Harley’s health journey

M

M.F.

I’m so sorry. Going through similar so I totally empathize. You fix one thing, then something else. And the worst is that they’re in pain and you feel so responsible for their wellbeing.

One thing I’m wondering: could she have strained something while trying not to put weight on the cut paw?

Snowie’s physio always says that to look for the joint above or below the area where you suspect pain, that a problem in one area can cause the symptom or possibly a new problem in the adjacent area. So, when Snowie’s back flared up, she suspected he’d hurt his knee and then tried to protect his knee by straining his back to take weight off the knee. We never proved it; his knees were fine under X-ray and his back is severely arthritic. But it’s a useful thing to keep in my mind when trying to make a diagnosis on a dog who can’t talk!

I’m hoping this is just a blip for Harley. Thinking of you and Harley. xxx
 
Naya

Naya

Moderator
Location
Bristol, UK
Thought I would update this thread, especially as things have improved so much. Harley’s limp has now almost gone. She’s only limped slightly 3 times in the past 3 weeks. She moved into the pool at hydrotherapy and has had more regular physio therapy which includes laser therapy. They have confimed she has arthritis in both front paws. Since she has been in the pool rather than on the treadmill, she has been so much more energetic and at times very ‘puppy like’ - pinching things, having hoolies, much more playful. She’s happy to do laps in the pool, but hasn’t retrieved her ball which is extremely unusual for my all loving girl. Today she had physio with laser treatment, then into the pool for a swim. Physio said her back and front muscles have really bulked out and they are really happy with that as it’s strengthening her muscles. She still needs to loose a bit of weight as she goes up and down like a yo-yo. I took a spare change of clothes and flip flops today which meant I could paddle and dangle my legs in to keep her in the pool in between laps. This seemed to calm her and she didn’t try to get out at all - she even retrieved her ball today and I didn’t have to walk around the outside of the pool to encourage her to swim.
This time last month I was feeling really down about her health and struggling with not knowing what else I could do. It seems that she needs regular hydro and physio to help maintain her as well as us doing exercises at home with her every day.
Just a few photos of her in the pool over the past few weeks. The first 2 are when I was walking around the pool - you can see her keeping an eye on me! The second 2 are from today.
11F12894-3023-4385-A0C6-53419A3AACD2.jpeg2E5151F2-E35D-4A43-8C64-A0764D0B907E.jpeg338168A5-FCAA-47A2-AF94-6E209AF5F317.jpeg5D8B7E98-DF97-45E3-9C65-C6AC0D0AE28F.jpeg
 
Stacia

Stacia

Location
Malvern Worcestershire
I am so pleased for you that Harley is so much better. I wish there were physios here for dogs, it might help Rourke, he is on steroids at the moment, the higher dose made him very sick, panting and shaking, we are now on a lower dose, but in my opinion, still high and of course he cannot stay on this for ever. You must be so relieved that you can see excellent results.
 
Beanwood

Beanwood

Administrator
Great news @Naya! Harley looks like she is having so much fun...I was thinking of taking Benson to hydro, then Otter. Do you think they would allow another dog in there with Harley? To Benson its safe and fun?
Best of all you are sounding much better!! :hug::hug:
 
Naya

Naya

Moderator
Location
Bristol, UK
Beanwood said:
Great news @Naya! Harley looks like she is having so much fun...I was thinking of taking Benson to hydro, then Otter. Do you think they would allow another dog in there with Harley? To Benson its safe and fun?
Best of all you are sounding much better!! :hug::hug:
Click to expand...
Absolutely regarding having another dog in with Harley. They have suggested this to me as think it might encourage Harley to swim ore and retrieve if she has a friend with her..........Benson would be great with her 😀. Must meet up and speak about it very soon 😀
 
Jacqui-S

Jacqui-S

Moderator
Location
Fife, Scotland
Naya said:
Absolutely regarding having another dog in with Harley. They have suggested this to me as think it might encourage Harley to swim ore and retrieve if she has a friend with her..........Benson would be great with her 😀. Must meet up and speak about it very soon 😀
Click to expand...
Lilly and Oreo swim better together I would say.
Though Lilly just exhausts herself running round the pool and agitating if she isn't in at the same time :hmm: even though she doesn't voluntarily get in in the first place :wasntme:
 
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