Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Before she left
Too quiet
Daisy and Samantha left today... 20 min. ago... and I miss them already.
Samantha and Milo started to compete for my husband's attention yesterday. It seemed weird to me since Milo had never had to compete for attention and whenever we gave it to some other pet, he seemed ok with it. Now that Samantha and Daisy were here for more than a week, he probably thought it's time to take his place in the family back.
Daisy eventually got comfortable around Milo. So much that they took the same spot on the couch and none of them seemed bothered by the other one. Daisy's space was under the nightstand, but then she found a better hiding place under the bed. I couldn't believe that I could lose a dog in such a small apartment.
The apartment is too quiet... and full of blond, white and brown hair.
Samantha and Milo started to compete for my husband's attention yesterday. It seemed weird to me since Milo had never had to compete for attention and whenever we gave it to some other pet, he seemed ok with it. Now that Samantha and Daisy were here for more than a week, he probably thought it's time to take his place in the family back.
Daisy eventually got comfortable around Milo. So much that they took the same spot on the couch and none of them seemed bothered by the other one. Daisy's space was under the nightstand, but then she found a better hiding place under the bed. I couldn't believe that I could lose a dog in such a small apartment.
The apartment is too quiet... and full of blond, white and brown hair.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Slippery floors
It is recommended that if you have slippery floors, they should be covered with mats when the dog arrives from surgery.
Milo is slipping a lot, and that's probably why he does not play for too long. But he was always slipping. It's not a big difference now.
The three-leg advantage: In order to avoid slipping in the tub when given a bath, he lies down. It is much easier to give him a bath now.
Milo is slipping a lot, and that's probably why he does not play for too long. But he was always slipping. It's not a big difference now.
The three-leg advantage: In order to avoid slipping in the tub when given a bath, he lies down. It is much easier to give him a bath now.
I forget
We only have one dog and since we don't always have another dog to compare him to, I forget he only has 3 legs. I don't remember how he used to walk, all I see is that the hops and it now seems normal.
He walks ahead of me in the long leash because it's easier for him to go faster, so I only see his two hind legs, so I forget he is missing one in the front.
We've had Daisy and Samantha in our apartment for about a week now, and when we take the 3 dogs together for a walk, Milo walks faster and looks more energetic than the other 2, so I forget.
There is always someone who stares at Milo on the streets, since I don't notice he's missing a leg anymore, I always think "they're looking at him because he is gorgeous."
He walks ahead of me in the long leash because it's easier for him to go faster, so I only see his two hind legs, so I forget he is missing one in the front.
We've had Daisy and Samantha in our apartment for about a week now, and when we take the 3 dogs together for a walk, Milo walks faster and looks more energetic than the other 2, so I forget.
There is always someone who stares at Milo on the streets, since I don't notice he's missing a leg anymore, I always think "they're looking at him because he is gorgeous."
Friday, August 25, 2006
Rosie
Latest addition to Debbie's Family: RosieRosie has arrived in
The poodles were curious when Rosie first arrived and treated her very well… Debbie is convinced they are aware of their own breed and perhaps that she is an older poochie. She is 14 years old!
Dr. Barry checked her out thoroughly……..He was amazed how energetic she was for a poodle her age…..also, her heart is fine… she had heartworm test done and bloodwork to check her organ functions…….Dr. Barry called a few hours later to report all her bloodwork was normal (thank God!).
Her teeth will be cleaned in about 2 weeks and she will have the tumor on her eyelid removed.
She loves the deck and running around the backyard…
Debbie has such a big heart with enough space for a 12th poodle!
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
28 days after = progress
While peeing, Milo is not falling anymore!!!!!
and he lifts his hind leg very high!!!!
and he lifts his hind leg very high!!!!
He used to interrupt his business whenever he lost his balance, but now he just puts his hind leg back down if he looses his balance without interruption.
- If he lifts his right hind leg (same side as the amputation), he uses it to lean it on the tree.
- If he lifts his left hind leg, he needs no support!
Today's Challenge
Milo's challenge for today: NONE
My challenge: Feed Samantha and Daisy while keeping Milo on a diet... for a week. I walk Milo while I leave Samantha and Daisy alone with the food, but as soon as Milo enters the apartment I have to take their food away.
My challenge: Feed Samantha and Daisy while keeping Milo on a diet... for a week. I walk Milo while I leave Samantha and Daisy alone with the food, but as soon as Milo enters the apartment I have to take their food away.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
One more video
If you want to touch the hose when Milo is there, you better realize that Milo won't leave you alone.
Today's Challenge: Stopping
I've heard from other three-legged dog owners that the dog forgets or does not know that they are missing a leg. Today, for the first time, I forgot Milo was missing a leg. From the car to the dog park, there are a few steps and Milo knows the way. He was so excited pulling me towards the dog park, that he seemed to be walking like a regular dog.
Click here to see in a larger screen
I guess Milo's next challenge will be to learn how to stop when fetching for a ball. The first time I threw the ball, while trying to stop and catch the ball, he rolled over but it did not seem to bother him at all. Me, on the other hand, that's a different story :(
We threw a couple of balls and sometimes he fell and some other he didn't but no more roll-overs.
Click here to see in a larger screen
I guess Milo's next challenge will be to learn how to stop when fetching for a ball. The first time I threw the ball, while trying to stop and catch the ball, he rolled over but it did not seem to bother him at all. Me, on the other hand, that's a different story :(
We threw a couple of balls and sometimes he fell and some other he didn't but no more roll-overs.
water, water, water
When we got to the dog park, he immediately tried to jump into the itsy-bitsy pool they have there, he stumbled, but he got in. Too bad that the pool got damaged and was not holding water anymore.It did not matter to Milo, there were still 3 hoses to play with. When Milo is there, Milo does not let anybody get close to the hoses without getting them wet. He assumes they are there to play with him and that's what he does, and today was no different.
We were not able to make him fetch too much, since the water always seems more interesting.
Milo's first day in the dog park
Finally, we made it to the park. We took Milo's friends and Milo to the dog park by car. We were not sure if Milo could walk all the way to the park and have energy left to run and Daisy does not like to walk too much, so we drove them to the park. Milo and Samantha had a blast. Daisy seemed a little bit lost so I just kept her on my lap.
,
The beagle in the video stuck to Milo all the time he was there. Milo seemed a little bit bothered, but I think Milo was more focused on the water than on the dog. The way I see it, it's payback for all the other dogs Milo bothered before he was neutered.
,
The beagle in the video stuck to Milo all the time he was there. Milo seemed a little bit bothered, but I think Milo was more focused on the water than on the dog. The way I see it, it's payback for all the other dogs Milo bothered before he was neutered.
Breakfast
Milo's not too happy sharing his food with Daisy and Samantha... so he sneaks after Samantha and takes what's left. Too bad for 
him, it's not too much.Friday, August 18, 2006
Thank you, Dakota
Here's the latest present Milo received from Dakota... her human is a friend of my husband. Milo loves this type of toys that make squeeky noises.
Welcome to the club
Milo has just become member of Cassie's Three Legged Dog Club.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
No outfit is complete without my Milo's hair
When we picked up Milo from the hospital, half of his body was shaved, plus some other squares on the legs and other parts of his body. Because of the missing leg and his shield of fat all around him, he used to look like a seal. His hair seems to be growing faster than we expected.
Last year, when he had surgery on the leg that is now gone, they shaved a square of hair off his butt (for the patches) and it took 2 months for the hair to grow back and it was blond!!! It was not a pretty blond either. It was a bright yellow ugly patch on his butt! It took a total of 6 months for his hair to be even.
We are hoping that his hair grows back brown. Although it will be amusing to see if his hair grows yellow again. So far, it seems to be blending pretty well. If he gets a different color, I will definitely post a picture.
Last year, when he had surgery on the leg that is now gone, they shaved a square of hair off his butt (for the patches) and it took 2 months for the hair to grow back and it was blond!!! It was not a pretty blond either. It was a bright yellow ugly patch on his butt! It took a total of 6 months for his hair to be even.
We are hoping that his hair grows back brown. Although it will be amusing to see if his hair grows yellow again. So far, it seems to be blending pretty well. If he gets a different color, I will definitely post a picture.
About Milo
Milo's birth date: April 2001, in Texas
Milo's pet peeve: He does not like it when other dogs smell his butt... That's the only reason he would growl at another dog. Wouldn't that be the equivalent of a person getting upset when somebody shakes his or her hand?
Milo's nicknames:
He would take anything, but we can tell some are more precious than others
Milo's pet peeve: He does not like it when other dogs smell his butt... That's the only reason he would growl at another dog. Wouldn't that be the equivalent of a person getting upset when somebody shakes his or her hand?
Milo's nicknames:
- Miloshko (a friend from Romania started calling him that and we just loved it!)
- Milo miloshko
- Gorgeous
- Conchovita (I don't know how to explain this one, but if you know what concha means... he is a big one!)
- Chocolatito
- Chifladoshko (Chiflado=spoiled)
- Goldito (Gordo=fat, I'm not using this one too much, since he went on a diet)
He would take anything, but we can tell some are more precious than others
- Marshmallows
- Salami
- Sausage
- everthing else
- Chill Pill (a gift from Debbie)
- My house shoes to greet whoever comes in through the door
- All the tennis balls he picks up from the streets (how nasty! those don't come in the apartment)
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Before & After Pictures
Before... a four legged dog taking a nap
After... a three legged dog taking a nap
Some things never change!
The Golden Leg
Wow! What we used to take for granted! Milo's front leg is so precious to us right now. I worry that he would get hurt, or something else will come up. When he falls, his front leg bends and I'm always watching out for it
He, on the other hand, sleeps on it, maybe to have some even support under his chest.
Off-track
Given the chance, or the food, Milo will break his diet. If you give him food 10 times a day, he will eat 10 times a day... I'm not sure if he would know when to stop. I decided today that since he probably ate more than he should have this morning (hopefully not Samantha's ration for the day!) I will not keep him in his diet... just for today, and I would give him food only if he really asked.Yesterday, we felt bad because we left him by himself, even though we knew that he was going to be well-taken care of. So well that they took him to their apartment to sleep there overnight because we came home late last night. Before we left, just to make ourselves feel better, we gave him a bone ... I'm not sure what they're called... those white ones you buy at the pet store. That's what he had for lunch/dinner today... and he has not asked for more food. I hope he doesn't.
And tomorrow, we start his diet again and get back on track. Hopefully, I will join him soon.
Sleepover
Last night we slept by ourselves, without Milo. He had a sleepover with his friends Samantha and Daisy. I really don't think he missed us, specially since the food over there is probably not diet food and it is not as limited (as it is for him in our apartment), plus he gets attention from humans and dogs. The humans of Sam and Daisy also have a cat, and Milo had never had any good experiences with cats. This cat, however, ignored Milo all the time he was there, and Milo did the same thing with her.
The stairs in the apartment where he spent the night are very narrow and he managed to go up and down without problems!
His place for the night was set up upstairs, but Milo decided to join Samantha downstairs and Samantha shared her big bone with Milo... do I smell romance here?
The stairs in the apartment where he spent the night are very narrow and he managed to go up and down without problems!
His place for the night was set up upstairs, but Milo decided to join Samantha downstairs and Samantha shared her big bone with Milo... do I smell romance here?
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
An offline club?
We met another three-legged labrador this afternoon. The 3-yr old lab lost his hind leg when he was a pup, and according to the owner, the dog has no idea he's missing his leg. While talking to him, he and my husband, jokingly, said that they should form a three-legged club and we should have meetings in the dog parks... Then, it seemed, my husband took the idea seriously and we think it wouldn't be such a bad idea. We'll see!
Monday, August 14, 2006
happy three-week anniversary, Milo!
Although the recovery period is a give or take a couple of days, I've been counting the days until the three weeks of recovery have passed and I get my normal back!
We were invited to a bbq on Saturday and Milo was especially asked to join. Once we know he is good (balance-wise) to go for walks on uneven grounds we will take him to Ramapo to a lake so that he can swim.
Milo's online friends
Here's the blog for another dog, Xena, who had surgery around the same time as Milo did, but she is probably more clever than Milo, since Xena is doing all the writing, and with only one paw ;) I haven't given Milo the chance to destroy sticks, but I guess he will learn eventually, like Xena.
****
Tyler is a beautiful dog who just had surgery 2 days ago. Her mom, Amy, keep us updated about his progress and he seems to be doing very well.
***
Xena and Amy: I hope you don't mind I copied your pictures. Let me know!
Couch Carrot
Since Milo came back from the hospital up until last week, I got it the habit of bringing Milo's bed from the bedroom to the livingroom (even though it's just a couple of steps since we have a very small NYC apartment) so that he could join me during the day. Last week I stopped and just put an extra mat in the living room for Milo and he seems to enjoy having a place just for him.Before the accident, he would "ask" to be invited to the couch. I had not invited him, because, embarrassed to admit, Milo has not taken a shower for a while now. But today, I couldn't resist. I wanted Milo on the couch probably more that he wanted to be on it.
More pictures
Since we're so proud of how well Milo is walking, actually hopping around, we took a lot of pictures of him today, and we would like to share them. His head, ears, AND tongue are jumping up and down all the way from the apartment to the park and then back. I wonder if he gets dizzy...
Steps
Milo took the steps from the park and he managed them like any 4-legged dog. The sun is strong in NY these days, so he was hot but really happy.
A day in the park
Milo went to the park today and was very well behaved. We usually cannot stay at the park for very long because he starts barking. And once he starts, he can go forever. It's always because he either does not like to be tied up to a tree or he does not like to wait for anything (red lights, when we stop to have a conversation, etc). Since Milo gets more tired now, we were able to enjoy the park for about one hour.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Milo's surgical history
I've known dogs who hate going to the vet. Milo loves going to the vet. I thought that after this accident, he would definitely hate cars, specially taxi cabs, and hospitals. But he doesn't. So he either makes no correlations, loves being in new places with new smells o he's soul is just too good to hate.
During the past 3 years, Milo has had 5 surgeries, for only 3 different problems... poor guy!
The following week we took him to a specialist and told us that he did not know what it was, but that he would open him up clean it and hope it would never come back. It turned out to be a fungal infection that he probably caught in TX or Mexico. He was taking pills for the following 6 months. 6 months after he as off medication and 1 year after surgery, the fungus came back but we did not want to opearate again, and decided to treat it with just the pills.
During the past 3 years, Milo has had 5 surgeries, for only 3 different problems... poor guy!
- One testicle
- Neuter
- Infection
- Fungal infection- 2nd try
The following week we took him to a specialist and told us that he did not know what it was, but that he would open him up clean it and hope it would never come back. It turned out to be a fungal infection that he probably caught in TX or Mexico. He was taking pills for the following 6 months. 6 months after he as off medication and 1 year after surgery, the fungus came back but we did not want to opearate again, and decided to treat it with just the pills.- Amputation :(
Friday, August 11, 2006
19 days after surgery
Walks
Today Milo had his longest walk since the surgery. We walked to Riverside Park and then to Starbucks and then back to the apartment. I guess that would be about 24 blocks. He was exhausted!
He seems very happy. He is picking up branches along the way. He pulled us towards the dog park, but we had to say no because 1) it was kind of late already to be inside the park, and 2) he would be so tired by the time we get there that he would just have to lie down.
We might end up driving him there so that he keeps his energy for the park.
Balance
It seems to be getting easier for Milo to pee on 2 legs, although sometimes he needs to interrupt it to avoid falling. Other than that, he has not lost his balance or fallen today.
It is easier for him to hold his balance when he lifts his left hind leg, so he has support in the front with the left leg and in the back with the right leg. I hope he is making a note of that.
Barking
No concerns here. Milo is barking again. Milo does not bark too much in general. Not even when someone knocks on the door. He only barks when he is happy, excited, or wants food.
Today Milo had his longest walk since the surgery. We walked to Riverside Park and then to Starbucks and then back to the apartment. I guess that would be about 24 blocks. He was exhausted!
He seems very happy. He is picking up branches along the way. He pulled us towards the dog park, but we had to say no because 1) it was kind of late already to be inside the park, and 2) he would be so tired by the time we get there that he would just have to lie down.
We might end up driving him there so that he keeps his energy for the park.
Balance
It seems to be getting easier for Milo to pee on 2 legs, although sometimes he needs to interrupt it to avoid falling. Other than that, he has not lost his balance or fallen today.
It is easier for him to hold his balance when he lifts his left hind leg, so he has support in the front with the left leg and in the back with the right leg. I hope he is making a note of that.
Barking
No concerns here. Milo is barking again. Milo does not bark too much in general. Not even when someone knocks on the door. He only barks when he is happy, excited, or wants food.
18 days after surgery
He did it!!!
It might not be a big deal to Milo, but to me it definitely is. Milo was able to pee on 2 legs today, for about 10-15 seconds, but only once. The rest of the times he either did it on 3 legs, or for just 3-5 seconds. I'm a proud mom :)
Stairs
We tried 2 steps today and he slipped going up. Did it fine going down.
Then we tried 5 steps and he went up and down without a problem.
The way to the closest dog park from our apartment has many many steps, so I hope that Milo learns to take them.
It seems that it will be easier for him to run than to walk.
Next step: The couch
It might not be a big deal to Milo, but to me it definitely is. Milo was able to pee on 2 legs today, for about 10-15 seconds, but only once. The rest of the times he either did it on 3 legs, or for just 3-5 seconds. I'm a proud mom :)
Stairs
We tried 2 steps today and he slipped going up. Did it fine going down.
Then we tried 5 steps and he went up and down without a problem.
The way to the closest dog park from our apartment has many many steps, so I hope that Milo learns to take them.
It seems that it will be easier for him to run than to walk.
Next step: The couch
Thursday, August 10, 2006
The perfect leash
I know that the best solution for a dog who is always pulling is training. But let's be honest. Not all dogs are well trained. Not all humans are good trainers or consistent with the training. So what's the next best solution?
Here's what we've tried:
Here's what we've tried:
- Short leash: Not meant to prevent pulling
- Chocker: Milo did not stop pulling but developed a cough because the chocker hurt his throat
- Harness: Milo kept pulling, but it was easier to hold him. He learned to take it off.
- Gentle leader: The best solution we ever found, BUT...
- It broke once and Milo ran to the streets. He was lucky that no car hit him
- He does not like it, so he got in the habit of walking between my legs or going between stranger's legs to take it off... that could be embarrasing
- He does not learn to not pull. It's not good for training
Live and learn?
Not Milo!
Lucky to be alive, no need to learn. Aren't labs supposed to be smart? Milo understands a lot of things, but he only listens when he gets a treat in exchange or any other benefit, such as a nap on the couch. Milo keeps pulling towards the park in such a way that he could get loose again. Is he suicidal?
Lucky to be alive, no need to learn. Aren't labs supposed to be smart? Milo understands a lot of things, but he only listens when he gets a treat in exchange or any other benefit, such as a nap on the couch. Milo keeps pulling towards the park in such a way that he could get loose again. Is he suicidal?
Counting the days...
Walks
I've been giving Milo longer walks, but it takes us forever to go around the block since he requests 2 or 3 breakes along the way. I think that eventually this will pass, once he gets used to it and loses more weight.
Balance
He is falling more often. It does not seem like he is getting the hang of it (to pee on 2 legs). He, more often than not, does not lift his hind leg; but whenever he does it, he falls on his right shoulder.
I've been giving Milo longer walks, but it takes us forever to go around the block since he requests 2 or 3 breakes along the way. I think that eventually this will pass, once he gets used to it and loses more weight.
Balance
He is falling more often. It does not seem like he is getting the hang of it (to pee on 2 legs). He, more often than not, does not lift his hind leg; but whenever he does it, he falls on his right shoulder.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Dado de Alta!!! Staples are out :)
The staples are out; the limited-excercise period is over; the happy dog is back!
The vet said that Milo's incision healed beautifully and that since Milo seems to want to run around, he should! He confirmed that Milo's eye will slowly go back to normal. Our major concern now is his golden leg. The vet told us that since the growth that he removed was in a place with very thick skin, it takes a while to heal. He also said that since Milo is not putting any weight on it, we should not worry too much about it, but to keep it clean and prevent him from licking it. He did not put a bandage on it since it is the one good leg and he did not want to make Milo uncomfortable.
We went to the Animal Medical Center with a van service, and the driver, un paisano, had to lift Milo to help him inside the van. On the way back, I took a regular yellow cab and Milo had absolutely no problem getting on or off the cab. Yeah!!!! I guess it's a good thing we don't own an SUV or a mini van.
Milo seems happier now that the staples are out. In a few minutes, we will go out for a full round around the block... for the first time in 2 weeks!
The vet said that Milo's incision healed beautifully and that since Milo seems to want to run around, he should! He confirmed that Milo's eye will slowly go back to normal. Our major concern now is his golden leg. The vet told us that since the growth that he removed was in a place with very thick skin, it takes a while to heal. He also said that since Milo is not putting any weight on it, we should not worry too much about it, but to keep it clean and prevent him from licking it. He did not put a bandage on it since it is the one good leg and he did not want to make Milo uncomfortable.
We went to the Animal Medical Center with a van service, and the driver, un paisano, had to lift Milo to help him inside the van. On the way back, I took a regular yellow cab and Milo had absolutely no problem getting on or off the cab. Yeah!!!! I guess it's a good thing we don't own an SUV or a mini van.
Milo seems happier now that the staples are out. In a few minutes, we will go out for a full round around the block... for the first time in 2 weeks!
Getting lighter
Milo now weights 67 lbs. The vet told us that he looks very good, but we know Milo's tendency to gain weight, specially in the winter. So we will keep him on a diet, and hope he will lose 7 pounds. Ideally he should weight 60 pounds.
He seems hungry. He eats a lot of grass when we are outside. He eats carrots as treats.
He seems hungry. He eats a lot of grass when we are outside. He eats carrots as treats.
Should I be helping him?
Milo still has a problem with his balance. He insists on lifting one of his hind legs to pee and keeps falling or losing his balance. I try to help him by lifting his neck with the leash or by helping him lean on the tree. Lately his been avoinding the lifting of the leg. Will he ever be able to pee on 2 legs?
Monday, August 07, 2006
With the gang!
Milo's four-legged friends spent all Sunday afternoon with us. Milo was not very playful, but he usually plays when he wants to play, not when somebody else "asks" him to.Sam and Daisy are great pets. Daisy is loud and "brave" when she is outside. Once she was in our apartment, she was very shy and hid behind the furniture.
Samantha is all love. Cuera! She demands attention and is very persistent. She made herself comfortable immediately.
They both were smelling Milo's scar. I thought that was odd.
Milo has never been a territorial dog, so having Samantha and Daisy in our apartment is not a big deal. He does seem to want more attention when they are here. I hope he was not insecure, although a little bit of jealousy won't hurt him.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Friends
Saturday, August 05, 2006
First trip to the park
We took Milo to the park today for the first time since the accident. He was very excited and very very tired. I feel like I'm disobeying doctor's orders. He wants Milo to be crated. Milo wants to run to the park. We compromise and take a small walk to the park (3 blocks), rest for about 45 minutes, and walk back to the apartment. Related Links
Friday, August 04, 2006
Setbacks or just adjusting?
Milo has fallen a couple of times. He insists on lifting his hind leg to pee. When he lifts the left hind leg, he puts weight on his right shoulder until he reaches the floor.
NYC streets are for Milo what Las Vegas buffets are for humans. He eats anything that is or was at one point edible whenever we go out for walks. I'm trying to keep him away from this nasty habit, but I don't want to pull him as hard as I used to, since he's still learning how to balance, how to turn around and how to walk in reverse. I tried to pull him away from a piece of bread and made him fall. That did not distract him away from the bread. He ate it and now I'm wondering how many extra calories he ate.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Getting better and better...
It's very hot in NYC today. Milo would love to have longer walks, but I have to pull him to turn him around and go back to the apartment. He is exhausted.
Today I saw Milo trying to put weight on the leg he does not have anymore :(. He lost his balance, but did not fall. We were told that this will happen but that the dog will eventually compensate for the missing leg by putting more weight on the other one.
Like any dog, I would imagine, when Milo wanted food or a walk or just attention he would use his paw to scratch me. Today I saw him moving his right shoulder. I guess he was trying to get my attention by using the leg he no longer has :(.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
More answers...
Our vet from the ER put us in contact with another vet who has a three-legged dog and whose parents also have a three-legged dog, in order to learn what to expect from Milo after surgery. She called us today.
She told us that he probably has not barked because his trachea might be sore from the tube used for anesthesia. Today, my husband got Milo excited with a treat, he barked! He finally barked!
She also told us that her dog and her parents' dog (a 100lb labrador) are getting along fine with just three legs. They do run and swim slower than four-legged dogs, but they can swim even without a vest. What she does with her dog is she throws the ball for him to fetch and does not let her other dogs go after it, so that the three-legged dog does not feel like he has to compete for it.
Milo's self-esteem will be low for the next few weeks until he recovers fully, since they do know that there is something missing and that something is not completely ok. She says that it will take about 3 weeks until we see the "normal" Milo again. That's 12 days to go! Yes... I'm counting!
Some answers to my questions :) Finally!
Milo is active in the mornings, but starts to get tired by mid-afternoon. He started to make a very weird noise today (high pitch). He wanted to be on my lap. I've always believed that he is unaware of his own size and he might believe he is a Chihuahua. Since the vet told us to keep him off furniture, I had to push him down constantly.
He still ignores us when we call his name, but we don't think he is deaf since he can hear the noises that come from the kitchen. Always food-oriented!
My mom, a doctor for humans, told me that since his head was also hit by the cab and when he landed on the pavement, his head still has an inflamation, and that it might take about 40 days for the inflamation to go down. Since that is the norm for humans, I'm hoping that since Milo's head is smaller it will be back to normal sooner. But now that we know this, we can at least be more patient and understanding with his ups and downs.
He still ignores us when we call his name, but we don't think he is deaf since he can hear the noises that come from the kitchen. Always food-oriented!
My mom, a doctor for humans, told me that since his head was also hit by the cab and when he landed on the pavement, his head still has an inflamation, and that it might take about 40 days for the inflamation to go down. Since that is the norm for humans, I'm hoping that since Milo's head is smaller it will be back to normal sooner. But now that we know this, we can at least be more patient and understanding with his ups and downs.
Milo, surrounded by presents!
Milo has definetly been blessed with love. Besides the visitors, who always put a "smile" on Milo's face, he has also received get-well cards and treats from friends.Yesterday, Milo received a care package from his "cousins" from Texas. They sent him a toy and a hand-made card. He's already greeting us with the toy.
Today, our little neighbors came to see Milo and to give him a bag of treats and a get-well-soon card with a drawing of Milo (check out the 3 legs!!!). The treats seem pretty healthy, so we're hoping we can incorporate them into his diet.
Debbie was very kind and generous with a package full of treats, cards, and other thoughtful details.
Milo sends all of you a lick in the face as a big thank you!
You can tell from the middle picture that he is getting more comfortable ;)
Milo's Eyes
Because of the impact, Milo's pupils are different sizes. The vet told us that it would most likely go back to normal. I guess she was right!This picture on the left was taken the day after he arrived(07/27). The picture above was taken today. His eyelid looks normal already but the pupils are still different sizes.
Our vet (from the ER) put us in contact with another vet who has a three-legged dog and she told us that the right pupil will adjust eventually (about three months), but it will not be perfect, although almost unnoticeable.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Getting better
Milo woke me up very early today. He wanted food. Poor guy won't be able to scratch the bed to wake me up... at least not for a while.
He was able to keep one of his back legs up when peeing for a little longer today. I saw a picture of a three-leegged dog that was able to balance himself on two legs while peeing. So we are hopeful.
We are trying to make him bark. "What do you want?" we asked him. He gets very excited, obviously wants food, and tries his luck. He goes first to the fridge, or to the stove to check what's there. If he does not get something from there, then he goes to his bag of food. He makes noises, but not a real bark.
We'll keep trying!
He was able to keep one of his back legs up when peeing for a little longer today. I saw a picture of a three-leegged dog that was able to balance himself on two legs while peeing. So we are hopeful.
We are trying to make him bark. "What do you want?" we asked him. He gets very excited, obviously wants food, and tries his luck. He goes first to the fridge, or to the stove to check what's there. If he does not get something from there, then he goes to his bag of food. He makes noises, but not a real bark.
We'll keep trying!
