Less Meds

So its Monday and Sumi is down to pain meds once a day. She is quiet and not her normal bouncy, vocal self. Over the weekend she only played a little bit and was upset when she couldn't go to the park. She crates herself instead of sleeping on her couch or one of the many dog beds. I think she needs to be medicated at least twice a day.

Has anyone had any experience with this (nerve damage & managing the pain)?

I'm trying not to let her she me upset but its not as easy as it sounds. I want my crazy harle back.

Sick Again

So I thought Sumi was really sick once we are good! I was wrong. About two months ago Sumi started to limp. We had x rays done and went to a specialist. Luxated Patella we were told... surgery not recommended because it is mild and secondary infection was a huge possibility with her history. Three weeks go by and she start limping on front right. Back to the vet, right elbow sensitive. We hold off on x rays to see if it would get better. She seemed to improve. Last Thursday I got home from work and she seemed scared and sore all over. Temp & gums normal. No swelling and no heat. 4am she’s worse and off to the er we go. She had a quick exam, they refused to do x rays which I asked for because she hadn't eaten yet and could be sedated safely. I was told it was mostly likely behavioral due to the hurricane approaching the coast. I refused blood work because she just had everything run two weeks prior and everything was perfect and there was No Lyme. So they gave us pain meds and sent us home. So at 12 I spoke with our normal vet (who I love) and we agreed to go in at 5. Definitely NOT behavioral. By now Sumi was crying walking, lying down and just moving. Now we get a complete exam, everything appears normal except pain in front paw and elbow. They took x rays of her front right leg, which sumi was awake and totally ok with, NO cancer and no arthritis. We agree to come back Tuesday for sedation and complete x rays of almost entire body. Vet adjusted pain meds (er gave too low a dose) and we came home. With new pain meds on board she started to come around. Head up, Tail up and wagging. By Monday she was back to normal. Tuesday am back to vet. She prances in and gives everyone kisses. I leave crying because I had a gut feeling something wasn’t right. Vet called at 1 and said I could pick her up anytime but no rush as they were all loving on her. Nothing special in x rays but we agreed to have radiologist take a look and we would touch base again after that. Also agreed to wean her down off the pain meds to see how she responded. Today vet called and radiologist believes she has nerve damage. We need to do an MRI to rule this out. She has muscle atrophy in the rear that we attributed to the patella but the radiologist saw it in the front as well. This also points to nerve damage. Typically it starts with lameness, moves to atrophy and can end with paralysis. The vet and I agreed to continue to try and wean her off the pain meds, restrict exercise for 3 weeks, then start with small walks. We are also increasing her food to see if this helps her muscles. I am holding off on MRI as it will run about $2500 to start and Im not ready to put her through the stress of it. I have cried all day and thought if I put this down I would feel better… not helping as I am crying again.

Diary pick

Wow... I told mom she should help me maintain my diary. I added a couple picks today of me playing this summer. We need to start bringing the camera with us. Today I get to play in my pool because Mom has to work. Hopefully pepere will fill the pool with me there so I can attack the fresh water.... He will get all wet!

Summer and Swimming

I am so happy that summer is finally here..... Ok maybe not because its hot but Mom is. Today Jazie and I went to a cool place where people are dog friendly. We got to run around (me free.. Jazie on leash) and play in the water. There were a lot of other dogs to play with. I made friends with a big boy named Bentley, he was handsome (not as handsome as Oliver :) ). I can't wait to go swimming again.

It wasn't me

If you read Connor's diary..... it was true that I was trying to sit with Mom. She was watching a movie and I wanted to cuddle. It is also true that we played when she said I couldn't sit on the couch. I don't remember the rest.... It was Connors fault.

Talos

My cousin Talos went over the bridge today. He was a very sweet puppy, everyone who met him got big kisses. We will all miss him very much. His mom hasn't updated his page because she is still in shock and very upset. Please send him your love. We will always love him and we will never forget him.

Quiz

Ok my fluffy man took the quiz and my Mom said I could take it too!!!! They said I was like Angelina Jolie. Wow... I wonder if Angelina really likes food because I LOVE to eat!

Oliver I hope you still love me.

Cats

Today is my sister Maggie's birthday. Mom said the best gift I could give would be one day where I don't chase her or try to box her. I think I can do it but its hard. She is so much fun to play with and she has already slapped me twice. Birthdays are so much fun, I hope we have a party tonight.

Congratulations to Sheba and Ella

Wow what a day for my friends ! Sheba is diary of the day and Ella is dog of the day. Congratulations pretty ladies.

Nicknames

Ok so my Mom has so many nicknames for all of us... It is crazy. My boyfriend Oliver's Mom does the same thing for them too! Crazy Mommas.
Alright so yesterday Mom came up with a new one for me. Are you ready? No give it a second "La Meataballa" as if I'm a meatball! Can you believe it? I have a little weight problem... it’s like I look at food and gain weight. So Mom said I was a meatball and the La Meataballa started. I can't help myself; as soon as she says it I get really excited, wag my tail, pop all over the place and run around. Then to make it worse Dad said I was only getting excited because I thought I was going to get some food (maybe a meatball). I am very sensitive but after all I can't resist Mom's funny voice when she says "la meataballa".