Kirk's Hips =( **8/26 GOOD update!**"

[Kater]

I am so sorry to hear about these problems. It is most unfair for Kirk and
for you too. You must have the patience of a Saint to keep carrying
on for as long as you have. Could you keep Kirk caged while you are gone?
I hope he starts to put more weight on his leg soon. Do you think he just
over did things & strained a muscle?

Yes, he is crate trained and usually in the crate when no one is around. However, my Dad is retired and at home with him confined to our small living room most of the time. This week was Spring Break and my parents were out of town. Kirk had been in the crate MUCH more than usual because of my insane schedule. I wanted to give him some freedom while I went on my short trip to the airport, but apparently that was a mistake.
I really don't know what it could be....because last night he was the most acutely and suddenly painful that I've ever seen him-- more obviously painful than the TWO times he dislocated that hip. I just don't know....
Thank you for the good thoughts.

[Kfamr]

This is so upsetting, Kate.

I have been thinking of that cute little boy.

[pessimisaurus]

So hows he feeling now, any better?? :/

[Kater]

....on my handsome boy.



Well, his 3 days of 'heavy' pain meds are over, and he's certainly in less pain. Although there has been less hopping, I don't think there has been any significant improvement. It's hard because in his case toe touching and true weight-bearing look pretty similar, since the muscle is so very atrophied. However, what I thought was weight-bearing has been dubbed toe touching by another, more experienced party. (Not the vet, but someone who has experienced multiple leg surgeries, some very similar to Kirkie's....) Basically looking at his gait at the clinic is useless, because he's all hyper and hopped up on adrenaline (he LOVES the clinic), so I need to be able to accurately report what his progress has been day-to-day. I guess I was being a little too optimistic in thinking that his toe touching was weight-bearing....

He has hydrotherapy today (it will be his 5th time in the water). If it is a problem with his knee, then he really shouldn't be swimming....but I'm almost 100% positive it's a problem with the hip again. The therapist has quite a bit of experience and she won't do anything she's not comfortable with....so he may end getting a long massage session instead of water time. Have I ever mentioned that she LOVES Kirkie? She's always telling me he has the best temperament she has ever seen in any border collie she has met or worked with ...he's a real lover. I only wish you could all meet him because meeting new people is probably what he loves best in the world.

Also I'll be taking him in to the clinic tomorrow to figure things out. I'm hoping maybe they can manually manipulate his hip to get it back in the socket again....(with morphine on board of course).... assuming that is the problem. I hope we will have non-surgical options because I'm pretty sure I can't put either him or myself through surgery again. We'll see....

Here's some happy pictures....playing with his I Qube! He's *loves* that thing!!









Thank you ALL for your prayers and thoughts. Kirkie and I both are very appreciative!!

[shais_mom]

put a big ol' kiss right b/n his eyes from me
still thinking of you and praying for you Kate!

[Daisy and Delilah]

What a cutie pie!! Great pictures of you Mr. Kirkie!! You're one adorable boy. I wish we could all meet you too. That would be great and especially if it would help you. I hope you get better and feel good soon.

{{{{{KIRKIE AND MOM}}}}}

[pessimisaurus]

glad to see an update! he is sooo adorable. he has such a gorgeous face. I really wish I could meet that cutie!! give him a big kiss for me, hope the therapy continues to go well