Caution: VERY SAD POST AHEAD!
It is with a very broken heart that I write this post today.
On Friday at 3.10pm our Lilly crossed the rainbow bridge.
Over the past 2 months the arch in her back had become more prominent and she was starting to loose balance more and weight bare less on her left side.
There are a number of reasons why she was arching but always does it indicate pain!
The most common reason for dwarfs is atlanto -axial malformation between the first 2 cervical vertebrae C1 and C2 which pinches the spinal cord, produces pain and uncoordinated movement and hunching the back can be a coping mechanism depending on the severity.
Some dwarfs have occasionally had other spinal issues along the spine but investigation would be needed.
Locating the source of the spinal issue by Xray/cat scan would not help in determining the next step as correcting atlantoaxial malformation on a dwarf has never been successful and is an op that is highly specialised and beyond the average vet. We have very little specialist vets in NZ and to my knowledge none that have done such an extensive surgery on a dwarf.
Upon furthur investigation we found very obvious symptoms of arthritis in her hind quarters, while there are now treatments available in NZ that dont effect the renal, GI or heart function (making it safe for a PD dog) the more pressing issue was her spine.
Unfortunatly this was not an acute onset and had progressed slowley over the past few months.
We also ran her bloods reguarly and her drop in thyroid function became hugely concerning.
We gave Lilly pain relief increased her thyroid dose and watched and prayed we would see an improvement. Unfortunatly she worsend with time.
Im so very heart broken at why my Lilly was bought to this life, but I know she live a full life of fun, love and adventure despite her condition.
I will be continuing my work with PD in NZ and will still be available for consultations in this area. Thankyou to everyone who h
Pup cakes for the win! ๐ฅฐ Mother tested Lilly approved xox
Lilly here- Moms finally on holiday, itโs been a busy last week she says but the work doesnโt stop once she gets home. Tonight while mom gave me my bath she noticed I had a patch of fur starting to fall out. Mom said upon closer inspection itโs evident this is the beginning of me loosing my beautiful puppy coat since she could easily pluck away the hair. It may never grow back ๐ I may be entirely bald this time next year, but mom says sheโs optimistic because she knows a pup just like me who once lost all her fur and it grew back once her vet had her on the right medication but for now Iโll be able to dress up. I think Iโll convince mom to buy me a whole wardrobe. I could get black and green stripes or polkadot ponchos, oh and defiantly a pretty pink tutu โบ๏ธ So back to the vets in the new year for repeat bloods and a derm consult. Iโm off to bed with my teddy and blanket under the heater, Iโm not sure if I like the smell of this new soap but at least mom didnโt blow dry me tonight. Merry Christmas everyone - Lots of Love, Lilly x
Nau mai haere mai ki te wiki o te reo maori! Ko te reo maori te reo e korero tia nei e nei taua te iwi maori o aotearoa.
Welcome to maori language week! Maori is the language spoken by our indigisnous people of NZ.
Oral traditions are a core part of who we are as iwi maori which we see in korero tuku iho ( wisdom handed down) i roto i nga karakia ( in our incantations) whakatauki, he waiata (our proverbs and songs) ko nga purakau tawhito (ancient myths and legends) in reciting pepeha, whakapapa (our ancestors and relations), he nui te tohutohu kei roto (important lessons are inside).
I Challenge all you dog lovers this week to engage in te reo maori and teach 1 new trick with your kuri (Dog) using he kupu maori (a maori word). Make it fun, make it silly, be brave and join in the fun.
Yes my dogs are bilingual, and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Nga mihi koutou
#Tewikiotereomaori #Kaupapa #Tautoko #Mauriora
DOG ICE CREAM!! ๐ 3 ingredients - Banana, Greek yoghurt, strawberries! In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper and are usually cheap enough all year round. I use them in almost all my treat recipes ๐ This recipe is also people friendly so dont be afraid to let the kiddies or yourself taste test a few ๐