Thursday, May 21, 2009

Injuries

I had the privilege to run Tip again this week. What a sweet run that was! I had thought that 8 weeks ago was my last run with her and I didn't even know it would be my last run.

I guess I didn't blog about this. Not sure why, maybe that the news changed everyday and I kept waiting for the 'definitive' answer to what was wrong.

We came off our last run of the weekend and Tip was limping just a tad bit. Once we walked a little it went away. I decided to go to the vet and see what they thought the issue was. The vet (ortho surgeon) said that she had a partially torn ACL. He was not recommending surgery, just give it a while and we will see what happens. I can't even begin to describe how I felt. I knew at some point she would have to have the surgery and that would end her career. I am not one of those people who would do the TPLO (adjust the geometry of the dog) kind of people.

I won't drag on the story too much, but we went for a second opinion up at CSU vet school. The head of Ortho diagnosed it as a sprained hock with arthritis. Much better news!

So after 8 weeks of bed rest, physical therapy, Tip is back on her feet so da speak. I have bringing her back slowing--long walks, hiking, then slow jogging, low straight jumping and finally this week a full course. The jumps were only at 12 inches.

It was sheer pleasure to run her. What an honor to have my dog back!