. Funny, but the contractors we called to bid never called us back. Ever. Not even when work was slow.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
TPLO + 10 days (Sat 1-30-10)
Gigi is starting to get a little frustrated with the restrictions now. Last night's response to Mom's return from work was a bit more bouncy, despite Dad's attempts to maintain "poise and decorum". Requiring her to lie down before Mom approaches is all fine and dandy, but Gigi still gets a few hops in here and there.
It is still a team effort to walk her outside - one on the lead end and one on the sling end. Gigi is trying to take over that routine as well - Dad is NOT allowed to lead and Mom MUST be in front "or the train don't roll". Gigi tried to take us all "up the mountain" for a brief walk but Mom says no. "Ok - so how about the briar patch - that was FUN!!" (Ow.)
I don't know why it took me so long to get the concept, but it dawned on me this morning that the length of healing is directly tied to the regrowth of the bone. Like a tooth implant, it takes a while for the bone to regenerate in the space created - and until that time the plate holds things in alignment. Once the bone has filled in and strengthened, then we can begin putting stress and strain on it. OHHHHHHHHHHHH. I get it now. Minimal exercise (potty walks) to keep the muscles from atrophy, but no muscle stress or building until the new bone cells are in place.
So off I went to the internet to see about the conditions which will support bone regeneration and nutrition is probably the best thing I can do as a bouvmom. Check out the article I linked in (that endeavor took me a while to figure out...probably adds another week to my brain-life) on nutrition and bones. I don't know that this is exactly the same for canines, but I would bet in mammals bones are bones.
If it wasn't snowing, I'd be off to the store for some "Missing Link" nutrition supplement but tomorrow will have to do. Meanwhile, it seems to me that now is not the time to hold back on the protein calories (in an effort to reduce Gigi's weight). We can cut out the filler stuff, and perhaps on the tapioca... and I have her new frozen bone toy in the freezer for later.
Hugs to all bubbies with bolts.
It is still a team effort to walk her outside - one on the lead end and one on the sling end. Gigi is trying to take over that routine as well - Dad is NOT allowed to lead and Mom MUST be in front "or the train don't roll". Gigi tried to take us all "up the mountain" for a brief walk but Mom says no. "Ok - so how about the briar patch - that was FUN!!" (Ow.)
I don't know why it took me so long to get the concept, but it dawned on me this morning that the length of healing is directly tied to the regrowth of the bone. Like a tooth implant, it takes a while for the bone to regenerate in the space created - and until that time the plate holds things in alignment. Once the bone has filled in and strengthened, then we can begin putting stress and strain on it. OHHHHHHHHHHHH. I get it now. Minimal exercise (potty walks) to keep the muscles from atrophy, but no muscle stress or building until the new bone cells are in place.
So off I went to the internet to see about the conditions which will support bone regeneration and nutrition is probably the best thing I can do as a bouvmom. Check out the article I linked in (that endeavor took me a while to figure out...probably adds another week to my brain-life) on nutrition and bones. I don't know that this is exactly the same for canines, but I would bet in mammals bones are bones.
If it wasn't snowing, I'd be off to the store for some "Missing Link" nutrition supplement but tomorrow will have to do. Meanwhile, it seems to me that now is not the time to hold back on the protein calories (in an effort to reduce Gigi's weight). We can cut out the filler stuff, and perhaps on the tapioca... and I have her new frozen bone toy in the freezer for later.
Hugs to all bubbies with bolts.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday 1-28-10
One week. Good progress. Good adjustment (by all of us) to the new routines. And we have a new routine as well...the 2 pm "milk and cookies" as Gigi gets her pain medications from Dad.
Gigi is getting more sparky by the day - and this will become a major issue as she heals. Tonight, on her way out to potty, she considered jumping off the top step onto the ramp. Only the extraordinary mind-reading skills of Mom preempted a disaster. (Remind me to turn off the ski jumping coverage...no doubt that is where Gigi got the idea).
Mom's return from work today was not so calm as yesterday. It is only a matter of time before Gigi begins to associate the 2 "warning" rings of the phone with Mom's arrival. Tonight was a compromise - "I promise not to drag Dad to the front door but I'm not gonna lie down". Oh brother.
We're going to break up the evening with two outside walks instead of one long one. Since we live on a mountainside, there is precious little "flat land" - so two walks on the flat may prevent attempts to climb the mountain on one longer walk.
It is time to bring out the bouv board games. I've been puzzling over this for a while. Perhaps I can teach her how to play "the shell game" with treats. Then, when she's ready for "the big time" we can hustle the hustlers in Manhattan...
One more week before we take out the staples. No signs of horrible atrophy. Remind me to weigh her at the next visit to the vet - Gigi has been on a reduction diet. While she wasn't obese, any extra weight puts her good knee at risk. I didn't realize how much extra she was eating until I took my lunch to work. Without her help, lunch now lasts for 2 days. Oops.
Gigi is getting more sparky by the day - and this will become a major issue as she heals. Tonight, on her way out to potty, she considered jumping off the top step onto the ramp. Only the extraordinary mind-reading skills of Mom preempted a disaster. (Remind me to turn off the ski jumping coverage...no doubt that is where Gigi got the idea).
Mom's return from work today was not so calm as yesterday. It is only a matter of time before Gigi begins to associate the 2 "warning" rings of the phone with Mom's arrival. Tonight was a compromise - "I promise not to drag Dad to the front door but I'm not gonna lie down". Oh brother.
We're going to break up the evening with two outside walks instead of one long one. Since we live on a mountainside, there is precious little "flat land" - so two walks on the flat may prevent attempts to climb the mountain on one longer walk.
It is time to bring out the bouv board games. I've been puzzling over this for a while. Perhaps I can teach her how to play "the shell game" with treats. Then, when she's ready for "the big time" we can hustle the hustlers in Manhattan...
One more week before we take out the staples. No signs of horrible atrophy. Remind me to weigh her at the next visit to the vet - Gigi has been on a reduction diet. While she wasn't obese, any extra weight puts her good knee at risk. I didn't realize how much extra she was eating until I took my lunch to work. Without her help, lunch now lasts for 2 days. Oops.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday 1-27-10
3am - Gigi's bouncing seems to have triggered some pain, so we're up for a hot compress and some loving. She's circumvented the collar but only succeeded in licking the outside of the leg and not inside where all the stitches and staples live. By 4 am she's quieted down and I think I made it back to the bed.
6 am - All those days off from work make the usual 6 o'clock alarm cruel and unusual punishment. Then the sheep hear it and within minutes we've got the worst serenade of the century outside the bedroom windows. Gigi is now snoring contentedly. Figures.
The morning routine goes relatively well - Gigi doesn't seem to be limping any worse than before her Cirque de Soleil performance yesterday. She accepts her pills well (three cheers for lamb curry) but is not pleased with the reality that she stays home while I go to work.
Before I leave, my husband and I decide on the return strategy... I will call as soon as I turn onto our dirt road, and he will put the lead on Gigi, then hold it down with his foot so she cannot get up. I will park the car and come inside immediately (instead of unloading mail, work satchel, purse, etc) and we will strictly enforce the "down, stay" until she's calm. She has never been a boisterous greeter, but she invents new and exciting games, so there's no telling how it will go.
8 pm - Well, that strategy worked like a charm. No rowdy performances, no shenanigans, about 16 yawns as she releases her energy and within minutes we are outside, taking care of business, and into the car for a ride to the vet - another laser treatment. Gigi loves the Potty Park at the vet's and "good things" happen once again.
10 pm - pain pills down the hatch and one last rendition of "The Belly Rub Song" before Gigi gets settled for bed. She loves the song, especially the last line which my husband delivers with many different notes from the official version (that is, the version Mom sings). Gigi growls and shoots him "the look". Even songs have to follow protocol.
I adore bouvs.
6 am - All those days off from work make the usual 6 o'clock alarm cruel and unusual punishment. Then the sheep hear it and within minutes we've got the worst serenade of the century outside the bedroom windows. Gigi is now snoring contentedly. Figures.
The morning routine goes relatively well - Gigi doesn't seem to be limping any worse than before her Cirque de Soleil performance yesterday. She accepts her pills well (three cheers for lamb curry) but is not pleased with the reality that she stays home while I go to work.
Before I leave, my husband and I decide on the return strategy... I will call as soon as I turn onto our dirt road, and he will put the lead on Gigi, then hold it down with his foot so she cannot get up. I will park the car and come inside immediately (instead of unloading mail, work satchel, purse, etc) and we will strictly enforce the "down, stay" until she's calm. She has never been a boisterous greeter, but she invents new and exciting games, so there's no telling how it will go.
8 pm - Well, that strategy worked like a charm. No rowdy performances, no shenanigans, about 16 yawns as she releases her energy and within minutes we are outside, taking care of business, and into the car for a ride to the vet - another laser treatment. Gigi loves the Potty Park at the vet's and "good things" happen once again.
10 pm - pain pills down the hatch and one last rendition of "The Belly Rub Song" before Gigi gets settled for bed. She loves the song, especially the last line which my husband delivers with many different notes from the official version (that is, the version Mom sings). Gigi growls and shoots him "the look". Even songs have to follow protocol.
I adore bouvs.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday 1-26-10
Gigi had to stay home today - the first day since her surgery that she has had to miss work and probably only the 3rd day in 7 years that she has not be able to go to work for health reasons. She was not a happy camper and spent the day in her confinement area, ignoring my husband's best efforts to feed, water and love her. She (begrudgingly) accepted her pain medications in cheese. No doubt she would have preferred the sauerkraut...
She refused to go out to potty. This makes for a long day afloat...perhaps she is refusing water during the day for that very reason.
Upon my arrival, I hear the welcoming ruckus; she's confined in all dimensions except vertical. There she is, bouncing and carrying on like a fool, eager to race out to a bigger place to bounce even higher. If I sit down on the floor she'll get reinforced for bouncing (and I'll likely get trampled to death). If I walk out until she's calm she'll blow through the gate. I'm remembering how this dog, upon rescue, scaled a 6 foot barricade to prove her point about not liking confinement. So we put the lead on the front end and the sling on the back end and try to control her through directed activity - walking forward. More forward than walking but redirected.
We made it outside without mishap, although she was attempting to jump off the ramp in her enthusiasm. Some success at the request to potty - but really, mom, nothing in makes for nothing out.
Later she's insisting on sleeping next to me as I work at the computer. Whining a little - and I'm wondering if she hurt something in the process of bouncing. As I see it, we have few options. Make her walk with my husband a little to warm up before I get home (unlikely), get a sedative into her before I get there. Or sit down with her as soon as I get home and "take my licks"...reinforcing the wrong behavior to bring about the more immediate safety outcome.
She's adamant about keeping to routines. We sit here for computer work and we sit there for dinner, and then it is time to bring on the ritual foods - dinner, then the carrot, then the bone, and then the popsicle. And then it is time to watch the TV and she has to be facing the TV... I absolutely nixed the idea about "going for a ride, mom". Keeping the routines is not the option - figuring out how to keep the restrictions in place while we do them is the challenge.
You don't realize the power of a bouv until you try to rein them in on the routines they've run by heart, for years. She's such a compliant dog most of the time. Perhaps that's because she's got me so well trained.
Well at least she's humoring me with the colonial collar. She's only taken it off once.
Meanwhile, the swelling in the knee is down, the incision is looking the best yet, and her ankle isn't as swollen as yesterday. The warm moist compresses are better tolerated today than before. Inflammation is down overall and she made it through on less pain med today. But I gave her the full dose at bedtime. We all need our sleep.
She refused to go out to potty. This makes for a long day afloat...perhaps she is refusing water during the day for that very reason.
Upon my arrival, I hear the welcoming ruckus; she's confined in all dimensions except vertical. There she is, bouncing and carrying on like a fool, eager to race out to a bigger place to bounce even higher. If I sit down on the floor she'll get reinforced for bouncing (and I'll likely get trampled to death). If I walk out until she's calm she'll blow through the gate. I'm remembering how this dog, upon rescue, scaled a 6 foot barricade to prove her point about not liking confinement. So we put the lead on the front end and the sling on the back end and try to control her through directed activity - walking forward. More forward than walking but redirected.
We made it outside without mishap, although she was attempting to jump off the ramp in her enthusiasm. Some success at the request to potty - but really, mom, nothing in makes for nothing out.
Later she's insisting on sleeping next to me as I work at the computer. Whining a little - and I'm wondering if she hurt something in the process of bouncing. As I see it, we have few options. Make her walk with my husband a little to warm up before I get home (unlikely), get a sedative into her before I get there. Or sit down with her as soon as I get home and "take my licks"...reinforcing the wrong behavior to bring about the more immediate safety outcome.
She's adamant about keeping to routines. We sit here for computer work and we sit there for dinner, and then it is time to bring on the ritual foods - dinner, then the carrot, then the bone, and then the popsicle. And then it is time to watch the TV and she has to be facing the TV... I absolutely nixed the idea about "going for a ride, mom". Keeping the routines is not the option - figuring out how to keep the restrictions in place while we do them is the challenge.
You don't realize the power of a bouv until you try to rein them in on the routines they've run by heart, for years. She's such a compliant dog most of the time. Perhaps that's because she's got me so well trained.
Well at least she's humoring me with the colonial collar. She's only taken it off once.
Meanwhile, the swelling in the knee is down, the incision is looking the best yet, and her ankle isn't as swollen as yesterday. The warm moist compresses are better tolerated today than before. Inflammation is down overall and she made it through on less pain med today. But I gave her the full dose at bedtime. We all need our sleep.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday 1-25-10
Midnight - Gigi is supposed to be wearing a collar to prevent her from chewing out the staples from her leg. This means she whines through the night because the collar is so uncomfortable. I can’t stand it. So we worked out a deal – she’ll make a lotta noise when she changes position and I’ll wake up and check to make sure she’s not chewing. She’s sleeping much better. I’m a zombie. So today will begin “collar training day.”
8 a.m. - POURING rain. She’s not concerned. Nope. I can wait. Days. I remember back to the first days of rescue when she’d go 3 times in 15 minutes. Always after a walk. Always after she was back in the house. She’s come such a long way!
I moved Gigi’s bed with bolster pillows into the great room so we could spend the day with me being a little more productive while she remained under supervision. Things were fine until I turned my back to wash a dish…she made a beeline for the bedroom and her usual spot, however, her bed was gone and only the bare wood floor was there. Could have been a disaster had she slipped while trying to walk or lie down, but apparently the only damage is to my heart…
2 pm - Went to the vet for another laser treatment – swelling is down in the knee but her ankle looks like she need “support hose”. They assure me this is fairly normal and do their laser thing. Going back on Wednesday for more.
She’s loving the rides to and from the vet. I’m not looking forward to telling her she has to stay home tomorrow as I leave for work. No doubt she’ll give her nurses, Ken and Pirate, a rough time.
There’s progress evident daily. It won’t be long before she doesn’t buy my requests to stay put or stay calm. She’s already starting to pull on the lead. I bought a halter for her so I can control the head. We are still walking in tandem – I control the head and Ken supports her hind end in the sling. Kinda looks like a Chinese Dragon as we wend our way from the house to “The Potty Palace” – down the drive a bit to the first pasture gate, then up the mountain trail. Or not. The incline is too much for her, so she settles for the first briar patch on the right… Mom dutifully goes along and into said briar patch…apparently there’s a fine line between a good mother and a chump.
6 pm Gigi has been asleep for 3 hours now. In the collar. Those trips to the vet really take the stuffin’ out of her.
8 pm - Still snoring away. Had to wake her up for meds. Let's hope she doesn't wake up about 3 a.m and want a belly rub. I may not be in the mood.
8 a.m. - POURING rain. She’s not concerned. Nope. I can wait. Days. I remember back to the first days of rescue when she’d go 3 times in 15 minutes. Always after a walk. Always after she was back in the house. She’s come such a long way!
I moved Gigi’s bed with bolster pillows into the great room so we could spend the day with me being a little more productive while she remained under supervision. Things were fine until I turned my back to wash a dish…she made a beeline for the bedroom and her usual spot, however, her bed was gone and only the bare wood floor was there. Could have been a disaster had she slipped while trying to walk or lie down, but apparently the only damage is to my heart…
2 pm - Went to the vet for another laser treatment – swelling is down in the knee but her ankle looks like she need “support hose”. They assure me this is fairly normal and do their laser thing. Going back on Wednesday for more.
She’s loving the rides to and from the vet. I’m not looking forward to telling her she has to stay home tomorrow as I leave for work. No doubt she’ll give her nurses, Ken and Pirate, a rough time.
There’s progress evident daily. It won’t be long before she doesn’t buy my requests to stay put or stay calm. She’s already starting to pull on the lead. I bought a halter for her so I can control the head. We are still walking in tandem – I control the head and Ken supports her hind end in the sling. Kinda looks like a Chinese Dragon as we wend our way from the house to “The Potty Palace” – down the drive a bit to the first pasture gate, then up the mountain trail. Or not. The incline is too much for her, so she settles for the first briar patch on the right… Mom dutifully goes along and into said briar patch…apparently there’s a fine line between a good mother and a chump.
6 pm Gigi has been asleep for 3 hours now. In the collar. Those trips to the vet really take the stuffin’ out of her.
8 pm - Still snoring away. Had to wake her up for meds. Let's hope she doesn't wake up about 3 a.m and want a belly rub. I may not be in the mood.
Sunday 1-24-10
I’m sure I was here for it. And I’m sure Gigi was too. And that’s all I’m sure of. Amazing what no sleep does for the memory.
I do recall that Gigi wanted to be with us as we watched TV. She seemed particularly interested in "The American Revolution" series and turned herself around in her bed so she could see the TV. I wondered if she'd prefer "Born Free"...
A friend suggested I sit with Gigi and read aloud - she's think I was talking to her, and I'd get some reading done. Given that Gigi is a therapy dog and listens to it all, I was thinking about what books she might like to hear... Definitely "The Incredible Journey", skip "Old Yeller" - it will make her cry and there's nothing worse than a bouv with snot in the beard - and maybe "Call of the Wild", although that might be too racey for her right now.
Gigi refused to go inside Sunday after she went out for business - insisted on a car ride, so we loaded her in and drove up and down the dirt road. She loved it. Poor puppy had to sit the in wayback because it's too hard on us to lift her up to get her out - which meant she couldn't put the nose out the window. That however, meant she simply laid down and looked out the back - probably much safer on her leg. I turned on the rear window washer so she'd have a better view. I think she kinda liked looking the trip from a different perspective. Bouv brains.
When she started trying to lick her knee yesterday evening, I had to put the "Colonial collar" - my homemade version of the Elizabethan collar. Mine is made from folded manila file folders, a long ago t-shirt and some megaclips to keep in on. Works well - mostly because she was never very limber in that direction so all she needed was a reminder. But she started complaining at midnight about the collar. My hopes for a solid night went to pot, but the good news was she didn't even lick at her knee for the rest of the night. I know because I awoke every time she moved!
I do recall that Gigi wanted to be with us as we watched TV. She seemed particularly interested in "The American Revolution" series and turned herself around in her bed so she could see the TV. I wondered if she'd prefer "Born Free"...
A friend suggested I sit with Gigi and read aloud - she's think I was talking to her, and I'd get some reading done. Given that Gigi is a therapy dog and listens to it all, I was thinking about what books she might like to hear... Definitely "The Incredible Journey", skip "Old Yeller" - it will make her cry and there's nothing worse than a bouv with snot in the beard - and maybe "Call of the Wild", although that might be too racey for her right now.
Gigi refused to go inside Sunday after she went out for business - insisted on a car ride, so we loaded her in and drove up and down the dirt road. She loved it. Poor puppy had to sit the in wayback because it's too hard on us to lift her up to get her out - which meant she couldn't put the nose out the window. That however, meant she simply laid down and looked out the back - probably much safer on her leg. I turned on the rear window washer so she'd have a better view. I think she kinda liked looking the trip from a different perspective. Bouv brains.
When she started trying to lick her knee yesterday evening, I had to put the "Colonial collar" - my homemade version of the Elizabethan collar. Mine is made from folded manila file folders, a long ago t-shirt and some megaclips to keep in on. Works well - mostly because she was never very limber in that direction so all she needed was a reminder. But she started complaining at midnight about the collar. My hopes for a solid night went to pot, but the good news was she didn't even lick at her knee for the rest of the night. I know because I awoke every time she moved!
Saturday 1-23-10
3:00 am – Pain noises and started licking at knee. Found a pain pill on her bed – not sure if this was missed in the last dose or before. Major quandary…if I assume she only had one, I can give her another. If I assume she had two this would be her third…or did I give her three last night. That would make this #4 and I’m not ok with that. It is amazing how scrambled my brain is on lack of sleep! THAT’s why I made a care chart – to track what meds I gave and when…staggering out to the kitchen to check. Looks like I gave her 2, maybe she missed one. Gave her 2 at 4 a.m… She settles down about 4:30.
Forget the Bite Not Collar. I should have checked her neck measurements before I ordered - I knew she needed the girth but being a girl, I'm not so good on length...
Once the Tramadol kicked in we all got a bit more sleep. Gigi's getting fussy about being left in her bed so we're rearranging carpeting so she can get into her usual place beside my desk. That is her daytime routine, with bed only after 9 pm or when mom's gone. So I think the change in routine is part of the issue during the daytime.
We did another walkabout and couldn't quite achieve "good things", but she was interested in walking and we went 2x the distance of yesterday (mind you, that means we walked from the side door to the place in the yard where "good things sometimes happen". I think I will go find some "good things" to spike the place where she can get to easily.
Wound is oozing a bit, and ice is appreciated after her walk. I'm basically doing what the PT people did to me - warm before exercise and ice after. She does NOT like the warming so I make that pretty minimal and try massage.
Not eating her usual foods today - and despite the "guaranteed result, always works for rescue folks" of butter-fried egg on kibble she wouldn't touch the egg. It was the MOST perfect egg I have ever fried, bar none. Of course it contaminated the kibble. So Pirate "did the manly thing" and ate it for her. Pirate is being quite the nurse - sitting beside Gigi's gated community, coming to get us when she needs something (which has a high likelihood of being edible and he then gets his commission).
Gigi's tastes are more toward fruit and veggies today. I should get her some corn today - on the cob is her preference but we'll take what we can get!
These guys are a hoot.
3 pm – Back from the vet and the 3rd laser treatment. Gigi was rarin’ to go for a ride and emerged from the back of the Subaru with all the stature of the Princess she is…one step at a time, acknowledging accolades by sticking her nose higher in the air. Absolutely regal. Insisted on walking over to “Potty Park” but not very productive. Then back to the office building – not a hint of anxiety about entering. I suspect it is because I told her this was not a hard visit – just a check up and laser treatment and no pain involved. She was totally calm. I was amazed.
Once home, I fed her the newly recommended diet – canned corn, canned dogfood. She’s all in favor of this.
Lesson #2. Don’t feed lickables on a flat dish – the tongue will pop them out ALL over the place… She loved it and settled down for a long, long sleep. I'm cleaning the 5' radius from her tongue.
8pm – I offered a walk and Gigi’s eyes lit up. My objective was to get her outside to potty. Her objective was to get to her “usual” place for the evening – next to my desk. So here we sit – me, logging in the events of the day, and Gigi sleeping on her “good side” now, snoring gently.
She never did agree to go out.
Forget the Bite Not Collar. I should have checked her neck measurements before I ordered - I knew she needed the girth but being a girl, I'm not so good on length...
Once the Tramadol kicked in we all got a bit more sleep. Gigi's getting fussy about being left in her bed so we're rearranging carpeting so she can get into her usual place beside my desk. That is her daytime routine, with bed only after 9 pm or when mom's gone. So I think the change in routine is part of the issue during the daytime.
We did another walkabout and couldn't quite achieve "good things", but she was interested in walking and we went 2x the distance of yesterday (mind you, that means we walked from the side door to the place in the yard where "good things sometimes happen". I think I will go find some "good things" to spike the place where she can get to easily.
Wound is oozing a bit, and ice is appreciated after her walk. I'm basically doing what the PT people did to me - warm before exercise and ice after. She does NOT like the warming so I make that pretty minimal and try massage.
Not eating her usual foods today - and despite the "guaranteed result, always works for rescue folks" of butter-fried egg on kibble she wouldn't touch the egg. It was the MOST perfect egg I have ever fried, bar none. Of course it contaminated the kibble. So Pirate "did the manly thing" and ate it for her. Pirate is being quite the nurse - sitting beside Gigi's gated community, coming to get us when she needs something (which has a high likelihood of being edible and he then gets his commission).
Gigi's tastes are more toward fruit and veggies today. I should get her some corn today - on the cob is her preference but we'll take what we can get!
These guys are a hoot.
3 pm – Back from the vet and the 3rd laser treatment. Gigi was rarin’ to go for a ride and emerged from the back of the Subaru with all the stature of the Princess she is…one step at a time, acknowledging accolades by sticking her nose higher in the air. Absolutely regal. Insisted on walking over to “Potty Park” but not very productive. Then back to the office building – not a hint of anxiety about entering. I suspect it is because I told her this was not a hard visit – just a check up and laser treatment and no pain involved. She was totally calm. I was amazed.
Once home, I fed her the newly recommended diet – canned corn, canned dogfood. She’s all in favor of this.
Lesson #2. Don’t feed lickables on a flat dish – the tongue will pop them out ALL over the place… She loved it and settled down for a long, long sleep. I'm cleaning the 5' radius from her tongue.
8pm – I offered a walk and Gigi’s eyes lit up. My objective was to get her outside to potty. Her objective was to get to her “usual” place for the evening – next to my desk. So here we sit – me, logging in the events of the day, and Gigi sleeping on her “good side” now, snoring gently.
She never did agree to go out.
Friday 1-22-10
4 am - OMG why do her haunches creak? or is something wrong?
Gigi was exhausted when she got settled into bed, and then slept soundly until 3 30 am when she started whining. Water - yes please, no thank on food, didn't make any attempt to get up when we offered "out" - now she is sounding like a screech owl.... woooooooooooooooooooo,, wooowowwoooowoooowoowooooooo.
She's been on one side for the entire time - seems like I should let her shift position but then again will she do that on her own?
Ironies of all ironies - I shave her down to 1 inch all over EXCEPT for the surgery leg, because I figured they would shave that to the skin. Oh no. They opened her up on the inside of the leg. So now I have a dog who won’t want someone fussing on her leg with hair now getting more matted by the breath... I'll wait until the next dose of pain killers and then trim her down. Poor baby.
So what about this creaking stuff - she sounds like an antique chair. The vet tech doesn’t know and will relay the question to the vet.
9 am - Lesson #1: Don't bother to undress: Go to bed "all standing". If you wait for her to stand up before you get dressed to take her outside, she will have changed her mind by the time you get your shoes on. This morning it looked like a chinese firedrill as we scrambled into action when she started scrabbling around.
We headed for the door and I could see the dawn of recognition in her eyes - stairs down and up - no thanks. I’m not gonna pee. Nope. Not a chance.
So we took the bottom tray out of a giant rabbit cage, put it on the porch and filled it with leaves. Maybe she'll agree to use that. If I can't get her outside later, I'll move the tray inside and if THAT doesn't work, I'll demonstrate...
She drank a lot of water when she came home last night, and again this morning. Ate a little last night but nothing yet today. I have to get something into her so I can give her the antibiotics. She swallowed the pain pills with tapioca this morning but it was more my idea than hers.
She's zonked right now. I'll wait till she stirs before trying out the pan idea. I'm cooking bacon. Maybe that will tempt her to rouse up. She's been on her good side almost the whole time - only an hour or two on the other side. But she's on a dense foam pad and not the cold floor.
Pirate is being the consummate tender. Comes and tells me if she moves. He doesn't like her being behind the baby gate and protests every time I put it up. Since she isn't moving, I left it down and Pirate's much happier. Wait till he sees the collar on her... We bought a Bite Not collar – thought that would be more humane than an Elizabethan collar when the urge to chew sets in.
12 pm - We've got 1/2 inch of ice on the drive and yard so ain't nobody goin' nowheres. I put the tray in the house because I don't even want to try going out myself (to the car, not to the tray!).
I have hay around back and will drag that up once the sleet/snow/rain stops falling. We also have lots of ashes.
A friend suggests posting a warning for visitors not to knock on the front door – the explosive response could cause injury. Excellent idea. Since we get very few visitors here and the long gravel road is "irrepressible" re warnings - but the foxes and the airplanes trigger them every time - I'll put on some music.
She still hasn't peed but she did eat a couple carrots.
4 pm SHE PEED SHE PEED SHE PEED! and peed and peed and peed. 24 hours... She went outside via the kitchen door and down the ramp. We had to carry her back up the 2 stairs - she just can't quite get the 3-legged thing. It took her months to learn how to walk up and down stairs properly when she was first rescued, so I think there's a glitch in the software somewhere.
I had put the potty tray in the bedroom so she'd know the options. Smart dog. Determined dog. And she stopped by the bone cupboard on her way back..."I went out, gimme a bone". Tail was wagging as she dropped it on the floor. She didn't really want the bone, but she thought the sauerkraut was grand. So she ate a little dinner, had her pain meds and all's right with the world.
Tonight's fare will be kibbles and pumpkin. And I have an applejuice popcicle for later, since the snow cones in the yard are out of reach.
No weird popping or creaking sound today - and trust me, I have been listening. I called the vet hospital (3 a.m.) and they thought perhaps it was the leg/hip/spine getting back to normal after the surgery - the tech said they pull up on the leg (so it is vertical to operate on) and that things might have been out of place. Makes me shiver to think, but she seems ok and was willing to walk.
She got herself stuck under the bedside table this morning, pushing herself around. I had to remove all 50 books and then lift out the table so we could get the sling on her to get her back to bed. Modification of that arrangement completed, my husband suggested I put the books back on bookshelves. Imagine! The noive!
I put hay down at the end of the ramp – seems to have been a good visual, because she was quite willing to try down. Still carrying her up the steps.
9 pm - Interesting pattern emerging - when we first got her from rescue, she would become increasingly anxious as the sun went down - whistling/squeaking. That behavior had disappeared many years ago. But it is back. Curious. Doesn't want anything and a bit early for pain meds.
Gigi volunteered to come out of the bedroom and I thought she was headed out to potty but she walked to the TV, then turned around and walked back to bed. "It's time to watch TV, you lunkheads."
We are getting much better at "bringing up the rear" so to speak. And she's very good about staying on the rugs and walking slowly. Teamwork is everything!
Starting to indicate discomfort, urge toward licking or chewing. I so hate to put that collar on her - it is a bit wide for her neck but the lesser width wouldn't be long enough to go around. Wrestler's neck. Or perhaps Wrestler's Mother. Ack Ack Ack.
Hoping for a quiet night because we're witless at this point. Remember - to bed "all standing"... I have a feeling potty time will come at an indecent hour.
Hugs to all the bouvs with bolts.
Gigi was exhausted when she got settled into bed, and then slept soundly until 3 30 am when she started whining. Water - yes please, no thank on food, didn't make any attempt to get up when we offered "out" - now she is sounding like a screech owl.... woooooooooooooooooooo,, wooowowwoooowoooowoowooooooo.
She's been on one side for the entire time - seems like I should let her shift position but then again will she do that on her own?
Ironies of all ironies - I shave her down to 1 inch all over EXCEPT for the surgery leg, because I figured they would shave that to the skin. Oh no. They opened her up on the inside of the leg. So now I have a dog who won’t want someone fussing on her leg with hair now getting more matted by the breath... I'll wait until the next dose of pain killers and then trim her down. Poor baby.
So what about this creaking stuff - she sounds like an antique chair. The vet tech doesn’t know and will relay the question to the vet.
9 am - Lesson #1: Don't bother to undress: Go to bed "all standing". If you wait for her to stand up before you get dressed to take her outside, she will have changed her mind by the time you get your shoes on. This morning it looked like a chinese firedrill as we scrambled into action when she started scrabbling around.
We headed for the door and I could see the dawn of recognition in her eyes - stairs down and up - no thanks. I’m not gonna pee. Nope. Not a chance.
So we took the bottom tray out of a giant rabbit cage, put it on the porch and filled it with leaves. Maybe she'll agree to use that. If I can't get her outside later, I'll move the tray inside and if THAT doesn't work, I'll demonstrate...
She drank a lot of water when she came home last night, and again this morning. Ate a little last night but nothing yet today. I have to get something into her so I can give her the antibiotics. She swallowed the pain pills with tapioca this morning but it was more my idea than hers.
She's zonked right now. I'll wait till she stirs before trying out the pan idea. I'm cooking bacon. Maybe that will tempt her to rouse up. She's been on her good side almost the whole time - only an hour or two on the other side. But she's on a dense foam pad and not the cold floor.
Pirate is being the consummate tender. Comes and tells me if she moves. He doesn't like her being behind the baby gate and protests every time I put it up. Since she isn't moving, I left it down and Pirate's much happier. Wait till he sees the collar on her... We bought a Bite Not collar – thought that would be more humane than an Elizabethan collar when the urge to chew sets in.
12 pm - We've got 1/2 inch of ice on the drive and yard so ain't nobody goin' nowheres. I put the tray in the house because I don't even want to try going out myself (to the car, not to the tray!).
I have hay around back and will drag that up once the sleet/snow/rain stops falling. We also have lots of ashes.
A friend suggests posting a warning for visitors not to knock on the front door – the explosive response could cause injury. Excellent idea. Since we get very few visitors here and the long gravel road is "irrepressible" re warnings - but the foxes and the airplanes trigger them every time - I'll put on some music.
She still hasn't peed but she did eat a couple carrots.
4 pm SHE PEED SHE PEED SHE PEED! and peed and peed and peed. 24 hours... She went outside via the kitchen door and down the ramp. We had to carry her back up the 2 stairs - she just can't quite get the 3-legged thing. It took her months to learn how to walk up and down stairs properly when she was first rescued, so I think there's a glitch in the software somewhere.
I had put the potty tray in the bedroom so she'd know the options. Smart dog. Determined dog. And she stopped by the bone cupboard on her way back..."I went out, gimme a bone". Tail was wagging as she dropped it on the floor. She didn't really want the bone, but she thought the sauerkraut was grand. So she ate a little dinner, had her pain meds and all's right with the world.
Tonight's fare will be kibbles and pumpkin. And I have an applejuice popcicle for later, since the snow cones in the yard are out of reach.
No weird popping or creaking sound today - and trust me, I have been listening. I called the vet hospital (3 a.m.) and they thought perhaps it was the leg/hip/spine getting back to normal after the surgery - the tech said they pull up on the leg (so it is vertical to operate on) and that things might have been out of place. Makes me shiver to think, but she seems ok and was willing to walk.
She got herself stuck under the bedside table this morning, pushing herself around. I had to remove all 50 books and then lift out the table so we could get the sling on her to get her back to bed. Modification of that arrangement completed, my husband suggested I put the books back on bookshelves. Imagine! The noive!
I put hay down at the end of the ramp – seems to have been a good visual, because she was quite willing to try down. Still carrying her up the steps.
9 pm - Interesting pattern emerging - when we first got her from rescue, she would become increasingly anxious as the sun went down - whistling/squeaking. That behavior had disappeared many years ago. But it is back. Curious. Doesn't want anything and a bit early for pain meds.
Gigi volunteered to come out of the bedroom and I thought she was headed out to potty but she walked to the TV, then turned around and walked back to bed. "It's time to watch TV, you lunkheads."
We are getting much better at "bringing up the rear" so to speak. And she's very good about staying on the rugs and walking slowly. Teamwork is everything!
Starting to indicate discomfort, urge toward licking or chewing. I so hate to put that collar on her - it is a bit wide for her neck but the lesser width wouldn't be long enough to go around. Wrestler's neck. Or perhaps Wrestler's Mother. Ack Ack Ack.
Hoping for a quiet night because we're witless at this point. Remember - to bed "all standing"... I have a feeling potty time will come at an indecent hour.
Hugs to all the bouvs with bolts.
Thursday 1-21-10
Gigi spent the night in ICU with a technician by her side – actually, the technician was in the cage with Gigi because Gigi was a bit “demanding”… Hard to believe with all those drugs in her she’s still trying to run the show. What a bouv!
7 pm – Picked Gigi up from the vet – I could hear her chatting in the back as soon as I walked in the building. A debriefing by the technician, a handful of papers, a bill that makes the national debt pale in comparison and we’re out the door. Into the sleet storm. Better we take her home now than tomorrow, when it is supposed to be worse.
7:30 pm – Getting her out of the car is no picnic. Going in was fine. Coming out requires me to get into the back of the Subaru, lift her hind end up while on my knees bent forward and convince her to walk down the Styrofoam block steps like all the other times we practiced. Nope. Unh-hu. Not now, not then. Meanwhile the sleet is starting to make it treacherous for us as well as her. We finally convince her to vacate the car, and we have to carry her up the steps. Into bed. Meds down. Last “jinkie wawa” and we hope we’re off for a good night. Gigi stops talking and literally falls over – out cold. I think she was running on nerves. I sure have been.
7 pm – Picked Gigi up from the vet – I could hear her chatting in the back as soon as I walked in the building. A debriefing by the technician, a handful of papers, a bill that makes the national debt pale in comparison and we’re out the door. Into the sleet storm. Better we take her home now than tomorrow, when it is supposed to be worse.
7:30 pm – Getting her out of the car is no picnic. Going in was fine. Coming out requires me to get into the back of the Subaru, lift her hind end up while on my knees bent forward and convince her to walk down the Styrofoam block steps like all the other times we practiced. Nope. Unh-hu. Not now, not then. Meanwhile the sleet is starting to make it treacherous for us as well as her. We finally convince her to vacate the car, and we have to carry her up the steps. Into bed. Meds down. Last “jinkie wawa” and we hope we’re off for a good night. Gigi stops talking and literally falls over – out cold. I think she was running on nerves. I sure have been.
Wednesday 1-20-10
8:45 pm - Gigi is in surgery tonight - she is #2 in line and should be all finished by midnight. They have overnight staff and the vet will be on the premises until 2 a.m. I can pick her up tomorrow evening. She will have an ice pack on her post surgery, and they will have given her 2 laser treatments by the time I pick her up. Plus adequan, which I had already started 2 weeks ago. The vet says she will be off narcotics in 2 days, and does not anticipate her needing pain meds. She will be on antibiotic as well. Glad I talked with the vet in detail tonight as he had forgotten she was allergic to Baytril. (He didnt' have her chart there, he was just answering my questions so I wasn't panicked by that slip.) He said maybe tranquillizers PRN to keep her from being goofy. I asked if I could take them.
I asked a multitude of questions and wrote down all the answers, but there seem to be some contradictions. Maybe it is only because I'm hanging on every word and being too literal. He said "only activity as necessary" for pottying for 6 weeks... and passive range of motion as soon as the staples are out. Inclines are ok, stairs with support/sling. Even long stairs ok with sling. He was cautious about car rides because of the accidents that could happen. I asked about 5 minute walks to keep her from atrophying and he said “only business as necessary”. Then again, it often takes her a few minutes to potty so maybe that works out ok. Will potty walks keep her from atrophying? I read horror stories about the atrophy risks online. It is so hard to trust – even the specialists. Another lesson in life…
Asking questions for future planning, I asked about PT with water support. The vet was adamant - "only activity as necessary for 6 weeks".
Meanwhile... I have chest pains. Episodes of hysteria. The only thoughts are of doubt and doom. And I seem to have misplaced my brain. Can’t remember from one side of the table to the other what I’m doing, or supposed to be doing.
I asked a multitude of questions and wrote down all the answers, but there seem to be some contradictions. Maybe it is only because I'm hanging on every word and being too literal. He said "only activity as necessary" for pottying for 6 weeks... and passive range of motion as soon as the staples are out. Inclines are ok, stairs with support/sling. Even long stairs ok with sling. He was cautious about car rides because of the accidents that could happen. I asked about 5 minute walks to keep her from atrophying and he said “only business as necessary”. Then again, it often takes her a few minutes to potty so maybe that works out ok. Will potty walks keep her from atrophying? I read horror stories about the atrophy risks online. It is so hard to trust – even the specialists. Another lesson in life…
Asking questions for future planning, I asked about PT with water support. The vet was adamant - "only activity as necessary for 6 weeks".
Meanwhile... I have chest pains. Episodes of hysteria. The only thoughts are of doubt and doom. And I seem to have misplaced my brain. Can’t remember from one side of the table to the other what I’m doing, or supposed to be doing.
Vet called and said "ruptured cruciate, did great in surgery, no surprises, and she's heavy drugged for the night". She was a sweetie and they will call me tomorrow after they've done a post op eval. Guess it was the
right decision after all.
Can I barf now? The tension has been dreadful.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Preparations for Surgery
Life has been moving too fast since learning Gigi needs TPLO surgery on her right hind leg. She's a very large Bouvier des Flandres, 9 years old, and overweight by about 20 lbs. We, her people-parents are average height, overweight by more than 20 lbs and living in a house with wood floors and porches that all have steps up.
Here were the preparations we did and how they worked out...
FLOORS - we begged and borrowed carpeting of all types and created contiguous runways over the most travelled areas. Anything that didn't have carpeting was blocked off to dissuade her from that route. The critical issue (in my mind) was non-slippage because bouvs tend to launch themselves. The effect totally matched my ADD decorating style - and it works very well to reduce the likelihood of slipping (for all of us).
CONFINEMENT AREA - We created two locations for confinement - the usual sleeping area and the "family area". Gigi normally sleeps on the floor between the bed and the wall so the important additions included siderails to keep her from "scooching" backwards under the bed or the side table. We tied a 2x6 to the inside of the bed legs and put a 2x6 across the back - between the wall and the bed - and lashed it to the side table legs. Put in a pool flotation lounger and lined the rails with body pillows (long round pillows) for bolsters. This arrangement has worked INCREDIBLY WELL. She was able to brace her feet against the rails and ease herself down onto the bolsters in the initial, most painful stages. She was also able to rest her head on the bolsters which made life in the collar more bearable.
COLLAR - Forget the Elizabethan on a large dog. The "Colonial Collar" (my own design) has worked very well - 2 file folders, folded in half (to fit between the top of the shoulder and the base of the ear), stapled end to end (for length to go around the neck more or less), and all this folded inside a stretchy, soft but not heavy fabric. Then wrapped snuggly around the neck and clamped with a spring clamp (like you'd put on a thick report). This might not work for a very limber dog, but Gigi isn't so limber in the spine, so this was effective.
RAMPS - we got a telescoping pet ramp for stairs and cars. However, while she can and will go down, she cannot climb up because she slips on the nonslip material... So now we use it only for stairs down from the house. For getting in and out of the car, I made 3 styrofoam block steps (about 20x20x6) with a 1/4' piece of 20x22" panelling glued to each piece. This makes it look and feel like a step, but is light enough for me to lift easily. I'll put a photo in on this when I get a chance.
Here were the preparations we did and how they worked out...
FLOORS - we begged and borrowed carpeting of all types and created contiguous runways over the most travelled areas. Anything that didn't have carpeting was blocked off to dissuade her from that route. The critical issue (in my mind) was non-slippage because bouvs tend to launch themselves. The effect totally matched my ADD decorating style - and it works very well to reduce the likelihood of slipping (for all of us).
CONFINEMENT AREA - We created two locations for confinement - the usual sleeping area and the "family area". Gigi normally sleeps on the floor between the bed and the wall so the important additions included siderails to keep her from "scooching" backwards under the bed or the side table. We tied a 2x6 to the inside of the bed legs and put a 2x6 across the back - between the wall and the bed - and lashed it to the side table legs. Put in a pool flotation lounger and lined the rails with body pillows (long round pillows) for bolsters. This arrangement has worked INCREDIBLY WELL. She was able to brace her feet against the rails and ease herself down onto the bolsters in the initial, most painful stages. She was also able to rest her head on the bolsters which made life in the collar more bearable.
COLLAR - Forget the Elizabethan on a large dog. The "Colonial Collar" (my own design) has worked very well - 2 file folders, folded in half (to fit between the top of the shoulder and the base of the ear), stapled end to end (for length to go around the neck more or less), and all this folded inside a stretchy, soft but not heavy fabric. Then wrapped snuggly around the neck and clamped with a spring clamp (like you'd put on a thick report). This might not work for a very limber dog, but Gigi isn't so limber in the spine, so this was effective.
RAMPS - we got a telescoping pet ramp for stairs and cars. However, while she can and will go down, she cannot climb up because she slips on the nonslip material... So now we use it only for stairs down from the house. For getting in and out of the car, I made 3 styrofoam block steps (about 20x20x6) with a 1/4' piece of 20x22" panelling glued to each piece. This makes it look and feel like a step, but is light enough for me to lift easily. I'll put a photo in on this when I get a chance.
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