Introduction

Welcome to Mickey's blog, a blog about a dog who has been there for me and made me smile even when I thought I couldn't any more. A dog who was sent to me by a loving God who knew I needed him as much as he needed me.

Mickey's story is much like other adopted dog's stories. Left at a kill shelter at only six months because his owners didn't want him any more. He waited and waited, but because of his age and because of his energy level he was never taken home and so awaited his death. But Mickey was one of the lucky ones, the rare few who are rescued by those non-kill shelters to be given more time to find their forever home. After waiting patiently for over a year, we finally found each other at a Petco in Austin.

Five years later, Mickey is my companion, best friend and and athlete. With elite and master titles in multiple Agility venues, he competes all over the state, traveling from hotel to hotel. Not only that, he's a Canine Good Citizen and loved by everyone who meets him.

Unfortunately, the unthinkable has happened. And though its fairly common in working, athletic dogs, I was devastated and distraught. Mickey was diagnosed with an ACL tear/rupture on April 3rd 2009 and after a long weekend of research and studying the procedure, he was admitted into Central Texas Veterinary Specialty Hospital for a much needed TPLO surgery by Dr. Kerpsack.


*I'm not a vet and and in no way am I liable for any information on this blog. Please contact your local vet for information on medications or treatments.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Day Twenty


THERAPY SESSION


Today was Mickey's therapy session with Deborah Carroll. And it went very well! She said he was doing nicely and coming along great. She looked him over, flexed the leg and everything and said their was no swelling or stiffening in the joint and he looked good. She gave us the following homework for the next couple weeks until May 14th, which will be our second session. I'll list the homework here and then I took some brief videos of him walking. This evening is probably the most sore he has been in the last couple days, I think its because he took one more walk than usual and also was flexed a lot today. Tomorrow we will take it a little easier and settle into a routine. Homework
  • 5 minute walks 3 to 4 times per day for three days then begin 10 minute walks 2 to 4 times per day for the next week. Continue to follow homework protocol weekly unless problems arise.
  • Continuing Icing as frequently as possible or after exercise/walks/flexion
  • Begin Homedics Massage with hand held rechargeable massager as demonstrated. Dividing Mickey's body into 5 minute sections. Mid Thoracic to Tail Base, Left Hip & Thigh, Right Hip & Thigh, Combine Shoulders and C-Spine. (i'll post pictures/video of this in action later)



Mickey is slightly "off" in these videos..
Notice the "swing" in the leg as he moves?
Instead of flexion at the knee.




After a long day... he's exhausted..




And apparently so is his sister.. haha.



Mickey sleeping the day before surgery..

his cute little toes by his nose.. awe.. my adorable boy




3 comments:

  1. I am sure he is beat after such a full day! Are you seeing progress?

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  2. Yes! We are seeing lots of progress. I'm very optimistic about his return to agility. He's been recovering extremely well and his physical therapist said he was doing very well for barely three weeks post operation. I'm so excited. Thanks for following his recovery!

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  3. That is good to hear - what you are doing is difficult - I hope all is perfect soon :)

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Please keep all comments positive and open minded with a positive attitude. Suggestions and ideas are always welcome. Please keep all questions directly related to Mickey or this blog.