Aspen on the mend
 

Back in December, our oldest pup, Aspen, tore the ligaments in his knee while hunting. He had subsequent surgery to repair the knee and an extended convalescence that canceled our traditional late season out-of-state hunts and attendance at Pheasant Fest. After 8 weeks of close confinement and short lease walks, Aspen has been cleared for rehab. Another 8 weeks of progressively longer walks (and more close confinement :banghead:), it still seems like forever for our poor little man (as Elaine calls him). He is going a little bit buggy with the close confinement, which seems to extend to all of us.:crying:

The things we do for our dogs! All worth it.

Photos:

1. Aspen's last hunt, and the last point and opportunity. I'm pretty sure he injured himself in this crusty snow, and to add insult to injury, I missed this "gimme" shot.:rotf:

2. Waiting for surgery for a couple of weeks, and which took place two hours away, Aspen lived like a king, attended to by Elaine. Still, he was unhappy to go along on hunts but not get to run.

3&4. The X-ray reveals the titanium plate. Bone was planted in the gap and is continuing to grow back. I'm surprised at how well he is getting around...now he and I both have repaired joints in common.

Aspen is not a particularly good patient. During the night after his surgery while in hospital, he somehow got around his cone and pulled out his IV...and ate it(!). He then had to have surgery to remove the needle and tube from his stomach. Special food, lots of drugs, and an unwilling patient made for an adventure I'd just as soon not embark on again.

5. Still, he's one of the best natured dogs we've every had the privilege to live with (not to mention he's an excellent bird dog), and in spite of his shenanigans as a patient, we'd do it all again in a heartbeat to be able to walk in on a point by this fine hunter...and wonderful companion.

These pups are so resilient! Kudos to Aspen's Mom and Pop for being such excellent caregivers and loving family!! And by the way- photo 1 is NOT Aspens last hunt, simply the last one of that season.

Glad to read this report! Here is to many more days afield!

Good report. I hear you about "the things we do for our dogs!"
Quite a story about him eating the needle and tube. I will pass this one on to my wife (veterinarian). She has removed some strange items.

Glad to hear all is going well for Aspen and his caregivers.

Thanks for the report, athletes are not good patients. So happy to hear he has made excellent progress.

Glad to hear he is on the mend!
My chocolate, Claro completely ruptured her ACL back in the early covid days. She had a TPLO knee reconstruction, a plate installed and a couple screws. A long recoup but she wasn't right. Seems a screw loosening caused her pain. A second surgery to remove the plate and screws. Then her knee grew arthritis like weeds. She is now 13 with carcinoma. She is still my right hand.
My 8 yr old black, Parker has arthritis in a knee, I'm trying to use more holistic treatments and just started a glucosamine MSM liquid and I'm seeing a difference.
Sage my 3 yr old has been getting lots of field time!

Gosh, William, that’s tough. Sorry to learn of your Claro’s issues. I wish the best for all your pups. We are watching Aspen closely and seeing continued progress. It’s slow going.

Give all your pups a scratch behind the ears for me.

Thanks for your concern. They have been scratched!!
Claro and Parker are half sisters, from my first and third litters. Sage is Parkers daughter. All have been great hunters, I'm blessed to have them!

My first bird dog (a Gordon, of course) was named Sage. She tutored me well. Good luck with yours.