Well, it’s been nearly a month since I posted here. I can only assume that’s a good thing, and symptomatic of life getting back to normal. Normal, in this case, meaning keeping a bit closer eye on her than we did previously, and remembering the schedule for the various supplements that she is taking now.
Riley is very much her old self again. She is able to navigate the house and yard by herself, and doesn’t need to be constantly monitored anymore. All the rubber backed mats covering our tile floors have given her safe footing to move around downstairs, and things like raised bowls and an extra layer of padding in her preferred sleeping spot have added to her comfort. Her incision has healed well, and the hair is starting to grow, although it is quite sparse. She is developing a couple of areas where it looks like her hair is coming out. We’re not sure if it was from wearing her harness 24/7 for a week, or if it’s the chemo causing hair loss.
Stairs are still out of the question, both from a physical standpoint and her rehab doctor’s restrictions. Interestingly, she has learned to “ask” for help with the stairs. We baby gate the bottom so that she doesn’t try it, but the other day I dashed upstairs for something, and was surprised to hear Riley bark. Before her amputation, Riley was accustomed to following me throughout the day, up and down stairs numerous times. Being left alone at the bottom of the stairs just wasn’t acceptable!
RILEY!!! This update has me grinning ear to ear!! 🙂 🙂
Especially love how you have trained your humans to help you up and down stairs! Smart girl 🙂 🙂
The hair loss could be more related to the harness than the chemo…..maybe a little of both.
It’s THE best feeling to see them return to their selves again! 🙂 Makes my day to hear how well Riley is doing! 🙂
Keep these great updates coming…WITH PICTURES!!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Riley knows that she’s got some great humans who are ready to help her out so she doesn’t hurt herself on the stairs. Good teamwork!
Regarding the harness: sometimes dogs will get a bald patch where the straps hit the armpit, but I’ve never heard of a harness causing baldness on top. Might want to mention that to your vet. Let us know their thoughts.
Congrats on the new normal!!!
Had her at the oncologist today to check her blood values. Asked about the hair loss, which is also occurring under her collar. It’s from the chemo. They suggested fish oil, which she’s been taking since the amputation. I told them I’m going to start adding coconut oil to the mix, and that given the go-ahead by the docs, too.