I had scheduled the surgery for Monday but they just called me and told me they have a lot of emergencies coming in on Monday and had to reschedule for later in the week.  I dont have a reschedule yet they are closed until Monday.

Okay, I have made the decision to go forward with the surgery.  We scheduled the date for December 1 (thats next Monday).  We are going with the full hip replacement, cementless (newest technology).  I am certainly hoping for the best of outcomes here, to see Rush running around on a painful hip gives me hope for her to move with ease and pain free on the new hip.

Rush is a dog that needs a job, the only job I know for her is agility - so I want to bring her back to that.  :)  With 4 months slow comeback after surgery that will give us 7 months of training before she turns 2.  I think if we have to do this, this is the best time.  Shes so young still so adapting will be easier on her.

There are so many things to think about right now… and you guys have been wonderful giving me input and sharing your experiences with me.  I just dont know what to think with all the information out there.  And now, the newest thing “stem cell” injections.  Everyone is talking it up like its the “miracle” cure for everything.  I just dont know.  The cost for stem cell is $2,500.00 to $4,000.00.  The hip, $4,000.00.  The stem cell recovery - 2 days, lasting ????  The hip, 4 months, lasting 10 - 20 years.  Am I doing the right thing????????????????  I think the best bet is the hip, but I look at her and I just dont know.  Its like making a major decision for a child - my child, which is what she is - I just dont know how to make a educated decision with all the conflicting thoughts out there.

I took Rush to the ortho specialists today.  We decided to take PennHip x-rays to fully see what Rush’s hips look like.  The last set of x-rays was only a top shot and it didnt really show what the range of motion was on the hips.  The specialists thinks that the left leg is in pretty good shape, I am hoping he is right.  The right leg however is shot in any x-ray - Rush will need the hip replacement and soon.  Greg and I are trying to come up with the money now.  The surgery is $4,000.00 and 6 weeks of resting recovery, followed by 4 months of steadily increased exercise.  I believe that this surgery may actually save her agility career.  It will definitely give her a more pain free life.  We hope to be able to have the surgery within a month.

Well, I heard from the specialists today… its not good.  They said that Rush has bi-lateral hip dysplasia :(           I cant believe this is happening.  As if one bad hip wasnt going to be bad enough.  Poor little Rush has been locked up for what seems like forever now.

I took her out on a leash today to watch an agility class.  She was absolutely crazy!!!! :)  After that we went to feed the horses and she was just plain loopy.  She was running around in the horse pen being silly.  When we came out she grabbed my shirt sleeve and started pulling and rat shaking like she used to.  I am so sad. 

I feel so bad for her and me, I have no idea what the future for us will hold - but I do love this dog no matter what.

Well today we finally found out that I am not imagining something wrong with little Rush.  She was spayed today and while she was sedated they took some x-rays of her hips and knees.  As it turns out her right hip is not looking as it should.  The ball is very rough on the head, instead of the nice smooth shape it should be.  Although her hips are not as well seated as they would like, that seems okay - but the right has trouble.  The vet is sending the x-rays to the orthopedic specialist to look over and give his thoughts.  The vet that did see the x-rays says she feels there will be a full hip replacement in our future (fortunately, not our near future) but we will have to wait until next week to hear the “what to do now”.

I am extremely heartbroken….. I dont know what our future holds now.  Although I will never give up my Rush, this will change the direction in which I had hoped we would go.  :(  I only hope that the specialists can give me some good news, somehow.

This was definitely one time that I had wished I was wrong.

:(  We went out yesterday for our balling throwing session and training and I through the ball out with the chuck-it.  She went and got it but while she was out there I took my eyes off her to move a jump I wanted to use.  When she came in she dropped the ball 10′ out and I asked her to bring it closer.  She stood there playing with the ball a moment then looked back at her rear right leg.  I noticed some dirt back there, when she stepped forward she was holding up that leg.  I have no idea what happened except that she must have come down on that leg poorly.  She is still limping on it today, but the weight distribution is on the other three legs.  She is letting me (more than willing) massage that leg and stretch it, I have been doing that to see if I can help her.   I am worried that it is something serious.  She did however escape the front door tonight and jump the blasted gate!  Oooh, I was hot!  I cant believe that the dog that cant walk can run and leap tall building in a single bound!

She is scheduled to be spayed on Tuesday at my students place of business.  We have arranged for me to stay with her until she is sedated.  I am very worried about her absolutely hating me.  We have been working on our relationship so hard I cant believe I have to do this.  It sucks to be me.