Squirt - my Queen has crossed The Bridge

[Squirt's Mom]

Squirt started swimming this week in the pool. It's 24' and she swims about 22' at a time which we repeat 5 times now. So she is swimming around 100' a day, a bit over. The first day, she was really panting after each crossing but that has improved 100% with each passing day. I think part of that was fear and she is adjusting to it better now.

The effect on her leg is unreal. She is using it a great deal more, supporting full weight on that side to pee, and stretching both legs after her business now! On her walks yesterday and today, she has voluntarily slowed down to use all four legs instead of me holding her back to keep her from hopping. And she is really interested in exploring as we walk...more and more each day.

If a weeks worth of swimming is making this much difference in her, then I highly recommend anyone who has pups with ortho problems to give it a try if at all possible! Now, what we will do in it's place over the winter....dunno, yet!

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

[Dollydog]

That's great news Leslie....I feel so much better when I can get my swimming in. Glad it's helping Squirt out too,
Jo-Ann

[addy]

Hi Leslie,

Did you have to put a life jacket on her? Do you have chlorine in your pool?

I only ask because I wanted to try my pups in our pool but with Zoe's thin coat I was worried about the chlorine. That and she is scared of the pool, we always taught her to stay away from it. She fell into the shallow end when we first brought her home. I figured I would have to put one of the vests on her.

Oh, I know it would be good excercise for her.

Way to go Squirt!!!!!! On to Doggie Olympics!!! You should take a video

Addy

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Ya'll,

Squirt continues to improve and act more and more like a much younger pup! We have gone to every other day on the swimming to give her coat a chance to dry out. Blow dryers and Squirt do not mix! I am concerned about her skin with all the swimming and have been using a product called "efa HyLyt" on her after we get out. The "efa" stands for essential fatty acids. So far, my concerns have proven groundless but just in case I will continue to use something after we get out. If anyone has any other products for this they would recommend, I am all ears as the HyLyt is almost gone.

She is up to about 200' on the days she swims now which nearly wears me out just walking back and forth across the pool! Her breathing is strong and steady while I'm the one huffing and puffing!

I have been watching her for signs that her cortisol really is out of control and I just don't see it. Her urine is a nice yellow every time, no excess drinking or peeing, her coat is very thick with no hair loss, no pot belly, and no panting for no reason. She still seeks cool places to lay at times but also enjoys laying out in the sun for extended periods of time in her little pen. She has always been a little piggy so appetite isn't a good indicator for her. Before the surgery, her skin had gotten quite dark on her belly but now it has lightened up and is back to her normal coloring. I think she is just a pup who strongly reacts to trauma in her little body. I will be surprised if her liver values are still up and if her cortisol comes back elevated after her test on the 30th. I hope her estradiol and progesterones have come down this time.

Well, it's time for our swim today so I'm headed to the pool. Then I will spend the rest of the day making her menu for the week. She still loves that food so I love doing it for her!

Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt

[littleone1]

Hi Leslie,

It's always so good to hear how well Squirt is doing. I'm glad she is enjoying swimming. It is great therapy, not only for our furbabies, but for us, too. I hope she continues to do well.

I am using Comfort Conditioner on Corky, to keep his skin from drying out from the KetoChlor. It's a soap free, anti-itch conditioner with oatmeal and Omega-6 fatty acids. As far as I know, it's only sold through licensed vets. After wetting their fur, you leave it on for 5-10 minutes and then rinse it off. This might be something you might be able to use.

Give Squirt hugs and belly rubs from me.

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Leslie,

What a wonderful update on Squirt!! Like Terri, I too, am sooo happy that she is doing so well.

I hope her estradiol and progesterones have come down this time.

Am hoping and praying with you.

Love and big hugs,
Lori

[frijole]

Sounds like Squirt is doing fantastic! Remember - don't let the numbers take priority.... sounds like you've done a wonderful job so take the health and continue to enjoy every single minute of it. You deserve it!!! So happy for you. Kim

[addy]

I wish you could take a video of Squirt in the pool, I would so love to see it!!!!

Hoping the test is good news and so glad to hear how well our little "olympian" is doing

Addy

[Squirt's Mom]

Here are some still shots and a video of Squirty swimming her little legs off!

http://s752.photobucket.com/albums/x...rt%20Swimming/

[mypuppy]

OMG Leslie!
How cute is that video of the little girl doing laps--lol. How very awesome indeed. Keep up the great work Leslie. I am so very happy for both of you. BTW, you will never catch my Princess in any body of water, great waterdog Lab that she is. Haaaaaaaaaa. Warmest regards and luv ya both dearly. Tight hugs. Jeanette