chasing that squirrel wasn't worth it in the end after all. Bella tore her CCL ligament and meniscus in her back left leg, a common knee injury in both humans and canines, and it comes with an expensive price tag and a long slow recovery. With three days into this I can see it is going to be quite a long haul. With a mind numbing regimen of medicines I hope Bella copes okay with the long required sedative state that she will have to endure. She's so sweet all drugged up- her goofy little eyes can hardly focus on anything, and she's so wobbly when she walks outside for potty breaks. These new knees are supposed to be really strong once they recover though... and now the goal is also to keep the other one from doing the same thing, which I understand is quite common. A month of absolutely nothing but going out for potty breaks, then a little walking in the house- no stairs, a big challenge if you've ever been in our home: every room is on a different level so we'll be residing in the family room for a month or so, and I will be very used to sleeping on the couch. Then at 8 weeks you start with 3-5 minute walks on level ground outside 2-3 times a day, then up to 10 minutes and so on until you work up to 30 minutes over several weeks time. It takes between 4 to 6 months for full recovery. I'm glad we're heading into the cold season so she won't want to go out as much.
Oh this little sweet girl- to think that some people said just put her down... inconceivable to me. As much as a parent loves his or her own child is how much I love Bella. It is an unusually strong bond I admit, but I can't explain the connection there is for me with this dog, more so than with any other animals I've lived with. We have a mind thing, an understanding of sorts... and a communication that is different than with any of my other existing animal companions. There is a lot of life left in her and she and I will get to see it on my watch.
I love you Bella girl, and I know you're going to be good and strong again... maybe you'll get that darn squirrel next time!
3 comments:
OH, Laura, I've been there with my l'il Noodle girl. Twice, in fact (same knee).
It =is= difficult, but Bella will be fine. I don't know her, but I think you'll be amazed at how quickly she starts scootin' around, even w/ the gauze cast on her leg.
Do you have some post-surgical homeopathic remedies for her? They work wonders!
Re; put her down? Because of a torn ACL?! Phffffttt. I'm with you. Some of our pets are special kindred spirits. Just because one of our family members happens to be a furry 4-legger doesn't mean (in =my- book) that they don't deserve every chance and all our efforts that we'd extend to the rest of our family.
I'll keep you all in my thoughts and send light of healing energy.
Thanks Robin- Yes she is on homeopathic and nutritional supplements. At two weeks now she is doing quite well in spirit. She's not touching down much with her leg yet but a little more each day. Boredom is the biggest factor right now- stitches come out tomorrow- yeah, a little more freedom for us both. All in all she's a good little trooper.
Oh No! Poor Bella. I'm sure that with a loving nurse/mama like you she will fully recover in body and spirit. I wish I was there so I could bring Emmett over. We could sit him down on the floor with her and she could lick him as he rolls around :)
Hugs
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