Tucker

Well, I never would have guessed that we would have to do this so soon, but Tucker has retired from agility. He has had a puzzling right hind leg and back issue for months now. No limping or anything like that... he just won't put much weight on his leg when he stands. We had all the tick tests and blood tests done and even put him on the antibiotic for two weeks... but nothing changed. My vet finally recommended that he see the orthopedic vet for a consult. We ended up doing extensive x-rays of his legs, back and hips. At least that identified the problem. He has spondylosis in his lower spine (a narrowing of the channel in the spine with some bone spurs possibly resting on a nerve) and fluid on both knees. Right now he is on rest for three weeks... and don't think THAT's not difficult with five dogs... one of them being a puppy. He can't do many stairs either... just once upstairs to bed and downstairs in the morning. I have to leash walk him outside, too. He wasn't so thrilled with this new routing to start, but is getting used to it.
After three weeks, we can start doing some light trotting. I can still show him, but Lee has lost his agility buddy. We're going to try to see how Denver will run for him at the next trial. We still have 1 1/2 to 2 years before Ike can compete so hopefully Denver will be able to fill Tucker's shoes until then.

PROJECT 306 :: 45

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

PROJECT 306 :: 26

MARCH

In like a lion....

Out like a lamb....

(I hope)