Hannes was moping around while I decorated the Christmas trees on Wednesday morning, something wasn't quite right. I fixed him a cozy place to rest but he wouldn't settle down and seemed "tender" when I picked him up, I simply couldn't pinpoint the trouble. By lunchtime my husband and I decided to call the vet; a 3 o'clock appointment was available. An examination on the table revealed the source of his problem, the vet feared it was a prolapsed cervical disc ("slipped" disc in his neck) and ordered an X-ray on the spot; unfortunately, he was correct. It was not the diagnosis we wanted to hear. The treatment: three weeks of
complete rest and physical restriction for our furry boy. If he's not being held in our arms he is in his crate, no physical activity whatsoever. He's on an anti-inflammatory/pain medicine and he has been switched from a collar to a harness for leashed,
brief, potty breaks outdoors. His water and food dishes have been raised up off the floor so he won't need to bend his head to eat. We've seen improvement already; as the medication works to alleviate his symptoms the happy and energetic personality has returned, which makes our job of keeping him "down" even that much harder! He doesn't understand why he's crated so often, or why he can't play chase with his squeaky toy or hide and seek. Time (and rest) will tell; and, hopefully, heal. In the meantime Hannes is more than a little put out with us, he thinks that this treatment is one big pain in the neck; although, cheese-wrapped pills and extended snuggle time makes it all a bit more bearable!
Life is Good!
15 comments:
Awww, poor thing, they just never understand.
Poor Hannes! Jim had to make Johann a raised table because the ready-made ones were too short for our Big Guy. Good Luck to all of you with the activity restrictions. Hope Hannes gets a clean bill of health for Christmas.
Oh, poor Hannes!! Having done the same thing, I have much sympathy for him. Glad no one made me live in my crate though. ;-) It's so hard to keep pets and kids quiet....but you know that!
My beloved Sadie Anne (rescued Shiba Inu and Lab mix) and I send Hannes wishes for a speedy recovery. Your loving care is the best medicine! Linda
Banjo can totally relate...he has been locked up in the barn for almost a week now. He won't even let me pet him goodnight (cat's way of being mad...deprive the owner of my affection) Hope this break will do the trick for Hannes so he can be up to usher Santa into the house Christmas Eve.
Oh no, Mrs. G. I have so much experience with this that I can't help the tears that fall. Sending multitudes of hugs and kisses and prayers on doggy wings for our beautiful little Hannes---and Mom and Dad---those big eyes get you every time you go to crate them...*sigh*
So hard to give "tough love" when they have no clue why.
Blackberry sends a great big sniff and lick!
Poor little Hannes! Get better soon. Jenny had a similar event after running and jumping for balls in the back yard and the medication really helped but she sure didn't understand why we stopped throwing those balls for her!! But she is much better and we are back to throwing the balls - just not so high :))
Oh my, will he be able to play at the Lutheran quilt luncheon.
Your friend,
Bentley
Sending hugs for you and Marc as you tend to your furry patient!
Oh, poor Hannes. Arlo sends his sympathies. It's hard to keep a good dog down. We went thru something similar with Ditto, our first Dal. 'twas not fun for himor us. Give Hannes an extra cookie.....
Oh DEAR!! I will keep you and Haines in prayers. I hope it all turns out well for you all!
Poor baby. We went through the exact same thing about a month ago (our dog was dragging his back leg and unable to walk much at all) and our dog seems to have recovered fully. Funny thing: after the fact, someone told me there is a "people" chiropractor here in town that will see dogs. They took a dachshund there who 'needed' back surgery and the chiropractor was able to 'fix' it just like that. I'm keeping that in mind for next time. Hope your little Hannes is getting better and better!
Oh Bless his Heart! Sending lots of good thoughts. Howie says "Get well soon Hannes!"
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