Squirt - my Queen has crossed The Bridge

Leslie, did the vet say Why Squirt is having trouble with her back legs? If the pins are fine and haven't moved, does he think that this is a soft tissue problem or what?
I like the idea of the cart if she can get around more, because I think that her depression is probably related to having to be in a crate, when she wants to be out and about (on her own terms of course).
I wonder if this is a temporary solution, as in she will get the use of her legs back, or is this a permanent solution for her?
Does anyone do the cold laser therapy there that Patti is using for Tipper? Would it work for Squirt with the pins?
I'm just throwing stuff out. What about warm laster or hydrotherapy? Any of that around? It would be great if she had mobility, whether cart or otherwise, once the weather warms up so she can go for walks with you to collect plants again.

Thinking of you both,
hugs
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Leslie:
I am so sorry about Squirts legs. maybe they are losing muscle from her not using them as much, and that is something you cannot stop unfortunately. Is there any place for cold laser or the hydrotherapy close to you? I am so glad you are measuring her for a cart and she can get around then without dragging herself. Poor Squirt covered in poop. I bet she was not liking that for one minute. I hope the cart they are bringing will fit her, that would help a lot. The wind is blowing here and wild and cold. I am thankful Tipper has a good therapist at the laser center as it is making a big difference on her leg healing. Now as long as no one else messes with it she will be fine. I am sure this happened to Squirt at the vets as manipulating a leg to check it can sometimes do more harm than good as I have learned the hard way. I do not let anyone put Tipper's back legs thru range of motion anymore after what happened the first time. Sorry to hear you are having more tooth problems. Are you going back to the dentist soon? _Please do and take care of yourself Leslie, you have a lot of critters that need you. It is not good to keep having an infection in your system either as I am sure you know. What is the weather like? Have you tried out the heater yet? You may want to do it for the first time outside as sometimes the new wicks can stink things up. I have to call the electric company I got this outrageous electric bill and I am wondering if they read my meter wrong?? Have you seen Grace's pictures yet?Blessings
Patti

When Doc B examined her after the injury, he said he could feel the ACL and it felt in place as did the patella so we have been treating as a soft tissue injury. I know it will take time to heal, if it will, but it hasn't improved much at all so I had her looked at again Fri. Doctor Stacy saw her Fri but Squirt was too tense for her to feel the ACL and sedation is no longer an option for Squirty. Without surgery, if this is the ACL, it can take months and months and months to heal....and the cart will help that happen as well as help prevent damage to the left leg which is carrying most of the weight now. That on top of giving her a bit more freedom in the house and yard. She hasn't been able to go on field walks with me wildcrafting at all so she won't miss that but she does miss being able to walk the field behind the house. She goes to the back gate that opens to that field and stands, looking up at me as if to say, "What's the hold up, Mom?" :(

I'm going to look for some acupuncture, laser therapy, etc for her this coming week and see if it's something we can do or not. Don't know for sure this is even available around here but surely someone in Little Rock does some of these things for pets, surely.

I will post a video of her moving in a minute. It breaks my heart to share this as I know ya'll aren't aware of just how bad she is at the moment but I want you to see. I watched Dr. Stacy's face as she watched it Fri. and I could see her distress at seeing how poorly Squirt moves....I could hear her thinking, "It's time to let this dog go." :(

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

The first video is the one Dr. Stacy watched. Look at how her left leg turns to support her body. :(

http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps505f4724.jpg

http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps80cd1002.jpg

http://i752.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps0d6cb7c4.jpg

Awww the poor little dot, that leg does look sore. She is weight bearing on her right back leg ok though. Hope you have luck with finding someone to help with acupuncture or hydo Leslie. She looks to have good strength in her front legs so the cart could be the go to get her around a bit better.

Hope you manage to get to the dentist soon, your tooth sounds so painful. Take Care xxxx

Okay, yep, I see what you mean. Need to get that cart pronto for Squirt. That should give her mobility and allow the leg to heal while not hurting the other one.
Just a quick look and the only thing I found for hydrotherapy (and there must be others) is the Canine Country Club (little rock area)

http://caninecountryclub-ar.com/pricing they mention a $35. private therapy session with a vet referral. But just to take her there to swim (does Squirt even like water and swimming?) is $5.

There must be more around, but they seem to be hard to find and I wonder if any of the vets in the area would know of some place or have any ideas.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Leslie:
I really think you are doing the best thing by getting a cart for her. You can see the spirit is still there with the stomping of the front feet, but the legs just need some help in the back. Maybe after resting them a while in a cart they would heal a little better too. She sure is a sweetheart and I can understand why you are so attached to her. She is like Tipper, she just has that little bit of attitude nothing can ever take away. I hope the one your friends are bringing will fit her as that will save you a lot of time trying to get one. The wind is howling like crazy here and it is freezing. Tomorrow I have to take Tipper for Adequan. I hate to go out and did not even realize until the reminder popped up on my computer. Taking video and showing it to the Dr. is so much better than trying to describe what they do and having the Dr. stare at you funny. Blessings
Patti

So sorry to hear about poor little Squirt and hoping that the cart will be the right size and help her get about a bit more.

It may be worth calling the vets in your area to see if any of them can do acupuncture - when Hamish's arthritis got bad that's what my vet suggested and when I asked if I would need to find a specialist she said that she could do it. That said it sounds like a vet's office isn't the best place for Squirt so it may be better to find an alternative, less stressful location - you may find places which offer the service for humans may be able to help to.

Not bad prices for the hydrotherapy. It's a great way to exercise without weight bearing.

Leslie, Sorry to hear Squirt is having problems with her legs.
Hope something works for her.