Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie That light at the end of the tunnel - what a lovely sight Is the 'protecting the leg' thing possible just a learned behaviour - an ingrained relic from the time when it did actually hurt to land on that leg?
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie [quote author=Oberon link=topic=4619.msg84717#msg84717 date=1401788245] Is the 'protecting the leg' thing possible just a learned behaviour - an ingrained relic from the time when it did actually hurt to land on that leg? [/quote] I really thought that might be the case. I reckoned that if every time he landed on it, it hurt, he'd soon stop landing on it. That's how dogs learn, right? I suggested this to the surgeon who thought not. He thought that it was more likely that it still hurt, but at the time (a month ago) he said that it wasn't a worry. My local vet though (who also operates an orthopedic referral service), thinks it's perfectly possible that it's a habit. The vet also owns labradors. I get the impression that the surgeon doesn't own a dog. Or, if he owns one, it's not a hooligan young labrador anyway. I get very practical advice from my vet, and somewhat "keep him quiet when you let him off lead" advice from the surgeon. So many people have examined Charlie now and pronounced him doing just fine, I think I'm just going to get on with it. I could take a day off work next week, and drive him back to see the surgeon...just as a final, final, check.
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie This is all so great, Julie! What a journey you and your OH and Charlie have had...we've only seen glimpses of it but I know there have been many sacrifices on your part to get Charlie through all of this. I hope when you are all together in Cornwall you all enjoy a nice dinner out together, in a dog friendly pub or something, to celebrate. You deserve it, for sure!
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie I'm so pleased for you and Charlie Julie. He is almost back to normal not much longer and he will be racing about. It must be such a relief for you that its all gone so well. We will need a video of his first race down the beach. How happy that will be. ;D
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie [quote author=Jen link=topic=4619.msg85013#msg85013 date=1401868040] We will need a video of his first race down the beach. How happy that will be. ;D [/quote] You bet. I cannot wait!
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie [quote author=Jen link=topic=4619.msg85013#msg85013 date=1401868040] We will need a video of his first race down the beach. How happy that will be. ;D [/quote] Oh well that will be me in tears then won't it!of happiness of course I do a throat catch just thinking of Charlie gamboling down the beach enjoying his run !really,really pleased you are coming to the end of this challenging period,you have all been amazing x
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie Julie, I got a new hip joint last summer, and it took MONTHS of physio to re-train me not to walk with a limp, even after the muscles etc had reattached and there was no pain left. I think it very possible that he has just learned to take care with his leg, and that time (and training) can overcome that.
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie [quote author=Karen link=topic=4619.msg85043#msg85043 date=1401874614] Julie, I got a new hip joint last summer, and it took MONTHS of physio to re-train me not to walk with a limp, even after the muscles etc had reattached and there was no pain left. I think it very possible that he has just learned to take care with his leg, and that time (and training) can overcome that. [/quote] Yes, I think that's pretty convincing. Maybe I will have another word with the surgeon, I think what he said has made me more worried about it than I need be. We are still getting him to sit with his leg properly under him, and I think this is definitely 99% habit, and have a range of exercises for that. Mind, he never did sit with his legs properly under him, he always was the king of sloppy sitters. :
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie Tonight, we are living like normal people. The back and study doors are open, the dog is not on a lead. He is free to wander round the house, come out to see me in the garden, or OH in the study. He is even allowed to dance round tossing some leaves about. It's normal. You may not understand how absolutely wonderful this is unless you've spent 7 months with your dog on a lead in the house. It is wonderful.
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie Mine spent 5 - 6 months on a lead in the house so I can really appreciate how you feel.
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie [quote author=Stacia link=topic=4619.msg87316#msg87316 date=1402519775] Mine spent 5 - 6 months on a lead in the house so I can really appreciate how you feel. [/quote] You have been so wonderful, at the dark moments, you said it would end - as it did for you! Thanks!
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie Ah Julie, that is so wonderful, I am so happy for you... So happy that little tears are seeping out of my eyes.
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie [quote author=JulieT link=topic=4619.msg87309#msg87309 date=1402518986] Tonight, we are living like normal people. The back and study doors are open, the dog is not on a lead. He is free to wander round the house, come out to see me in the garden, or OH in the study. He is even allowed to dance round tossing some leaves about. It's normal. You may not understand how absolutely wonderful this is unless you've spent 7 months with your dog on a lead in the house. It is wonderful. [/quote] Wow FINALLY!!! 7 month is a very long way to go and the 3 of you mastered it perfectly! hopefully all stays the way it is supposed to be and you can just enjoy eachother without any trouble and worries!!
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie Yup, back to normal. This morning, I took the wild and bold step of leaving him in the garden while I made my coffee and toast. He sheared a rose bush neatly to ground level. I'd forgotten about that. :
Re: Lovely Chocolate Charlie Charlie! (I guess you will get away with rose bush murder right now but I wouldn't rely on it for too long Charlie boy ;D )
