Prayers for Hanky

[smurfalicious]

I took my Australian Shepherd, Hank, in to work with me today. He was chilling in the back room with me when all of a sudden he crashed into something. I turned and saw him flip/roll over a few types while yelping bloody murder. I got him calmed down and then realized that he wasn't able to stand up. He was panicky and drug himself around by his front legs. Nothing in my dog mommy life was as painful to watch as that pathetic display.

A coworker came back and I asked him to call our manager so I could tell her what was going on, and that I'd be leaving. Someone called a few vets to see if anyone could get him in. By the time we found someone he was making a pathetic effort to stand. I carted him out to the truck, and set him down while I opened the door. Always one for a ride he tried twice to dive into the truck and my heart broke again.

At the vet's office they sedated him and took x-rays. Turns out he has two vertebra that at some point were fused together by arthritis and when he fell and went boom that fusion snapped apart. They gave him steroid shots and some laser treatment to get vertebra to heal. $550 later I called my mom through teary eyes to borrow the money as my meager savings were depleted when I got fired.

I feel awful! Poor guy is still looking all hunch backed and I have to give him ace to keep him quiet. The worst part is my other dog Lucky who is usually very intuitive to pain and illness in people is being a pushy jerk to him. The vet wants to do more laser treatments but right now with my crappy hours at work I have to see what kind of money I pull down at the bar.

I can't stop crying, I feel terrible. Someone once told me dogs don't feel sorry for themselves, and that is so true of Hank. He's being so stalwart. Nope, it's just me feeling sorry for myself. My mom hinted at putting him down if I have to keep doing the laser treatments, but I can't. He's my buddy. When no one else wanted to go for mountain bike rides, Hank did. When a breakup left me sleeping alone in a cold bed, Hank was there to cuddle. I couldn't go on right now if I didn't have a bratty little boy demanding I scratch his butt.

So keep Hank in your thoughts and prayers for me. He's my strength in this tough part of my life and if it means selling my bike, camera gear, DVD collection, whatever, I will make sure he's taken care of. He's my fur baby, and anyone who tells me I won't understand until I have "real kids" should see how red, puffy, and teary eyed I am right now.

[salsabike]

I would do all that too, Smurf, until it didn't work for him anymore--sell everything, do whatever it took.

About Lucky--any chance you could rent a big kennel and let Hank hang out in it in the house so he gets some peace? I am not a dog person, don't know much, but my dog-loving buddies say dogs don't mind that kind of thing...

[BethG]

Hugs for you, and hugs for Hank.

I know where you're coming from: the fur-babies in my life have brought me more joy, and kept me out of more dark places, than I can count. That is very, very real, no matter what the insensitive clods of the world think or say.

More hugs for you, and more hugs for Hank.

About Lucky--any chance you could rent a big kennel and let Hank hang out in it in the house so he gets some peace? I am not a dog person, don't know much, but my dog-loving buddies say dogs don't mind that kind of thing...

I think this is a good idea if possible - it would not only give Hank some peace, but help him stay calm while his back heals. (and don't be too hard on Lucky - yes, dogs usually are very sensitive to pain, but she's probably also very aware that not only is Hank in pain, but Momma's upset. That can really rattle a dog, and I'm sure she's coping the best she can. You all are)

[andtckrtoo]

Oh big furry doggie hugs for you and for Hank! I have an Aussie, too, and know just what incredible dogs they are and I would, too, sell everything to keep my baby alive. Hank is definitely in my prayers! I hope the big guy comes out okay. Poor him and poor you. Keep us informed!!!

[smurfalicious]

Thank you all soooo much. I went to bed thinking healing thoughts about my boy and praying furiously for him. He looks worlds better this morning! Still taking it real easy but that's good. I'm gonna keep giving him half an ace to keep him mellow. Doc said he can have aspirin for pain relief and if that doesn't work I could come in for something harder. Honestly don't like giving critters a lot of pain killers for these type of injuries because often the pain killers make them forget the injury and act stupid.

I've been looking into financial aid for the laser treatment. I just don't know if it's necessary and the doctor couldn't really give me a good reason why we had to keep doing it. I got the feeling it was a new toy they wanted to play with. Without another expensive set of xrays I have no way of confirming anything is different. *sigh*

Hank is getting the bedroom to himself today. Lucky can run around the house and outside. I just got mad at her for stealing the dog bed from him, and pushing him around at meal time. Mebbe she's a bit jealous too that Hank gets all the attention right now. Who knows...

[Blueberry]

Hugs to you both.....

I've been there. It's hard. Let Hank guide you as to how much treatment and when.

CA

[fastdogs]

pain meds are essential for quicker healing. Without them, the dog cannot rest and heal as quickly.
The thinking on pain meds has changed- vets used to tell us not to give them, because then the dog would "move around too much". Pain studies tell us that animals will do what they have to do- they will move to get water and food, and will try as best they can to appear outwardly normal, but if they over do it, they will feel it just like we would.
The pain meds he'll get will enable him to be comfortable, they won't immobilize him or numb the sore area. Animals have an instinct to appear normal, regardless of pain or injury- this is more pronounced in prey species, but dogs are much the same. Their instinct is to not stand out from the pack as the weak one. With or without pain meds they feel like they should act normal. So they might as well put all their body's strength into healing, rather than dealing with pain and it's affects on the body and healing. The ace will sedate him, but the aspirin will help ease the pain so he can rest.
Sorry, this is a soapbox for me. Our pets no longer have to endure pain following surgical procedures or injuries. They can be comfortable and be able to rest without constant pain (that they would never let us know they are feeling).

It sounds like he's doing better, I hope he continues to improve.

I've had a couple of dogs that had spinal injuries- one had alpha stim treatments and underwater treadmill therapy, but both recovered- one fully and the other just some incoordination remaining. Neither had surgery.
vickie

[lph]

Oh smurf, I'm so sorry Lots of hugs to Hank and wishing you both good luck!

[crazycanuck]

Poor doggie

I hope his health improves soon!

I understand what our furry friends mean to us! Your doggie will love you for all that you do for him!

C

[OakLeaf]

(((((Hank & Smurf))))) Praying for both of you.

[Velobambina]

Sending lots of good karma yours and Hank's way. Kisses, too, from my golden retriever girls.

[DebG]

Sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way. It's so hard when our fur kids are in pain, you just want to hug and kiss them and make it go away. I hope that Hank will recover quickly.

[Becky]

You, Hank, and Lucky are all in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted on Hank's condition, and let your TE family know if there's anything that we can do to help.

[Iris616]

Here's to a full recovery for Hank. My thoughts are with both of you.

[rij73]

Poor Hank! And poor you! I completely understand how you feel and would also make any necessary sacrifices for my Hudson.

Hang in there, and give him lots of love. He'll be okay.