Monday, August 21, 2017

It's all fun and games til someone gets hurt

MIlo was playing with the dog across the street. Well, he rolled Milo and jumped over him stepping on his shoulder. Milo yiped.

We went to the Vet who said let's try anti-inflammatories for two weeks. I asked her to xray but she said no need.

He got worse at the two week mark. Back to the vet, who did xrays and sent us to the Orthopedic specialist that day. She called them, got us the appt, the surgeons did an ultrasound, tested his range of motion (way too loose) and said he needed surgery immediately.

The next morning.
With a 4 month recovery period in the tight brace you see, keeping his "wings" tightly next to his body.
For four months.
Four months to a 5 month old is a lifetime.

No play, no running, no walking for now at least, no stretching or being comfortable. It's too too sad.

BTW, the neighbor/owner of the other dog said, "sorry  Milo hurt himself playing...I'll pray for you to have patience'

Yesssssssss.... I do need patience.

The surgeon at the sports medicine center did endoscopic repairs and showed us a video of the inside of Milo's shoulder. (erp!) He repaired torn cartilage, and shrunk the ligaments and surrounding tissues with radio waves. Very modern. They told us to keep him quiet.

Anyone out there have a 5 month old jumping, leaping running dervish of a poodle?
I will need prayers.

So now I'm sorry I let him play. I'm sorry I let the vet put me off for two weeks. I'm sorry I tried to let him do the front two stairs into the house like they said he could, as he stumbled and landed on his poor bad leg.
I'm sorry my baby can't run. I'm sorry we're moving in the middle of this so he can't do the PT here.

The practice is the VOSM ( Vet. Orho spts Med). in Annapolis Junction MD.

Milo is trying to walk and find ways to lie down, eat and get up. He can't lift it well yet so he drags the foot.
 I worry I'm not doing it right.

22 comments:

Libby in TN said...

Oh, LeeAnna, I wouldn't even know where to start caring for a hurt puppy. I hope Milo will be like my son who broke his leg at 15 months and managed to learn to walk with a half-body cast on his leg. Youngsters can be quite resilient.

Michele McLaughlin said...

Deep breath! It's not fun but in a day or two, you and Milo will have figured out a new routine. This is your challenge now and I know it will make you both stronger. You both have my prayers.

PaintedThread said...

I have no experience with dogs, so there's nothing I can advise. All I can do is send love and well wishes. Hang in there!

Sara said...

Poor Milo. He will heal slowly but surely. Hang in there. The move and Milo healing will be behind you before you know it.

Shannon said...

Oh LeeAnna! I'm so very very sorry! Poor Milo! And just one more thing to worry about in the chaos of moving!

MissPat said...

First of all, none of this is YOUR fault. It happened. You didn't cause it. You take it day by day. You will get through it. Take care of Milo as best you can, but don't make yourself sick, too. All of us out here will be sending good wishes and get wells. Remember to breathe. And Milo, you behave yourself.
Pat

PaulaB quilts said...

I am so shocked and sorry to hear about Milo. He is a strong puppy, very determined, so he will heal well. But don't blame yourself or,feel guilty. You are his mama and your love is the best medicine. You and he will be in my prayers.

Vic in NH said...

What a horrible predicament! Poor Milo! I hope that his youth will have him heal up quickly and all better now that he has a proper diagnosis. Slap your neighbor for me.

Maria said...

Poor Milo, although he couldn't ask for a better mommy to take care of him:-)

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Oh, I am so sorry, and ditto what everyone above said. We'll all be thinking of you and sending our best positive thoughts for this time to pass and healing for Milo. Sweet boy - give him lots of cuddles for us.

Ann said...

This is so difficult. All I can think is that the road trip might (?!?) help keep him still. Or not. Lots of cuddles from you will help I'm sure.

Magpie Sue said...

Poor baby! And having to cope with a move in the middle of it all... you'll both be in my thoughts and prayers.

Lin said...

Poor Milo. I am not a doggy person but hate to see any animal suffer like that. xx

Gabi Maier said...

So sorry LeeAnna. As someone already told you - it's not your fault. It just happened. Bad luck. And please let him play again with other dogs afterwards, they really need this.
I live in Europe and a few years ago whe had a dog who became really famous all over Europe. It was a young border collie who had some serious surgery and had to be kept still for a very long time. So his owner "invented" a game for him. She hid his toys in the appartement and he had to search for it. Because of this mental exercising he also got tired. And by the end of his recovery he was able to distinguish between more than 200 toys. For instance he had 5 different balls - each one was named differently and he brought back exactely the required one. That's how he got into tv. The tv part is not so important but he was a happy dog with a lot of attention and quality time with his owner although he was not allowed to move much.
The point of this story is that you can always find something for him to play with and to be happy. It will not be easy (I know I'm a dog owner myself) but it is manageable. I and Felix my dog we wish you all the best, a lot of strength and a lot of fun. Please keep us updated.

Mari said...

Poor Milo! I hope he gets better soon. It's always hardest on the parents, isn't it? Hugs to you both!

Tails Around the Ranch said...

I don't think torn cartilage/ligaments show up on X-rays so you shouldn't beat yourself up about that or anything associated to this injury. He'll be fine, it'll take some time and he will adapt quickly to this hiccup. The timing sure is inconvenient but totally survivable. For you and Milo. 🐩

Heather Pregger said...

Poor Milo! And poor Lee Anna! He'll be fine -- he has you to help him get through this.

Valentine said...

I hope Milo he makes a speedy & full recovery so he can get back to being a puppy. Hugs to you both from me & my Basset minion Bessie. Bessie got a small wound on her side a couple months ago at the park after getting kind of knocked down by two other doggies playing. -Valentine (& Mom) of Noir Kitty Mews

Susan said...

Oh goodness LeeAnna! This is going to be a rough four months - so sorry for you both. Let's just hope this does no permanent harm that will last the rest of his life. And don't feel guilty about the delays and mishaps - we've all been there.

Nancy said...

It sounds to me like you got Milo the best care possible once you knew there was an issue. You can not wrap them up and keep them safe. It is just not possible or practical. It would be nice if you were not moving in the middle but you are so you go with it. You will get thru this and find a new clinic. Your current one will help you with that. They know others who do the same thing. Look on the bright side he will be slowed down while you have to try to pack and move. One of my favorite says - Life happens while you are making other plans. John Lennon

MissPat said...

Oh, wow, what a vet bill. And coming at a time when you don't really need that kind of expense. (Not that you ever need that kind of expense). Can you postpone the move to CO for a while? So wish there was a way to lighten your load. Peace and well wishes to you, Drew and Milo.
Pat

The Colorful Fabriholic said...

So sorry for your hurt puppy. So sad to have to restrict his movement when he's so young end energetic. Prayers for his full and speedy recovery, and for your patience and sanity in the meantime, especially with your move.