Our Special Boy

Our Special Boy Merlin
Born Sept 18 2008

Sept 19 2008 One day old
This little guy was the last of four pups born .
I have given range of motion exercises to his wrist from birth and is has loosened up some
Today we saw the our Vet. She suspects this condition to the right front wrist is due to over crowding in the womb but can't
be sure at this stage if it is the bone or tendon which is affected. When he moves about he does so with the
wrist bent over as pictured above. Well will continue with ROM'S to the wrist and elbow as well and in a few days we may
try a splint to help straighten the joint. Other options depending on his progress include severing the tendon and or amputation.

Sept 20 2008 Two days old
All is not doom and gloom for him however, as he is suckling well, heart is normal and lungs are clear.
He is a real little fighter and never struggles with his litters mates to get a teat! I do worry that as he gains weight
getting around will become more difficult. He could get bullied by his litter mates or even rejected by mom possibly, once his disability becomes more obvious. The photo to the left is deceiving as his right wrist looks normal. But without the support, even from
just his little blanket that he is wrapped in, his wrist drops down and he is unable to lift it, as shown in the photo to the right.

Sept 21 2008 3 days old
We are not a happy camper dragging this beast of a leg around now that it has been bandaged .
The wrist is now stabilized and straight. It breaks my heart to hear him crying out loudly because he struggles to turn himself over
when on his back but he is still a light fighter and isn't giving up and neither are we!

Sept 26 2008 8 days old
The first splint was removed today and there has been some improvement! Instead of his foot turning under itself, it turns
outward, which has really helped with his movement. A new splint was applied which is much lighter in weight then the first one.
It is made from a fecal collector stick, made from plastic, covered with tape and has a little paddle on the end which his
little foot fits onto perfectly. I will change it every three days until he grows out of it at which time we will make another
visit to the Vet for the next step in treatment. He has gained four ounces and is quit feisty! I am calling him 'Trio' for the
time being.

Oct 4 2008 17 days old
Merlin saw the Vet today and a larger splint was applied as he is growing rapidly. He is now baring weight for the first time!
Although after a few steps his wrist gives way and flops out to the side he at least is able to bare weight even for
a short time without a splint. We are very pleased. His eyes are now open and he continues to thrive despite his disability.

Oct 6 2008 19 days old
I have removed the larger splint as he was not using his leg at all but just dragging it around. He continues
to bare weight without it for short periods before the wrist gives way however, he does recover. The wrist is now
more flexible as well!

Oct 10 2008 23 days old

Trio gets a new name and a forever loving home! His new name is Merlin. He is now splint free and it is clearly visible that
his leg/wrist are gaining strength and mobility. Hooraay!!
Oct 16 2008 30 days old

Over just the past few days, Merlin has really been struggling to bare weight. His little ankle just gives way.
He tries to play but ends up just tipping over then cries and even howls. He saw the Vet today but there is nothing that can be
done for him now until he is 6 months old as he too young and still growing. If splinted, he would only drag it around. He needs to
be using the leg and wrist now even though it is difficult to do so. Only time will tell if he is going to adjust and learn to cope with
3 legs or continue to struggle with four.

Oct 30 2008 42 days old

Merlin's wrist has improved 100% from a few weeks ago. He runs and pounces like a normal pup. I find it difficult
to tell him apart from his brothers when they are all on the move as there is just a slight hitch in his giddy-up. He bares
weight most of the time holding his leg up just occasionally. He is a happy content member of the pack and holds his own!

Email to:kim@kimpom.com