Prayers for Hanky

[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.)

[short cut sally]

Smurf, HUGS to you and to Hanky. I had tears in my eyes reading the story..
When my cat (I know not the same) had to have emergency surgery they had at the clinic papers to fill out for a Vet VISA. Yep, just like a regular VISA credit card and is used the same way. They offered a 3 month grace period before they started racking on any finance charges, and mighty steep percentage rate at that...It is an option if all else fails..

[Pax]

Soft snuggles to Hank, hope he's feeling all better real soon.

[spindizzy]

Sending an ear scratch to Hank and a hug to you.

[Biker Jo]

Big hugs to you and Hank!

[nancielle]

Who's the interactive chew toy that Hank is playing with?