Did Spud the dog enjoy touring Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way? (Well, the small part we managed, so much to see, do, and enjoy, we’ll be returning). Yes he did.
It’s twelve months now, since he broke his elbow in three places. You can see his stance in this photo, it’s not perfect
but he can steam around with all the enthusiasm you’d expect from a Springer, his mobility is far better than we could have ever imagined at the time of his accident. Surprisingly (to us, at least) his biggest issue from his accident has been his hip, which causes him some discomfort, we’d noticed just before his accident that he’s been running with a bunny hop and seemed to find stairs difficult, we discussed only days before that we perhaps ought to be taking him to the vets. As it happen we’ve been to the vets a lot since then!
Spud has hip dysplasia, as do so many dogs. After his accident and surgery he had to have ‘crate rest’ for six weeks, and many months of little or no exercise, during this time he lost quite a bit muscle tone, and he’s struggles to use his leg as he should and keep its mobility. ‘Use it or lose it’ doesn’t really work for a dog, so he has physiotherapy and hydro-therapy, he’s less keen on the latter, He occasionally falls asleep during his physio sessions though, once the ‘uncomfortable’ bits are done. He’s a model patient.
Uphilldowndale 
August 26, 2018 at 9:38 pm
Like Spud I have had to have physiotherapy and hydro-therapy. It worked for me so I hope it works for him.
August 27, 2018 at 6:12 pm
He’s very adept at ‘cheating’ in the hydro therapy by leaning on the side of the tank, he has to be carefully watched!
August 27, 2018 at 3:52 am
Bless his heart — I always feel so for animals that have to cope with various disabilities. On the other hand, they do cope,and sometimes much better than humans. I hope his therapies help. He certainy is a handsome land, and that photo of him with the tennis ball is a classic. Well, so’s the sand on his nose.
August 27, 2018 at 6:11 pm
They do live ‘in the now’ as the saying goes, never a thought as to how uncomfortable they might be if they run around like puppy.
August 27, 2018 at 1:19 pm
It’s good to know and see that he’s okay and recovered well. That first picture is delightful and had me smiling. xx
August 28, 2018 at 8:37 am
I’m so sorry about Spud’s broken elbow, I missed that AWOL post. It’s great to see he’s doing much better, I love his playfulness. 🙂
Our springer Coffee has hip dsyplasia, too. We’ve been using a supplement called Cosequin, recommended by our vet (we have to order it from the US though). Maybe you can ask yours and could be of help if you’re not already using it. Coffee is a senior dog now, at least 11 or 12 yrs old (we don’t know for sure since he’s an adopted dog from the shelter) and that supplement really does work.
August 28, 2018 at 4:46 pm
Spud has a supplement, called YuMove, its made from mussel shells I think, he loves them!
September 3, 2018 at 3:04 pm
I’m very pleased to hear of his recovery.
May he have many more adventures, it’s just a shame you can’t tell dogs to slow down a bit or take it easy.
September 3, 2018 at 7:39 pm
They just don’t get it do they!