OUR POOR LITTLE GUY

Dylan is home and convalescing.  Back in 2008, Dylan had a herniated disc in his lower back and had to have a laminectomy.  We hoped that all would be well for the remainder of a long doggie life.  But, early last week we noticed him sleeping in the back of the house, rather than wanting to be with us, as was normal.  Then we heard him crying out when he barked or tried to maneuver a small step, like out to the backyard.  He couldn't lift his head without pain and we knew he was in trouble. 

After a week of pain killers and prednisone, trying to treat the problem medically first, and then, reluctantly accepting that another surgery was his only hope, he is now back home with us, convalescing.  He looks like he's been hit by a truck, with his eyes bloodshot and partially covered, a shaved back where a mylogram was performed and a sutured chest where he was cut open and repaired.  At least he's pain-free and on his way to recovery. 

The surgeon was not sure what to expect going in, but assured us that, after seeing the calcium build up and the herniation, Dylan's problem was not caused by any single event, but was a build up over time and could not have been alleviated in any other way than by this surgery.  At least we have peace of mind that this was the only way to buy Dylan the relief of his pain, but it has been heartbreaking to see him suffer and not understand all that has happened to him.  As with all animals, I guess, he has been brave and accepting.

We're so glad to have him home, relaxed and pain-free.