Down & Out

This is not what I had in mind to post for today but sometimes life throws ya for a loop.  Yesterday afternoon, Mom took me for a walk with my pal, Ozzie.  We went to one of our normal places and I was running and having fun like I always do.  Well, right before we got in the car Mom noticed my back left nail was bleeding.  At first, she didn't think much of it as my paws/nails have been sensitive in the crunchy snow as of late anyway even though there was no snow where we walked.  However, upon closer investigation she noticed that I split my nail completely apart somehow and it was bleeding pretty good. :( 

So, she took me to the vet for them to have a look which I was NOT happy about!!  As soon as I realized where we were I tried to turn and run but Mom wouldn't let me...how rude!  Once trapped inside, I tried to hide under the chair which the vet thought was too small for me but I assured him we Ridgebacks can curl up into tight little balls, and space was NOT an issue.  It's not that I don't like the vet...it's just that one time I went to a different vet and he wasn't so good.  He didn't even greet me when he first met me and instead immediately started poking my belly which freaked me out.  At least, that's what Mom attributes to my fear of the vet now, because before that I was fine.  I still give kisses to my vet and the vet tech but I just don't like being there. Anyway, where was I...oh yes, trapped inside.  The vet had to sedate me, which basically means give me some medicine to make me very sleepy and then he had to remove the top part of my split nail.  At least, I was sleeping so I didn't realize what was happening.

Once it was over, they wrapped my foot in a pink little bandage and brought me to Mom.  I was VERY stumbly and shaky.  I could barely stand up and my eyes were droopy.  Mom helped me get into the car and she managed to get me to lay down in the back seat.  Once at home, I had to miss dinner (RUDE) in favor of sleeping it off on the couch.

Don't worry though, once I was a bit more cognizant I got my dinner and some of my special Honest Kitchen warm broth. :)

I have to keep my bandage on for three days and I can't get it wet.  That means, every time I go out to potty or if Mom or Dad decide to take me for a walk I have to get a plastic bag tied around my foot....YUCK!  It feels SO weird. I also have to take an anti-inflammatory medicine and an antibiotic.  Mom thinks I don't know she's hiding the pills in cheese and bananas but I do....hehehe!  As long as I get the good stuff then that's cool with me. ;)  Also, once I get my bandage off then I have to take it easy until my nail grows back...each doggie is different so I have NO idea how long that will take. :(  BOOHOO...that means no more playdates for awhile and it also means that for walks I have to put a sock on my foot or a bootie to keep it protected.  Oh well, I plan to milk this time for all it's worth!!