Hunter's Limping Again

[Loraseal]

We have noticed a slight deterioration in Hunter's joints in the last 4 weeks and all of a sudden he started limping last week on his right front leg (the worst elbow joint with quite serious cartilage damage after his op). He also seems to struggle a little with his hips too. I have also noticed that his coordination, in general, has not been so good. Sometimes he even stumbles walking up onto the pavement. So we are off tomorrow to get his 3rd stem cell treatment. The treatment has definitely helped but we were hoping that it would be a year until the next session was required. Deep down at the back of my mind I feel/know that my chocco fur baby will not become an old dog. I don't like or want to see him in pain or discomfort. We have discussed his pain management plan with the vet and we have 3 levels where we manage his pain. We are still at level 1. We have chosen the path of quality of life instead of length of life for Hunter. So when I read the thread on the MLF about obese dogs it just really upsets me.
1 kg extra on Hunter and we notice a difference to how he gets up off the floor.
He is going to hate me tomorrow, as he knows no breakfast means the white jacket lady. I have his frozen sardine Kong ready for when he gets home from the vet.
Hopefully onwards and upwards after this next stem cell session. I do hope so as I just love him so much.

 

[Anne123]

Oh, no!! What a worry!
I hope all goes well tomorrow and he soon find some relief!

 

[Emily]

Oh @Loraseal, your post breaks my heart. I hope tomorrow is as stress free as possible and the stem cell treatment has a positive effect xx

 

[Joy]

I'm so sorry. Sending you good thoughts for tomorrow.

 

[HAH]

Its just brutal that this is the hand you and Hunter have been dealt @Loraseal . He’s incredibly fortunate to have you making the important decisions for him, and you couldn’t do more. I’m just so sorry this is the way it is. Sending you much love and admiration for your ongoing strength, and I hope you get good results from tomorrow’s treatment. I’m sure you’ll be forgiven as soon as Hunter gets his sardine Kong x

 

[Shaz82]

This makes me so sad, poor Hunter. I hope all goes well for you tomorrow.

 

[Atemas]

for you and Hunter tomorrow

 

[Lab_adore]

Oh....poor Hunter and poor you. Everything is crossed for a positive outcome

 

[MellowYellow]

I'm so, so sorry. It's so unfair that lovely Hunter has this hanging over him. The only good thing is that he doesn't know it - he just knows that sometimes he has days where he is rather stiff and his joints are a bit painful, and then other days when all is good. You and your family are the ones who have to carry the painful knowledge that he may not grow old... I really feel for you, and wish you much strength - but also much joy with your darling Hunter in the years to come.

 

[kateincornwall]

So very sorry @Loraseal , you really are a wonderful owner and I totally agree with your ethos of quality being infinately better than quantity , I wish you all the very best for the treatment, hugs xxxxxx

 

[Jacqui-S]

Karen is right.
It's a tough job for you but you will do what's right for Hunter
Hope this is but a temporary blip for him and the stemcells can get him back to his baseline.

 

[SwampDonkey]

He's a lucky boy to have you looking after him. I hope everything gets back to easier walking soon. XXX

 

[Selina27]

@Loraseal


Nothing to add that hasn't been said. Sending many hugs.

 

[Plum's mum]

So sorry @Loraseal, you are absolutely doing what’s right for your darling boy but it must be very hard to watch him when he’s struggling.

 

[Loraseal]

Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and words. As he has had this most of his young life,he adapts his movement to reduce the pain. Adaption of movement is now second nature for him. At the end of the day we love him and we make sure that he knows it. I will let you know how he is tomorrow when we get home. X

 

[FayRose]

Very sad to read @Loraseal I have 'liked' your post because of your determined and caring attitude toward your boy.

You're giving him the very best care and love, can't do more than that and your decision with regards his on going treatment seems just right to me. Very best wishes with all you do for him x

 

[Granca]

Hope all goes well for Hunter today.

 

[M.F.]

Best of luck for today. I really feel for you. Hopefully the treatment will bring him much comfort. xxx

 

[Cath]

Thinking of you both

 

[snowbunny]

So sorry to hear that Hunter is struggling. I hope the therapy works well for him, and he’s rejuvenated again x