I realized it had been a long time since I had posted an update on Claude, our blind Great Dane who developed Wobbler's Syndrome at 10 months of age ... and hip dysplasia as well. I won't rehash all the details of his complicated medical issues, because you can read his original story here. But I am happy to report that this big youngster is doing fine so far. We've been managing his Wobblers medically with prednisone, and that has made him very stable. Unfortunately, whenever we try and reduce his current dose -- with prednisone, you want the lowest possible effective dose -- he begins falling and dragging his feet again. But on the existing dose, which is 20 mg twice a day, you'd never know he has a serious neurological disease. And his hips are holding up okay, too.
So we're quite happy that Claude has made it this far to enjoy a summer at the ranch. I took the photo of Claude this evening in the front yard of Widget's House. It's been a glorious if hot 4th of July -- bright blue sky and sunshine -- and the best part is coming up: No fireworks to upset the dogs! One of the many nice things about living in such a remote area is that there's no one around to set off fireworks all night long. Thus Claude and all the other dogs will sleep soundly, and so will we!
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Update on Brynn: One of Brynn's surgeons at Washington State University's veterinary teaching hospital, Dr. Kristin Gablehouse, called yesterday evening to say they did the surgery late in the afternoon and Brynn was doing great. It will be a few days more before they know if the urethral extension is working properly, and at that point they'll decide on when Brynn can be discharged. But one of the vet students called tonight to say Brynn's recovery was going well and that she had postured and peed like a normal mare a few times today. That's a very good sign.
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(Click on photo for larger image.)
A question about Brynn: I know only a little about her, but am absolutely thrilled to hear her surgery went well! I had tears of joy in my eyes while reading the news. But, I know I read that she has a hole in her heart... or was that repaired at an earlier date? If not, it would seem that would be a complication for other surgery. Any update on her heart that I missed? I so desperately hope and pray that beautiful gal is going to recover well!!!
Posted by: Carol | July 13, 2007 at 06:37 PM
Wow! I was so excited to see his picture and read about him. He is so handsome! Thank you for posting about him. You know I appreciate it!
Posted by: Peggie | July 09, 2007 at 02:58 AM
So glad to hear great news about Claude and Bryn! Also, beautiful photo of handsome Claude!
Happy 4th of July to all at the ranch!
Posted by: Nina | July 06, 2007 at 10:28 PM
That's a wonderful photo of Claude, & I'm so glad to hear that he's doing so well. I hope he can continue this & have a great quality of life.
Thanks also for the update on Brynn! Sounds like the surgery was a success & hopefully she'll be home soon.
Hugs to all,
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | July 06, 2007 at 02:52 PM
Yahooo!! I'm so glad Claude is doing well; he certainly looks wonderful in the photo!
Continued well wishes for little Brynn too; hope she can return home, for a lengthy period, too.
Posted by: Boundforglory | July 05, 2007 at 01:06 PM
Claude looks very majestic standing in the beautiful field with a Montana mountain and blue sky behind him. I am very, very happy that he is feeling good and wish him many more years of enjoyment at his home. And I am keeping my fingers crossed that Brynn's recovery continues positively. She is quite the fighter and I hope her health will get better and better. Mary Ware
Posted by: Mary Ware | July 05, 2007 at 08:17 AM
Thank you for sharing such good news about Claude (great picture, too!) & Brynn.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | July 05, 2007 at 07:23 AM
Happy 4th to everybody at the RDR! I think our Siberian Husky is rare because he actually sits and watches the fireworks! We were very surprised to hear Claude had Wobbler's Syndrome—besides his blindness when we visited the ranch he showed no visible signs of this or any other health issue. Our 13 year old Siberian is on the same dose of prednisone and it’s done incredible wonders for him. Claude is regal and a gentle giant. Great news about Brynn too! Now these two blog updates are reason to celebrate with fireworks!!
Posted by: Shirley & James | July 05, 2007 at 02:57 AM
I'm so glad to hear that Brynn and Claude are both doing well! Awesome news to hear ~ I hope Brynn gets to come home soon!!
Posted by: Mariko | July 05, 2007 at 02:51 AM