After nine long months Cindy is finally back to normal! π
For those who’ve recently wandered my way, Cindy is our 14 year old Border Collie mix. And since hubby and I are “empty nesters”, she’s the “kid” here in the house and gets treated as such.
For the last year and a half the poor dear has had one issue after another. First was trying to get the worsening arthritis in her back and hips under control (we’re using acupuncture and Chinese herb blends) so we could have a tumor removed from her front left leg … that was removed in June 2010. Then it was radiation treatments to keep the tumor from coming back. That effort consumed the entire month of July 2010. Then, two-thirds of the way through the radiation she got bitten by a spider (probably a Brown Recluse) which caused a huge wound that was eventually stitched up … two days before we went on vacation. (worst vacation ever for mom)
We thought we were done with major medical issues by the time winter 2010 rolled around, but in February 2011 Cindy took off after a neighborhood cat that was in our her backyard and partially tore the main ligament in her left knee. It eventually tore all the way and we ended up doing surgery to rebuild the knee in late April. But with her arthritis and being overweight due to a thyroid problem, she really couldn’t get around like most dogs will with a damaged leg so she was dependent upon one of us to cart her around with a sling. The muscles had atrophied pretty badly after not being used for months.
Once we got the surgeon’s blessing, we started working with her to rebuild the muscles. And to try and get some more of the weight off. She’s lost 17 pounds since she messed up her knee and is finally (mostly) able to get around on her own. We still need to help with the sling occasionally, but for the last week or so, she’s been able to get around without it at least 75% of the time … including going up and down the steps at the back door. She’s happy she can stand, walk, and sit without help. I’m happy we don’t have to constantly be on guard to help her when she needs it.
She’s back to being underfoot and a total pain in the ass when I’m in the kitchen … and I’m loving it! π
Β© Copyright dragonfae 2011
aFrankAngle said:
Cheers for Cindy! To many, pets are part of the family, so when it comes to medical treatment, we get it for them. Thanks for sharing the good news!
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dragonfae said:
Thanks Frank! Yes, she’s definitely one of the “kids”. Darling Daughter even refers to her as her sister. π
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ryoko861 said:
That has GOT to be a relief! When a pet is sick it’s SO stressful! And quite expensive! They’re worth it though! I’m glad to hear pooch is doing great!
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dragonfae said:
Thanks Irene! We’re very glad too. I don’t even want to think about what we’ve spent on her over the last 2 years. I’m just grateful we were in a position to be able to do it for her.
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Kathryn McCullough said:
Oh, this is wonderful news! Our dogs are so dear to Sara and me. They are our children, so I can appreciate how great it feels to have a healthy pet again. So glad to hear your baby is doing better!
Kathy
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dragonfae said:
Thanks Kathy! I can’t tell you how many people thought we were nuts putting so much effort forth with an older dog. Yeah, she’s 14 but she thinks she’s 5 and acts like she’s 8. There was no way I could just let things go or even think about putting her to sleep when she clearly wanted to be better … you can just see it in their eyes, you know. π
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tjfox said:
That is awesome! I’m so glad she is doing better. Now maybe mom can take a much needed rest and relax a bit. {{hugs}}
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dragonfae said:
Thanks sis! I sure hope I can take it easy … I keep telling her that even though she’s nearly back to normal she needs to take it easy so something else doesn’t happen. She’s such a stubborn girl though. π
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John Erickson said:
Glad to hear Cindy is back to normal! But I’m confused on one point. I thought you were supposed to irradiate the SPIDER and then have it bite you. (Then again, I can’t picture any Border wanting to wear red and blue Spandex. π )
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dragonfae said:
*shakes head* No spandex for Cindy John. The best I can do is a bandana … and she’s not thrilled with those. π
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savorthefolly said:
awww, you all are the best doggy mommy and daddy ever. Cindy sounds like she’s getting plenty of loving care. hell, I’m jealous. Can I be your new dog?
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dragonfae said:
ROTFL Of course you can! Though I’m pretty sure Cindy will be fighting you for attention. *grin*
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Robin said:
That’s wonderful to hear! It sounds like poor Cindy (and you) has been through a lot.
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dragonfae said:
Robin, I swear there were times that Cindy really didn’t want to deal with any more. I certainly can’t blame her! Now that she’s mobile again her mood has improved so much. She’s even having little “play” sessions with Dad again. I don’t know how much she’s able to associate the surgeries and procedures with feeling better (she’s smart enough it wouldn’t surprise me if she gets it) but I think all is forgiven at this point. π
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Sparrow said:
Whoo! So glad to hear she’s feeling better!
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dragonfae said:
Thanks Sparrow! I can’t tell you how happy we are that she’s come through all this so beautifully. π
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youngamericanwisdom.com said:
So glad to hear she’s on the mend. You’ve done a good job nursing her back to health. You should feel proud, mama!
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dragonfae said:
Thanks Nancy! I’m not so sure I’d say proud … definitely relieved. And happy. π
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