Monday, February 25, 2013

Not Typical

Yesterday I took Brit and Pixel to see Dr.Devall. She is my most trusted vet, who specialises in Chiro, Injury Rehab, Pain management, and Accupuncture.

For Pixel it was a recheck- last time she had a rib out, her neck was a mess, her front, and her back was a lot wonky. It is what prompted me to retire her from Agility permanently and look at alternative heeling styles... In any case she was great yesterday! All body parts where they should be. She had a few small adjustments in her lower back, but nothing major. Pixel does not appreciate Veronica's efforts at all and tries to sneak away at any chance. She was fairly entertaining yesterday. lol.

I also had Brit looked at. This was the first time. I had been putting it off because I wanted her to be the best she could be before. It sounds strange but in my head it makes total sense. When Brit came to me she had no muscle- at all. I've worked really, really hard the last two years to build it. And recently we've plateaued. And with my whole internal debate about agility with her- it was time to have her looked at.

Not Typical. Of course. She isn't typical for a displastic dog- she has muscle where they often don't. And no muscle where all dogs are supposed to have muscle. lol. She had good extension, but little laxity and was uncomfortable with the manipulation. Veronica noticed right away that she often tippy toes, and doesn't always weight bear on her back left leg all the time. We talked about the fact that she is super loose and wiggly in the rear- almost as though her front and back end aren't really attached. lol. She did have some concern that it could be neurological which terrifies me. Leave it to me to get the Border Collie with a nerve problem in her back somewhere, or a brain issue.... But the first step is X-Rays. So I'll be calling today to find somewhere that will do them without anaesthetic.

Veronica gave me some new exercises to do- to really work on the rear. Brit is a bit of a cheater so I really need to be watching to make sure she is using her rear, and not her back or front to power. Side Sit Ups- where I have her in a down on her side, hold her front legs and get her to get up. Sounds tricky eh? It is. lol. Some reverse perch work, reaching with back legs, and of course hill climbing...

So the saga continues. Surprisingly I am quite alright with it. Maybe because I've been through this a few times now, or maybe because I've known all along that something wasn't quite right...


2 comments:

^..^Corgidogmama said...

Boy...this is disheartening to read, and worry for you and the dogs. Hope all will be ok down the road with no major concerns popping up. They're active, and they're healthy, and you are diligent in their care.

WigglyZack said...

Wow, you do have some awful luck too Amanda. Sorry to hear about the problems you are having. It is very frustrating and disheartening that's for sure. Your dogs are lucky they have you to check these things out.