Category: Stories
The black eyed lady of the lowlands
Posted by stephaniewm on February 28, 2009
Some days ago Jackie lost the wag in his tail. Ian the gardener here said that tails are real tell-tale signs of a dog’s health. I contacted an on-line vet and you might be interested to see our correspondence.
“My dog is in a lot of pain. He is nearly 4 years’ old. 3 years ago he was run over and survived. He was blinded in one eye and had a dislocated back leg. As a result, sometimes he limps but not usually. He normally races around the place, with his tail up like a husky and goes for long walks. This time he is not limping but has great trouble sitting or lying down. I had an x-ray done of his right hand back leg about a year ago. The vet recommended an operation but he (Jackie, the dog) copes so well that I thought it was best to go with nature. Also it would have cost many thousands of pounds. I am hoping that he will recover naturally as he usually does but I would like to help relieve his pain. He is pacing about the place unable to settle.”’
The on-line vet then asked for some details:
Optional Information:
Age: 4;
Male;
Breed: mongrel
And me again to vet
“I haven’t tried anything but I can tell you that his x-ray said that his back right hand leg is something of a miracle. The normal ball at the top of his leg has either gone or was squashed flat. The same for the socket that takes the ball joint. The dog seemed to heal himself and the bone welded itself on to the upper bone and it is only for a day or two each month that he has trouble and starts limping. I was hoping for advice on a pain killer and a laxative as I think it hurts him to strain. Sorry for long reply.”‘
At last, virtual vet’s reply:
Hello,
Dogs with untreated injury’s typically suffer from arthritis and it sounds like this is what is causing your boy his pain. The first step is to keep the house at even temperatures. The reality is cold weather or damp weather causes swelling in the joints and increases in discomfort. Make sure his sleeping area is not drafty or damp. He should have a more comfortable bed as well…..if you can make sure he has a few soft blankets to curl up in and keep those hips and legs warm. If he sleeps with you consider putting in dog steps so he does not have to jump in or out of bed. Too much pressure on the hips can cause more pain as well.
Consider putting his food and water bowl on a small box to lift it up off the floor. When a dog has to bend his neck and back this puts pressure on the hips as well. Even a small lift helps. Massage is the number 1 thing you can do for your boy. Some owners use warm towels wrapped around the legs or hips and massage over it. This allows the heat from the towels to seep into the muscle and help relieve discomfort. The best time to do massage therapy is at night before bed. This allows him to get comfortable before sleeping.
Your vet can prescribe steroids or pain relievers to help with the swelling and discomfort as well. Let him know how bad the discomfort is and ask what he would recommend based on your dogs medical history. You can give aspirin as long as there are no bleeding conditions present and as long as the dog is not on any naiads from the vet. Also if any corticosteroids in a oral or injectable form have been given you can not give aspirin.The dosage for aspirin is 5mgs per pound of body weight every 12 hours for a maximum of two days.
Walter
Now from me again, one day after the vet’s advice.
Enter the black-eyed lady of the lowlands in the shape of Madame Holly, on heat, with innocent Angel in tow.
Out bounced Jackie to greet them, tail not up but running and jumping, smiling and panting. On their first walk he was racing around like a dervish, galloping at a steep angle. Then I’m afraid Holly got to him. They became obsessed with each other and twice there were howls of pain (joy?) when, despite Jackie now being a eunuch, they successfully did it.
The next day it became boring and we had to give them both long periods alone in the car in an effort to cool them off. Jackie had to be locked in my bedroom last night and he eventually settled but this morning there was no stopping him, or her, and finally we thought, ‘to hell with it, just do it, get it over and done with!’
I don’t think I’ll tell Walter. Jackie seems to be much better but he still has a floppy tale.
Stephanie Wolfe Murray, February 2009
One Response to “The black eyed lady of the lowlands”
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February 28th, 2009 at 11:06
Well, Walter may be reading your blog… if he does, he’ll find that love, as they say, still cures all. He’ll know what to prescribe next time!!!