12:37am
Caring for the Hrothgar
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Today was one of those weird days. You know, the ones that make you sit back and think about things.
Don't get me wrong. It started out normal. Got up fed the dogs and logged into zootoo. Then it started.
Hrothgar, our lab, has cancer, mass cell tumors. Found this out in Jan. 07. He has been in chemo. In July, he developed a skin problem from the steriods which is part of the treatment. And his skin has been a mess for a while. I think I get it mostly under control and then something else.
Part of his problem with the skin problem is called something like Calsanosqutous. (something like calcium buildin up under the skin).
Well, he had some major growths just taken off his tongue too. That was just last month. It was calcium build up. They had to take the tip of his tongue. So now he is "lizard tongue" like to a point.
So because his tongue feels weird, he licks all the time. Now he has major lick sores on his legs. I have tried the socks. Don't work, we have all tile floors and he slides. Tried vet wrap, he ate it off. Tried using Bitter Apple, he still ate it off and was even more pissed off at me. Then I tried boots. He got them off. Now it is back to the huge E-collar.
And by afternoon, I kept thinking what else. What else can go wrong with the dog. I mean, he is full of life. He runs around with the 7 year old dogs. Not as much, but will still tackle them when they run past him. He still bites his daddy when daddy comes home. (not really a bite but a grab of the arm and daddy yelling "ouch, ouch, Biggie, you biting your daddy." Then Hrothgar is happy and comes to tell me he got daddy again. (been doing that every day for about 6 years.)
So again, I just think what else can happen to the poor boy. I keep hoping nothing but I know his age of 12 years and health (not super) will cause a more major problem soon. And I just don't know what to do.
I adopted Hrothgar from the shelter in Nov. 2000. He had been about 4 years old and was abused. You could not reach for him with him throwing himself on the ground and laying there with his eyes shuts. Took about 2 months for him to understand no more abuse will come his way. And about 4 months for him to be okay with my husband. Then about 8 months for him to be okay with everybody.
And now, Hrothgar thinks everybody is his special friend.
I know this is ramblin. But it was just one of them days, of what will the future hold for Horthgar, my Big Guy.
