Max had a great week and hopes everyone else did also! His calendar filled up fast starting with a date with a beautiful blonde named Sophie on Wednesday night. Then Thursday he had a party with his other Golden Buddies - Chica and Dud. Friday - he went to the doctor - and then Saturday back with Jack & Megan in foster care. He has so many friends!
We found out more detailed news about Max's medical condition: a set of digital x-rays was taken of both elbows. Max's left elbow has moderate arthritis; and the right elbow has a somewhat severe case of arthritis. There is some scar tissue and cartilage build-up around the joint, which is the bump, or growth that is visible. There is also a lose bone fragment in that area, which is rubbing and causing some discomfort. Because of the previously mentioned, Max does not walk on the flat of his foot, rather he walks more on his toes, so his tendons are not being used like they should be. The vet made the following recommendations......switching to Hills Science Diet J/D food for his joints. He will need to be on a good glucosamine supplement, such as Cosequin, the rest of his life. He will also need to be on Deramaxx or Rimidyl for his arthritis the rest of his life. The vet was very firm in the fact that Max requires daily exercise to keep the muscle around his hips in the best condition possible. He determined that Max does have an entropic eye lid.
Well, Max thinks this arthritis and dysplasia stuff is just going to be a minor nuisance in life. It's not going to stop him from swimming, running through the leaves, playing with other dogs and people, and just simply enjoying life. Even though Max is not worried, his foster mommy is looking for a very special home for this very special guy.
If you are interested in Max, I would like you to consider and be committed to the vet's recommendations: daily exercise, special diet, supplements to help his joints, medicine, and LOVE. He will be a wonderful companion to you in return.
Max loves to be with his people and I would prefer to see him placed in a home where he would not have to be going up and down steep staircases frequently. This would be very hard on a young dog with a bad case of arthritis. I do have a few steps the Max goes up and down from the deck to the grass - but he will not go downstairs to my laundry area. He agrees with me!!!!! Stairs - no thanks!
More updates to come! Oh - and Max wants to wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween.


