Cookie Update?

[Kari]

How did her follow-up appointment go?

[Valerie]

Thanks for asking- I was just coming in here to update. 

Her appointment went great.  She showed off her walking skills to the doctors and technicians, who said she was doing great.  The 3 technicians in the room were all excited to see her again and they were telling us how she hated to be in her kennel and she would bark at them (when she stayed there).  It made us feel really good to know that she was cared for by the staff there and that they remembered her. 

Anyway, her stitches were the disolvable kind, so those did not have to get removed.  They said she was healing well and that we can now give her a bath!   :bath2:  Whew- she needs one pretty bad.

They also said we can start taking her on short walks and just avoid steps for now.  We asked about other exercises, but he said walking is the best exercise.  He did mention when we bathe her we could fill up the tub, and let her swim for a bit as swimming is great exercise for their legs and backs.  I told him how much Cookie hates getting wet, so we decided not to try that with her.

He did tell us that we will see the most dramatic improvements from weeks 2-6, but by 3 months however well she is walking will pretty much be it.  We are thrilled with the way she is walking now- she still looks drunk and tires out quickly, but she can really get around now.  One thing she has trouble doing is scratching herself with her back legs. 

[Kari]

That is great news! Tell me about it - Penny is so stinky and needs a bath really bad. We started taking Penny for her short walks this week and I think she really enjoys getting outside for a short time! I'm glad everthing is going well!

[cheryl186]

 :apls: :thumb: So glad to hear that Cookie is doing well.  It is very important to avoid steps at all ever again if possible.  I am also glad to state that I disagree with the doctors and technicians in that many, many dogs on dodgerlist who have had surgery show improvements well beyond the 3 month stage....6, 8, even up to a year!!!!!!  So...Congratulations to you and Cookie....keep up the great work....job well done :apls: :apls: :apls:

[Barb]

Thats great news !!! Go Cookie !

[Valerie]

:apls: :thumb: So glad to hear that Cookie is doing well.  It is very important to avoid steps at all ever again if possible.  I am also glad to state that I disagree with the doctors and technicians in that many, many dogs on dodgerlist who have had surgery show improvements well beyond the 3 month stage....6, 8, even up to a year!!!!!!  So...Congratulations to you and Cookie....keep up the great work....job well done :apls: :apls: :apls:

That's great to hear that they can continue to heal after 3 months.  :thumb:

Cookie went on a tiny 4 minute walk.  She didn't want to turn around and come home.  But her legs were getting tired and I did not want to overdo it. She was having fun sniffing and digging though.

And she finally got a bath today.   :apls:  Whew- she was stinky!  She hated it as usual, but I love that she smells good now.  Now she is passed out under her blanket in her bed- the stress of bathtime wears her out!

[Brekkesmom]

Way to go, Cookie!  Some dachsies even show improvement after a year.  My little Gretl-Angel had surgery in 1999, at age 10, and 14 months after surgery was when she got her tail wag back!  I just sat and cried when I saw that, because I thought I'd never see that again.

[Sandishooligans]

 :apls:Cookie!!!  Keep up the good progress, sweetie pie.

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

What a strong spirit she has! Of course she's also so lucky to have you to get her through this. I'll bet she continues to improve after the vets prediction too!