An August summer evening and a little slip, perhaps five stairs or so, nothing too drastic. She was stiff on the up take after that, and later staggering on her way for nightly duties. But, no movement in the morning. Her last attempt was to address the stairs to reach us, but in vain, and she laid there pretty much helpless. That was the first week of August 2007.
A hurried trip to the Emergency Animal Clinic. Of course, the occurrence was a typical weekend one. A quick look, no medication for any pain relief. A grave outlook was predicted and received with, "we won't give up on our Quinnie." (So sweet, no complaints, and so very compliant.)
A trip to her Vet, and although initially a short recovery was anticipated this was not to be. Talk of alternatives, of which there were three; the last, "nobody wants to talk about." We opted for the first, with support and encouragement, which amounted to a four week Atlantic Veterinary Hospital stay. Very special care there, an optimistic prognosis, and anticipation of a lengthy recovery period.
Turning her every four hours for prevention purposes, a catheter for bladder control. Poor Quinn was a little sad while in hospital but remained compliant through all the testings with all those strangers. She liked the little cat friend who visited, and shared her orthopedic bed. She wagged her tail when we visited. She was able to lift her head, and at times raise her paw. The professionals felt more progress was likely at home, and we agreed. It was nursing care at this point.( A small boney like substance lodged in the spinal column, nerves to regenerate if they would, and relearning if she was able.) Yes, a pretty long road for Quinn to travel.
We used a stretcher for transport, and initially she rested a lot. She loved us with her, and she began to lift up a just a bit, leaning on us for support. It took some effort to roll her, and required four of us. At 170 pounds Quinn gave us quite a work out. She began to lift her head by times, and that was improvement from holding her head upright to allow her to eat her meal, or take a drink. Later she was able to balance some and manage on her own for just a little while.
In the early Fall the recommendation was made for additional rehabilitative measures other than the leg exercises we were taught by the hospital staff. A Physiotherapist - acupuncture, manual muscle stimulation, and so forth. Then, another referral from this source - Let's Get Her Up.
But, what a big wheelchair she would require. A challenge to be sure. There were a lot of questions, Quinn was measured on several occasions, prodded a bit, and then the wheelchair arrived. There were a few minor adjustments that day, no complaints from Quinn, and she fit quite nicely into her,"super suit," which is snapped into the aluminum frame. She showed her gratitude to her, " Cart Providers." She seemed so very excited to stand and, of course, excited with the home baked cookies used for encouragement. (Oh, and the boots, which were provided for needed traction and, no doubt, emotional encouragement.) Quinn appeared to be on her way.
Starts for 10 minutes or so, and she was tired and weak. Her front feet positioning was off, however much greater in strength than in the rear. We corrected her paw positioning over and over again. Improvements in strength and endurance were noted sometimes daily. Little jaunts to the kitchen, later to the deck, and then progression to the street. With each outing there seemed to be something just a little different, and this was encouraging. Oh, today, her feet are not dragging. She is not panting tonight. She ran another day. Wow, she managed the hill. Oh, Quinn you are doing so well. You try so hard, and what a motivation you are for others.
It is early December now, and as she progresses adjustments are necessary - "super suit," modifications which allow for greater range of movement. We suspect there will be others in the future. Oh, and Quinn is shown in her wheelchair in the K-9 Prosthetics Inc. brochure (K-9 wheelchair). Winter has arrived early, and we hope this does not impede her progress.
It doesn't, and we all help. We built a ramp for easier access, and she quickly learned the necessary paw positioning. It used to be a task for four to strap her into her suit. With Quinn's help now it is a task for two. She pushes up now with her front legs, accepts a little assistance with the rear end, and walks forward on her own effort in order to position herself to be snapped into her wheelchair. And, her journeys are much longer now, up to six times around the cul du sac, and on to the street. Sometimes for variance and strength also ups and downs on a small hill. She is gaining much more strength and endurance, and cares little that often the neighbors are watching, and taking pictures.
Quinn's boots are wearing as her confidence also continues to build. She walks off by herself these days venturing for a taste from a snow bank, and it is very different now. She is regaining her independence. She chased after a dog last week. ( WOW. I bet he was just a little taken back.) It's like going for a walk with Quinn now, and sometimes it's like she saying, Ok, guys, HURRY UP
