My name is Maggie. I am starting this journal to help others who may have problems with their hips. I am 10 months old in this picture. Some people think I look like a lab in the picture, but I am a Golden Retriever. It's just my haircut.
When I was 9 months old, I had a friend over. Her name is Daisy (Yellow Lab). She and I played in the snow for several hours. We chased Frisbees and anything else that moved. I was not as fast, but I had just as much fun as Daisy. The next day, I could not move very well. I had a pretty bad limp when I did move, so I went to a local vet who took pictures of my legs. I know it was not good news by the frowns. They said something like "both hips are as bad as it gets". I had very little hip sockets and my femur was probably popping out of the socket when I stood up.
I was told that I showed signs of hip problems when I was younger, but they thought I was just cautious. For example, I did not want to jump into a truck. They picked me up instead. I did not want to go on long walks either. I guess they did not think much of it, because I would run around like a crazy young dog. I also loved to wrestle. It was not their fault, because I never told them I was in pain.
After the pictures of my hips, my mom and dad read many stories on their electric books. We visited a specialist who talked about the pros/cons of hip replacements and something about cutting the head of my femur off (FHO). My folks seamed to not like the person very much. Maybe it was the news.
They started giving me Glucosamine every day. Several months passed and I seemed to be ok, but I still did not want to play outside like others.
I would often hang off the couch, so I was standing without using my hind legs.
They spoke to a friend who said we should see another person to discuss again. I liked the new person, and they did too. Similar conversation as the one before, but he seemed to care more about me.
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First FHO 01/06/09
Three weeks later (01/06/09), we went back. They performed an FHO on my right leg while I was asleep. The next day, my family came to see me. I was very happy. They seemed surprised that I walked into the room. Although I only used three legs. See my ouchy. They used staples to hold my skin together. For some reason, they do not want me to lick the wound. They tried placing a lamp shade looking thing on my head, but I promised I would be good, so they took it back off.
No I should not be on this couch, but give me a break. I am back home after spending a couple of nights at that place. They told me I could have gone home the very next day, but there was something about snow that kept my family from picking me up. I am still drowsy, but I am able to three leg it around. I was scared that I may not be able to go potty, but I did manage by myself. My family is keeping me on a leash for my walks. Not like I am going jogging, but I guess they fear I might try. They give me antiflammatory and pain meds at night with my meal. Helps me sleep good.
First three days home went well. We have slippery wood floors, so they put the rubbery stuff that keep rugs from slipping all around where I walk. Makes me feel more secure. We took short walks around the house, but I did not over do it.
Forth day after being home, I did feel some pain. They did not give me pain meds that day. It may have been my other leg, since I had to use it more than ever. Not sure where the pain came from, but I asked my mom for more pain meds.
I hope that I get better soon. I miss going down over the hillside when they are not looking. Hard to do it when I have them on the other end of a leash. Don't think I could pull them back up.
I have been using my new loose leg more each day. I still limp especially when I first get up after a nap. I am supposed to get my staples out Monday (01/26/09). I have been pretty good about not touching it.
01/19/09
I had the staples removed today. They said everything looks good and were happy to see me using all four legs to walk. When I got home, I play a little without the leash. No super pain meds today, but I may need it after playing around. I am taking the Previcox once a day to help out. Since my other leg needed to work more than usual, I just need a little help for now.
01/23/09
Only a few days since my last entry, but I feel much better. I got to play in the snow four days in a row. I felt so good that I stood on my hind legs to put my feet on someone. They yelled at me though ;-( They tell me that my walk looks almost normal. So far, so good......
01/30/09
I have not had any paid meds for the last five days. Initially, I felt some pain and showed it by moving a little slower and limpy more than before. The last three days have been great. I either feel less pain or just ignoring it. If they would let me out on my own a little more, it would be even better. I trick them sometimes by acting like I have to go to the bathroom. They say it is too cold for them, so they let me go alone. Hope it stays cold, so the don't hook me to their hand. (maggie)
03/06/09
It has snowed a few times since my last entry. I was able to play in the snow without a leash for 10+ days over the last month. I had lots of fun, but I was sore. I am still doing good, but I think my family wanted a faster recovery. I still limp and when standing still, I lift my leg that had surgury. I do play and feel happy. Yesterday was my first home haircut. It took two days. It was my dad's first time, so I guess he was being extra careful.
Second FHO 10/08/09
My left leg has been bothering me much more lately. When I play for 30 minutes, I pay for it that night with pain.
October 8th, 2009, I was happy to see my friends at the animal doctor’s place. I knew something was different this time. My family left me there alone. I was a little unsure of staying, but I like getting the attention of all my friends there, so it was ok. The same afternoon, someone must have slipped something in my drink, because when I woke up, I could not stand and was feeling a little strange.
The 2nd day, I was picked up (literally) by my family and taken back home. Now things were familiar. I was very tired and my left leg would not work. During the evening, I went outside. My left leg just hung crazy, even swinging over to my right leg as I hobbled along. I felt good enough to walk about 50 yards carefully. I had to be carried up and down the stairs, because I just did not think I could make it by myself. I noticed that I had more bruising than last time, but everything else seemed the same. I was thankful for the company through the whole night.
The 3rd day, noticed less pain, so I did not whimper as much between my feel good pills. I did slip in the kitchen though. I don’t know why they have such slippery floors. I think it is a game for my family to see who busts their tail the most. I am still not hungry, so I eat very little. I do drink a lot of water lately though. The little ones came over for the weekend (2 and 4 year old grandchildren). I love playing with them, but they scared me a little this time. They were told to be careful and were under top surveillance to keep me safe. I took the happy pills around 10pm, so I slept through the night by myself this time. Lots of rest and a little walking is my short term goal.
It is now 5 months later mid March 2010. Sorry for the lack of entries. I am feeling great now. Although I am not like a regular dog that jumps into a truck, I feel brand new. I can run although still a little funny looking. I even walked 2 miles down from the house after a big snow storm playing all of the way down. I am so very thankful that my hips are fixed.
A huge thank you to everyone at Junaluska Animal Hospital
