Hey everyone! I got to go see my favorite vet Dr. Sam on Tues. He’s an awesome guy and I just Love, Love, Love him! I did really good while I was there. He checked me from head to toe and top to bottom. Gave me all of my vaccines and told mom that I’m doing pretty good for an old dude.
There were a couple of things that weren’t so good though.
First: I gained 20 pounds in the last year. Mom says it’s because I have become really lazy and don’t want to walk or play anymore. Dr. Sam did some bloodwork to check me out and see if maybe my thyroid was messing with me. It’s not. So, I’m on a diet to lose some weight.
Second: The vet thinks I have Canine degenerative myelopathy. My back legs are getting weaker, I am losing motion in them and the muscle mass is disappearing. I also cross my legs when I lay down. There is no cure for it, but vitamin supplements and exercise may slow it down. So, Mom says I have to be a good boy and go out in the mornings when it is still cool outside and walk with her. Most of what the vet told her and what she has read about this says I should be o.k. for another 2-3 years. I’m o.k. with that, I’ve had a good life here. As a matter of fact, I have had a grrrrreat life!
Mom & Dad also told me that they won’t do anything to make me uncomfortable when my time comes. But they will do everything to keep me comfortable for as long as possible. I sure do Love them.
Well, I’m off to walk around the yard for a bit.
Bark at you all later!!!
Chuy
Ah geez! I am so sorry I missed this post for so long and to hear you might have DM. So.Not.Fair. I hope that vet is wrong! Sounds like you and your Mom and Dad have a grrreat attitude though so I know you will meet this challenge with grace and fortitude, just as you have met the other challenges you have faced in life.
I keep recommending your blog to peeps as a shining example of how a tripawd handles surgery on a remaining leg. You showed ’em how its done Chuy!
We are sending you and your peeps lots of tripawd strength and love.
Martha, Codie Rae, and the Oaktown Pack
P.S. Taking that weight off will make all the difference dude! After Austin came to live with us and we had been feeding him like crazy because he was emaciated, all of a sudden he could hardly walk. Turns out he had gained more weight than he could support and we have found his optimal weight is 10 pounds less than it was at that point. He has all kinds of other mobility issues so that extra weight was the last straw! Dieting is soooo hard but it will be worth it!
Wooooah Chuy! I’m so sorry I Just saw this now. I really hope that you don’t have DM. DId you see the blog post we just did about it?
http://tripawds.com/2015/07/08/dna-screening-pets/
I’m gonna email your Mom so we can talk. I hope you’re feeling good!
Heya Chuy!
Long time no woo! BOL BOL BOL, hope the diet is going well, maybe it will cool soon there a little so you can go out more. We love woo and will keep you in our prayers,
Nukie and Family