Slowly, we're getting there. And on schedule I believe. Currently we're working on Quincy using her normal gait walking, no hopping allowed lol
This is a clip from today
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Slowly, we're getting there. And on schedule I believe. Currently we're working on Quincy using her normal gait walking, no hopping allowed lol This is a clip from today
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Well, yesterday we picked up Quincy's bionic leg :) otherwise called a stifle (knee) device. Based on how well she's been doing it's assumed that her injury is likely a small tear so some may think even this is a bit extreme for treatment. For the average dog and lifestyle I may agree with you but we're not so average sometimes. I want to protect her knee by going a bit extreme so we can continue living life as we do. She's not taking to wearing it as quickly as I hoped but it is only day two, gradually we 'll get there and we 'll keep you posted. Thanks for checking in :) So, few days ago Quincy had her leg impression done and shipped of for manufacturing. We're lucky enough to live 45 min from Orthopets in Mission B.C.http://www.orthopets.com/index.htm Allicia was wonderful, our initial consult was at no charge providing great info and Quincy was very relaxed with her.
My vet was very sceptical initially, refusing to give the required referral to something he's never heard of. Not only did he give the referral after checking out the brace but he's requesting info for another patient of his also. The brace will be here in around two weeks, we'll have a fitting and a two week break in period. After two weeks an adjustment visit, after two more weeks another visit for needed adjustments and continuous monitoring for pressure points. After nine months Quincy will have another assessment on her knee and if we're lucky it'll be healed. If not, we just keep using the brace. In Quincy's case the prediction is that she'll be back on our mountain trails around the end of June :) Wish us luck!! Here's some pics of Quincy's leg impression being done. So for those who are not yet in the know, Quincy injured her knee a few weeks ago and was diagnosed by our vet as having a torn cruciate tendon. How? Good question. She merely went out in the field to pee and sniff and returned limping. Via physical exam and X-ray it was determined that a cruciate tendon has been torn. Then it was the researching for a treatment plan. I'm not going to say who wanted to do what for how much here, but these are some of the factors weighing in on my decision.
The severity of the injury, now that evening she was only slightly limping and the same the next two days. It was one day after that we were at the vet, where it was manipulated and aggravated no doubt. since day two, nothing no limp at all. So, do I believe it is torn, yes but not terribly. And even a small tear will take months to mend. Our lifestyle. Quincy and I are quite active, we love hiking and camping, swimming etc. Regardless of her age, she'll be 10 in Sept, Quincy is a very young 9 yr old. Medically she's very healthy. My financial status. I'm not wealthy by any means. I work a full time job and pay a mortgage living check to check like most people. Can I make any of the options work financially? Yes. But I'd be stretched so thin that I could be in trouble an emergency were to arise. My availability to be there for Quincy in her recovery. I work long shifts, without the ability to take a long period of time off work to give follow up care after any surgery to promote it's success. My goals for Quincy. To have her heal, be happy and live an active outdoor life with me for another 5 to forever years. To get her safely back on the trails as soon as safely possible. Turns out she is a boredom eater, not good for a dog with a knee injury. So the plan? The plan is to use a stifle brace, a dog's knee is called a stifle. The brace stops the shifting in her knee caused by the tear therefore preventing further injury. This also allows the ligament to build scar tissue and hopefully eventually stop any movement on it's own. If it doesn't then she just wears the splint continuously, the splint does not stop her from partaking in all our usual activity. Will she get arthritis? Probably, but so will I and we'll deal with it then. NOTE; In my research I came upon this site and found it helpful. Don't let anyone rush you into any decisions. http://tiggerpoz.com/index.html Only three seats left in this class being hosted by K9ABCs on May 3rd in Abbotsford. It is also likely the last class by K9ABCs at the low cost of $139.plus gst. DOGSAFE just announced that for the first time since 2009 the cost of it's courses will be going up to $149. plus gst, effective June 1st, 2015. Still a great value for such a high quality course, but it's time that the inflation of supplies and manual costs are reflected.
But hey still three seats left at the old cost, register now. Hiking and camping season is here, lets be ready for hopefully what won't happen to our canine friends. Just click the registration form in the left column. Take care all :) We are well into the season of hiking, biking and swimming for our dogs. It's time to learn what life saving skills you hopefully will never need for them. On May 3rd K9ABCs is hosting a DOGSAFE Level One 8hr canine first aid class in Abbotsford. This class is more than half full with only four spots left. See the online Registration Form link in the left column. Various payment methods available for the $139 and tax. This is a well written article I saw on FB and would like to share it. Recognizing early onset is so important to survival. http://drjeandoddspethealthresource.tumblr.com/post/114325343181/bloat-in-dogs#.VQ76AI54p8M I honestly had no idea there was such a thing as an Animal Abuse Defence Registry. I'm so pleased there is and I hope you all will help me let more people know about it. It's an online non -profit resource for those adopting out an animal. Providing instant results as to whether or not a person has been convicted of animal cruelty related charges. www.aadr.ca Langley class still has a few spots open but the limited space available so don't wait, register now. Saturday 9am-5pm http://www.k9abcs.com/registration-form.html After two trips up Quarry Rock Trail in Spring temps, it's break time. Everyone's in shorts and tshirts, or carrying their light jackets. Enjoy it now as I'm betting we'll pay for it this summer. |
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August 2021
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"I attended the March 06, 2021 K9ABCs first aid course run by Laurie. Excellent presentation of the material - Laurie is an amazing teacher combining the book material with personal experience both as a paramedic and as a dog lover. What stood out for me was the dog 'Annie': a rubber dog to practice all the handling skills needed for an emergency - CPR, assisted breathing, pulse check. Class was run in a highly professional manner with love an care for animals exuding at all times. All of it with COVID restrictions in place and well observed. Thank you Laurie, I'll be back for refreshers when time comes." Violeta Toma, 2021
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