Sidney's FHO Journey, update

Today we took Sidney back to Veterinary Surgical Specialists in Kearney Mesa for his 2-week post surgery appointment and to have his sutures taken out.

His fur is already growing back, so it was a bit of a challenge for the tech to find all the sutures! Sidney was really good and didn't complain about that. However, when the vet tried to show us how to extend his leg back, Sidney reacted badly to that! I said it looked like that hurt, but the vet said it was more behavioral. I don't know about that..I know Sidney and he's very mellow when it comes to tolerating things like that. Vet said that if Sidney didn't like the manipulation, we could focus on the walking and the swimming to get the leg moving again. I tried it again at home, he was having nothing of it. He didn't bite, but he did swing his mouth around to my hand. It's discouraging but understandable.

^^ He did lose a little weight during his rehabilitation. He's down to 28 pounds...but it's a good thing!

They said that at 2 weeks, most dogs are still keeping their leg tucked up all the time, and since Sidney will put the leg down when he stands and take a few steps on it, he's ahead of the game. This helped ease my mind, since I had been so worried about him keeping his leg off the ground as much as he was.

^^That's my daughter walking him out of the examination room area. He was anxious to get outta there!

We need to take him out on walks, but keep the leash very short and move very slowly so he's forced to walk and not bunny-hop. We're also giving him anti-inflammatory (Metacam) on a short-term basis. He gets another checkup in 2 weeks, and we'll have bloodwork done to make sure the Metacam is not harming his kidneys and liver. The drug should make him feel more comfortable while he exercises and uses the leg again.

Now that the first 2 weeks is over, Sidney does not have to wear the pro-collar anymore, and doesn't have to be penned up either. He can roam the house and go up the stairs. Doc says if he slips he'll be sore for a day or two, but he can't harm the joint anymore, so not to worry about that. He says Sidney will get a little better each week and that it'll take about 5 months to get to full healing; then we will know what we've got from that point on.

Thank you everyone for your support, prayers and well-wishes! I'll continue to update on his condition and progress.

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Comment by Michelle on September 24, 2010 at 11:15pm: Good job Sydney! He looks very happy with that great big smile on his face!!! I love the pic on the bottom where he is looking over his shoulder smiling!!! Sending out positive corgi hugs and kisses! ^,,^

Comment by Jane Christensen on September 24, 2010 at 10:49pm: So happy for you both!!!!!!! I know if this was Wynn he would not like me extending anything and would react worse than Sid! keep up the good work you 2!

Comment by Teresa Gilpin on September 24, 2010 at 8:44pm: So happy to hear he is progressing so fast! Keep up the good work, (He must be getting some tender loving care at home!).

Comment by Jennifer Markley on September 24, 2010 at 7:30pm: Wow. That's fast progress!! Seanna was cooped up for 3 months....he looks soooo happy though! Seanna too was sore from her ACL surgery for awhile, and hated the extension exercises. I got some lean training treats, and put the jar on it's side and let her eat them while I did her exercises to distract her. I also froze a Kong and gave her that too. She protested pretty much the whole time though....

Comment by christy fry on September 24, 2010 at 7:27pm: Yay for sydney =)

Comment by Lawren and Teddy on September 24, 2010 at 7:24pm: Yay Sidney! Great to hear.

Comment by Sam Tsang on September 24, 2010 at 6:21pm: Looking good Sidney!

Comment by JENNY & COBY on September 24, 2010 at 6:15pm: gooood to hear that! :)

Comment by Susan Stanton on September 24, 2010 at 6:09pm: Yay, glad to hear it's going to swell. Bertie and Ethel wish him all the best! and me too.