Makayla's having a great couple of weeks!

Normally my updates on Makayla aren't always positive, so I thought I'd change it up a bit and share a good news/happy update. Makayla has done so well the past couple of weeks. Of course, she'll never improve, only deteriorate, but I think she's finally figured out how to compensate for her weakness and she has adjusted her walking accordingly.

It seems that she doesn't drag her feet as much anymore, she more like swings her rear legs out to the side and forward to walk now. She looks like a totally drunken sailor when she walks but she falls down much less than she used to. We seem to have gotten her pain under control (her pain is not only from her hip displaysia and arthritis but most recently it's a result of the rest of her body compensating for her rear end weaknesses) by giving Tramadol three times a day. Previously, she was getting it twice a day, sometimes three times if she was in pain. At our last checkup, the vet decided we should just make her pain medication standard 3 times a day, rather than waiting for her to have pain and require more. This has made a huge difference in how she feels.

She's been in such a great mood the last two weeks also - playing more with Diesel than she has in a long time. It's a nice change. Of course, we don't know how long this good time will last but we're so enjoying it while it does last!

Great update! I wish there was a cure, but it sounds like you've figured out the best for her now.

Great to hear, Rachel! I hope this continues.

That's wonderful news, Rachel! I was just thinking about her this morning!

Just enjoy her. It's the only way to live with this kind of stuff. She's happy and that's the important thing.

northernwitch wrote:Just enjoy her. It's the only way to live with this kind of stuff. She's happy and that's the important thing.

What Blanche said. Good for you Mikayla!

I'm so glad to hear she's doing well and seems to be feeling a bit more chipper!

Amazing how they adapt - great to hear Rachel!

I may have missed it, but is she using the cart?

That's great that she's doing well and is comfortable. I agree that making the tramadol a 3 times daily steady dose sounds like the best thing for her. Thanks for sharing the update!

So glad to hear that she's feeling at least a little bit better! Give that sweet girl a kiss from me!

I'm with Blanche, too. That is such good news - you and sweet Kayla are always in my prayers.

I'm so glad Makayla is in a little less pain. I will never forget Almadine saying that it's all about seeing that sparkle in their eyes just one every day. Welcome to the better living through chemistry club!

What great news! And like Blanche said, just enjoy her!

Rachel, I remember you saying she wasn't using her cart right now, and didn't realize she was dragging her back feet a bit. Even on semi-paralyzed dogs, booties will help them to pick up their feet more. It increases their sensory perception of their feet.

Glad makayla is having a good stretch Hugs Joan