Woof Woof Wednesday: Old Injuries and Metal Knees

It was last September when pup Astrid tore her CCL (known as the ACL in humans) in her hind right leg. While she awaited surgery, she simply didn't use that leg. See in this photo from last September how Astrid was lifting her back right leg?

Fast forward a year, and pup Astrid is happily back on her walks. She has been since soon after her surgery, actually. Her back right knee is now made of metal, but she doesn't mind one bit.

I remember the relief I felt the first time Astrid put her leg down and used it after her surgery last year. That actually occurred within a matter of hours of us bringing her home. She didn't use it consistently or fully for weeks, but her using it at all was a huge difference. Nowadays, pup Astrid is back to walking and running like her happy and hyperactive self. For a 10-year-old dog who's lost a toe to cancer and has a metal knee, she's something else.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Doodle of the Day

Perhaps today's doodle speaks for itself.

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Tip of the Day

Today's autumn pet safety tip relates to those leaves, sticks, and other debris that ends up on the ground this time of year. Though they might seem harmless, it is possible for even simple fallen leaves to pose a variety of risks. If your pup or kitty is accustomed to chewing on or ingesting leaves, sticks, acorns, and other bits and pieces that frequently fall from trees during the autumn, for example, then medical issues could result. There is a chance that your cat or dog could end up with gastrointestinal distress if they eat leaves and the like. In worst case scenarios, ingestion of large amounts of leaves, sticks, or acorn material could lead to perforation or obstruction of the bowels.

Another similar risk might come from sharp leaf stems or sticks. If your furbaby is playing out in the yard where leaves are thick and obscure what's beneath, for example, then it is perhaps possible for them to sustain injuries to the eyes, legs, or other areas of the body. This might occur if a stick or leaf stem scrapes or pokes them while they are walking or playing in fallen leaves. In order to prevent injuries and other potential medical emergencies, you can try to keep on top of picking up leaves, sticks, and the like in your yard, so that dangers are less likely to lie in wait. It is also, of course, important to monitor your kitty or pup while they play in the yard or make their way on walks. This way, you can try to help them stay safe from injury from autumn debris on the ground. Of course, though, despite our best intentions, sometimes furbaby emergencies still do occur. If anything of the like occurs, do not hesitate to seek veterinary assistance.