Friday, February 17, 2012

Seymour and his Surgery

A relatively common small dog issue is a luxating patella. Our vet said that when he started walking on 3 legs about 30% of the time, it meant that he probably would need surgery. He wasn't quite up to 30% but he wanted me to carry him more - and he is 7 1/2 years old, so it was time.

Seymour had his surgery on Monday and since he was going to be sedated, I also had them clean his teeth and clip his nails. I'm sure when he woke up, he was thinking "What the heck hit me?". He is on pain meds and an antibiotic and will go back in 2 weeks to get his stitches removed. Here is a gross picture of his leg - back, driver side :)




He was pretty out of it the first 2 days but would still go to the bathroom outside when I carried him out. I think he is holding "number 2", although I saw him go once, because it is a difficult position to get into with only one back leg. TMI?

The first morning after surgery, Zooey jumped in his bed with him and I heard the worst screech. She has quickly learned that she can sleep beside his bed, but not in it. I do think she is confused. She has only lived with us less than 3 weeks so I hate to see her worrying about him.

Today, Seymour has been whining and I can't figure out what he needs. I have brought him water, fed him his dog food on a spoon (so he wouldn't have to get up), taken him outside and given him his favorite treat, and nothing is working. I took that picture of his wound and sent it to the vet to see if he needs to come in, but I haven't heard back yet. And of course it is almost weekend, so if he needs any medical attention, he will have to go to the expensive emergency vet. I will be happy when he passes the 2 week mark and I can start doing physical therapy on that leg. I am missing my sweet little Seymour. But I was out at my own doctor's appointment yesterday and when I came home both Seymour and Zooey were waiting at the door for me. I was surprised and delighted.

For now, this is Seymour's primary position:




I know that it won't be long before my frisky travel companion is back to normal and ready for another trip - this time with his little pesky sister. I can't wait!

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Thursday, February 9, 2012

And Sister Makes Three

I was getting "traveling with one pet" down to a science, so what did I do? I got Seymour a little sister we named Zooey. I saw her picture on www.petfinder.com



I have always looked but never had a plan to get another dog. But I guess when one looks, it is inevitable that a dog will catch your heart. Zooey is a 3 pound 2 ounce rescue from Abilene Texas. I was told that she was an owner surrender with another, more aggressive dog. She was very timid, very underweight and did not walk on a leash. She is what one of my friends call "a cute, ugly dog". Seymour was hoping that she was just visiting.

We have now had her for 10 days and she has already been to the vet twice. The first time for an update on immunizations and ear infections. She is too skinny to get a microchip yet. The second time was for suspected kennel cough, which she received steroid and antibiotic shots. I think she also has hip dysplasia since she is beginning to hop on three legs. BTW, Seymour is getting surgery for his hip dysplasia on Monday.

Everyone thinks that she is between 18 months and 2 years old. She looks like a feminine little girl and barks like Danny DiVito. No one is exactly sure what her "mix" is, but we think chihuahua, yorkie and maybe one or two others. She is fluffy but looks like she could be Benjamin Button's dog with her wispy, need of hair plugs, head.

Zooey has loved Seymour from the first day they met. She is constantly trying to get in his dog bed with him and follows him everywhere. Seymour, on the other hand, is still hoping she is just visiting! He puts up with her. He is used to being an only dog, so it is a big change for him.




I am doing my best to give them both lots of attention. They both love riding in the car so I think it will be easy to go on camping trips with them.

Seymour, Zooey and I have already visited Ace Hardware and the Senior Thrift store in town. I have carried one in the sling and one in my arms but in a pinch, I can actually carry both in one hand. Between the two of them, they weigh less than 10 pounds.

So, I am now going to be traveling with two little ones. Let the adventures continue!

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