The real Mischka hospitalized in ICU

[hasshoes]

I am so sorry.

I am glad that you have some time to say goodbye, and spoil and love on him and give him his favorite foods.

I'd expected to have that with my guy, and was so heartbroken when he went from perfect health to gone suddenly.

Cherish the time that you have.

I've always wished I could believe in "The Rainbow Bridge" . . . .

But what I do know for sure, is that our dogs would never want us to be sad. When I miss my guy. . . I remind myself he'd always want me to be happy.

Hugs.

[Mischka]

Thanks again to all of you for your words of encouragement. He has recovered from his bout of sepsis and finished the last of his antibiotics routine tonight.

Although he can't stand up on his own, he's regained enough strength to be able to pull himself upright. Previously, I had to tuck pillows on both sides of him to keep him from falling to his side. I'm happy to also report that his appetite is good and I've been feeding him twice daily again. The only time he appears to be uncomfortable (starts to softly whine) is when he needs to go to the bathroom and I have to change his disposable bedding 9-10x a day.

I have him lying on a memory foam pad and have started using his 4 point harness to take him out on the deck to exercise him a little and get him some fresh air. He can hold himself up with his front legs pretty well and the harness supports his hind quarters enough for him to take a few steps. He's also been able to "do his business" a few times during this time, which is good because he empties both bladder and bowel more completely when he's standing vs. lying on his side.

He developed 2 bed sores on his right hip while he was hospitalized. One has healed completely but the other is about the size of an almond and is still open and inflamed. I have been applying SSD (silver sulfadiazine) ointment to it 3x a day since I've had him home and I'm hoping it begins to heal over.

If the weather warms up here soon, I plan on taking him out in yard so he can do one of his favorite pastimes. He loves to sniff the ground and follow scent trails.

[carolyn137]

All I can say Craig is thank you for such wonderful news.

[matertoo]

Warm weather and sunshine will make us all feel better. Enjoy your time together.

Paul

[travis]

Is there some way to construct a rig from PVC pipe and fittings to make a miniature swing set looking rig sort of configured like the one someone might use to pull an engine from a car or to suspend a lame horse in a sling so Mischka can stand upright on the back porch in nice weather?

[user10]

I am very happy to hear he's better
Time does heal. A little love does a lot.
Plus, he's a fighter !

[Zana]

Craig,
It seems that Mischka has taken more than baby steps towards recovery. I am so glad to hear he's recovered from the sepsis....and that he's eating and feeling more energetic. My hope for all of you is that he continues to improve and strengthen so that you may share far more time together than the vets predicted. All of your family continue in my thoughts and prayers.
Zana

[amideutch]

GOOD STUFF!

Glad to hear the good news. Ami

[bonekittyslug]

All my hopes and prayers!!

[Blueaussi]

That's wonderful news! I'm so glad that you're able to be together.

Those harnesses are great! I was able to walk Matilda as she recovered from an accident and regained strength in her hips and back kegs.

[dustdevil]

Mischka,

Years ago, I saw a dog that lost the use of it's rear legs. The owner made a square wooden platform with swivel wheels on the corners...this went under the rear half of the dog. It was padded with a piece of carpet. The dog pulled/pushed itself with it's front legs. This device reminded me of the "scooters" grade schoolers used in gym class years ago.

[tomatoaddict]

This makes me happy to hear!!!

[tweetybaby2005]

Glad to hear that he is doing well. My old vet has a dog that uses the wheels on her hind legs as well. She seems to be trotting around just fine. It makes me sad when an animal is sick or hurt, especially a dog.

[tjg911]

glad to hear mischka is doing better.

[Dukerdawg]

Craig, my heart sings good feelings toward you for your love and care for Mischka. So many people consider animals as things and dispose of them for many less reasons than medical issues. My doggie Duke, a Yellow Lab (avatar) is the dog of my dreams. He turned 13 in November and has Laryngeal Paralysis. After a 3,000.00 TPLO operation in 2005 I don't have a problem spending money on my best buddy, but the operation for his current condition is 3K to start with and as much as 10k with complications which are pretty common. What a heartbreaking decision. It is not the money.....my dog is worth a million bucks in my eyes, but at his age I don't know about putting him through another major surgery and possibly having problems. I'm taking it one day at a time. Giving him hugs and loving him every single day. It's so hard to have your best buddy, unconditional loving buddy suffering. They say the flip side of the same coin is Love/Grief. I suppose that is true.

I really give you tons of credit for all you do for your Mischka. I think we will see our furry friends on the other side when we go. God knows we love our animals...and love is a common bond. Believe it. I do.

Duane