Viktor is almost three years old. He had his first rehab appointments in early 2015. We’ve had lots of crate rest, various at home exercises, different types of therapies. At one year old, he was able to stop pain medications. At almost two, he was allowed to run loose outside.
That highlighted part? I’m so, so happy to see it! We’ll likely end up more at the 6 month rechecks – probably when Griffin has to go in or Tonks for her OFA xrays. It’s great to be at maintenance rather than in “fixing” mode.
Is everything great?
No. He won’t ever be in perfect health. One of the questions our specialist vet asked was about what I wanted to do that we aren’t doing now. And things aren’t likely to be much different. Agility is had been off the table due to his physical health – but he’s also not great with other dogs right now and so agility wasn’t even something we’re really working on. We do a little agility training for fun – but not much because I do get worried about his legs. Our rally and obedience options all accommodate lower jump heights.
One of the vet notes was about how even with a short 12″ jump, his carpal pads touch the ground. The ligaments? tendons? in his wrists are so loose he just can’t move quite like a “normal dog.”
Daily life
We’ve made modifications in our house to help minimize the wear and tear on his wrists due to daily activities. He goes in and out of the van on his own, but if I get a taller vehicle, he will use a ramp. I may move him from crating at the side of the van to the back where I would be able to help lift him out.
I don’t discourage him from being on furniture – but he does carefully climb up and down (unlike Tonks – she leaps!). If he does start jumping in unsafe ways, we will re-evaluate.
We do some jogging because it’s been recommended he spend some time trotting. We always do this on grass or mulch, not on sidewalks or roads.