Boris and an update on his OCD operation and rehabilitation

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I thought I would update on Boris and his rehab program following surgery on both shoulders on the 17th December following diagnosis two weeks previously. We are now three months post surgery and I am happy to report Boris is now back to his normal playfull self. He is also eating properly again having cut down on his intake considerably for several weeks when he was on a very restricted regime. Christmas was truly horrible as one of the wounds filled with liquid and the stitches burst twice and there was a constant swelling. Once we got over the first couple of weeks and all the stitches were out we were ready to start hydrotherapy. Our lounge at this stage resembled a dog creche as we got rid of our couch and replaced it with a huge crate where we could leave the two boys together as Boris was not doing well alone in his crate. Riley was a great big brother and didn't engage play with Boris who was either in the crate with him or tethered to me in my home office. Juggling the boys was incredibly difficult as Riley needed his regular day care sessions and dog walker and of course out with us. Boris got very upset being left at home so the solution was for me to bring Boris to Hydrotherapy for 8am appointments which meant getting up at 6. I dropped Riley to Day Care at 7.30 and then took Boris to his appointment and then he came to work with me for the day and we collected Riley after work. We did that on three days a week for a month and in between days I took Boris to work where he now has a bed and toys while Riley stayed at home with Joe and either Joe took him during the day or the dog walker came before we got home. Boris loves coming to work and is as good as gold with everyone. He doesn't jump on anyone and just goes over to the customers who wish for a chin rub. We have only had one customer who doesn't like dogs and we took bets it would be her. I won :)

We are now down to one hydro session a week and the physiotherapist is delighted with him. He has made lots of muscle where there was none before and the tension in his back where he was taking the pressure away from his shoulders has gone due to the massage I have been doing on him. He is going back to day care for the first time in four months on Tuesday for a half day and they are thrilled he will be back with them. If he gets tired or plays too hard they are going to put him in with the puppies. He is now happily doing hour long walks with no soreness and is playing normally again with Riley. We are restricting free play so they go to the garden singly. RIley goes straight into his crate now and waits for Boris (who has a weaker bladder lol) to come back in and then he goes out.  Boris has been off meds for ten weeks now and is just on a joint supplement. 

All in all we are really happy with progress and are just hoping that he will be pain free for a long time to come. The crate in the livingroom will come down in a week or so and we will at last go shopping for a new couch!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Nicky, thank you so much for updating us on sweet Boris. I am exhausted just reading about all you have done to care for both your boys, and so very happy that it sounds like it has all paid off and there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel! 

I hope that Boris continues to be happy and pain free, and that life settles down for all of you! 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you so much for the update, Nicky! What happy news. All of you have really been through it with this surgery, but it sounds like it was a huge success. Riley and Boris seem to be the dearest of pets. I'm so happy for you. With all the chaos surrounding this diagnosis and treatment, you have two extraordinarily wonderful doodles. 

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Great update, Nicky! So glad to hear Boris is getting back to his old self. Your dedication and commitment to both Boris's and Riley's individual needs during such a difficult time really paid off!

[F, Calla & Luca]

What wonderful news Nicky and I hope Boris enjoys many wonderful, pain free years.

[Karen & Maple]

Thanks for the update. What an ordeal! What a doodle mom! Glad to hear of this good outcome.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Nicky, Thanks so much for letting us know Borris' progress. I am in awe of how you juggled everything.  I am so glad he is just about back to normal.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

What an ordeal you have been through. I am so glad Boris is doing so well. You are Superwoman!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I'm so glad that Boris is doing so well.  All of your efforts really paid off.  You're an amazing Mom!  I hope you have many happy pain free years ahead of you.

[Anita - Thunder, Noodle, Sparky]

You are amazing doodle parents!