Rubdown
Marge got her very first massage from Marisa today.
Before she started, I asked her to watch as I gaited Marge around the room to see if she saw anything. She could just barely tell that it was the right hind that was off. When I stood Marge in place, she could tell that she wasn't putting all of the weight on to that leg.
She's actually not doing it that badly in this picture, but you can *just* see how the left hind is planted to the ground slightly more than the right. Sometimes it is more extreme, other times, she looks normal.
Any way, massage commenced. It was about a half hour long - didn't want to over do it for the first time. Marge was actually pretty good about it - she didn't want to lay down (which is supposed to be the best way to do it), but got her neck, triceps, back and hind legs done. Marisa said Marge was tight in her neck and back, and that it was possible that a pull in those places (especially the back) could trickle down into the leg, causing the problem. Then, she got to the rear hind leg, though - and almost immediately said that Marge's hip flexor was somewhat inflamed.
After reading some (which I know I shouldn't do - the internet can make you panic), I understand this to be a group of muscles. I suppose she was just simplifying for me, which something I need - I know next to nothing about this stuff! The vet didn't feel it as clearly because she didn't manipulate the muscle like a massage therapist would, she explained. In any event, she wasn't overly concerned - she said Marge would definitely be up and running by the trial. She told me to keep giving the Rimadyl and maybe occasionally hold ice to it.
I'm happy that she doesn't think this is anything severe, but I'm also worried about rushing back too soon. The trial is Friday, April 2nd; I guess I will just play things by ear.
(Just got my tentative schedule for the trial, too. Novice JWW runs at 9 AM, before Standard, which I am super happy about since the judge is more inconspicuous in Jumpers. Standard runs about 4 hours later, though. That's a lot of waiting around. Let's see if we even get there.)
33 comments:
I'll bet that made you feel better Marge. Have you tried Ben Gay??? BOL BOL
Oh, I feel for you. I'm kind of in the same boat, and it is very stressful. It sounds like neither your vet or the massage therapist thinks it is too serious, so I'd take that as a very good sign that this is a temporary problem.
Keep doing what you're doing, and hang in there.
Sounds like more good news - hopefully it really is nothing serious! There is still plenty of time before the trial and you'll know when you get closer to the date if Marge is well enough to run or not. The 4 hour wait is pretty typical especially when you are in Novice but running JWW first is a good thing, I agree!
I am glad Marissa AND the vet both had positive things to say...and yeah, STEP away from the internet!
massages are wonderful for muscle pulls. STEP AWAY FROM THE INTERNEY and listen to Marissa and the vet
Yes, ice is your friend. Bug highly recommends it!! I am glad the massage therapist didn't think it was too serious.
My mom says that you are so in tune with Marge that you will know the right thing to do when it's time for the trial. And I say, pleeeeze don't worry. It's all gonna be just fine. You'll see!
Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie
PeeS. Can you gives the number of that doggie massage lady to my mom? It's not too far a drive from Collie-rado, is it?
I'm glad that Marisa thinks she'll be good for the trial.
I know what you mean about the internet giving you more to worry about than you would have originally.
You probably don't need it now, since it looks like it's healing on it's own, but this looks pretty good for the future. It's an ice pack that velcroes around the dog. I know with mine, they never let me hold ice to them, so this way they kind of have no choice. It's pretty cheap, considering, too. http://www.jjdog.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=jj&Category_Code=2CATThermiPet
Hey Marge,when ever Buffy limps I give her the same medicine your on and it seems to work well! I am hoping you feel better soon!
Deborah
We are on our way over for our massage
Benny & Lily
Hope the massage helps! Sounds like a good thing to me fight now - my glutes are so sore from that hike yesterday that I can hardly walk!! Marge girl - I kinda know who you feel!!!
Michelle
I hope Marge is feeling better in no time! I'd be happy to stand in for her at the massage therapist if she decides she doesn't like it!
Thanks fur the Marge update!
It sounds like she's in great paws!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
Hi Marge. Good luck with the trails. We know you will be in grrreat shape by then.
Luv,
Riley and Star.
I hope the massage worked for Marge!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
Lorenza read my mind. Did it help?
Wow, what a brave girl Marge was to get a massage especially if she was a little sore, we will keep sending some healing thoughts, but you have time before the trial, and luckily it really doesnt sound like there is anything serious enough that it would take months to heal, so I am going to keep up positive thinking that she is going to be ok in time for the trial since you still have some time... and whoo hoooo I do not think I have ever had novice jww that early in the morning, here it is always the last run of the day pretty much, wow, that will be great to just be able to get in there and get that first run done, how exciting...
Im so glad things are improving. Diana
Interesting. I actually had an appointment scheduled with my chiropractor for my last terrier, to see if the chiro could help with his progressive paralysis. Sadly, Mugsy died two days before his appointment...
Sending healing thoughts your way. You do have time, and it seems to me a vet told me once that dogs heal faster than humans.
Ooh...a puppy massage sounds so nice! Hope it helps!
Hi Sam, I saw your comment. Yup, the iliopsoas in the MAJOR hip flexor. However, I believe, there are two other muscles that are hip flexors too.
Hey Marge! I strongly recommend laying in a snow bank! Oh - and that would also help ice down your hip. ha roo roo roo!
Hope the massage helped!
Play bows,
Zim
PS: And to Sam - you'll make the right decision for Marge about the trial when the date grows closer!!!
Oh Marge - I hope that nice rub-down made you feel so much better! Sounds like a great thing to do! When Mom's tight and sore, she lies on the floor with a bag of peas under her back heheee! Maybe that would help? Naw - you look pretty awesome, but I do hope you heal up, pretty girl!
Hugs xo
Sammie
It sounds like things are improving, even if not at lightning pace. I'm super impressed that Marge was able to handle a half hour massage. Way to go Marge!
Hi ya!! I might have a off-gait too..now that mom is thinking about it... Hmmmm, will watch. Glad it is nothing serious for you.
Thanks for visiting!! :)
Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose
Lilly had that ONE scary hip pull once. She literally screamed, and that got much better pretty quick.
Hang in there.
We sure hope that Marge gets to feeling better before the trial. But you will know better than the Vet when your trial day gets here..
Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie
My momma gets a massage every week and she says it is much better than going to the doctor. She says it helps her mentals too so I bet it made Marge's head feel warm and gooey.
Slobbers,
Mango
Hope Marge gets to have another massage between now and the trial, and I hope she gets to go! The first one is always nerve wracking...so I hope you guys get to do it to get that "first" out of the way! Good luck!!
Oooh a massage! Did they play soothing music and have a waterfall?
Glad to hear you got icecream, that will help out a lot in the healing process. Trust me, I'm a nurse to mom and dad when they get sick and icecream usually works. :)
A professional massage, that must have felt so good! I'm glad that she'll be ready to run by the trial. I can't wait to see how it goes!
It's often hard to see where the injury is, but I agree that in the photo she's favoring the right leg a little. Icing it may feel good to her. My dogs like it.
I think my dogs would love a whole body massage. Rob usually gives massages each evening and they all want to be first.
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