Silas' vet visit

 

He loves his bones!

Silas had another vet appointment today.  We're waiting for the results of his blood work. If his red count is back in the normal range, we'll be scheduling his neuter appointment as soon as they can get him in.  He had a great time at the vet visiting with all of his friends who work there.  Today was the first appointment where he was able to walk around himself.  We brought his wheels, so that he could walk around and smell things while waiting to go in for his appointment. It was such a nice day, that Dr. Mike came out and did his checkup and blood draw outside in the lawn.  He got treats, they brought water out for him, and all of his friends hugged him and made a big deal over him, so he was a happy boy.

We have to take a stool sample back to make sure his bevy of parasites is totally cleared out after his three treatments.

He went down the front entry steps, because he wanted to see what was going on outside.

He has been insistent on going down any steps he encounters. We've tried to tell him no and discourage him going down, but he is a very stubborn boy.  At first, he would just try to follow me down steps, so we were gating or blocking the basement steps and I was making sure he didn't see me go down other steps.  Now he's trying to be an independent explorer and just taking off on his own.  I worry that he'll hurt his legs or re-open some of the newly healed wounds.  We have to find that balance of maximum freedom with maximum safety.  The drag bag does offer some protection for his legs, but I'm going to have to try to order some different things that will offer a bit more protection. I'm starting with some thick terry-cloth wristbands, as I think those will stay on his knees and offer protection.  

We're having a ramp put on the back outside steps so he can get in and out on his own.  I thought it would be done this week but in the perpetual contractor hell we live with, we haven't heard anything since he came and measured.  I'm really frustrated by the long delay on his ramp. He really wants to be able to go off the deck and explore and come back in like the other dogs do. He can get down (which I'm not happy with and try to discourage) but not back up.

He didn't seem to be impressed by my lecture about why he shouldn't do steps on his own. Totally ignored my instructions on waiting for someone to carry him down.

We're almost at the point where he legs won't have to be wrapped and bandaged daily.  Once the scabs all come off, he won't need the mummy wrappings.  That does leave his legs less protected, though.  We have some nice padded booties that will help with his feet and ankles. I've tried them for smaller periods of time, and so far they seem to stay on, but we'll have to see if they work for the long haul.  If we can get enough leg protection, I think him going downstairs will be okay.