Could Someone Toss Me A Rope!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

These past 8 months have been somewhat trying times at our house.  First we had Lucy's CCL repair which her restrictions were lifted the same day that Sophie first got sick.  So Lucy's rehab walks got put on the back burner while we sorted out what was wrong with Sophie and then while we took care of Sophie.  Fast forward through 4+ months of Chemo treatments and at least weekly Vet visits.  Lucy has been so good throughout all the attention focused on Sophie, however, she has been limping on that repaired leg.  Usually just when she would get up after laying, but none the less it was bothering me that she was still limping.  So, last week I said we have to start focusing on Lucy and getting the muscles in this leg built back up.  I was so afraid that by neglecting her daily walks we had created more issues.  So, we started ensuring that she got her walks.  We started slow with one, then added a second and one day we did 3 walks.  Now these are only around the block, a mile at the most.  On the third walk on Wednesday she was limping a little so we felt like we over did it a little and decided to rest her yesterday.  Last night I noticed her limping a little more than normal and said to DH I think she is limping on her front foot.  He watched her and felt it was still her back foot.  Well, this morning there is no doubt that it is her front leg.  WTD, she hasn't even been outside off leash because of the weather.  I have felt the toes, the pads, in between, up and down the leg and she doesn't pull it away from me but she will not walk on it.  We were at the Vet's office yesterday picking up Sophie's ashes and as we were leaving I said to a couple of the resident dogs that hang out there that we wouldn't be back every week to visit them any longer ... so Imagine the Tech's surprise when I called this morning, Ugh ... off to the Vet we go again this afternoon at 3:00 to figure out what is going on now!  I just feel like I'm  at the end of my rope and the rope is worn out.  Please let this be something simple!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Glad to hear the vet is watching over Lucy and hopefully with some R & R Lucy will be back to normal.  Prayers are still being said for all of you!   

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Oh Sheri, I am praying and hoping that this will help Lucy and that life can please start resembling something normal (whatever the heck that is). 

Feel better Lucy!

[BG and Gavin]

Thinking of you Sheri.  Hopefully its just a soft tissue situation and the R and R prescribed the vet takes care of it.  Holy doodle, if its not one thing its another.  Stay strong, I will mind the net too.

[Camilla and Darwin]

:-( I hope it's nothing! Sending positive thoughts your way. 

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Keeping you, Lucy and your family in my prayers..Hugs to you!!! 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Just checking in to see if you have any news on Lucy. I also wanted to say I know how hard it is to pick up those ashes. I have Hershey's and Honey's because I wanted them with me in our house. They never liked to be outside without me. Thinking about you!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Sherri, I am so glad that it appears Lucy has only a minor problem that rest and pills will take care of.  When she gets back to the walks, remember to walk her on and off curbs or up and down 'hills' to build up her leg muscles. Our crew is sending pawsitive thoughts and hugs.

[Stella]

Which front leg is it?  The same side or the opposite side of the body as her CCL repair leg?  Dogs that have had an injury on one leg often end up going lame on the opposite diagonal leg as these two legs are used as a pair.  If she has been unloading from her CCL repair leg, she will unload onto the opposite front. So, she could just be overusing this leg.  Now that you guys have a bit more time to spend on Lucy's rehab, I really recommend you take her to 'doggy physio'!!  I am a Registered Physiotherapist (in Canada) training in Canine Rehabilitation, and I really think Lucy would benefit from a full rehab assessment, they will also give you guidance regarding home exercises and a return to activity plan for her.

I think you are in the USA?  You can look for a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist at: 

http://www.caninerehabinstitute.com/Find_A_Therapist.html

or

http://www.utcaninerehab.com/united-states.asp

Hope this helps!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Thanks Stella.  The closest one is a couple hours away.  Once we sort of figure out what is going on with this I might look into that. 

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

You all sure have been through a lot lately.  I hope & pray that it is no big deal and that Lucy will be just fine.  Please keep us posted.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Today finds Lucy still limping but not as badly as yesterday.  The anti inflammatories and the pain meds are certainly making her feel a little better.  Challenge today has been keeping her from doing things she doesn't need to do like jump up on bed etc.  Hopefully tomorrow will see her feeling even better.  Thanks again for all the good thoughts!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hoping for even better news tomorrow. Lucy, down-stay! LOL