Southwest Airedale Terrier Rescue

July 20th

7-19-2022 Update on Tigger (if you would like to read previous posts about Tigger, clicking on this tag should take you to them: #nmtigger)

I have gotten a couple inquiries about how Tigger is doing, so I thought I would write up a report that you might post as a final update on his page:

Monday, July 11, was the last day of Tigger’s 3 month crate confinement, short walks and limited activity recovery regime from surgery! We celebrated with a one mile walk and a glass of champagne (for the humans). We had been gradually increasing his walks during the last week from 1/2 mile to 3/4 mile 4 times a day, so he was very happy to be able to walk for longer. We took him to one of his favorite walk places (Boston Hill) where there are a multitude of scents to enjoy (if you are a dog). He was happily tired afterwards and had a long nap.

Now we have to figure out how to “ease him gently back into normal activity”…a challenging task for a just-turned-3 year-old Airedale. We are doing short play sessions off leash in the yard after his walks. He’s enjoying being able to “bounce” around and chase his ball. But we keep the sessions short for now and he still gets lots of rest time in his crate. Our vet said it can take a year for full recovery from these kinds of surgeries. And the goal is to gradually increase the activity levels. Tigger does not self-regulate (what young Airedale does??). And he is feeling like a million bucks, so he wants to go all out. It is a joy to watch him run and play without any signs of pain. He has not taken a lame step since the surgery! And we are confident that he will be able to lead a normal life but it will take some careful monitoring of his activity for a while longer.

We want to wish everyone a heartfelt thanks for giving Tigger the opportunity for a normal life!! ... See MoreSee Less

Southwest Airedale Terrier Rescue

May 28th

5-28-2022 Here is the latest Tigger report:

We took Tigger with his Loosey Goosey back to see the surgeon for a follow up check up May 18th. Since it was the end of the fourth week following his surgery, we were allowed to take our first real walk with him in a month. We still have to keep the walks short, so it was just a walk around the block in the evening after we arrived in Albuquerque. But it was a moment to celebrate for all of us. Tigger loves to explore and there were many new sights and smells for him. He was in heaven and we took our time, letting him sniff out every intriguing scent. There have been no signs of lameness or pain since the surgery and it was wonderful to see him walking along like a normal dog. The following morning, however, when we took him out for his morning potty, he came up lame on the left hind leg. Our hearts sank. But, upon further investigation, we realized he had stepped on a goat head and it was embedded in one of the pads on his foot. Once we removed it, he was walking perfectly.

The appointment, later that morning went very well. He was pleased with Tigger’s progress and said we did not need to return for the second follow up appointment. He cautioned us to continue being very careful. For the next month, Tigger must be on a short leash at all times when he is not in his crate. We can take several short walks (1/8th of a mile) everyday. But no explosive behaviors, no bouncing, no chasing rabbits, etc. The following month we are to continue keeping him on a short leash when he is not in his crate. But we can increase the length of the walks to 1/2 mile and can do this several times a day. He recommended we continue with the sedatives to help Tigger contain his energy while he continues healing. After this third month, we can “gently ease Tigger back into normal activity.” He did not give us suggestions about how one might “gently ease” a young Airedale back into normal activity. 🙂 I think that may be quite a challenge, but, for now, one day at a time…

The most exciting news was the pathologist's reports regarding the culture of the samples taken from Tigger’s bulging disc. The cultures tested NEGATIVE for both Valley Fever and bacteria!!! This means Tigger will not have to go back on Anti-fungals, or antibiotics.

Here is a video of his first walk when we got home. He continues to walk without any sign of lameness.

His scar has healed up beautifully and the hair has already grown back so it is almost invisible.

His appetite is excellent. In fact, if we’re not “on time” giving him his dinner, he starts to yodel to remind us. And he dives right into his bowl polishes everything off. The other interesting thing is the change in his bathroom habits: he used to put off peeing or pooping as long as possible. And when he would finally pee, it would go on forever. I think the nerve compression must have caused him pain when he went to the bathroom.

Tigger sent his surgeon a thank you card and we added the heartfelt thanks from all of us at Airedale Rescue. It is wonderful seeing him no longer in pain and able to get up and walk normally! My next report will be after we have completed the 3rd month of recovery and are beginning the process of #nmtiggersing him back into normal activity”. Hold that thought…

#nmtigger ... See MoreSee Less