Surgery? I hope not.

A call from Dr. West at Chilhowee Veterinary Medicine. yesterday has left me apprehensive about a potential turn in Menina's diagnosis. He is worried that she may have a torn sheath on one of the ligaments that connects to her swollen hock joint. He will re-examine her tomorrow and recommend a course of action. I got Ace Russell's (Nina's trainer) recommendation for an orthopedic specialist in west Knoxville. Let's hope we don't have to go down the surgery path. Blackford Veterinary Surgery Referral

I went ahead and officially canceled our entry in the Montgomery Kennel Club Agility Trial in Autaugaville, AL - we were wait listed for the weekend of March 12. I also withdrew from the Tennessee Valley Kennel Club Agility Trial at Harriman, TN. I will wait until I know more about what is ahead for us to decide on what to do for the Youngsville, NC and Oak Ridge/Harriman, TN Trials already registered. I feel better now that March is officially a "GET WELL" month.

Mardi Growl

Here are some photos taken February 13 during the Knoxville, TN Mardi Growl Parade 2010. Cold, but fun!

Practicing Weaves

This is a practice session from February 4, 2010.

Bursitis

Menina and I have been training with Ace Russell for about five month's at Meadowbrooke Kennels. It has been so incredibly fun finding out what we can do. We have plans to start competing in March starting with the Tennessee Valley Kennel Club Agility Trial at Harriman, TN on March 19 - exactly four weeks from today. We were rocking and rolling until last weekend when a sore leg turned into a painful limp. Upon closer examination, I found a severely swollen joint on her back right leg. X-rays by our local vet assured us the next day that no bones were broken. She diagnosed bursitis (fluid buildup on the bursa) in the tarsus or the dog's "heel" equivalent.

Our hope is that this will heal with anti-inflammatory medication, rest, and ice. Please wish us the best, we have lots we want to do.