Prayers for Hanky

[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

[LoriO]

Sending lots of good thoughts for Hank. I'm also owned by an Aussie. They are tough dogs and it is amazing how well they can heal and the injuries they can survive from.

Harley, my aussie, was intentionally ran over by a pickup truck before we adopted him. He had a shattered hind leg, a broken sacrum and multiple other injuries. Today except for a limp in front from nerve damage and a paralyzed tail (yes, an aussie with a tail) you would never know what he went through.


I'm sure Hank will recover and be his old self soon.

P.s. A great supplement for arthritic dogs is Hylasport Canine made by Horsetech. www.horsetech.com I use it for Harley and it has done wonders for him. If you aren't sure if it will help or if he will eat it in his food, just ask the company if they can send you a sample. Their customer service is top notch and they will usually send a couple weeks worth of product so you can try it out before buying.

[nancielle]

Poor Hanky!

Chloe sends out her wishes for a speedy recovery




(Sorry 'bout the big honkin' border. Haven't figured out how to get rid of it.)