tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post4253231656047487708..comments2024-02-05T13:39:43.501+01:00Comments on Kenzo the Hovawart: Viva's long road to rehabilitation: the work-outTeam Kenzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-46083941136901076022011-02-28T22:11:31.459+01:002011-02-28T22:11:31.459+01:00Zit momenteel even op je blog te kijken leo.
Leuk ...Zit momenteel even op je blog te kijken leo.<br />Leuk te zien dat je zo veel waardering ontvangt<br />van dierenliefhebbers die je inspanningen voor viva,s gezondheid volgen<br />paAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-1879809760807887842011-01-30T14:09:41.272+01:002011-01-30T14:09:41.272+01:00@Mary
Absolutely, being so busy on a daily basis o...@Mary<br />Absolutely, being so busy on a daily basis observing and assessing her, I do note the smallest differences. Sometimes I lack the "overview" though and happy for the diary and also when we meet people that have not seen a while and note how much she has improved.<br />Thanks for your kind words!Team Kenzohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-10424930264339820592011-01-30T09:48:37.839+01:002011-01-30T09:48:37.839+01:00I am glad to hear that Viva is back on track to bu...I am glad to hear that Viva is back on track to building strength and I love the treadmill water therapy. I didn't know that you could be trained to do acupuncture on your own dog, so that's a surprise! <br /><br />It sounds like you are really connecting to Viva in a way you had not been, and as horribly troubling as it is to have a dog in pain, you are really stepping up and doing all you can to get her back to the best functionality and quality of life possible. You must have felt very satisfied when the vet realized you were right to bring Viva in - *that* my friend is keen observation =)<br /><br />I'll be interested to hear about her progress.Mary Haighthttp://www.dancingdogblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-2841425661797479422011-01-28T21:53:26.866+01:002011-01-28T21:53:26.866+01:00@Karen
That makes two of us, little did I know at ...@Karen<br />That makes two of us, little did I know at all about spondylosis actually.<br />Thanks for your kind words!Team Kenzohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-5911493144352810312011-01-28T21:34:09.688+01:002011-01-28T21:34:09.688+01:00@JJ
Wow Thanks Julie ... I am speechless after so ...@JJ<br />Wow Thanks Julie ... I am speechless after so much kindness...<br />And thanks for the award you send later, I put it on my FB wall, and as you can see already more people are applying for your awesome award :)Team Kenzohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-2183216157513508412011-01-28T09:43:08.634+01:002011-01-28T09:43:08.634+01:00I didn't even know that dogs could get spondyl...I didn't even know that dogs could get spondylosis until I read your blog. I really thought that it was strictly a human disease. <br /><br />Viva is very lucky to have you as an owner! A lot of people would not put in the time and dedication to get her feeling better.Karen frieseckehttp://www.doggiestylish.com/store/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-83741121949940006282011-01-27T23:57:48.926+01:002011-01-27T23:57:48.926+01:00This took me way too long to comment. =[ Sorry.
L...This took me way too long to comment. =[ Sorry.<br /><br />Love this story - and the way you write. It's not often, even among friends, that I'm able to sit down and read through an article about a dog's journey through... well, anything ... without skimming or wanting to skim. <br /><br />You're one of the few bloggers I actually enjoy sitting down to read. (And my computer is not freezing itself to death, so I can comment now, too!) <br /><br />I'm *SO* glad that Viva found a home with you. I can imagine that, no matter how much you care for her, it can be trying at points. So many appointments, workouts, medication, money, and commitment. <br />I tell Koda she owes me coffee for dragging my butt out of bed for her vet appointments, training, walks, etc. We're up to... Well, I can't count that high. =]<br /><br />I empathize with Viva so much about her health issues, behavior issues, and the rough life she's had until she found you. ...But I also empathize with you, because you put so damn much on your plate for that dog, and you've never had that "it's just a dog" mentality.<br /><br />Is there a respect/admiration/you-deserve-a-gosh-darn-award I can give you? Because you really do deserve one. Maybe a medal. Or a trophy.<br /><br />I mean, I honestly have trouble fathoming what you do for your dogs. Looking at it from the outside, it's mind-boggling how much effort and love you put in. <br /><br />It's awe-inspiring. And amazing. <br /><br />And you (and Jana, too!) deserve an award.JJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01519840534826809959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-57947355669196627042011-01-26T20:15:20.756+01:002011-01-26T20:15:20.756+01:00@Lavi and @PupFan and @Casswand2Spark
Thanks for y...@Lavi and @PupFan and @Casswand2Spark<br />Thanks for your kind words! We are lucky to have Viva!<br /><br />@Georgia<br />Great idea with the massage. We do it way to irregular. And it could help Viva to getting ready for her walk-out. Thanks !Team Kenzohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-20092890193210796172011-01-26T12:05:07.701+01:002011-01-26T12:05:07.701+01:00Kenzo, I didn't know Viva was having such medi...Kenzo, I didn't know Viva was having such medical issues and problems walking. I know how frustrating it can be. Rufus B has been like this for many years. I can see you're doing a good job though with her rehab. The water walker sounds marvellous. The diary is a fantastic idea. <br /><br />I have found that massage works as well. If nothing else, it relaxes and comforts the dog. If you're familiar with muscles, it helps you notice changes (good or bad) as you get to know the dog's body better. Somedays, especially in cold weather, massage and assisted stretching helped me warm up Rufus and made it easier for him to get up and walk. <br /><br />Have a great day all :)georgia little peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01388133043071314431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-80113893647461462882011-01-26T03:28:45.499+01:002011-01-26T03:28:45.499+01:00What a lovely blog! Lucky girl to have you so in t...What a lovely blog! Lucky girl to have you so in tune with her needsCass1and2Sparknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-91982188655344774822011-01-26T02:46:32.388+01:002011-01-26T02:46:32.388+01:00Glad to hear the Viva is making progress... the wa...Glad to hear the Viva is making progress... the water walker looks like a great idea.Pup Fanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17539666792034242448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-24254044484531005482011-01-26T00:13:32.607+01:002011-01-26T00:13:32.607+01:00I'm glad to read that you are managing Viva...I'm glad to read that you are managing Viva's condition so well. It's wonderful that you are doing so much for her to get better. I hope she will improve a lot more and lose her fear of using her legs.Laviniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08077833136741791230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-90892498727792578152011-01-26T00:11:59.840+01:002011-01-26T00:11:59.840+01:00@Roxanne
Thanks! We are so glad for the diary. Tha...@Roxanne<br />Thanks! We are so glad for the diary. That keeps the spirits high. On a daily or weekly basis you see so little progress you wonder if what your doing is making any sense at all.<br />You also had your share with Ginko. Great when everything works out well.<br /><br />@Trixie<br />Thanks for your nice words! We feel likewise lucky having Viva.<br /><br />@Kristine<br />Thanks for your support Kristine! We didn't see it coming, and yet we did. The whole story that she was put up for adoption twice (the 2nd family only had her 3 months) had a foul smell about it. <br />They was a real chance she would get euthanized being not adoptable and we decided we could not let that happen. We are so glad now. Viva is a fighter and she is full of zest for life!Team Kenzohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-38398523504886337972011-01-25T23:11:16.752+01:002011-01-25T23:11:16.752+01:00I am glad you are starting to see real signs of pr...I am glad you are starting to see real signs of progress. I can only imagine how tough this has been for all of you. But I admire you for sticking it out. It would be so much easier to give up and let Viva give up on herself as well.<br /><br />The water walker is quite impressive. Obviously it has made a big difference, even just a little bit at a time. It is great there are now so many different treatment options. You don't have to rely on any one thing, like risky medication.<br /><br />I hope you continue to see improvement. We are all rooting for you and Viva.Kristinehttp://rescuedinsanity.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-31200505944831728812011-01-25T22:31:25.000+01:002011-01-25T22:31:25.000+01:00Wow, you have done so much hard work to help Viva!...Wow, you have done so much hard work to help Viva! She is very lucky to have found you as her family. :)Trixie, Lily, and Sammy-Joehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05480768918837568036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-51110571522542391382011-01-25T21:08:21.343+01:002011-01-25T21:08:21.343+01:00This is such hard, tedious work. I know how hard i...This is such hard, tedious work. I know how hard it must be. Congrats on getting Viva back on her feet for real.<br /><br />After Ginko blew both knees when he was 3, we had trouble after getting the second knee fixed ... because he was like, "Hey, I don't need to put that leg down. I've got this one good one now and that's plenty."<br /><br />After his first surgery, he had no choice but to use the surgery leg, along with his still bad other leg.Roxanne @ Champion of My Hearthttp://www.championofmyheart.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-36813933272789512972011-01-25T20:59:32.049+01:002011-01-25T20:59:32.049+01:00@Pamela
Great idea, I will ask. The needles don...@Pamela<br />Great idea, I will ask. The needles don't go in the same place every time, but depend on where she feels tensed, but the 4 in the back, next to the spine, do. I am also giving Viva her allergy shots and why not also this. Would make a great alternative.<br />You are absolutely right our bond is deepening rapidly. I am also much more tuned into how she feels. On one of our vet visits because of the paw, the vet also mentioned she thought I could see something was wrong, where she found it difficult to see a difference. Yet the paw proved me right. Unfortunately :(<br /><br />@Edie<br />Haha. I know! I better stop fighting it, I have no chance :)<br />It is the use of NSAIDs over a longer period that makes me nervous. Viva should have had them for the rest of her life ... I know how you must feel - oh the guilt again - but it is very unlikely they could have caused that in such a short time.<br />We are also lucky that the acupuncture helps with Viva, it is not always that way. Might her spondylosis progress, her respons to acupunctur can change. Would that happen I will definitely switch her pain management to the NSAIDs.<br /><br />@Jen<br />They are. A very low risc for injuries when you can recognize the signals of the dogs getting tired. And they really have to start using muscle. Observing the gait in the water also gives a very good picture of there are any issues.<br /><br />@Elyse and Riley<br />A lot of the other patients have hip dysplasia. It is great. They can already have benefit by one weekly session, for two months. Don't know if that helps, a 45 minute drive sounds like a long time for just that. Maybe if you have some shallow water in the area, you could walk through that together.Team Kenzohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06113604410676702370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-70091464952399851202011-01-25T19:20:25.492+01:002011-01-25T19:20:25.492+01:00I really wish there was a water walker closer to u...I really wish there was a water walker closer to us... I would love to use it for Riley's hip dysplasia. I've heard they do wonders! The closest one is about 45 minutes away. Sounds like Viva's coming along nicely!<br /><br />Elyse and RileyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-32196256597044556112011-01-25T16:50:04.391+01:002011-01-25T16:50:04.391+01:00I have been thinking about these water walkers. I ...I have been thinking about these water walkers. I think that it would be just great for the boys, such a low impact exercise. Thank you for sharing your experiences with it:)jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08111366525685780384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-24577904717678121642011-01-25T16:30:25.500+01:002011-01-25T16:30:25.500+01:00M was just reading last night all about water walk...M was just reading last night all about water walking and how it's great for older dogs or those with health issues. We've read about the same benefits for humans with any injuries.<br /><br />Way to go, Viva! Keep up the good work!Lori @ According to Gushttp://accordingtogus.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-48360064056299572062011-01-25T15:09:57.930+01:002011-01-25T15:09:57.930+01:00That Viva has got your number, training you to wal...That Viva has got your number, training you to walk up the hill and retrieve her toys!<br /><br />Seriously, this is a very sweet story, and you're clearly finding the right balance between what is good for her health and what is pushing her too far.<br /><br />I think Pamela has a good point about self-administering the acupuncture if it's working. I know you avoid medication whenever possible and although I don't think my three week regimen of NSAIDs when he injured his back gave Frankie diabetes -- he was obviously predisposed to it -- I can't help but worry that it brought the disease on more quickly... So NSAIDs particularly scare me.Ediehttp://willmydoghateme.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1837788668443543592.post-40961833329125831092011-01-25T13:28:47.057+01:002011-01-25T13:28:47.057+01:00Glad to see Viva is doing better. Water provides s...Glad to see Viva is doing better. Water provides such a gentle and safe workout.<br /><br />One thing you may want to talk to your vet about--is it possible for you to give acupuncture treatments yourself? Because our vet was so far away, he taught us how to administer some simple treatments for our dog Shadow when she was being treated for cancer. It wasn't very hard and I really loved spending the quiet time with her while we waited to remove the needles.<br /><br />It sounds like Viva's rehabilitation process is really causing you to pay serious attention to her. I bet this will strengthen your bond more and more.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05819127973800272471noreply@blogger.com