Then I woke up this morning. He was doing the thing with his back right leg again and this time his ribs on his right side didn't feel quite right. Brian wanted to drive home immediately and see our vet. I was at a loss, I had no idea what to do. So we went to talk with my in-law's.
They knew how he was doing the day before and they knew how concerned we were. My father-in-law was bummed out that we were probably leaving because the day's agenda included taking me to Sequoia National Forrest and Yosemite (I've never been and Brian couldn't go because he couldn't walk long distances or hike because of his hip surgery)
Brian's mom suggested taking him to the vet in Oakhurst because there was no point in wasting 6 or 7 hours in the car when there was a possibility of Jack getting worse. She was right. Brian told me to go enjoy the day and he'd take care of it.
I was hesitant, I knew I was going to have a hard time appreciating anything when I'd just be thinking about my puppy, but he insisted so I went.
Jacks appointment was at 10:20am and Brian called and text as soon as he talked to the vet there.
Jack had to have some x-rays taken and this showed he had severe hip dysplasia. The good news was he wouldn't have to be put down (WTF?!?! That hadn't even crossed my mind!) The bad news was he would need surgery. He had no hip socket on his right side and there was most likely bone on bone friction.
Let's take a minute and think about how ironic this is: 2 months ago Brian had his own hip surgery. He had tore his labrum and his bone was mis-shapen. His pain was also due to bone on bone friction and was caused by both genetics and 25 years of high intensity athletics.
Now can someone please tell me the odds of having a husband and a puppy who have the same hip problems?!?!
The pictures of the x-ray show exactly how bad his condition is. Brian decided to call our vet and tell him what the vet in Oakhurst said. Our vet wasn't' as optimistic, he said if it were bad we'd probably have to put him down.
Brian called my after I just finished lunch with my in-laws and brother-in-law and his girlfriend. So far I was still really worried about Jack, but was actually able to enjoy the beauty of Yosemite. We were waiting for a shuttle bus to take us to a 3 mile hiking spot when I saw I missed a call from Brian, so I called him back. He told me what our vet said and then hung up. My mother-in-law looked at me and asked if he was ok and I just started crying.
Seriously?!?! Putting him down? Not an option! Now I'm not sure if many people could relate, but let me try to briefly explain:
Brian and I got married August 12 2009. I went back to NY to finish school and he stayed here. we didn't even have a honeymoon. Our first year of marriage has included, so far, a living separation for 9 months, a pregnancy, a miscarriage, a move across the country, a hip surgery, unemployment, a probable second hip surgery, a puppy, and now a puppy facing being put down.
That's a very emotional first year!
Ok, back to Yosemite: My in-laws are so wonderful and understanding, we went and saw a little more of the park (no 3 mile hike) and then we left. As soon as we got back to the house we packed up our car and me, Brian, and Jack headed back to LA. Tomorrow we'd go see our vet.
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