December, 2016: Drummer's Sensitive Stomach

No, Drummer is not dead. This is how he relaxes.

Unfortunately, Drummer is going through another bout of GI problems. He is in the second week with two visits to the vet and over $800 of expenses. He seems to be getting better, but last night he threw up in the middle of the night all up and down the stairs.

Worse, is we got the news that his beloved brother, Brogan (pictured in older posts) died of stomach cancer. He was a half brother from the litter before Drummer. 

July, 2016: Drummer's Vacation

While we were on Whidbey Island for my nephew Ryan's wedding, Drummer was staying with Judy Jackson at the Two Paws Up Kennel in Arvada: http://www.twopawsupkennel.com// 

As you can see Drummer was in relaxation mode. He might have been mopping because he still can't play with other dogs since his ruptured disc surgery.

Drummer turned five years old, July 19th.

May, 2016: Drummer's Surgery

Wendy & Andrew's visit to Drummer after his surgery

Drummer had been in some pain and discomfort for about a month, and was taking tramydol and an anti-inflammatory medication. Then on 4/28/16 he had trouble coordinating his back legs. When I took him to the vet he collapsed in the parking lot, and being 145 pounds I couldn't move him. The vet techs saw me struggling with him, and came out with a gurney. The upshot is what we thought might be wobbler's syndrome turned out to be a bulging disc, which ruptured. He had an MRI and surgery. It was a difficult several days following surgery, but on day six he was able to come home. He continues to recover, and continues to have a gate like a woman trying to swing her hips, and he easily slips on his back legs. But we have a harness with handles both front and back, and he now wants to walk again. He was very excited at the close of the first week after surgery to get a visit from Wendy and Andrew, his surrogate parents; so much so that he struggled to his feet and sat in Andrew's lap.

March, 2016: LET IT ALL HANG OUT!

Drummer lays on the landing of the stairway with his tongue hanging out.

 He's not half dead, but just relaxed. He has recently been diagnosed with Wobbler's Syndrome - a pinched nerve in his neck which causes him intermittent pain - which is currently controlled by an anti-inflamatory medication.