And... it's back to the vet's this morning. Merlin scratched the scab off yesterday evening, and the patch looks sore and red. Also, it's right above the eye and I'm worried he might hurt his eye scratching at the area. It's obviously a bit sore and itchy. OH took him to the vet an hour ago. Antibiotic cream, as it is a little infected. She said it's fine, but that we should tape a sock on his foot at night (yeah, that's going to work - not), and gave us a cone as well in case the sock doesn't work. Merly-Perly, the swirling maelstrom of trouble.
I suspect he'll find out soon. He pulled the sock straight off, when OH left him to pop to the shops.
When Snowie had his eye sewn shut when he damaged his cornea, the vet taped up his paw to prevent the dew claw from catching the stitches. It worked really well. He first bandaged the dew claw with some soft spongy bandage stuff (don’t know what it is exactly! Vets have it in big supply) and then taped it all up in vet tape (the stuff that sticks to itself). Could you try that on Merlin’s paw? When it got too dirty or wet, we replaced it - about once a day.
That's not a bad idea! I'll see how he gets on. He's fine when he's busy (out for a walk or similar), it's just when left unsupervised to his own devices that he starts to rub at his eye...
The eye is better and has healed up nicely. However - and this is really devastating news - we got Merlin's hip scores back last weekend and they are terrible. He has severe hip dysplasia. OH and I are so, so upset - all that research, months and months of searching around and visiting breeders to find the perfect, healthy dog, and this is the result. Ironically, his brothers and sisters all look to have excellent scores. His breeder has bred around 100 puppies over 15 years, and this is the worst hip score any of her puppies has ever had. It has been a whirlwind of emotions this last week. Obviously this is a complete game changer for us, and we have spent a lot of time (when I wasn't crying) thinking about how best we can manage the situation. Lots of consultations with vets, breeders, and trainers, lots of internet research. I have been hugely touched by the support we have received, especially from other dog owners... The only good news is that Merlin is at present showing no symptoms at all (we wouldn't have known there was anything wrong, had we not had the x-rays done), he has no arthritis, and no pain. But this may very well change over time. For now, the plan is: Keep him very slim (you can already see his ribs when he moves, but I will try to slim him down even more) Keep exercising him, to build up the muscles in his back legs to support the joints - slowly increase steady trotting and swimming, for instance Reduce or alter the emphasis of dummy training (especially high impact marks - searching and blinds are probably fine) Think of other ways to keep him enriched and fulfilled A course of hyaluronic acid injections; possibly other supplements Consider physiotherapy when needed Save our pennies for doubtless horrifically expensive future treatments (he is insured, but hereditary hip and elbow problems are excluded, natch) Try not to panic The good thing is, he is still the same dog as before we got the results. He's extremely happy, loving, friendly, funny, and jolly. We love him to pieces, and will do everything we can to ensure he has the best possible quality of life. But I would be lying if I didn't say how very, very upset I am.
Oh, oh no, I don't really know what to say to this. How old is Merlin? The steps you are putting in place couldn't be any better, so every and any chance to delay/prevent the onset of symptoms is being taken. If you manage to stick to this and find ways for him to 'work' and enjoy himself without the hurtling about and screeching stops, it could be years before he displays any symptoms. You are right though - whatever their state of health or disability, they are the same adorable dogs they were before we became aware of any problem. I completely understand how devastated you must be feeling right now, hugs and very best wishes to you all x
I'm just so sorry. He such a lovely boy, but know you now you be able to protect his joints as much as possible. I know it's hard and how much care you take with your dogs, just don't see it as an end it's just different than you expected. He will have a fun life with you he's a lucky dog to have such great doggie parents. Best wishes and big hugs from us here xxx
What horrible and unexpected news...I am so sorry to hear this. It's encouraging that Merlin has no issues and no pain and he has the benefit of great owners who care and will do the very best for him!
I’m so sorry to hear this Karen, but have absolutely no doubt that you will do everything possible for your lovely boy x
I`m glad that you have made a plan , Karen . I do think that lists and plans are a positive step , Merlin is indeed a fortunate lad to have you both xx Nellys back end joints are all shocking , her muscle mass was also poor when we rehomed her, but gentle steady exercise plus her supplements have built the muscle and whilst it wont alter the bone structure, it will help the joints to be supported and this will help dear Merlin too . Its just so damned unfair xx
That's horrible news and such bad luck - but sadly all the precautions and research in the world are no real guarantee. It's good that Merlin's happy and comfortable at the moment - and even better that you're now aware of the hip scores and have a good plan to deal with whatever needs doing. He's so lucky to have you, but I'm so sorry that you have to cope with all the disappointment.
I'm so sorry for you Karen. You've just reminded me of the phone call I took from the vets to tell me Monty had HD, I was at work and in bits, my eyes kept leaking and I had to hide in the loo most of the afternoon. I can't imagine many people better than you to cope with Merlin's diagnosis, your plan sounds good and it's positive news he's not in any pain. It will become easier to bear soon and dealing with it becomes your new normal. But that doesn't help right now, I'm desperately sorry as you did so much to avoid this outcome. Hugs xx
One thing that has really helped to build up Monty's hip muscles is a hydrotherapy treadmill, have you got one nearby you can go to?
Oh no, I am so sorry for you and poor Merlin. How absolutely devastating. You have had such bad luck in the health department. But such lovely dogs, the both of them. I feel like you, I researched for months and ended up with a dog with health issues. And other people buy puppies off the internet and they live life without a single vet visit. Lucky for Merlin he is with you. Your plan looks excellent. Snowie’s best friend, a choc Lab, has hip dysplasia. He’s not on any particular plan except he’s walked often. He is the loveliest boy around and, interestingly, he’s improved with age - my friend got him at 1.5 yo, and with all the walking he’s got stronger. He’s about 7 or 8 yo now and leaps in the air when he sees Snowie. Sending you hugs. It’s such hard news to take in.
