I wasn't able to blog over the last few days because we had had some news which had totally devastated us and I hadn't felt able to share it. We have since been given a possible retrieve, so the news is better now that it was.
As you knew, Jet had had to go back into hospital because his leg had become extremely painful again. He has stayed in because they put him on morphine. On Monday, they did an X-ray to see what was going on in the elbow joint and when the vet phoned, she shocked me to the core. She basically told us that the joint was in such a bad state that the two options open to us were amputation or euthanasia. We were utterly thrown and spent the whole day in tears. Our poor Jet, only 3 years old, the most adorable dog ever might either never come home again or have his life altered forever. This move was meant to be his dream 'retirement' too and he had been so very very happy here over the previous three weeks. It was all so unfair and totally unbelievable.
The vet had said she would forward the X-ray to their ortho expert for a second opinion. Fortunately, he felt it was worth a try removing the plate ( one of the screws had sheared off anyway), flushing the joint out with antibiotic solution and seeing how we went for two months. So that folks is where we are at now. We have collected him home today minus one ridiculously expensive titanium plate.He is moaning constantly but very happy to be home and we are obviously ecstatic to have him home. He has been granted a temporary, potentially, stay of execution and we will all keep our fingers crossed that he heals ok. The leg will always be weak and arthritic and he will be on medication all of his life, which may be shortened too, but fingers crossed he will pull though this to at least have that chance.
On other animal fronts, one of the chickens has a blocked crop so we are treating that too. The runt, who perches in the tree jumped onto Mr D's face the other evening and caused a nasty wound all down one side of his face. Only he could manage that!! The cats are much the same as ever and life progresses!
And I'm still trying to paint over all the pink...
Back soon!
Oh my what terrible news, many dogs live happy active lives after amputation and he is young enough to adapt should it come to that, I hope it dosent and he now improves
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, what an awful shock, poor Jet and poor you.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed that things improve.
So sad to read this; as Dawn says, they do cope very well after a leg has had to be amputated, I even saw pictues of a dog that lost one front and one back leg and still ran about. When I used to take pony treks, we would go past a house where a fox terrier lived; he had lost one leg but, as he lay in his gateway, you couldn't see it was missing. When he leapt up and galloped after the ponies (who were all bombproof and used to him)any adult customers were left wondering if they had had too much in the pub at lunchtime, because they just couldn't believe their eyes! It is still a devastating thing to happen and, obviously, he won't instantly become fit after the op so I really feel for you. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteOh no, no, no! Poor Jet! I REALLY hope he improves, he's so young. I know most vets are good but what about the Super Vet, Noel Fitzpatrick whose speciality is orthopaedics - he seems to work miracles. Sending best wishes.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so sorry. I hope there is some improvement soon.x
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news but as many have said amputation is not a bad as it sounds. I have known many three legged dog that lead wonderful lives.
ReplyDeleteI hope Jet improves and I know he is happy being home.
cheers, parsnip and thehamish
Oh I'm so sorry to hear your news, I hope Jet improves soon x
ReplyDeleteOh no poor Jet, I will keep everything crossed that things improve for him. Glad he's home with you where he is happiest. x
ReplyDeleteSending healing thoughts for your poor Jet....and Smudge sends doggie hugs and kisses-x-
ReplyDeleteWhat a worry for you, I hope things improve in the two months. Your husband was lucky not to lose an eye!
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you, having news like this is just devastating. Poor Jet! Hopefully it will get better and he can lead a normal doggy life.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you, having news like this is just devastating. Poor Jet! Hopefully it will get better and he can lead a normal doggy life.
ReplyDeleteThe most difficult but most important decision is to decide what is the best thing for Jet.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will soon know what this is whether it be amputation, euthanasia or continued treatment.
You are now doing and have done all that is in your power for him since you had him.
Continue to put him first and the decision will become obvious.
I do hope the new treatment works. Sue
omg how awful poor jet. I hope the antibiotics work. Beaming support through the bloggy ether!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read this, poor Jet. I do hope the medication works.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Poor doggy. If he's going to be arthritic anyway would you not think that amputation now when he is young enough to adapt to 3 legs would be a kinder option? I am thankful that I am not the one having to decide. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteSending big hugs. x
ReplyDeleteThink about the amputation. Although it seems horribly drastic at the moment, he is young enough to cope with it, he wouldn't have the tablets for the rest of his life, and shortening it too, and once over the op would be out of pain for good.
ReplyDeleteBut you know best and you know Jet so I hope things work out well for you all.
I had to laugh at the chicken ambush ... sorry, that's exactly what Lovely Hubby had to go through on a daily basis with our last cockerel Cauldwell II, he just hated Lovely Hubby and would ambush him at every opportunity, resulting in some nasty cuts to his legs on occasion ... poor Cauldwell getting so stressed out ;-)