Chris
05-11-2011, 10:17 PM
Hi everyone,
Alex would like you to know that he is doing very well these days. He is not in any pain. He walks around the yard and goes potty outside all by himself without supervision (well, people are out with him but he needs zero assistance). His left leg is 100% healed and his right leg is back to about 85% or more function I would say(but then I see him everyday - people who haven't seen him in awhile notice the dramatic difference more) Last time I checked in I think it was zero or close to nothing. His muscles are strong and all the atrophy in his right leg is gone. He even does the happy doxie dance, wags a lot and does the occasionally zoom in the yard - of course, as much as a dignified almost 13 year old zooms (He'll be 13 tomorrow!). He is getting around very, very well. He never ended up getting a cart and I am glad in the end he didn't need one.
He went out on a trail for a little bit the first time this season and did really well. We didn't go very far, a very short distance. and he was off leash and was allowed to go at his pace to check things out. He hasn't walked on the leash with his brother as for those that know Ollie - Ollie has a sweeping diagonal walking style (he walks in a zig zag that I can't quite seem to crack. Even if the leash is short he does a steady even zig zag to get every scent in). I just don't want him knocked over.
The only thing he has trouble with is on my parents slippery linoleum when we are over there. He doesn't trip or slip - it is just when he is sitting, he has learned that when he wants to move like a speed demon, he can just sit down and pivot himself in a sitting position (not a drag). He does not do this on the grass or sidewalk or carpet or wood, and he does get up and move when he wants to get clear across the kitchen but for small distances, he does not bother with it. I don't know if he cannot get enough traction or he is just being efficient. I have been watching it - it is definitely a huge improvement and I will definitely take it over the dragging or not walking at all that he was doing at the beginning of this journey.
Anyway, I am so glad that I went with the no surgery option with much suggestion and support. I look forward to continued improvements. I was so worried that I was going to lose him. I hope I have many more senior years to look forward to with him.
I might even take him to the doggie bakery tomorrow to get him a special treat.
Alex would like you to know that he is doing very well these days. He is not in any pain. He walks around the yard and goes potty outside all by himself without supervision (well, people are out with him but he needs zero assistance). His left leg is 100% healed and his right leg is back to about 85% or more function I would say(but then I see him everyday - people who haven't seen him in awhile notice the dramatic difference more) Last time I checked in I think it was zero or close to nothing. His muscles are strong and all the atrophy in his right leg is gone. He even does the happy doxie dance, wags a lot and does the occasionally zoom in the yard - of course, as much as a dignified almost 13 year old zooms (He'll be 13 tomorrow!). He is getting around very, very well. He never ended up getting a cart and I am glad in the end he didn't need one.
He went out on a trail for a little bit the first time this season and did really well. We didn't go very far, a very short distance. and he was off leash and was allowed to go at his pace to check things out. He hasn't walked on the leash with his brother as for those that know Ollie - Ollie has a sweeping diagonal walking style (he walks in a zig zag that I can't quite seem to crack. Even if the leash is short he does a steady even zig zag to get every scent in). I just don't want him knocked over.
The only thing he has trouble with is on my parents slippery linoleum when we are over there. He doesn't trip or slip - it is just when he is sitting, he has learned that when he wants to move like a speed demon, he can just sit down and pivot himself in a sitting position (not a drag). He does not do this on the grass or sidewalk or carpet or wood, and he does get up and move when he wants to get clear across the kitchen but for small distances, he does not bother with it. I don't know if he cannot get enough traction or he is just being efficient. I have been watching it - it is definitely a huge improvement and I will definitely take it over the dragging or not walking at all that he was doing at the beginning of this journey.
Anyway, I am so glad that I went with the no surgery option with much suggestion and support. I look forward to continued improvements. I was so worried that I was going to lose him. I hope I have many more senior years to look forward to with him.
I might even take him to the doggie bakery tomorrow to get him a special treat.