Latest update

It's Christmas Eve and dear Sonny went for his last hydrotherapy appointment on Saturday.  We didn't know it was to be his last but they soon noticed that he was no longer moving his back feet in the water.  With no ability to be 'hands on' with him in the water as well, there was no choice.  We could not go on and the session was cut short.  It was very emotional as I have gained so much support from the staff team who have monitored Sonny so closely over the last 6 months..  I had a big sob on the arm of the lady who runs it and Sonny for the first time gave her eye contact and accepted a treat from her.  It was like he was saying thank you for all you've done for me!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/12242008_ChristmasEve00028.JPG

We are left with anything that we can do externally now, that means considering the possibility of a cart which we may be able to get second hand to see if he will take to it.  We are upping his pain medication and anti-inflammatories.  The vet is convinced he is not in pain and that is a bonus.

Ironically we can still run with him in the field at times, he can't go on for long, but whilst in full flow he sometimes has a big smile on his face and that is all I need to know that it is OK to keep him going for a bit longer.

We are having all our family with us this year for Christmas, I suspect it may be his last.  Let's make it a good one for him. 

Winter cold

It's a difficult time at the moment with Sonny, over the last couple of weeks he has deteriorated and become more immobile.  He has also been shivering quite a lot which can be a sign of pain.  After seeking advice from the hydrotherapy centre I phoned the vet who agreed it was time to give him some additional pain relief, Tramadol. It has helped a bit but I notice him having spasms in his front paws when he lies down.   These fluctuations in his condition are a daily part of our lives now.

Yesterday at the hydroptherapy session they noticed him being less able to place his rear legs even in deeper water which is supposed to give him additional support.  She said it might soon be time for someone to get in with him to keep him stable or he won't be able to do it any more.  Would he cope with it?

Yesterday he allowed her to put her hand on his side for the first time and looked up at her.  This is the first time in 6 months he has allowed this and she was almost in tears.  He is so fearful and takes so long to trust, it was a big moment.  I wonder how much longer he can go on, even how much longer I can as it is all so emotionally draining watching your dog go downhill slowly and silently without any complaint, without so much as a whine.  He is a very stoic boy and I love him so much, it is almost unbearable but I know that I must stay strong for him.