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.
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.
Comment
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Comment by Donna M on October 23, 2010 at 7:31am
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IHow wonderful! So happy your Sidney is doing well.
Can I suggest something for your sweet Sidney that you can discuss with your vet? Don't encourage the stairs...in fact - all of our vets prohibited it after puppy days were behind us as it strains corgi's backs and hips and can contribute to a slipped disc someday.
Maybe it's just for older dogs...but you might look into it for long term.
Just thought I should share what I have learned. I hope I've not overstepped my "newbie" to the site grounds.
:)
Best wishes for a smooth recovery!
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Comment by Beth on September 25, 2010 at 9:51am
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Glad to hear he's doing so well! We all love Sidney. Jack does not like to be stretched (we've tried it in agility) and he will definitely swing his head around with his mouth open and touch me with his teeth when I try to mess with his paws or legs or anything like that. I don't think in Jack's case it's pain, but rather panic (his hear rate climbs, his breathing gets rapid, and he generally starts wigging out on me).
Hope his recover goes smoothly.
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Comment by Carole and Sophie on September 25, 2010 at 9:36am
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Thank you for the update on Sidney! He really looks good and it sounds like his recovery is going very well! Geri you are a patient and loving Mom. I'm sure Sidney is much happier now that he can loose the e-collar and roam around the house! Keep up the good work you two!
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Comment by Bev Levy on September 25, 2010 at 8:57am
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Sidney looks great! The behavioral part fits Sparty to a tee. There is no way he will let anyone mess with his feet with out yelping like a baby. It is wonderful that Sid can now wander around without the e-collar. I would imagine that he will heal faster than you or I would under the circumstances!
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Comment by Judi, Dawn, Soffie & Griffyn on September 25, 2010 at 8:34am
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Great news!!! And of course you know how happy I am to hear he's lost some weight!! ; )
Keep up the good work Sidney!!
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Comment by Geri & Sidney on September 25, 2010 at 1:52am
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On another note, the Metacam (anti-inflammatory) has really knocked Sidney out. I mean, he'll respond (turn his head, look at me) when I call his name, but he seems perfectly content to hang out in his crate and stare off into space. The info that came with the meds mentions that GI issues could occur, but not this oh so relaxed behavior. He's not lethargic, just...chillin'. Have any of you had a corgi on Metacam, and did he act like this? I guess it's good, get him to rest. I'll be curious to see how he acts in the morning.
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Thank you for writing about Al and his nails. It actually did make me feel better! I think SIdney and I will both feel better, one day at a time.
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Comment by John Wolff on September 25, 2010 at 12:58am
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Hey, you should shave half his tail, right in the middle. Explain to astonished gawkers that it's the latest punk thing in rebellious pets. Maybe dye the tip hot pink?
Your description of his reaction to the vet's manipulation reminded me of Al's reaction to getting his nails clipped -- more behavioral than actual pain -- Al will squeal like I've amputated his head, when I haven't even clipped his nail yet. He's never nipped at me, but he has swung his head towards my hand with the clippers, in mild panic. One way we deal with this is distraction: Lori will hold his head and talk to him, occupy him, while I clip the nail. I'm convinced it's fear, not pain. You might try this distraction technique with Sid. Employ a confederate to distract him while you manipulate the leg.
I learned it from my dentist. She doesn't do topical anesthetic for an injection, she just pinches my cheek and wiggles it while she does the injection, and I don't feel the needle at all, quite effective.
I sure hope Sid's OK. You, too. What a journey.
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Comment by Flintstone on September 25, 2010 at 12:00am
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That is WONDERFUL news!
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Comment by Tauna and Kota on September 24, 2010 at 11:16pm
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YAY~!!! I am so glad to hear the good news. Hugs
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