Last week I went to Long Beach to take care of Corky whilst his parents were out of town. He had not been holding his tail up as he usually does. Friday he had trouble doing his business, so I called his mommy in Sacramento and she talked to the vet. I took him to the vet in the evening where X-rays were taken. By the time we got back home his mommy had arrived on a flight into John Wayne airport. The decision was made to take him to the All Care facility in Fountain Valley on Saturday - this is the main emergency animal care facility in the area - they do take some non-emergencies, but we felt that Corky's condition was fast becoming an emergency. On Saturday he had more X-rays, an electrocardiogram and several shots. We took him home for the night. Sunday morning he had an MRI, which required anesthesia. When the results of all these tests came in the diagnosis was that he had major deterioration to his lower lumbar joints and surgery is not an option. So, the treat we are giving him is complete "bed rest" for thirty days. No jumping, running, going up/down stairs, not even much walking around. So, we have come up with several ways to keep him corralled. He doesn't like it much, neither do we, but he seems to get the idea and is cooperating as best he can. He has pain pills twice a day. Currently he can't keep any food down, this started today, and we are working on that problem.
Amazingly he is still his sweet self, very bright-eyed and alert. Except when the pain pills make him a bit drowsy. I stayed until yesterday and am now at home. His parents are trying to adjust their lives to his care and I will be available to go stay with him as needed.
This is the tail down position while he was on his walk. Very unusual. Poor little guy it is hard for him to bear down to do his business - apparently very painful.
This is his normal tail up position, which he would assume for just a few seconds every now and then.
Poor Corky. They only way he can go for a walk is in his stroller. We can stop and put him out in a few of his favorite places to see if he can do his business. Say a prayer for Corky, please.
