We’re Homebound (Mostly) But Not Quarantined

First of all, let me assure you that we are all well and as safe as anyone can be during this pandemic.

A lot and almost nothing has been going on around here since our last post. Ducky’s been going back to daycare a couple or three times a month since the middle of May, depending on her mobility issues. And we’ve pretty much become homebodies to a greater extent than we ever were in the past.

Hubby’s dementia-induced alternate persona – who I named Poindexter – has been here off and on since the pandemic caused a short-lived shutdown here in South Carolina, causing a great deal of anxiety for poor Ducky. As if that weren’t enough……

At the end of May / beginning of June Ducky had an allergic reaction to something which caused a secondary skin infection. Poor girl. To top it off, the vet felt she might have some arthritis starting up in her left hind leg. We had put her on Carprofen for a couple of weeks, which helped a bit; but once we took her off of it (because of the antibiotic she was on for the skin infection), the slight, intermittent limp started again. So back on the Carprofen for another week, along with her then-current joint supplement.

In July we had to have a new commode and sink installed in our only bathroom, causing a great deal of anxiety for poor Ducky on a day when she couldn’t be at daycare because of her mobility issues.

It was also in July, while I was doing ACE Free Work with Ducky – a topic worthy of its own future post – that I noticed she was leaning forward and favoring her hind left leg quite a bit while eating her breakfast every morning. When it only seemed to get worse as the week wore on, I sent the vet a video. I was afraid she may have some cruciate disease, in addition to the presumed arthritis. He was concerned enough after watching the video to suggest taking some X-rays.

Thankfully, the “rads” showed no sign of cruciate disease in either hind leg. They did, however, show that the left side of her pelvis had not completely formed as she was growing from puppyhood to adulthood. As a result, her left hip has some dysplasia. Thankfully, there is very little arthritis in the joint at this point. With a new course of Carprofen, some Gabapentin, and continued use of joint support supplements she started doing better. I had to change supplements, though, because I noticed – once she finished the Carprofen and Gabapentin – that the ones I’d been giving her weren’t working as well any more. So, back on the Gabapentin until she moves from the initial dosage to the maintenance dosage of the new supplement. I *think* that it’s starting to work already; but I won’t know for sure until we stop the Gabapentin.

So there you have it – our last 4 or 5 months in a few paragraphs. I’m working on the free work post, but I need some input from friends (in the UK) who know more about it than I do. Trust me, though, it’s a great way to have fun with your dog and learn more about her/him in the process!

18 thoughts on “We’re Homebound (Mostly) But Not Quarantined”

    • My Golden Life says:

      Thanks, Jan and Luke! She’s had some hiccups along the way, but mostly doing well considering the hip dysplasia. I’m still working on the free work post – I want to be sure the info I provide is accurate – but it’s a bit slow-going right now.

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  2. Brian says:

    I’m glad things are generally pretty good with Ducky and with Poindexter too. You are right, we live in SC too and we’re just staying in because of all the maskless wonders out n’ about.

    Liked by 1 person

    • My Golden Life says:

      I love that “maskless wonders”!! You made me laugh out loud just when I needed it most! (I had just finished writing a letter to our “illustrious” senior senator telling him what I think of his job performance.

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  4. Tails Around the Ranch says:

    Well poop. As if the pandemic wasn’t bad enough, now these mobility issues for sweet Ducky. We’ve got our paws crossed the latest round helps her and she’s able to get around better. Looking forward to the Free Work post. Stay well with hugs for you and ear rubs for Ducky. 🥰

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    • My Golden Life says:

      Aw, thanks Monika! We’re getting there. It’s a slow process, but if that’s what it takes, so be it. It’s not like we have to be somewhere in a hurry. If nothing else, this pandemic has at least taught me to not be in a rush to go somewhere/do something all the time. Sending you hugs and ear rubs for Elsa and Norman. 🥰

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  5. My GBGV Life says:

    Poor Ducky. It’s no fun when a leg gives a girl trouble. Bailie has had a leg issue on and off now for two years. She too has skin infections that pop up on her tummy in the summertime. Some dogs seem to be magnets for such issues, sadly. Stay positive, it does make a difference and hope health stays where it is or improves.

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  8. edgar62 says:

    Firstly I am glad that you are all safe and well. Sorry to hear about the problems and concerns with Ducky not to mention the concerns with “Poindexter”. You certainly seem to have your work cut out for you. The pandemic did affect us for a bit and we were closed down for a while. We have unlimited movement within the state but our borders are closed to other states.. The last church service was on 15th March and we did not reopen until 2nd August – and even this with limited numbers and social distancing. I think “Social Distancing” has become the ïn” term. Poor ducky, I really feel for her at the moment.

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    • My Golden Life says:

      We’re managing, somehow. Ducky and I have a great connection – we’re soulmates through these crazy days – the schools are opening next week, for in-school classes, and I fear for the health and safety of everyone involved. But we have a governor who thinks trump walks on water so I’m not surprised. Ducky will be okay in a few weeks. It’s just a matter of finding the right joint supplements and backup pain meds. Thanks! Belly rubs to Benji!!

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  9. Pamela says:

    Wow, you’ve certainly had an eventful time during such an uneventful period of quarantine. So glad to hear Ducky’s issues isn’t a cruciate injury. It has such a long recovery period.

    Glad to hear from you.

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    • My Golden Life says:

      Thanks, Pamela! This pandemic mess is really “something”, isn’t it?! Well, if nothing else it has at least given me more time to “chill out” at home.

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