On Tuesday we were given an update on Blue's condition following his spleen removal two weeks previous. We were advised that Blue required further chemo, but only if he was well enough.
We had to make a decision by Friday, and with all things being equal, the decision was made to move to "Carboplatin" which is new to Blue.
Our other choice was "Doxorubicin" which Blue had been on previously. There were two down sides to the "Dox" it had probably attacked all the cancer it could, continued use could cause a heart condition which could be fatal, although if administered with an antidote this could help neutralise the effects on the heart.
Continuing the conversation with Dr Kelvin Kow, we were made aware that our choice should not be influenced by cost, we were told that if we spent a million pounds, the outcome could not be altered, where Blue was going, it would be where 99% of all dogs with this position ultimately go.
Our decision was made and confirmed on the phone Friday evening, Sue discussed this with Dr Kelvin Kow, when he called.
Where we go with Blue now is unchartered territory, but once more he has returned from the brink, we won't hold out for him being the 1% he has already surpassed many expectations, it is as always about quality of life.
Blue does only a fraction of what he was doing this time last year, but he still shows a zest for life, and while that is there, we will be there with him every step of the way, he still has that mischievous side which is why we adore him so much.
Part of the drain pipe taken off, as always, for attention not destruction.
Last week Blue had an appointment on his birthday, next Wednesday his appointment for new chemo is on my birthday, so we have changed a few plans but nothing major.
In Blue's last blog I touched on his birthday, he was 8. Blue has packed a lot into those 8 years, spinal surgery at 7 months, gave him a disadvantaged start to life, a challenging dog in the early years grew into a great companion typical of the breed that is so special, the German Shepherd. For anyone that is fortunate to bring one into their home and lives, be patient with them, understand them and the reward will be beyond what you could ever imagine.
Back to his birthday, the slideshow below captures his interest in unwrapping goodies, some of which travelled from far afield, as part of his followers on social media, namely twitter and Facebook, where he has a dedicated page of his own.
We have to keep a watchful eye on Blue, and any changes we make such as introducing supplements or treats, if they affect his well being or digestive system, we rein back to where we were before.
Blue was enjoying the outdoors yesterday, although we were busy doing the garden he was content to rest and watch.
Until next time here is Blue enjoying the garden yesterday
So this week has been eventful, but once again a rollercoaster for emotions, but in all of it there are a lot of comforts, Blue has drawn in people that care and flourished with their involvement, those kind words, messages of support have meant a great deal to all three of us, and in its own way has helped others share their own experiences with us.
Blue attended Fitzpatrick Referrals today for his follow up blood test. This is following two weeks of medication in tablet /capsule form.
We are all becoming anxious with each visit, but in truth Blue continues to pull us all through, continuing to prove what a remarkable character he is.
Today he had 5 sedatives, to take the edge off ahead of his visit, these make him wobbly, but aware of what is going on.
Leaving home just after 2.00pm we were being guided through reception into the consultation room, to the welcome greetings from the ladies on reception, who instantly recognise Blue as we enter.
Weighing in at 50.8kg Blue soon settles and waits, the sedatives doing the job, even when a curious dog stands the other side of the door looking in through the viewing glass, Blue remains calm and comfortable.
Change occurs when Dr Kelvin Kow enters with a nurse, but soon subsides to a few sighs and puffs of his cheeks, Blue that is.
We talk through how Blue has been, namely less energetic, more sleepy, but with bouts of energy bursts, appetite is fine and with credit to Sue, not one tablet missed. (Thin chicken slices or ham wrapped around each one soon sees them down the back of Blue's throat).
Dr Kelvin explains that once the blood tests are done, he will have a better idea of if the dosage requires increasing or decreasing.
As Dr Kelvin held out his hand to take Blue's lead, Blue objected, but accepted a split second later, they were building their bond of trust with each other, that on it's own should not be underestimated as a significant change.
No sooner had Sue and I settled in the reception pod, and Blue was back, his paws scurrying across the floor, but not with the Dr, but the nurse, either those sedatives are working abnormally well, or the hard work and patience of the whole "FROST" team was paying dividends. In my opinion it has taken both, but the FROST team have really begun to win Blue's trust, even to the point where the Nurse said that she had stolen a kiss on the top of Blue's head, we all smiled.
We had to wait longer than we should have for the blood results, and during this time Blue even allowed a dog in the next pod to look at him without reacting to protect us.
The results as always are delivered in person by Dr Kelvin, this time the white blood cell count was slightly down, no anaemia, but it was still too early to tell if the dosage is causing the periodic lethargy or it is his body getting used to the new medicines.
Blue will return in two weeks for another blood test, and dependent on the results, if all is well his visits could be extended to a month interval, looking further forward he could have two of those, and in two and half months from now we will have a decision to make. That decision will be whether to have a CT scan to see what is happening inside of Blue, but it is not a decision that we have to make yet.
We have heard the phrase #frostfamily and we are in no doubt all the staff that work there are like one big extended family, that welcome you all, and share every moment with you. Dr Kelvin is viewed as a friend of Blue, and us too. He explained that the day Blue laid on the operating table, he was consulted on his condition, and is so genuinely pleased to see where Blue is today compared to that dark afternoon in November last year.
Blue is a reward to all those that have helped along this journey and those that will ensure to see him get the best he can, from life.
Tomorrow Blue will be swimming at Aquadoggies, last week it invigorated him so much, he did not settle until 3 hours after getting home.
On a lighter note, Sue and I have been set a challenge, to get a wee sample for his next visit;
This will take a bit of strategy and a steady gloved hand!
Today was the first day in the new chapter of Blue, he had received all of his chemotherapy injections, and returned from a two week stay in the Highlands of Scotland, more on the holiday to follow.
After his final injection of chemotherapy, with agreement of his clinical team at Fitzpatrick referrals Oncology and Soft Tissue (FROST), this visit was the first in a new chapter.
Blue was only ever going to be permitted a number of Chemo injections, between 4-8, that number would be influenced by how he responded to the treatment, and how effective it was on the cancer.
To achieve this visit today is a milestone none of us could foresee back in November, where his life was being counted in terms of coming out of major surgery, to the next hour, the next day, the weekend, the next week, and to this day no further ahead, we choose to treat each and every day now as if it were his last.
We are now living with Blue, who lives with cancer, we have all learnt a lot about ourselves, but more importantly about Blue.
Blues new treatment is now to be in tablet form only, there are a variety of cocktails which will help him live with the cancer, how long for is still unknown, we would like that to be forever, but each day is welcomed and blessed on its arrival.
The medication Blue will be on will consist of 6 tablets a day, this in itself is a game of wits, one that can allow Blue to win the odd battle, but we need to ensure that the days he refuses his medication does not become a habit.
The tablets Blue has taken in the past, have been given in many forms, mixed in with fluids, solutions, foodstuffs and even via a syringe. While we were on holiday Blue had gone from somehow getting the tablet out of the food to under the plate, and when that didn't work, he began storing them in his jowls, as if he was some sort of hamster. Needless to say, a way of giving the tablets is ongoing work in progress, just like a game of chess.
Blue will have to be monitored for side effects, and return in two weeks time for a checkup.
Today was the consultation to discuss the next chapter with Senior Consultant Dr Kelvin Kow, who has been an absolute marvel with Blue, and with us also, we can not sing his praises enough, a credit to his profession.
Blue enjoys a short break, a quick wander out into the carpark
A visit to "FROST" is always an event, and today was no different, this is how it went:-
Blue was lifted into the car at 9:45 feeling slightly lighter, but with no sedatives
A journey of just under an hour see us arrive at "FROST"
Wearing his Halti and a muzzle Blue Sue and me were welcomed at reception
We were directed to the consultation room to await Dr Kelvin Kow
A number of attempts to weigh Blue confirmed he was around 49 - 50 kg
Minimal fuss as we discussed the options available for Blue
Urine sample required for a baseline, this would be fun, out we ventured into the car park.
Armed with a kidney shaped bowl we sought to gain a sample from Blue
On command Blue obliged, and Dr Kelvin expertly collected the valuable sample
We returned into reception, Dr Kelvin carrying said sample, took Blue from us.
At this point it was a terrific feat achieved by Dr Kelvin, walking along with said sample, and an un-sedated Blue, all was going well until Blue realised we were no longer with him. How the good Dr managed to hold Blue, who was making his best efforts to return to us, and not spill a drop amazed all onlookers, eventually he handed the sample to a nurse, and him and Blue disappeared through the doors to the treatment area.
Sue and I waited for about 40 minutes, until we recognised those familiar sounds of paws on tiles, pulling a heavy load, sure enough, it was Blue coming back with Dr Kelvin, and his assistant.
The reports were good, he was no longer anaemic, and all other counts were where they needed to be.
Blue had become stressed, this was a concern of Dr Kelvin, and said that for Blues next visit, perhaps he should have sedatives, but only 5 not 10 as previous visits. Blue when anxious will not settle and his breathing is very rapid, while we waited for his meds to be prepared, I took Blue on a tour of the reception area, this helped calm him a little but not a lot.
Blue is a beautiful dog, and often receives admiring looks and comments, today was no different, but there were two special ones today.
Blue exchanges tweets with @PawsomeErik, who's Mum works as a Nurse at "FROST" she popped out to say hi, passed comment that Blue was doing well, and gave Sue some gravy bones for Blue.
The other was from Laurent, the surgeon who removed the mass, which filled Blue's abdomen, Laurent commented on how well Blue was looking, we thanked him for the major part he played in helping Blue.
Dr Kelvin returned with Blue's meds, and was very complimentary, even though it sounds he may have pulled a muscle in his shoulder while holding Blue earlier. We all said that we could do with a rest this afternoon, wished each other well and said good bye until the next time.
Blue waited patiently at the reception desk while Sue paid for todays visit and set the appointment for a fortnights time.
Since we have been home Blue has enjoyed a play in the garden, a bit of rest and then a 30 minute walk.
At the start of this blog I mentioned we had gone to Scotland for a two week break, below are a few pictures of our holiday with Blue, I will follow this up soon with a blog dedicated solely to our holiday.
Today Blue attended his Chemo session number five, how quick the time goes by. It hardly seemed three weeks that he had his last session.
We have slipped nicely into a routine, learning more each visit and continuing to monitor Blue while ensuring he gets as much opportunity to feel self-satisfied with his life.
This visit is different, Blue is to have a CT scan to see how the cancer is affecting him internally, and for that reason we are a little more apprehensive, but determined for Blue's sake not to show it.
To help approach today in a positive frame of mind we have done things a little different, the buster collar and muzzle were placed in the car last night, it did seem that Blue had began the last session a little apprehensive.
One other thing we did was to take Blue out for a longer drive in the car at the weekend, a visit to Cheddar, where he enjoyed a 50 minute walk around Black Rock Nature reserve. (*more on that later).
Back to today, the morning commenced without breakfast for Blue, only a solitary sardine to help the sedatives go down, still 10 required, after he had a short walk in the local park, to do his business.
We set out for Guildford at 8:15 to make our 9:30 appointment. Soon after our journey began the A329(M) was at a standstill, so we cut though Wokingham, to get to Bracknell. The journey then see the sat nav warn of stationary traffic along the A31 into Guildford, reset the sat nav to follow a diversion, but this was not needed in the end, our journey was completed just after 9:20am
Blue needed scooping out of the back of the car, and attempted to walk through closed glass doors, not waiting for the mechanism that slides them open to operate, safely through those two obstacles we were soon parked in the pod awaiting our call.
The Oncology and Soft Tissue unit of Fitzpatrick Referrals is now a far busier unit than when we first come here in November last year, Blue quickly settled, and only gave a hint of interest when Dr Kelvin and the Nurse came to collect him.
This didn't go exactly to plan, as a few steps away from us Blue turned 90 degrees and planted his bum firmly on the floor, looking straight back at Sue and me. It only took me to walk over to where Blue sat and urged him to walk, and he stood up and walked Dr Kelvin through the door to the business part of the unit, not even a backward glance to see if I was still with him.
Today was a big big day, the CT scan would present a true image of what was going on inside of Blue, we were all going into the unknown. We knew today was going to be a long day but emotionally, how do you prepare yourself?
We chose to stay and wait, not really in the right frame of mind to go into Guildford and look around or drive home to sit and wait, time to sit and wonder, and finish off my book, Cloud Atlas.
A couple of hours later, Dr Kelvin Kow came to share the news, the early signs were very encouraging, the mass that had filled Blue's abdomen was not clearly visible, not gone, but only further examination under the trained eye of a radiologist may pinpoint any current tumours.
This news was far better than anything we could of dreamt or prayed for, Blue was now being prepped for his chemo session #5
I found this news hard to take, saying very little due to the dry lump in the back of my throat, we all three looked at each other and had a small smile, and thanked heaven for this.
Our news could not be shared with Blue for a further 3 hours, in which time several nurses came out to say how good Blue was being and thought how great his news was.
Finally nearly five hours after watching Blue walk out the door, he came back to us pulling Dr Kelvin with him, and Nurse Jen following behind with his med's.
Our destination was to be a consultation room where we were told a bit more of Blue's condition.
The CT scan takes upward of 4,500 images which enable detailed examination in black, white and various greys in-between of Blue
Dr Kelvin was keen to show the images to demonstrate the change that was within Blue. He guided us through how he was now, showing his organs where they were and no signs of cancer affecting the lungs or kidneys etc. We then see the images of Blue pre-op, these were shocking, how large the mass in his abdomen was and how it was pressing on major organs such as displacing one of his kidneys, and placing pressure against the spine.
We were told that there will likely be cancer still within Blue, but for now the treatment was proving effective in subduing it's growth.
Blue has now reached a stage very few dogs achieve, it is unusual for them to get to 5 sessions of chemo, and the CT scans have given everyone a very pleasant surprise.
When we said about it would be nice to give Blue a holiday, but perhaps Scotland would be too far, Dr Kelvin said, why, he will be fine go and enjoy it.
Blue has really been a model patient, and has found a new bunch of friends, he will continue to live for today and enjoy the moments as they arrive.
We have often mentioned Dr Kelvin Kow, and he was kind enough to have his photo taken with Blue and us before carrying on with his busy schedule.
One other thank you is to all the staff both on reception and behind closed doors for the tremendous work they do, looking after the animals and people that come through the doors of Fitzpatrick Referrals.
* Remember a while ago I said we went to Cheddar at the weekend, it was wet, it was cold, it was muddy it was tiring, but it was well worth the trip.
While I have been writing this blog, Blue has had a good sleep in front of the fire and the only sign that is evident of his trip today is the shaving of his port above his hind leg....
Blue has grown a number of followers to his @BluetheGSD Twitter account. He has had toys, gifts, best wishes and prayers sent his way, neighbours ask after him, he is in the thoughts of work colleagues.
Blue is a special dog, we know because we live with him, and those that meet him he will have an impact on and share those same thoughts.
Blue takes what life throws at him and deals with it, truly inspirational.
Blue is today living with cancer, thanks to a lot of research and dedicated people, some brave souls no longer with us today.
Blue was diagnosed with a tumor that was cancerous last October, he has so far had life threatening major abdominal surgery and four sessions of Chemotherapy.
Cancer in animals is not as rare as one might think, but as with humans they can contract many different forms, Blue has a cancer that could ultimately cost him his life, we do not know when or how that day will come.
We were once told in a tweet that "Blue does not know what tomorrow is, he only lives for today".
With that thought in our minds we help Blue live for today, and ensure no matter how many more days there are, that each one will be the best it could be.
Both my wife and I lost our mothers to this dreadful condition, and this has helped us in our understanding caring for Blue.
Our heart felt thanks extends to all those dedicated Staff that help people and animals afflicted with a condition that knows few boundaries, is relentless and non-discriminate.
We give special thanks on behalf of Blue to Fitzpatrick Referrals, who have had the dedication and foresight to set up their Oncology and Soft Tissue research unit in Guildford Surrey.
In our Support for WorldCancerDay we proudly wear Unity bands from Cancer Research UK
Today was Chemo Session #4 for Blue, which has become a routine that Blue finds quite relaxing, but that is on Blue's scale. Any other dog you may feel Blue is far from relaxed, but trust us when we say "he is relaxed".
Blue began the day the evening before, let me explain. Ahead of Chemo, Blue is required to take anti-sickness tablets, these were lovingly crushed in a pestle and mortar, sprinkled and mixed in with a tin of sardines. Once sniffed, for any nasties, Blue wolfs it down, and proceeds to clean the bowl of all evidence that it was ever used to dish up food.
So back to today, we all had a lie in, and Blue went and done his business in the park, before coming home and having a hearty breakfast, unaware of what lay ahead, until 10 minutes before we left, he spotted the muzzle on the stairs. But there was no fuss, that might be in part to the sedatives that he was given at 8:20 am
The previous session the sedatives did not seem to kick in within the prescribed 2 hours, so we gave him them a little earlier so they would be in his system and working before his 10:30 appointment.
We left home shortly after 9:00am needing to get fuel for the car and a minor diversion to Asda to exchange a DVD, a completely different story.
Reading to Guilford is just over 30+ miles and at this time of the day, very little traffic was encountered meaning we were there at 10:20am
As we opened the car door, Blue was not up and alert ready to go, so a bit of coaxing was required, but once his paws were on the pavement we were heading for the door, well Blue was heading for the door, we did well to keep up. The push button on the sliding doors activated before Blue could ram it with his snout, and the same with the inner door.
We made our way to a waiting pod in reception, where Blue quickly settled, to await our turn.
Once in the pod with Sue and me, Blue quickly settles, and is very relaxed, although he has been here before many times, he accepts it as a safe place, that is a credit to the Staff, team and designers of this state of the art unit.
Bliss was disturbed with the arrival of Dr Kelvin Kow, and his assistant Nurse Emma. Moments later Blue settled back down, giving us the chance to recall how Blue has been since his last visit.
We told how Blue had been improving to the point that he had gone for two swim sessions and an hour plus walk at Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Hampshire. Also he retained a healthy appetite and was on minimum pain relief.
There was some concerns about Blue that we had agreed to share, it would be in Blue's interest long term. That concern was since Blue had undergone the major surgery to remove the mass from his abdomen, to date we had seen improvement in various different ways. That changed on Sunday, Blue was being playful and boisterous, and rolled over on his back, and gave a yelp. We then noticed he was "hovering" his back leg. From there on in we have tailored back his walks and avoided getting him too excited.
Dr Kelvin suggested we did not jump to any conclusions, let's see how he is. With a bit less than usual handling Blue went with me and Dr Kelvin to the door through to the business part of the building, where Nurse Emma and Dr Kelvin took Blue for his session and checks.
Sue and me sat in our Pod, accepting the offer of coffee while we waited, the 30-45minutes.
Sue recognised Blue was approaching, before he had turned the corner and come into view, Blue was coming straight back to us, with Dr Kelvin on the other end of the lead, doing well to keep up.
Blue quickly settled down enabling us to be updated; Dr Kelvin Kow was pleased on a number of counts, blood tests were normal for Blue, based on previous tests. Although there would be concern for blood results returned in a healthy dog, these were causing no concern in Blue. His weight has gone up about 300grams.
There was a twist though, not only was the Dr pleased with what he had seen, but was taken aback at how well Blue was walking, and his strength, we joked and said "Blue knows where Blue wants to go" and he said he started to protect me like I was one of the family, when a Nurse approached them.
Sue said, welcome to an exclusive club, fancy that Blue protecting the vet, which made us all smile.
In three weeks time Blue will return to the Oncology and Soft Tissue Centre of Fitzpatrick referrals where he will have a CT scan, this will determine the next stage.
Blue is not following a well defined path, his treatment is bespoke to him. The permutations are endless, even as we were consulting with the Doctor, you could see he was working out options that would best suit Blue and his condition.
Blue has gained a new friend in this process, one he is keen to protect, and that is Blue's new job.
Blue was even presented with his own file box, to keep his paperwork up together..........
We arrived home safe and sound around about 12:30 and once again found it difficult to scoop Blue out of the car, I said to Sue, we could do with one of them tipper trucks.
Blues medicine for the next three weeks.......
If you have found this blog interesting, enlightening especially the progress of Blue and his fight against cancer, you can learn more of what this practice does on 4th February 2016
World Cancer Day is the subject of a forum from 6-7pm
Tramadol; added to the Gabapentin & Metacam gave Blue some much needed pain relief last night, though it took most of the evening to kick in.
Blue has created a wide audience who have been interested in his progress, so for that reason, rather than keeping people posted on his twitter account (Bluethegsd) through this blog we can chart his progress for others to follow, and read older posts.
Yesterday evening he was in a lot of discomfort, a few times he looked as if he was going to be physically sick, but once out in the garden, he was content to lay there, so for a while, he laid on the lawn in comfort, so there he stayed until he was ready to move.
Although people have a look of concern when you say about Blue being in a crate, it really is so beneficial for him, it is the best advice we have ever had, crate training as a pup has now been very useful to help him gain some comfort and switch off.
The crate to Blue is like an old pair of slippers, (except he does not chew it), anyone who is considering a dog, could do a lot worse than crate train their dog. We have loaned Blue's crate out to a fellow German Shepherd called Max and a Pug called Daisy, both owners were amazed at the benefits.
Back to Blue.
Yesterday saw Blue at times lifting his hind right leg to take the weight off, and at times he would be dragging it behind him, when sitting some times he leaves it outstretched to the side at an odd awkward looking angle.
Sue is constantly in dialogue with the Veterinary Consultant Ricardo, at Fitzpatrick Referrals through phone calls and emails.
The complexity of Blue's case has delayed any decision on what to do next, would the mass be the primary concern or the spine, what would be the implications of dealing with one and not the other, could both be dealt with in unison, at the moment there has been the MRI and two CT scans to gather information. The overriding concern is that they are keen not to go in blind, it is highly likely that our little soldier is going to need some form of surgery before he is pain free.
Ricardo has said that keeping Blue at home on pain relief will be a lot less stressful than him staying at the Vets, which we are in agreement with.
Blue has been moulting a lot, this could be his summer coat is being shed, to be replaced with his winter coat, or it could be related to the stress and discomfort he is feeling.
As I write this, Blue has taken up a cosy spot, a bit of crate-free relaxation.
Well, another strange title, but it is all about events of last Thursday, where a trip to the Vets was required for Blue to receive his annual booster and flea,tick and worming chewable tablets.
For those that have followed Blue over the years, none of the following will come as a big surprise, for those that read about Blue for the first time, I am sure it will be descriptive enough for you to feel you were there in the waiting room with him.
It was 5:40pm on Thursday afternoon, and Blue was lifted into the back of the car, not that he can't jump, just not as much these days,beginning to show the mobility of a seven year old large German Shepherd, but in fairness he did leap into the back of the car unaided after swimming last night, sometimes I think he just pulls the wool over our eyes, the sheep in wolf's clothing so to speak.
So we set off to the Vets which is only a couple of miles away, sure in the knowledge that because of Blue's file note "a difficult customer" we have been given a time where there will be no others attending immediately before or after Blues 6:00pm appointment. We arrived 10 minutes ahead of schedule, the journey into Reading met very little traffic. Out of the car, and muzzle put on we made our way into the reception, booked in and there was already someone sat waiting. We were informed there was a discharge, a dog being booked out, taking place, so we found a seat and sat down. But before sitting, as we always do, we weighed Blue on the electronic scales - 50.1kg oh dear that has gone up a little since his last visit. More about his weight later.
The surroundings are not unfamiliar to Blue, as he has visited this surgery many times previous, and the anxiety was already showing, his breathing had sped up and his senses were heightened to the max.
With his muzzle on, and the alertness, you can see how his whole demeanour changes, he is not happy and will focus on anything that moves, as time passed by it was evident that the "space" they promised Blue was not going to happen, and time had moved on, but Blue had begun to settle a little despite more people arriving, with a C-A-T in the basket, good job Blue can't spell.
Blue enhances his reputation, and this is not just an image, it is very real, he can not be approached when he is in this zone, he has enough about him to inflict harm, but only because of his anxiety, he is scared, and we do our best to reassure and protect him. The muzzle protects him as much as others.
Eyes firmly focused on the door, he knew where the biggest threat would appear from.
Finally it was our turn to enter "Consultation Room 2" where we were welcomed by a new Vet, who we had not met before. A young Spanish Vet called "Laura Blanco" who was not phased by the snarling and barking of Blue as we entered the room. Upon closing the door conversation was difficult over the constant barking. To her credit she was not concerned or threatened by Blue's antics, making a number of attempts to approach him, but no, Blue wasn't going to engage with anyone in this mood, the halti collar and muzzle were resisting all attempts of Blue to get out, just.
We were there for Blue to receive his booster, which required an injection in between his shoulder blades, (a feat the previous vet could not manage, and my wife Sue (@Bluesmummy) had to administer under supervision from the vet), the idea would be to manoeuvre Blue against the wall while we kept him still for the Vet to insert the drug. Despite all our efforts, Blue is one powerful and determined dog, using all his strength cunning and tactics, only 3/4 of the fluid had been injected.
We tried once more to put the last bit in, but then Blue used his final and most effective tactic, lunging, followed swiftly with a death-roll (just as prey animals, like sharks or crocodiles perform)
no injection was administered then, we had suffered a broken nail for Sue and I had a bruised knuckle.
The Vet said we had two options, either trained nurses would come in to restrain Blue, or as we finally agreed Sue would put in the remaining injection.
Success Sue put in the final part of the vaccination, and calm descended, we all breathed a huge sigh of relief. There is probably an element of us being there is not helping Blue, but because of his history we know that it runs far deeper, next time we will consider using a sedative to remove the tension, or hand him in, for them them to treat him in our absence. Either way, Blue is not helping himself, as he is missing out on a thorough examination, god forbid they ever have to take his temperature.
As we stood discussing the options Laura had gotten close enough to Blue for him to sniff her hand, relaxed, she was excellent, never batted an eyelid, showed no fear of Blue, and was equally concerned for the injuries suffered by me and Sue.
Anyone reading this who has had similar experience and found a way through it, it would be nice to hear.
On the wall was a list of dog statements, I said he is none of them, especially "Happy"
As is customary we left the Vets with a toy for Blue, who was now back to his old self, sat in the car being chauffeured home.
I mentioned earlier about his weight, Blue has always been a large dog, normally fluctuating around 46 - 48 kg but as he is getting older he is becoming less active, a few walks last weekend he kept wanting to lay down, to the point a few walks were cut short. Because he had spinal surgery on his back at 7 months, we monitor his walks and activity.
Blue, only eats dog food, apart from the licking of a lolly stick, once we finished a magnum, oh and when he does the pre-wash on the dishwasher.
Treats are not major, but yes he does have them, he is very driven by treats, but a treat for Blue is also drinking from the outside tap. Sometimes he has to search out the treat.
Anyhow back to his weight. He has perked up since his visit to the vets, so we are going to increase his minutes of exercise, but over more walks, so slightly longer but more frequent, and the last few days he has responded well.
This morning we had a good walk for an hour through the park and surround roads........
