Friday, April 10, 2009

Under the Weather or The Trials of a Middle Aged Corgi

I've had a rough time the last week. I was doing something heroic and I hurt my neck. I hurt it so bad that Mom had to take me back to Eagle River. It was miserable. I'm still not well but I'm much better.

It all started last week on Wednesday. I was really sore and just not feeling like myself. Mom gave me some aspirin and that helped a little. By Friday I was starting to get worse so Mom loaded up our stuff and drove me to town. Lee stayed home to deliver mail and take care of the chickens. My doctor, Dr. Hawn, told Mom not to give me any more aspirin because they would want me to take some different medicine.

I started having muscle spasms in my neck and it hurt just to walk. I had a splitting headache on top of everything. Thank God it didn't affect my appetite! Saturday morning Dr. Frost took a look at me. She felt really sorry for me. She said I needed a neck x-ray but she'd have to put me under to do it. I wasn't sure what that meant but since Mom had given me my breakfast the x-ray had to wait until Monday. Dr. Frost gave me a shot in the butt which really hurt bad and a bunch of pills. I don't remember a whole lot more until the next day. We stayed with our friends Dean and Mike. Mike is a Springer Spaniel I've told you about. Mike says I staggered and drooled. It would be embarrassing but he's done worse.

On Monday morning I was not in good shape. Poor Mom was sure upset. Back to the vet's office. By the way, I go to Ravenwood Vet Clinic in Eagle River, Alaska. Not that I recommend going to the vet but my doctors are the best. Mom had to leave me there. I found out what getting put under means! I had to have another shot but then I don't remember much again. I guess I have an inflamed cervical disc that is putting pressure on my spinal column. Whatever, I just know my neck hurts.

When I woke up back at Dean's house, I felt better. But I discovered that while I was incapacitated, Dr. Hawn trimmed my nails! Plus I have more pills to take. Now I'm on prednisone for 7 days. Taking pills isn't so bad. Mom puts cream cheese on the pills.

Finally on Wednesday, Dr. Hawn said I was doing well enough to come home. Whew. It was great getting out of the city. I did score a new halter gizmo out of the deal. It's a really pretty purple color. I miss my LiveStrong collar though.

I have to rest for two weeks. The squirrels are completely out of control and they are laughing at me. This is so humiliating! Oh well, what goes around comes around you rodents.

I hope that you are all very healthy. Once you get to be middle aged you have to start doing more to take care of yourself. Me and Mom are taking glucosamine and vitamins. Lee takes vitamins, too. I take salmon oil, too. Mom says no thanks. Fine, more for me. Oh yeah, and I have to keep my weight down so Mom and I are on diets, too.

Woof for now!
Pearl