Blitz

January 2012 Blitz had his first debilitating disc episode as a result of IVDD. In the middle of a terrible ice storm we drove to the emergency vet in the middle of the night who told us that he would need to have surgery and quick...the longer we waited the longer the disc was putting pressure on his spinal cord, running the risk of irreversible damage. Spinal surgery is not cheap but with the help of our family and friends, Blitz was able to have the necessary surgery and came home 10 days after for almost 4 months of recovery.

Fast forward to this October...Blitz was as healthy and happy as an almost 11 year old dog could be. He had made a 100% recovery thanks to the surgery and seemed to have no lingering weakness or pain. Unfortunately, while we were in Texas, our dog-sitter woke up to find that Blitz was not able to walk and seemed to be in a great deal of pain.

The canine neurosurgeon in Texas told us that the likelihood of him having another episode was high but somehow I thought that we could avoid it. We were so careful with him. Arthur built ramps outside so he wouldn't have to go up and down the stairs. He wasn't allowed on the couches or beds and he was certainly never allowed to jump off anything. But in the end, I think it was inevitable. IVDD is a disease, not just an injury, and it was only a matter of time.

After several extremely expensive vet visits and long-distance calls we were told we had two choices...put him down or try surgery. I strongly believe that when you get a pet you are promising to give them the best care for their entire life...not just when they're cute puppies and not just when it's convenient. So we realized we had no choice but to move forward with surgery.

The only canine neurosurgeon even remotely close to us was in Kristiansand, almost 4 hours from Tananger. Time was again of the essence and both our surgeon and dog-sitter were willing to drive half-way to pass off Blitz. We are incredibly thankful to both of them for being willing to meet in the middle of nowhere Norway in the middle of the night for Blitz.

After the surgeon got Blitz, he took him to their clinic until the morning when he would be prepped
for surgery. The 7 hour time difference made it difficult to get updates on his progress at any normal time. Thankfully, the surgeon was sensitive to this and made a point to call us late in the day (Norway time) so it was only noonish in Texas. We were on pins and needles waiting to hear the results of his surgery. Finally we got the call...surgery went as expected. Now we had to wait to see if the paralysis was permanent or would start to resolve.

Blitz stayed with the surgeon in Kristiansand until we returned from Texas. His progress was super slow and when we finally picked him up he was stillnin pretty rough shape. He couldn't walk. Couldn't potty on his own. Couldn't even scratch an itch with his back legs. But he didn't seem to be in pain and seemed happy.

As the weeks have gone by he continues to gain strength and movement little by little. He can now walk on his own (!!!!) and can go potty outside! These are both huge accomplishments! He has quite a distinctive, wobbly, walk but I know he's glad to be able to move around! Just yesterday I saw him wag his tale for the first time in 4 months.

If you've met Blitz you know how much spunk he's got. That hasn't gone anywhere. Nor has his bossyness or impatience. He is just as demanding as ever, if not more! He is an aging dog and the sad fact is that a time will come when we will have to let him go. I'm glad that the time isn't here yet. He's got enough sass to last him many more years I'm sure. And he won't let a little wobble slow him down :)