The future of our agility life is becoming hazy...
Since yesterday morning, Cinnamon has been limping badly to the extent that she sometimes extends her right hind leg straight backward. Although there have been incidents that she walks a few steps with her hind leg raised, the condition had never got as bad as it is now.
Yesterday we went to Mangawhai for an agility ribbon trial. When I walked Cinnamon at Mangawhai Domain before the competition in the morning, she was already limping, or skipping, apparently a symptom of a knee dislocation. But, I let her run without thinking twice, hoping optimistically that it would get better soon.
We entered three classes yesterday. In the first one, I made a critical mistake!! I was so busy trying to motivate Cinnamon that I forgot to think about the course before the start. I ran straight forward leading Cinnamon through the first three jump obstacles, and then, when I was supposed to turn left to do the next jump, I kept going straight heading for a tunnel, which was placed in a line with the first three obstacles!! As soon as I noticed the mistake, I called Cinnamon back and headed for the correct jump, although we were already disqualified by doing a wrong obstacle. But then Cinnamon refused the next tunnel after doing the next two jumps and took off to the outside of the ring!!!
In the next run, Cinnamon didn't do as badly as she did in the first one. But, she again refused the tunnels. It seems my mistake in the first run had sent Cinnamon a wrong message: 'Don't go through tunnels.' She yet completed the course with two faults.
In the third run, she did well until the first tunnel, and then she took off again, this time to food (meat and vegetables, apparently vomit of a dog) Cinnamon had found over one hour ago.
After all these three runs, I thought Cinnamon had just been behaving badly, having lost concentration because of a mistake I made in the first run. But, it seems that was not the only reason. Considering the condition of her knee dislocation, Cinnamon must have been in pain. I regret that I entered her in the competition in the first place.
I am going to take her to a vet tomorrow. All I hope is that the condition is not too serious.
Poor girl, hope it's nothing serious. Sorry to hear about your rough day at agility! :-(
ReplyDeleteThat sounds scary. Agilities can be tough on little doggies. Yesterday my girlfriend Taj got an ouchie going over a fence, but she kept going even though she was hurt because she loves it so much. After the run, we all saw that she was walking funny and she rested for the remainder of the class.
ReplyDeleteI hope Cinnamon feels better soon.
Kisses,
Dexter
Unfortunately, if it's a luxating patella then it's an expensive operation. We have one beagle who skips and holds her back leg up. We treat her with arthritis medicine and some pain medicine and lots of rest. Can't afford the operation. Probably best not to run Cinnamon for a while.
ReplyDeletelove & wags,
River
Oh no! Poor Cinnamon. I hope it turns out to not be serious. Can you tell if it's actually dislocated? I sure hope not. Like River said the surgery for luxating patella is expensive. :( I only saw one done the entire time I worked at the vet clinic because no one can afford it right now. I'll send good thoughts your way.
ReplyDeleteOhh. I'm so sorry to hear this! I know how much you guys love agility, so I hope it's nothing serious..
ReplyDeleteLuxating Patellas did cross my mind as I read your post, but I don't recall that as being very common in beagles... fingers crossed for you guys.
Oh no, Cinnamon!! I came over this morning to see what news of your trials over this weekend and I was so sorry to read this! Oh dear! I do hope it is just a pulled muscle or something - nothing serious like a luxating patella - because I know how much you and your human adore Agility and it would really make you miserable to have to stop, even for a while!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I hope the vet gives you reassuring news - do let us know as soon as you find out! We'll be eagerly awaiting updates!
Slobbers,
Honey the Great Dane
ps. you know, I really think your human should check out this 'canine hydrotherapy' place (and discuss it with your vet!) since both you and Cookie seem to be suffering from injuries now...it may be a really good way to rehabilitate you and strengthen your muscles again...and especially you, Cinnamon, it would be a way for you to exercise and use up your energy, without causing further damage in any way!
Dear Cinnamon,
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling better. And I hope your hooman doesn't feel guilty. Hoomans always seem to feel guilty when they make mistakes involving us doggies.
It is hard not being able to talk to our hoomans and tell them clearly when something goes wrong.
Maybe next time you should try crying, its usually very effective.
healing slobbers,
Mr Darcy