Our Riley Dog

Riley, our part chow, part retriever, part other things was having some problems walking last spring.  He did what we called "twittering" while trying to stand or walk.  In other words, his feet did a little dance without going anywhere.  And his back legs would give out on him!  Poor thing.  So we took him to the vet, did a bunch of tests, then he was referred to a neurologist!  A doggy neurologist!  This Doctor actually was the same one who did the surgery on Bandy's neck about 25 years ago!

He had to do more extensive testing...a cat scan of sorts to see his spine and what was going on.  The prognosis was to do surgery in one week....this was last April!  Riley was to be on steroids for one week prior to the surgery.  Well, gosh after one week of being on the drugs, he was like his old self, walking fine, no 'twittering', wanting to chase balls, jump etc.  So we brought him back to the doctor and said, "Look!!  He is walking great!"  The doctor was actually very surprised, so we all agreed that we should wait and continue him on the pills, but at a lower dose and see how he does.  So in August Scott and I were thinking he looked like he was hurting again and needed the surgery, brought him back to the doctor, he assured us that giving the drugs to Riley every two days instead of three would be okay for him.  So, let's re-evaluate him in November!  Well, it really only took a couple of days that we had colder weather and rain and we thought Riley was hurting again.  Not sure if it was the colder weather and arthritis, but we decided we shouldn't put it off any longer.  The doctor agreed.  Riley had his spinal surgery on Monday and came home today, Thursday.  He is looking godd, feeling pretty good and walking okay....a little bit hesitant, but pretty good for the kind of surgery that he had.  The doctor was very happy with the results.  For the next couple of weeks we need to walk him and not let him roam on his own.  He will get the stitches out in two weeks....I say stitches, but really they look like staples!

We are happy to have Riley back home chatting with us and keeping us company!