Saturday and another puppy party

This morning while we were waiting for Margie, we went across the road to say hello to Maisy the elderly lady. She said that Dusty (the old Kelpie) was at the vet.

Anyway in the late morning, Margie arrived and we went to the vet for Kane's fourth (of four) Pentosan injection. This time, Kane was able to climb into the van by himself and then lifted himself on to the back seat. At the vet, I weighed Kane and he came in at 38.0 kg, a good weight.



Afterwards, we met two Labradors who were waiting for their appointment.





In the early afternoon, I left Kane at home, as he was walking a little wobbly, and went to the shops alone. It was a quick one hour absence.

In the late afternoon, we started to walk towards Macquarie oval for a change. On the way, we called in to Maisy's place for news about Dusty. He came to the door to say hello and wagged his tail. Dusty had kept on falling and it was due to a stroke, but the vet prescribed him tablets, so hopefully he will be around a bit longer.

As we left to go towards the oval, we saw Sherlock the Beagle.





They were headed towards Cook oval, so we changed our plan and walked with them there. There was a puppy party on, with Kel, Molly, Margot and Lucy. The usual crowd. Kane had a lot of fun wandering around the oval after Molly and Sherlock and walked briskly with a good canter (he can't extend his back legs into a run).





When Kane started looking a bit stiff, we left. As we neared the road, Sherlock and his person came behind us. It was great as Kane walked much better with Sherlock. It was a good 55 minute outing.

rest day

After yesterday's big walk, we had a rest today.

In the evening Margie's husband Luke came over to take Kane to the vet for his third (of four) Pentosan injection. At the veterinary clinic Kane wandered around smelling traces of previous patients. Kane also weighed in at 37.2 kg, a little less than the last weigh in - I could give him more to eat as his metabolism is probably faster in winter to stay warm.

We met a Bassett Hound called Ruffles, who was friendlier than the Bassett Hound from last time. There was also a huge Saint Bernard called Cujo, who was far too big for Kane to meet.

the major vet visit

This morning when I let Kane out, he still had trouble negotiating the deck steps and I had to help him up.

I took Kane to the vet this morning. Thankfully, some local taxis do allow canine passengers. On the way over, the driver thought Kane could sit on the floor by the front seat. No way could he fit in such a small space, but he allowed Kane on the back seat as I brought a large cotton throw rug.

When we arrived, Kane stepped up on the scales. His weight was 37.8 kg, so he has maintained a good weight over the past 6-7 months. Kane doesn't have much body fat so the Rob the vet suggested he could eat more, and even carbohydrates.





The vet started Kane on another course of Pentosan 100 (sodium pentosan polysulfate) injections for his arthritis, with another three injections over the next three weeks. Kane is now also on a non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication called Metacam (meloxicam), indefinitely and taken with food.

The vet also thought that Kane's back legs, particularly the rump, had lost some condition with lack of use, until I explained that we have been walking. There is a delicate balance between not aggravating arthritis and walking to maintain muscle condition. Hopefully with the current treatment we can build up Kane's leg muscles again.

I mentioned to Rob the vet that Kane was still perky even though his joints were making him struggle, and Rob agreed that Kane still has a lot of spark. He also remarked that Kane was the oldest canine he's seen. Many close to his age suffer from dementia.

After we returned home, I gave Kane a cup of kibble (Lola had the last chicken wing) and went to work.

After I returned from work, Kane and I went on the small block walk. It took 17 minutes, like during the hot summer.

I then left Kane in and took Lola on a walk, firstly around the triple small block and then we continued towards the woods before I thought better and turned up an alley. Unfortunately, Lola did not agree and sat down in protest at this change in direction. Golden Retrievers can be stubborn! I finally coaxed her to follow my lead. Our walk was probably five times the distance but took 27 minutes.

After Kane's dinner, I let him out the back while I went inside to fill up Lola's bowl with her kibble (as she had finished her 700g can). When I went outside, I saw Kane climbing up the deck steps by himself. It was a great sight to behold!

Still, I will construct a ramp for him in the next few days.

Monday malaise

Early this morning we walked to the vet for Kane's last Pentosan injection for his arthritis. Unfortunately it was already getting warm early in the morning and Kane walked very slowly, also partly because he was on a leash and wanted to meander and smell things along the way. When Kane doesn't want to be on a lead, he knows how to make the collar look like a millstone around his neck.

When we arrived at the vet, Kane didn't want to move, but I managed to get him on the scales. Kane's weight today was 38.8 kg, very close to his ideal weight of 39 kg. The vet also gave Kane his injection in the reception area. At some stage we may have to consider non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs.



The other vet also kindly gave us a ride home. Actually she phoned her father who came to give us a ride. Perhaps we should have arranged a house call originally. Last Monday was cooler and we went on an even longer walk. Kane just has some bad days.

Poor puppy, I then left him to return to work after 16 days at home.

This evening CQ came over for dinner (barbecued lamb chops and mashed potato) and Kane greeted him with a big bark upon arrival.

We are having a restful evening and will resume short slow walks tomorrow.

bone, ball and bark

Today was a super Monday.

Early this morning, Kane and I walked to the vet (about 25 minutes from home to there) for Kane's third (of four) Pentosan injection for his arthritis. Beforehand, Kane stepped on the scales and weighed in at 38.6 kg (85.1 lb). Kane is now no longer on a diet, although I suspect not having any chicken wings for a week (with one cup of canine dry food instead, or the three days of turkey necks), and skipping the extra cup of dry food for dinner after the fresh food now and again may be contributing factors. Rather than vary the fresh and healthy food he is eating, Kane can have bigger portions, or more additional dry food, and treats of course.

Anyway, at the vet we saw a little dog who was not friendly at all, so the person carried him/her. After the vet visit, we walked to the hardware store. It's a nice open space away from the road and Kane enjoys those sorts of unleashed walks - freedom walks.

After the hardware store, we walked home via Macquarie oval and called in to visit Jack and his new house mate Tippy, a Chihuahua, through their gate. From there, we called by Jake's place. As Kane could not visit (Sue was sleeping following a late shift at the hospital), we invited Jake to come back with us.





Our outing took nearly two hours - Kane's quality time with me, while Jazz was left at home on the deck. Jake's visit was a lot of fun. Kane just wanted to have a rest after such a long walk, so Jack and Jazz chased each other in the backyard. Jazz was still possessive of her bone, while Jake found a ball and wanted to play.



After a few hours of play and rest, Jake's person Sue came over to collect him. I spent the rest of the afternoon moving furniture around in the living/lounge room.

Later this afternoon, we went on another walk (moreso for Jazz and for more carrots). As we walked out the door, Kane spotted somebody walking past so he barked, then Jazz barked. Kane has been exerting his territorial warning bark of late.

We walked to the shops via the woods and then home via the alleys.

visiting the vet, and then visiting Millhouse

Today was a strange day. The sky wanted to release some rain, but nothing precipitated.

This morning we walked the small block loop. Half an hour later, Margie arrived and we went to visit the vet. We used the scales and Kane now weighs 39.2 kg (86.4 lb), his ideal weight.

Kane was given a C5 vaccination (against Parvovirus, Distemper, Canine Infectious Hepatitis, Bordetella and Canine parainfluenza virus). He also received a 'booster' of Pentosan for his arthritis, with another three injections over the next three weeks. It was back on 26 April that Kane was first on Pentosan and he was much heavier then, at 45.2 kg.

The vet also recommended Drontal worming tablets. In fact, I had not been worming him over the last 12 months. Oh dear. Must remember them at the supermarket.

At the vet clinic, we met some cool dogs, especially Lindsay a Bouvier Des Flandres who I thought was an English Sheepdog/Poodle cross. She was very friendly. Her paw was injured and the skin had come off near a claw. Poor puppy.



After a short rest after returning home, we walked to the shops via the woods and Millhouse's place to say hello. Millhouse had company, a poodle called Gretel. After the shops, we didn't go around the complex, but walked straight home via the alleys. It's a decent length walk these days for Kane.

We did have a date arranged with Millhouse at Cook oval, but Kane was tired after the shop walk.

Super Kane Day Saturday...

and that was just the morning.

We haven't had a Super Kane Day for some time. The last time was back in August when we had the big adventure walking up Mount Painter.

Early this morning we walked to the vet to use their scales. Kane also walked most of the way without the leash, until we came to the traffic lights. At the lights, some guy driving in a car, commented about Kane being a fine looking dog.

We met two Jack Russell Terriers called Ralph (after happy Days) and Gidget who were so happy to see Kane. All Jack Russells just love Kane. Kane's weight is now 40.0 kg, his ideal weight.

On the way back from the vet we went to visit Momo. He was home and was barking at the door. Margaret and Mary (Mar Mar and Mare Mare) were not home so couldn't open the door.

We then went to the chemist (drug store) on the way home, but had to wait 10 minutes before they opened.

After a 30 minute rest at home, we went on the shop walk. It was regular, with the long way home through the woods.

Aside from 30 minutes at home in between the two walks, we were out for nearly four hours between 8am and midday.

After such an exciting morning, I had plenty to do in the afternoon.

In the early evening, Declan, Nell, Olivia and Kim came over for dinner. I was in the kitchen and Kane did not even notice them coming inside. Olivia at 18 months and learning to talk quite enjoyed talking to 'woof'.

Super Kane Day Saturday

Today was a Kane day. A super Kane Day Saturday with a lot of walking.

This morning we walked to the vet to use their scales. Kane weighed in at 40.6 kg. He is now very close to his ideal weight. Woohoo!

On the way to the vet, on the path parallel to Coulter Drive


40.6 kg.


After the visit to the vet, we continued on to the shops (Jamison Plaza). Normally, we would have gone home for a rest and made it another walk, but we had other plans in the afternoon.

There is a residential complex across the street from those shops and a few weeks ago, we discovered external water taps on a wall. So we had a minute's rest and a drink for Kane - I had to cup water in my hands and he drank from that. He refused to slurp from the tap itself!

After grocery shopping, we walked home the long way round. We were out for just over two hours.



We had a brief rest at home before setting out again to visit Melba the Border Collie, where I watched the football telecast with her person Adam. We didn't stay for the whole game and came home to watch the final quarter.



After such a tiring but exciting day, I fell asleep on the couch, but not for too long.

Kane had raw beef mince for dinner. I also tricked him into eating raw vegetables - green beans and diced carrots, which I only covered in boiling water to make them warm. He also ate a bit of brown rice mixed into it. All the vegetables seem to be good for him, even if most of the fibre passes through him undigested.

Super Kane Day Saturday

We haven't had a Kane Day for a little while. Today was not only a Kane Day, but also a Super Kane Day Saturday. We were out for most of the day on three outings.

This morning we walked to the vet to use their scales. Kane's weight was 42.0 kg, although the initial reading was 41.6 kg. I was expecting around 40.0 kg, which would be his ideal weight.



On the way out, we met Desker and Tuller, the Shelties. Desker was on his way in to be weighed as well. We also met another dog who was a Rhodesian Ridgeback cross, but had more Greyhound/Great Dane in him.

On the way back, we stopped by Mary and Margaret's place. Momo was excited to see Kane, who mostly ignored him. I had a coffee and Kane finished off Momo's breakfast of cooked chicken.



On our way home, we came across Dusty, the old brown Kelpie who lives across the street. Dusty was on his way to the vet to collect his medication.

It was a great morning outing of about two hours.

Early in the afternoon, we walked to the shops. After I had finished grocery shopping, we walked around the outside of the complex and then home via the greenway. The outing was about an hour and a half, although I left Kane for about 20 minutes outside the shops.

After a few hours rest, Jake came to the door to invite us on a walk to Macquarie oval. It was perfect timing as there was a big puppy party in session. Unfortunately, there was a black dog called Saxon who insisted on exerting his top dog status, which Kane didn't like. Saxon was also not desexed. Eventually, Saxon was put back on his lead.

It's been a pretty exciting and tiring day.

42.6kg

This morning, Kane and I went on a long walk to the vet, but only to use their scales. Kane's weight is now down to 42.6 kg.

It took about 25 minutes to walk to the vet, allowing time for stop and smell time. As it was a new route, Kane creates a "smell map" in his mind. We weren't at the vet for very long, but the walk home took a little longer as we walked at a meandering pace. In all, it was an hour exactly and Kane was tired towards the end.



Kane's blog will have a rest until 9 June as I will be in Brisbane while Kane spends time with his family.

happy Monday

I returned home just before 6pm from an extended weekend away in Melbourne. Kane was home (Margie dropped him over this morning) and he gave me a wonderful greeting with lots of nudges.

After I had unpacked, we walked to the shops for supplies and then back home.

On Saturday, Margie took Kane to the vet for his final Pentosan injection for his arthritis. Kane's weight was 43.0 kg (down from 43.8 kg a week ago). Hopefully, his weight should be down to 39-40 kg in the next month or two.

Kane Day Saturday

Today was very déjà vu but only because it was like last Saturday.

This morning, Margie came over and we took Kane to the vet for his third Pentosan injection for arthritis. The vet office was very quiet and we only saw a cat. Kane's weight today was 43.8 kg (down from 44.0 kg a week ago, and 45.2 two weeks ago). It would have been less if we had been going on regular walks, instead of the minimal walks because it has been dark when I have been returning home from work.

After Margie left, Kane and I walked to the shops, walked around the perimeter after I had finished, and returned home via the green way. We also met a Kelpie cross puppy called Indi who was tied up outside the video (rental) store. She was very excited to meet Kane, but he mostly ignored her.

This afternoon, while I was taking the dry laundry off the clothes line, Kane barked at the house next door (not the other side with the Dobermanns which he ignores). I walked Kane over the fence and told him that those people live there and were not being burgled. I found out that Glen had two human visitors and a puppy Labrador called Chief who also barked back.

Anyway, after I had finished bringing in the laundry, we set off on our late afternoon walk with a visit next door to check out Chief. Chief wanted to play but could only greet Kane through the low wire gate.

We then walked to Cook oval. Millhouse the Labradoodle was already there, then Molly the Labrador and Clyde a something breed arrived. After a little while Millhouse departed and Charlie the huge Border Collie and Maurice the Fox Terrier arrived. Of course, Maurice continued to be fixated with Kane, which was rather amusing to watch. Later, Jake the Kelpie Labrador cross (and one of Kane's best friends) arrived.

I let Kane enjoy himself, even though he could not keep up with the young dogs running around. After what I thought was enough, I restrained him putting his collar on with the lead. Poor pup pup (another pet name), he so wanted to keep playing.

Nick wanted to go to Cook shop so we walked there and I held Jake, and Kane. Then we walked home.

An almost perfect canine day!

Kane Day

Today was another Kane Day Saturday.

This morning, Margie came over and we took Kane to the vet for his second Pentosan injection for arthritis. Kane met a little shepherd looking dog with sable markings and a Whippet. The vet also provided the prescription for Desmopressin. Kane's weight today was 44.0 kg (down from 45.2 a week ago). His target weight is 40 kg.

After Margie left, Kane and I walked to the shops, walked around the perimeter after I had finished, and returned home via the green way.

I went out for a few hours in the afternoon. When I returned, we walked to Cook oval. We met Sherlock the Beagle along the way. Sherlock wanted to play and amazingly for a dog still with his balls, submitted himself lower on the pecking order.

At the oval, we joined Kel the Labrador, Millhouse the Labradoodle and a new brown Border Collie called Bosely. Melba came over for a very quick visit. Kel kept on bringing Kane her ball. Of course, Kane would not lower himself to act like a common dog and ignored the ball. It wasn't a long stay at the party and we followed Millhouse and Bosely when they left.

Two walks in one day. A perfect canine Saturday.

a visit to the vet, a puppy party...

I was out early this morning to go to the farmers markets with Susan and left Kane inside. When we returned home, I discovered that Kane had somehow reached up onto the dining table and found the little bag of liver jerky, chewed through the plastic and ate the lot, along with a bit of the plastic. Naughty Kane. My fault for not feeding him before I left.

Later this morning, Margie came over and we took Kane to the vet. Kane met two dogs there, one before his appointment and one afterwards.

The vet said that Kane's limp is due to arthritis and gave him an injection of Pentosan 100 (sodium pentosan polysulfate). Kane has to return to the vet for three more injections at weekly intervals. The vet also suggested marine based products, so it was good that Kane already takes Sasha's blend and cod liver oil.

Kane is also on the heavier side at 45.2 kg (nearly 100 lb), but the vet said that at Kane's age, not to put him on a crash diet. I will just gradually reduce the amount I give him. Poor puppy, he loves food!

Kane is also on Desmopressin (an anti-diuretic hormone replacement) for Diabetes Inspidus, which also required a new prescription.

The last ailment we told the vet about was Kane's epilepsy which is being treated with Potassium Bromide.





Early in the afternoon, Kane and I walked to the shops. Strolled more like it, as the vet said a gentle walk. We met a very friendly German Shepherd cross who was very fawn in colour like a Corgi. The dog still had balls but submitted to Kane and wanted to play. We walked back via the green way.

This evening, Devi came over for dinner but wanted to go for a walk to buy wine, so we walked to Cook shops via Cook oval. There was a huge puppy party in session, most of whom came to Kane as if he was a movie star celebrity when we arrived. There were a number of new dogs including Millhouse a Labradoodle who was obsessed with balls. I had to make sure that Kane didn't run around too vigorously. Despite his arthritis, it would be cruel to deprive Kane of his attendance at puppy parties.

A day full of excitement but still not quite a Kane Day.