I took him to the vet the next morning, as he had not improved overnight. In typical Bermuda fashion, he was diagnosed with something that bore no relation to what the actual problem was. But, we convinced ourselves that the vet was right, and agreed, it must have been his swollen anal glands. Limping dog? Obviously, it's his ass that's the problem. I often say that about myself when I limp home after a long run.
"I'd be such a better runner, if it wasn't for my ass!"
While we were in the U.S, our neighbor cared for him diligently; and even took him back to the vet for x-rays and another examination. Thanks Jane! I know how much you did for him while we were away. Oscar has been eyeing your driveway fondly for days now, and we'll have to stop by. On a leash this time.
When I returned, it was clear that the issue had nothing to do with his butt, and everything to do with his leg. So, back to the vet he went. This time, his limp was sufficiently obvious that the vet diagnosed him with a knee injury.
Fast forward to last night - Oscar returns from his forced medical spa day. A few stitches later, and four adjustments to his knee, and the vet promises me he will be walking normally again in a few weeks.
At the park today, Oscar did not look too convinced. But we had a long chat, and I encouraged him to take a few gentle steps on it.
I reminded him that the vet was very pleased with the weight he has lost since I put him on a "no-treat" diet. In fact, the vet was quite impressed with Oscar's weight loss (and it only took a week and a half!) So, while I remain unable to lose my last ten vanity pounds, I am apparently quite good at depriving others of their treats and getting them to look svelte.
Oscar and I are going to continue to work hard on his physical therapy and diet in the meantime... at least till Thanksgiving.
For inspiration:
Cue the following (minus the trip to Philly, God-awful grey sweatsuit, 70's headbands, leaping over park benches, running up stairs, or being chased by a pack of rug rats):
4 comments:
Oh my. I know I wouldn't have much confidence in a vet that diagnosed my visibly injured dog with just a swollen anal gland! I am not sure I would have let him operate on my dog! I hope he knew what he was doing! I feel so badly for your doggie having to suffer for so long, while you were away, when he wasn't diagnosed properly. I really hope he heals soon. Poor guy.
Rj - yeah, I hear ya. Of course, vet options are pretty limited here. The initial diagnosis (glands) might have been valid at the time... his glands were swollen, so they were taken care of. It may be he developed an infection down the road, so they treated that. But the biggest issue remained his leg.
I don't get why none of the vets (three of them looked at Oscar from this practice) were able to diagnose him until over a week from the first time he was brought in. It took three visits before the most senior vet, who's been doing this for a long time, said it was his knee. He explained to me that Oscar never "presented" in such a condition until the third visit. So, although they all did full exams of his legs and back, none of them noticed his patella was thrown out.
At any rate, I'm keeping a close eye on Oscar now, and trying to get him to use his back leg more. He's also on a host of pain meds and antibiotics, so hopefully, he's comfortable. Judging from his eating and demeanor, I think he's ok.
Gosh!, that is one cute dog! Our pets are just like our babies aren't they? Hope he gets better soon!
The indignity of it all ! That seems to be the look he's giving you.
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