After the “brief” update yesterday buried in the “I’m still alive post”. I thought it’d be more appropriate to give another update on Diogo’s road to recovery its own post.

Diogo is continuing to make progress in using his leg.

He is using it a lot more. If walking at a slow or moderate pace he is using it. However if at speed because he is excited and wants to get to the next scent fast, he resorts to limping.

Which is massive progress.

I want to think that the rheumocam he is taking once a day is helping. According to the included leaflet with the medication it alleviates “inflammation and pain in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders in dogs.“

The only pain about the medication is it’s an oral medication. So I have to use a syringe to give it to him.

Unlike Nico and his heart medication who I could pick up, cradle in my arm, and use the syringe in his mouth. Diogo is a bit more challenging. Neither enjoy the medication they have/had to take.

But as I said it appears to be working.

Kate managed to get hold of the details for the operation that Diogo under went while in Peru. Which I promptly emailed to the vet. I’m also sharing them with you below.

“Right flank / lumbar area: an open wound was found affecting the dermis and epidermis; for this reason, flap approximation was performed.

Lacerations were present on the distal portion of the tibia, fibula, and tarsal bones. In this area, partial loss of condyles and fascia was found. Skin approximation and regenerative treatment were performed, preserving the anatomy of the distal limb. Estimated recovery and skin regeneration time: 2 months.

A bilateral orchiectomy was also performed. Postoperative care was provided following all surgical procedures.

Medications used

Anesthesia:

• Ketamine

• Fentanyl

• Lidocaine

• Propofol (maintenance)

Postoperative treatment:

• Cephalexin

• Meloxicam

• Dipyrone”

Obviously that all means diddly squat to me.

Kate also has the theory that Diogo may not be used to walking so much, especially in the rescue home.

So maybe it’s a combination of things that have bought us to this moment in time and the issue with the leg.

Diogo has also started knocking over the glass next to my bed to get my attention. He particularly does this if I try and ignore his barking to nag me to take him for a walk.

Diogo has his body clock that tells him he wants a walk at 8am and another around 3pm.

And if I don’t give in to his initial prompts his barking somehow gets louder!

He can be a very demanding young dog.