A fortnight elapsed from Mack's spinal operation until they were ready to operate on his chest. Then it was just waiting for him to get stronger day by day.
Anna Tauro with a rather unresponsive Mack
Tuesday 13th January 2015
Mack was much more himself today. I took him a lamb leg bone with lots of meat on it and he gnawed at it with his usual determination, even using his front paws to control and hold the bone. So at least his jaws remain as strong as ever. It is hoped the stitches can be removed from his chest at the end of this week or early next, and then he can start the hydrotherapy in the pool – he'll love it. I definitely want to be there to see that!
Mack was much more himself today. I took him a lamb leg bone with lots of meat on it and he gnawed at it with his usual determination, even using his front paws to control and hold the bone. So at least his jaws remain as strong as ever. It is hoped the stitches can be removed from his chest at the end of this week or early next, and then he can start the hydrotherapy in the pool – he'll love it. I definitely want to be there to see that!
Mack enthusiastically gnawing a bone
Wednesday 14th January 2015
I saw Mack again this afternoon. He was virtually back to normal in his demeanour – sitting up somewhat, ears pricked forward, and whining with delight when he saw me. As it happened, I had a great surprise for him. I'd been to a butcher in Guildford, given him the sob story about my Collie in hospital, and he gave me a large lamb clavicle (shoulder) with lots of meat on it, which he wouldn't even let me pay for. (Thank you!).
Mack spent about 10 minutes gnawing at the bone and chewing and ripping the meat off it. I had to hold it – and hard. After this time he was completely exhausted, panting and lying down. It shows how hugely out of condition he is, but this was good exercise. The bone has gone back to his kennel with him – there's lots left!
I saw Mack again this afternoon. He was virtually back to normal in his demeanour – sitting up somewhat, ears pricked forward, and whining with delight when he saw me. As it happened, I had a great surprise for him. I'd been to a butcher in Guildford, given him the sob story about my Collie in hospital, and he gave me a large lamb clavicle (shoulder) with lots of meat on it, which he wouldn't even let me pay for. (Thank you!).
Mack spent about 10 minutes gnawing at the bone and chewing and ripping the meat off it. I had to hold it – and hard. After this time he was completely exhausted, panting and lying down. It shows how hugely out of condition he is, but this was good exercise. The bone has gone back to his kennel with him – there's lots left!
Mack with his lamb shoulder
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Mack with his lamb shoulder – 2
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For any vets who might be interested, here is a link to his official report, with lots – and lots – of words I don't understand.
I had a long talk with the head physiotherapist, Linda, who described the peanut-shaped 'ball' they've been riding him on to try and strengthen his legs. Tummy stitches should come out next Tuesday the 20th and shortly thereafter, he'll start his hydro-therapy in the pool. I plan to have lots of photos to show you about this stage in his rehabilitation.
Here's a picture of Mack being wheeled away from the consulting room (there are five of them), to his kennel:
I had a long talk with the head physiotherapist, Linda, who described the peanut-shaped 'ball' they've been riding him on to try and strengthen his legs. Tummy stitches should come out next Tuesday the 20th and shortly thereafter, he'll start his hydro-therapy in the pool. I plan to have lots of photos to show you about this stage in his rehabilitation.
Here's a picture of Mack being wheeled away from the consulting room (there are five of them), to his kennel:
Mack being wheeled back to his kennel
Thursday 15th January 2015.
Mack has now been in hospital for three weeks and three days. This is also eight days since his 2nd, thoracic operation.
I'm unfortunately not allowed to see Mack's kennel but Anna Tauro kindly sent me these photographs she took yesterday – luxury or what?!
Mack has now been in hospital for three weeks and three days. This is also eight days since his 2nd, thoracic operation.
I'm unfortunately not allowed to see Mack's kennel but Anna Tauro kindly sent me these photographs she took yesterday – luxury or what?!
Now if I had a bed like that!
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Some of the pictures of Mack I've given the staff 'as an encouragement!'
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Thursday 15th January 2015 continued...
Fitzpatrick's were very busy this afternoon – it was a 40-minute wait until I was able to see him. Mack was on another 'down' day. It could again have been because he was tired due to today's physio – he did yawn twice, but nuzzled against me quite often. I think he was happy to go back to his kennel. I enquired about his weight. He was 22.5kg nine months ago but now he's 20kg which I guess is mostly muscle wastage (three weeks with zero exercise). They weigh him every day, (plus 50 other checks).
Fitzpatrick's were very busy this afternoon – it was a 40-minute wait until I was able to see him. Mack was on another 'down' day. It could again have been because he was tired due to today's physio – he did yawn twice, but nuzzled against me quite often. I think he was happy to go back to his kennel. I enquired about his weight. He was 22.5kg nine months ago but now he's 20kg which I guess is mostly muscle wastage (three weeks with zero exercise). They weigh him every day, (plus 50 other checks).
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Saturday 17th January 2015
I didn't get to see Mack yesterday, but will do so at 2:30 today.
I'm afraid that there is a problem with this site which means I can't add any other pages. I will add a Blog page when they've fixed it.
Later...
He was in good spirits today. He enthusiastically gobbled up some cooked turkey and gnawed at a turkey leg bone. The stitches were due to be removed from his tummy later this afternoon which is great news.
I didn't get to see Mack yesterday, but will do so at 2:30 today.
I'm afraid that there is a problem with this site which means I can't add any other pages. I will add a Blog page when they've fixed it.
Later...
He was in good spirits today. He enthusiastically gobbled up some cooked turkey and gnawed at a turkey leg bone. The stitches were due to be removed from his tummy later this afternoon which is great news.
Now that was a good meal!
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Looking MUCH better today!
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Nurse Samantha and a Kennel assistant carrying Mack back to his kennel. They're laughing because his bladder has been squeezed and he's peed down her leg!
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Mack started his Hydrotherapy today! Monday 19th January 2014
This was a dramatic step in Mack's recuperation. He was completely passive throughout except when a tennis ball was introduced into the pool and he lunged for it as of old. His front legs paddled uncertainly to begin with, but much more strongly after just one lap. Amy was running the exercise. She's been doing it for eight years – and it showed. She was quite brilliant; confident, gentle, sensitive.
After the swimming he was showered in fresh water to wash off the chlorine from the pool water, and then blow dried. There was general concern that he might get too tired from this exercise – his first since the 22nd of December 2014 – four weeks.
The photographs below summarise the event, and the 5-minute video shows it in more detail: Click Here
This was a dramatic step in Mack's recuperation. He was completely passive throughout except when a tennis ball was introduced into the pool and he lunged for it as of old. His front legs paddled uncertainly to begin with, but much more strongly after just one lap. Amy was running the exercise. She's been doing it for eight years – and it showed. She was quite brilliant; confident, gentle, sensitive.
After the swimming he was showered in fresh water to wash off the chlorine from the pool water, and then blow dried. There was general concern that he might get too tired from this exercise – his first since the 22nd of December 2014 – four weeks.
The photographs below summarise the event, and the 5-minute video shows it in more detail: Click Here
Mack 'on the step', receiving therapy on his legs and encouragement to stand.
Amy on the left.
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Mack on his 1st lap of the pool (he did three) – already concentrating on the ball, the first time he's seen one for four weeks.
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Being showered...
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... and blow dried.
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Resting...
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... and back to his kennel.
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Wheels for Mack!
I have today, Sunday 18th January, ordered a set of wheels for Mack to effectively replace his rear legs when he's out for walks.
Hopefully they will arrive at Fitzpatrick's on Tuesday 20th and they (with all their nurses and physiotherapists) can start getting him used to them. It will also mean that he can spend more of his time standing up rather than lying down. Pictures to follow...
But for a start there are excellent videos on www.walkinwheels.com which shows the wheels which Mack will be using.
Also, have a look at www.wheels4dogs.co.uk, which is the UK importer of these dog carts. This is a more concise site with lots of info. Julia runs the company. She lives in Cornwall and was very helpful with advice over the phone.
I have today, Sunday 18th January, ordered a set of wheels for Mack to effectively replace his rear legs when he's out for walks.
Hopefully they will arrive at Fitzpatrick's on Tuesday 20th and they (with all their nurses and physiotherapists) can start getting him used to them. It will also mean that he can spend more of his time standing up rather than lying down. Pictures to follow...
But for a start there are excellent videos on www.walkinwheels.com which shows the wheels which Mack will be using.
Also, have a look at www.wheels4dogs.co.uk, which is the UK importer of these dog carts. This is a more concise site with lots of info. Julia runs the company. She lives in Cornwall and was very helpful with advice over the phone.
Tuesday 20th January was a rest day for Mack. His new wheels arrived at Fitzpatrick's.
Wednesday 21st January 2015
Mack had his 2nd hydrotherapy session today but most unfortunately he did a poo right at the beginning so that was an end of that session while the offending material was hoovered out of the water. Another one is booked for Friday 23rd although attempts will be made to fit one in tomorrow, Thursday.
I also had my 1st 'bladder expressing' training from Gillian, one of the practice nurses. It needs to be gently squeezed to cause it to empty. It's very important it's not allowed to become too full. It was a new experience, inviting my dog to pee over my hand! No room for any delicate feelings here! Gillian is used to it.
Mack was very much more alert today and if I bounced a tennis ball, he struggled very hard to get up to get it. I think he was disappointed to not have any swimming today, but his enthusiasm to interact with a ball is extremely encouraging. His cart is being assembled today and hopefully we will introduce him to it on Thursday.
Mack had his 2nd hydrotherapy session today but most unfortunately he did a poo right at the beginning so that was an end of that session while the offending material was hoovered out of the water. Another one is booked for Friday 23rd although attempts will be made to fit one in tomorrow, Thursday.
I also had my 1st 'bladder expressing' training from Gillian, one of the practice nurses. It needs to be gently squeezed to cause it to empty. It's very important it's not allowed to become too full. It was a new experience, inviting my dog to pee over my hand! No room for any delicate feelings here! Gillian is used to it.
Mack was very much more alert today and if I bounced a tennis ball, he struggled very hard to get up to get it. I think he was disappointed to not have any swimming today, but his enthusiasm to interact with a ball is extremely encouraging. His cart is being assembled today and hopefully we will introduce him to it on Thursday.
Thursday 22nd January 2015
Red Letter Day! Today Mack had an excellent swim, being enthusiastic and single-minded on just one thing – his ball. His alertness today is a 1000 miles away from where he was last week – or any time in the previous four weeks.
Red Letter Day! Today Mack had an excellent swim, being enthusiastic and single-minded on just one thing – his ball. His alertness today is a 1000 miles away from where he was last week – or any time in the previous four weeks.
Mack being washed 'before' his swim. He's looking at his ball!
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Mack is definitely "ball-focussed!"
... and again
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Mack's alertness today is extraordinary – as if he's trying to make up for those 4 lost weeks without a ball!
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One track mind...
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New Wheels!
After his swimming he was thoroughly dried and then carefully fitted into his new cart which Gillian had kindly assembled. It is a truly Rolls Royce design, with lots of thoughtful clips, belts and adjustments. He took to it hesitantly at first – it must have been a weird sensation, but was running after his ball outside after a bit. This was an exciting time for all of us.
After his swimming he was thoroughly dried and then carefully fitted into his new cart which Gillian had kindly assembled. It is a truly Rolls Royce design, with lots of thoughtful clips, belts and adjustments. He took to it hesitantly at first – it must have been a weird sensation, but was running after his ball outside after a bit. This was an exciting time for all of us.
Mack just fitted into his new wheels!
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The ball was the perfect way to tempt him to move forward – he even ran after a few minutes.
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Here is the latest video of Mack, taken on Thursday 22nd January. This was an exciting, fascinating and emotional moment as he took his first few uncertain steps out of the room where he was fitted into the cart, and on outside. He even ran after his ball at one point. We were all carried away by the moment. However, the instructions from the physiotherapists now are – "No running! No ball! 5 minutes maximum! (three times a day)" increasing to 6 minutes next week and so on. The concern is that serious damage could be done by too much strain too early.
We must be patient, but when Mack was shown his cart today (Saturday 24th January), he actually squeaked with delight – the only sound he's made for a week. We havn't got the fitting quite right yet, and he found walking on our lawn difficult; hard surfaces are best.
Note: A second walk in his cart this afternoon was MUCH better. He learns really quickly!
This is an HD version of his first walk (260mb): Click here
(And this is lower definition (98 mb): Click here
We must be patient, but when Mack was shown his cart today (Saturday 24th January), he actually squeaked with delight – the only sound he's made for a week. We havn't got the fitting quite right yet, and he found walking on our lawn difficult; hard surfaces are best.
Note: A second walk in his cart this afternoon was MUCH better. He learns really quickly!
This is an HD version of his first walk (260mb): Click here
(And this is lower definition (98 mb): Click here
10 minutes later – completely crashed out in his kennel