Saturday, July 28, 2007

Poor Scooter (WARNING: very long)

Well, I'm sure most people reading this blog (if very many at all) don't really want to hear about my dogs everyday. But I don't care. The pups grandparents (John's Dad and step-mom) like to keep up with the kids this way. And since John doesn't relay info that great, they rely on me! And I have some sad news to report.

On Wednesday we took Scooter and Penny to the vet because Penny had some stiches left over from her spay that we needed removed. Even though we had to pay for an office visit here, it was still cheaper than paying for gas to drive down to the OC and have it done for free at our previous vet. So while we were there we had Scooter tested for Heartworm (which he was negative for) and got both he and Penny started on Interceptor (heartworm preventative). Scooter has vaccine allergies so I wasn't sure if this would bother him or not. It's pretty powerful stuff you are giving to a dog. Anyway, he was fine. Then Thursday (yesterday) he started acting strange. He didn't want to play ball which is unheard of for him. He wouldn't play with Penny. He wouldn't even run. And he even went pee pee in the house which he also NEVER does. So I knew something was up. I thought it was a reaction to the Interceptor. It says they can get lethargic. Well later that night he started yelping like he was in pain. So we thought he had hurt his back somehow. Doxies have problems with their backs. So I was stressing. Poor Scooter slept on his back last night and was shaking and looked like he was in pain.

First thing this morning I called the vet. They were able to squeeze him into their full schedule. The vet did some pressure tests on his back and he didn't cry. She had him walk around the room. Then she tested the reflexes in his legs. Turns out poor little scooter tore part of a ligament in his back left leg. This is bad news. This usually requires surgery...a $5000.00 surgery. Yikes. But the vet said it didn't look too bad and we could probably get off without surgery IF......

this is where it gets sad. She gave Scooter pain meds which make him think nothing is even wrong. He was ready to play in a couple of hours after. BUT the vet has assigned Scooter to strict bedrest for at least 2 weeks! This means locking my very active and exciteable dog in his crate all the time!!! This has already been a difficult day and it's only the beginning. Sometimes it takes as long as 6 weeks for the ligament to heal. He has to be on a leash to go potty so he doesn't try to run. We have been letting him sit on the couch in our laps while we watch TV or whatnot. But otherwise he has to be in the crate. Poor Scooter. He thinks he is in trouble cuz Penny isn't locked up.

Well that's our sad Scooter story. I know it was long, but seeing as how Greg and Karen are probably the only ones reading this, I don't feel too bad! They need to be informed about their Grandpup! So on Monday when you guys visit (greg and karen) Scooter won't even get to really be out of his crate. Bummer. Hopefully after 2 weeks he can resume regular activity. Keep your fingers crossed!

2 comments:

BrittanyB said...

I think it's more like Poor Callie having to keep your puppy locked up all the time ;)

Unknown said...

O POOR PUP! i feel terrible when i can only let one dog in the house at a time because the other is in trouble. it kills me so i can only imagine how sad he and you are. i feel ya callie, even though britt doesn't appreciate our dog children!! i feel your pain!