Follow me on Twitter There are many times when we dogs want our parents and owners to take this dreaded collar off of us. It’s hard for us to understand that our parents are keeping this thing on us out of love. Luca will agree that it’s difficult to understand when we’re hot and panting to stay cool, and we’re on a lead, even in our own home.
But even though we don’t understand why you make us wear this collar, we are going to stay right by you.
(Especially if you have us on a lead all the time so we can’t roam free.)
We’ll even sleep in your bed…if you let us. If you were to let us. As you can tell, I’m not allowed on my parents’ bed. Not even before I was injured did they let me up. Not that I’m upset about this. Not at all. I’m not at all upset about the fact that just because I am a large dog my parents won’t let me up onto their bed. Or even onto any of the sofas. But last week, when my dad was away, somewhere called “out of town”, and my mom was on the sofa watching TV, I slowly and quietly got my front legs onto the sofa, then my rear legs onto the sofa, and lay down on a blanket right next to her. Her eyes met mine and I could hear her starting to form those words, “Joey, you’re not allowed on the sofa” but no words came out.
I pretended not to hear the words she didn’t say. I pretended not to see the eyes that looked at mine.
Then she just let me stay right there. Exhale. Timing is everything.
Now let’s get back to Luca and his health and happiness. Luca wasn’t very happy going to the animal hospital on this day last week. But he was very happy when his doctor took off the cast that covered his forearm, ankle and paw.
He wasn’t happy when he had to wear the cone. But he was very happy when he went back home. And he was very very happy when his mom made him a special meal of his favorite food.
So it’s just like that, when you’re a dog and you are injured and you are confused and your parents love you so much and want you to recover from your injury more than anything and they do a lot of things to rearrange their lives and home just for you.
With the cast now off, Luca’s parents have to apply antibiotic cream to Luca’s injured arm so it will continue to heal. The dreaded cone is supposed to prevent Luca from licking the cream off, and also from licking his paw, so his paw can heal too. When I had cream applied to my belly, I tried to lick it off. And I often was successful! I think that Luca is going to try to be successful at it, too. So Luca’s parents are going to be looking at Luca a lot, watching him. Watching and listening for that sound, the sound of licklicklick.
The air will help Luca’s skin to heal quickly. And the air will help his paw pads to regenerate from the infection he developed. The air and the cream. And the collar.
Luca, I know that just as I don’t remember getting hit by the car, one day, when you’re swimming in your pool or running in the park, or joyfully kissing your mom’s face, you’ll forget that you ever had to wear that thing.
*******
Oh that cone! What an exhausting week we’ve had.
We are finished with the cone now, thank goodness! Luca had a check up today to see how his scar area and paw infection were healing. The doctor said everything looks great! We don’t have to put on any more antibiotic cream which means we don’t need to worry about him licking his leg/paw.
However, on the downside (with this injury there seems to have been a downside every step of the way!) we were a bit lax with the cone over the weekend (it was just so sad and pitiful to see him with that thing on his neck all the time)…. that he got quite a few good licks of that cream (Animax) and now he has some gastrointestinal “issues”.
The doctor gave us some more meds for colitis… though we’re going to start with some natural probiotics to see if all clears up organically first before we do yet another round of medicine (it would be his third!).
Luca then goes back in 2 weeks (which will be week 7 since surgery) for an xray to see how the bone and metal plate looks… and assuming all is okay, we will then be starting rehabilitation a week after that!
Lena and Luca,
Congratulations! The cone is over! But don’t throw it away just yet.
Glad things are looking up for you both. Aren’t you amazed to be thinking x-rays now? I’m so pleased to hear this. Lena, my mom wants to know if you still have to carry Luca around everywhere, and if he is allowed to hop around on three paws.
Luca…you didn’t read the part of my blog post where I tell you not to lick your paws at night. I totally understand. That’s why the Instructions are written for people, not for dogs. Lena, remember – you have to know your dog!
Actually, it reminds me of my parents. My dad would say “Let’s take the cone off” and my mom would say “We have to follow the instructions.” And then my Dad would say “We have to take the cone off for him to eat” and my mom would say “He can eat with the cone on.” My dad would say “Let’s take the cone off while he sleeps” and my mom would say “He can sleep with the cone on.” A few times my big sorrowful eyes got to my parents and the cone came off but the sock went on. Once or twice my parents were lax too – and that usually meant a trip back to the animal hospital the next day to rebandage. What’s Luca’s trick? The eyes?
This idea of natural probiotics is good. My mom will want to know if it works. I’ll be hoping to hear more about my healing buddy soon and am pleased at how quickly he’s getting better! It’s amazing, isn’t it?
What’s also amazing is how much our parents are there for us when we need them!
Joey
We’ve been quite busy over here, but I wanted to send an update on Luca!
If you remember, last time I checked in Luca was having some “gastrointestinal issues” (not fun for all involved). The doctor diagnosed “colitis” and gave us MORE medicine for him to try.
Well, I took it upon myself to say that we would wait 2 days without the new colitis medicine to see if things would heal on their own. And they did!
Once Luca was off all medicine (Cipro for his paw infection and the antibiotic cream for his leg), he instantaneously returned to his “old self”! His appetite and bowels were perfect. He was alert, happy and super energetic! The past week or so has been a challenge to keep him still.
He continues to be leashed on his bed with limited activity. He is still being carried outside, but we have some good news on his progress!
Yesterday we went in for the 6 weeks xrays. Actually, we had a bit of drama with the appointment. We were supposed to go in next week for the xrays but yesterday morning the pool man came to the house and Luca, who was not leashed on his bed, went into watch dog mode and ran towards the front door. He started whimpering and holding up his hurt leg. Needless to say, we were very concerned and rushed him to the animal hospital and they said all seemed fine but they decided to do xrays just to make sure (and since we needed to do the xrays anyway, we just pushed it up a week).
The prognosis: all is great! There was no injury from his little outburst yesterday morning and all the hardware in his leg is intact and the bone appears to be healing very well.
So we received the go ahead to start gradually increasing Luca’s walking. So now he is allowed to walk around the house on his leash, which is great news!
I did want to comment on something I think is important that I learned yesterday. The doctor told me at this point in the healing process, it is important that the leg is used to some extent (not overused). That is because if you continue to “baby” the leg and not let the bone get some movement and exercise, it can actually hinder the healing process. Good information to know!
I’m glad to see that Joey is running pretty regularly!
As always… thanks for listening!
Lena and Luca,
It’s really great to hear this good news. First, I can see that Luca’s spirit is still strong, going after the pool man! Of course we know that from a human point of view, he shouldn’t be doing that, but that’s besides the point, right, man? The point is that every once in a while, if given the chance, Luca, you ARE going to let your animal (and we are proud of that!) nature express itself!
You said it very well, Lena: Drama. Maybe there is no healing of an injured dog without DRAMA. And panic here and there. But it looks like you handled the panic and drama very well: You got Luca right over to the animal hospital.
My mom asks: Wasn’t it interesting for you to look at the x-rays and seeing new bone being created around the hardware and the old bone? She thinks it’s a miracle, whatever that is.
Good move on taking Luca off of the Cipro: I didn’t have any adverse reactions to it (in fact, it helped clear up a skin infection I have) but it obviously didn’t agree with Luca and you were very caring to try that route. You are really getting to know your dog and to be his “advocate”, I think is the word. It’s interesting that the vet did not make an obvious connection between the antibiotics and the gastrointestinal issues – a known-side effect of Cipro in some dogs. It’s a relief to know that you did!
I think I’d like to do a post some time of a time-line for my injury and healing. I didn’t have my 2nd set of x-rays until 8 weeks after the surgery. Was it longer for me because I’m an older dog, and healing takes longer? I guess they were originally going to x-ray Luca at 7 weeks, pushed up one week.
So questions for you: Are they going to allow Luca up and down the stairs yet? At 6-weeks, I was allowed up and down the stairs, although on the leash at all times. When we got to the top or bottom of the stairs, the leash came off and the dog gate was closed. I don’t know…You’re in South Florida. Maybe there is only one-story to your home.
My mom wrote a few pages about me…or maybe it’s about her. I’m not sure what she wrote but if you’re interested you can read her pages.
Thanks for checking in! Listening to you? We dogs have keen hearing for just this reason!
Joey
Stairs is a good question. Our house is one floor, so this isn’t an issue. I’m not sure about that.
I do know that we can’t swim with him quite yet. They said that they will let us know in 4 weeks if we can start swim therapy at that time (which would be 10 weeks post op).
A timeline is a great idea. It would be good to put a few different timelines together (Joey’s, Luca’s, any other people you have found on your blog) to compare and contrast the different processes.
I did read your more recent blogs. I’m happy about the running, but saddened to hear about the prostrate. However, I’m a big believer in spaying/neutering so I agree with the doctor on that one. But at the same time, I respect different opinions on that issue, so I can imagine how it is an issue for you to come to a decision on this.
Hi Lena, Hi Luca.
My Dad was born in Florida so he’s very familiar with homes there and so my parents know that many are one story. No basements, too. So you won’t have to deal with that. Good for you and Luca. Because I really hated the dog gate at the bottom of the steps and the dog gate at the top of the steps.
Yes, I think it’s too soon for Luca to swim. He’ll have to get better walking first. But it’s looking like he’s coming along really well and that that will come in good time. In its time. I’ll be happy to know when Luca is swimming. I’ll be jealous, too.
The prostate issue is up in the air, and my mom has a bit more to write about that in her page – so stay tuned! I can tell you this: I’m fine. I feel fine. I pee and mark all the time, with no effort in fact, and there is no distress or effort when it comes to the other thing. I have no infections. And other than that, I’m clueless!
Joey
Oops..I haven’t eaten my dinner yet and my mom is going to be “on” me any moment to eat so…Catch you later!
Joey
Lena,
Sure I would be willing to post something about what our parents should look for in doggie care places to ensure our health and safety.
An important part of my blog is about my parents’ multiple attempts to prevent me, how to prevent dogs, how to prevent dogs like me, from digging our way out of our backyards so that we don’t end up hit by a car, like I was. (I haven’t written anything about the child-proof locks they’ve had to put on the gates, because I figured out how to use my nose to nudge the standard fence gate hinge up, so the door swiveled open, and more.) So you don’t want what happened to Luca at these doggie daycare establishments to happen to other dogs. And of course we have to learn more about how Bruno got hurt (jumping off of some piece of furniture?) and how Jessica can prevent that in the future, especially because it’s right in her home!
If you’d like to write something up either in a comment or in an email to me and then I’ll translate into my language and get it posted. Very important. Thank you for your idea. Or maybe it will be a page (like my mom writes)….But write something and we’ll work the other stuff out.
Hi to Luca,
Joey
UPDATE ON LUCA!!!!
Here’s a wonderful update received from Luca’s mom:
Hi! We’ve been pretty busy, so I’ve been out of touch!
This week is 8 weeks post operation. Luca is doing much, much, much better! He’s been walking on leash – slowly and only a limited amount. But we are starting to increase the duration. This morning we made it down to the corner of the street which he enjoyed, as he is able to smell and mark his territory!
His warm leg apparently did not concern our doctor. She said keep an eye on his behavior, and if anything appears out of the ordinary check back in with her. But he was fine. He is more tired than usual, but I’m sure that is because we have started his walking again and his stamina is just not where it used to be. We did buy a dog thermometer though, just to keep an eye on him and ensure that there is no fever (infection) going on.
Even his paw pads are doing well! They look much less raw and he’s starting to regenerate his callouses. I haven’t used anything on them; I figured keeping them natural was probably the best way to go.
We have a final follow up with the hospital in 2 weeks, where they will do another round of xrays and hopefully at that time we can review all his xrays from the beginning and see the progress! In fact, since they will need to sedate Luca for the next round of xrays, I think I might have them sneak in a teeth cleaning at that time! He’ll be sparkly clean after that!
His real turning points were at week 5, when he was finished taking all his antibiotics, and at week 6 when he just seemed so much more energetic, alert and happy.
*****
I can just imagine Luca walking happily with his mom down the street, walking slowly and carefully though happily on his regenerated paw pads, smelling other dogs and – here’s where I feel a kinship with him - marking his territory!
Will be happy to hear about Luca’s swimming and better and better stories! But each step is a big one! Enjoy them!
Your pal,
Joey
Hello! It’s been a while since we posted last. Luca is at 10 weeks post-op and he seems to be doing very well. The past week to 1 1/2 weeks really saw an incremental increase in his feeling better. He is full of energy, just ready to take off.
But, we still need to be careful and keep him on a leash to avoid running and monitor his walking. Unfortunaetly, we’re living in S. Florida and are experiencing record high temperatures. So we’re sort of limited to how much walking we can do because it is just so hot.
Tomorrow Luca goes in for what will hopefully be his last checkup at the hospital. He will be xrayed and we will review his status with his surgeon. I will post more this weekend after we find out his status and get more information about how much exercise we can do. We are hoping we can start swimming this weekend!
In regard to the daycare evaluation, I would love to provide some information to all the readers of this blog on the importance of being careful regarding who you trust to watch your dog (for new readers, Luca broke his leg at a local doggie daycare center). Let me know how you’d like me to provide you with my thoughts on this.
Take care, wishing Joey lots of love!
Lena and Luca,
It’s really great news to hear that you’re doing well, that Luca goes in tomorrow for his 10 weeks post-op.
I was looking at my time line and that’s just when I had my x-rays and my splint taken off! I did note that my splint was taken off that week, and the bandages were left on, and then the following week my bandages were taken off. This gave my leg a little time to get used to having more weight on it, and for my muscles to start working again, little by little. Maybe the same will happen with Luca?
It brings me joy to think of Luca just full of energy! I wonder if he likes to do the same things I like to do: Throw his ball up in the air and catch it, and more.
You and Luca are very lucky to have each other.
I know the leash routine: And yes, at this point in time he will be trying to move quickly and you are at the other end of the leash holding him back from pushing it too far. He doesn’t know what you do.
I’m sure you’re anxious to get Luca swimming. For me, my mom got me into the water one week after my bandages were taken off (which was two weeks after the splint was removed). At first she just walked me. But you don’t have that in a swimming pool. So I think that in the beginning Luca will probably just be in the water, you holding him up, gently using the leg, not swimming, though. That will certainly help cool him off as well! You just have to avoid those late in the day Southern Florida thunder and lightning and rain showers!
This will be very interesting and good for me to learn about Luca’s swimming and rehabilitation!
Maybe next week I’ll post the time line for rehabilitation activities.
About the doggie caycare guide, you can provide your thoughts in any way you’d like, even as a comment like this one of yours, and then I can write them as a blog post with its own title.
And Lena, thanks for the love!!!!
Your pal,
Joey
So Luca went in for his 10 week post operation check up last Friday. We received good news! His leg is 100% healed! The surgeon said “he can be a dog again!”.
Running, jumping, walking – all is allowed. He’s still working up his stamina, so we’re keeping it easy, but Luca had a fabulous weekend. The weather in Florida has cooled off (temporarily), so he’s been on a couple very long walks, very short jogs and we even took him to a local flea market where he was able to finally see more people and other dogs!
He even went swimming a little! (He hated that though!)
We’re going to wait about 2 more weeks before we bring him back to the dog park; he is so excited around other dogs, I think he might hyperventilate if we take him there right now!
What was interesting to learn on Friday, though, was that even though Luca broke both bones in his front leg (Radius and Ulna), only the Radius was operated on and fixed with the steel plate and pins. They don’t operate on the ulna as the ulna, in the place where it was broken (between the ‘wrist’ and the ‘shoulder’), is not weight bearing. So, they let that heal on its own (you can see the calcium deposits on the xray healing that bone.
The radius, on the other hand, holds all the weight so that is the one the fix with the plate.
So, while the radius is 100% healed, the Ulna isn’t, but it’s still okay for Luca to resume normal activity.
Interesting, huh? I need to google all that and see if what the surgeon said is true… never hurts to double check things!
Lena and Luca,
This is very happy news!
I will write more shortly; my mom is showing signs that she wants to take me for a walk and of course I have to be ready!
Your pal,
Joey
Lena and Luca,
Congratulations! No splint! No bandages! Running and jumping and walking all allowed! (Are you sure about jumping?) I’m sure that Bruno was just overwhelmed at the flea market.
Luca, how come you hated swimming? Maybe just because it was so tiring, so much hard work? Maybe if you get introduced to it little by little, or just to the shallow end of the pool, you’ll like it more. We dogs can be a little fussy and moody about water. In my posts you read about my fear of water when the other shore was far away, but then last week my parents took me someplace where there were no other dogs and I went in and went in deep! Again and again! I didn’t write a post about that, but they would throw me a pine cone and I would go after it and not care that I was actually in deep water and swimming and I would bring it back to them, and we did this over and over again. My parents are all happy because this was the first time I, in their words, “acted like a dog” in the water!
Thank you for telling me about the Radius and the Ulna. So when you mentioned it my mom got interested in the subject. She read (and here’s the link and now it’s on my blogroll) that the radius and ulna in smaller dogs get broken more often. Even just jumping out of their owners’ arms can cause them to break! So Luca, no jumping onto your forearms!!! You’re a small dog!
She also found another website that said exactly what you said about the ulna healing by itself. Maybe I’ll write a post about that, too, for all my small-dog cousins!
Okay, Luca! You’re fairly good to go, right? Any more check ups? Just longer and longer walks for you, and maybe that swimming too.
Your pal,
Joey