Roe

[Liz]

Roe is not a happy pup. He has torn a ligament in a hind knee, which is making it very hard for him to get up and walk. He lists to one side and falls over a lot. The vet says the only remedy is $$$$.00 surgery. But Roe also has a cough which the vet thinks is a bronchial infection. (Heart is ok.) So first thing to do is clear that up. He's on antibiotics for two weeks, and if not better by then, then more tests will be needed to see what the respiratory problem is. If the cough is better, then we'll do tests and make a decision about the knee surgery. For the time being I'm helping/lifting him in and out of the RV and we're not walking far. The vet didn't mention the deafness, so I'm guessing they don't make hearing aids for dogs. But if we can fix 2 out of 3, Roe will be happy.

Meanwhile both pets are up-to-date with shots for a year, and both have newly trimmed nails. And my wallet is several hundred dollars lighter.

On edit: I just found this article about Roe's knee problem and am now thinking we may not hasten into surgery, but take a more conservative wait-and-see approach. http://www.2ndchance.info/cruciate.htm

[Irmi]

Liz, I have been thinking about all of you today, and please know I am saying lots of prayers for healing. I hope to see all of you at another get together.

[JoanE]

Poor Roe! Those beautiful eyes must be looking very sad. Healing thoughts to Roe today.

[Rufflesgurl]

Liz - thanks for the update. Would maybe rest and a brace of some type help Roe? Know he loves his walks but maybe not for awhile?

Take care of all of you,
Linda

[VickieP]

Poor Roe, I know how much he loves to hike the trails.

[AlmostThere]

Thanks for Roe's update. Poor guy. Hope the cough issue remedies itself with the meds. Keep us updated on his leg problem. Hoping no surgery will be needed.

[sharon]

Well, the news isn't good, but it's better than I thought it would be when I saw the post. I truly didn't want to open it. Hope the old guy can skate out of surgery and that his chest infection clears up quickly. He's a hunk, so watch your back when you're lifting him in and out. In other words, as we've stressed to other folks, take care of the caregiver!

[Forestgal]

Liz, it might be worth the $$ if you have the space to get a ramp that you can set up for Roe to get in & out of your rig. Both of you could use it and it would save your back and any further injury to Roe. I've got one for Jed and use it even for him to get in & out of my VW.

I'm glad that it's nothing more than stuff that can be fixed. I shudder to hear that older dogs are up to snuff, always thinking the worst. I love to be wrong in these cases. Prayers for both of you.

Laura -- and Jed

[chalet05]

Keeping good thoughts!!

[carold]

Liz, sorry to hear about Roe, but glad that you at least have a diagnosis and can make decisions about how to handle it. When you're lifting him into his home, give him an extra squeeze from me. carold

[BirdbyBird]

I would woof but Liz said you can't hear it much....but hopefully your sniffer is still sniffing. That respiratory stuff is not fun and taking pills is not the most fun either but I know that you are a trouper. Good knee? Bad knee? Glad that you have three good legs left! All us furry one will be thinking of you. You are one of my favorite hiking buddies ever!

Herschel

[sunshinecruiserTN]

Whew, like Sharon, I really didnt want to open this post. Hope Roe gets his lungs cleared and you take that 2nd opinion approach for a while. Don't hurt yourself in getting him back into the rig. Thinking of you all.

[cpatinjones]

Hope Roe will be feeling better soon.

[Birdie]

Liz, hoping that Roe get's rid of the cough post haste! Ligament, tell him I am so sorry, but to take it easy for a while. We have lots of things lined up while he is out here next year. Give him a really big hug. Give Bandit a hug too, as I am sure he was slightly traumatized by having to put his paws up for inspection and his butt for injection.

Do what you need to do!! You know him better than anyone. Prayers for you to get thru this with him...and of course best of luck on your little trip too.

[rvgrammy1953]

Roe,

Geez, sorry to hear about the knee and the cough....Listen, old man, we ain't getting any younger, so do what your "Mommy-Dog" and the Vet tells you to do.. I'm sure with the meds. for the cough and taking it easy for awhile will help alot.....Keep us all posted...

Your friend,
Spinner

PS My Mom sends her hugs and a few "behind the ears" rubs to you....