Boris five weeks after his surgery

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I just thought I would give you all an update on how Boris is doing post surgery on both shoulders for Chondriatosis Dissecans (OCD) The first three weeks he was on crate rest with little walks three times a day. There were wound complications over Christmas which meant I spent Christmas day and the next day in the Vet Hospital. Stitches burst due to a build up of fluid in a pocket behind the wound opening and there was lots of fluid (luckily no infection) and we spent a lot of time putting hot compresses onto the wound to help the swelling go down. The stitches on the left shoulder came out after ten days and the right side eventually healed and stitches came out at three weeks. Yesterday we started the first session of Hydrotherapy, Boris was unsure at first but was very good and got the hang of it pretty quickly. He started with six minutes on the treadmill and this will build up to 30 minute sessions. Next week he goes for three days and they have offered to keep him as it is a two hour drive from where I live. I haven't yet decided how I will manage it. I think I will take him to work with me and just go through three days of a 6am start as I would rather he was home here.The therapy will continue on a weekly basis until they are happy that he has built muscle (which he doesn't have at all) on his shoulders and then there will be maintenance visits scheduled.  He has gone from being a greedy guts to being a reluctant eater. I don't know whether it was all the tablets he was on but we have discontinued, for now,all pain killers to see how he does.

The Veterinary Hospital in the University have been wonderful as have my own Vets been. The Breeder on the other hand has been awful but that's a whole other story :) 

[Leslie and Halas]

You guys have been through so much.  I'm so glad he's getting to move onto the next stage of the recovery.

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Nicky, I am glad to hear about his progress, that hydrotherapy looks amazing, and I am sure it will do wonders! Wishing you guys all the best :)

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

Aww what a trooper.. Thanks for the Update I have been wondering how you guys were faring. It looks like some hair is starting to come back too:)

How does he get into that? Is he in it and then it is filled with water ? or is he lifted into the  bath?

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

It's empty when they walk him in up a ramp and then the ramp comes up and closes it so its a rectangular box. The water comes in from the bottom, it's at a comfortable temperature and they decide how high they want it to go Then they turn on the walker and can adjust the speed and duration.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you for the clear explanation. It is good to know how well Boris is being cared for. I am so grateful for your wonderful vets and your deep love for your doodles. This world is a better place because you are in it, Nicky.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank you so much for the update. I have been wondering how Boris is doing. This rehab is wonderful.  I wish something like this had been available for my Springer after surgery.  Medications made my Springer reluctant to eat.  Also, they are not expending much energy so their body needs less calories.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thanks for the update. Last time I saw him, Boris was still half pink. I can't believe it has been 5 weeks already.  What a comfort it must be to have such wonderful people to care for him. Keep up the good work-both of you!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thanks for the update! Boris looks like he's doing great! I am thinking of you both often!

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

I am so glad Boris took to the water.  He looks great!  My Baxter will not have anything to do with it and believe me we have tried.  Boris is blessed beyond measure having a "mom" that loves and takes such good care of him. I am glad he is on the road to healing and for the wonderful people that are helping him along the way!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks for the update! I am so glad to hear Boris is making good progress!! What a long road this has been for all of you!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Thank you all for your kindness and support through all of this. It is so comforting to know there are lots of wonderful people who truly understand when one of our Doodles is in trouble. It makes a huge difference when you are all there at the switching on of a computer with good solid comforting words.