January 24, 2010

Lila is a 5 year-old Blenheim female who spent most of her life tied outside in all kinds of weather, on a breeder’s farm, breeding puppies.  She came into Lucky Star’s care just before Thanksgiving with a chronic cough and had difficulty walking.  At first it was suspected that she had a disc or neurological problem causing the mobility problem.    She’s had many tests, been treated for pneumonia, strep bacteria.  She’s had chest x-rays and has no fluid in her lungs.  She does have a soft palate so the tissue does decrease the size of her airway, causing a gurgling sound.  Her heart is enlarge but she has no murmur.  She’ll be seen by a board certified cardiologist later this month.  X-rays revealed that she has hip dysplasia in both hips and Grade 4 luxation in her knees.  She still will climb up onto chairs and manages to get on the bed with the help of a couple of steps.  With all these things, she never complains or shows any sign of being in pain.  She receives Metacam for discomfort and joint supplements.  Lila is going to be a low activity girl.  No agility or marathon walks in her future, just a lap or comfy chair to sit on and she’ll be very happy. 

It sounds like she has a lot of issues and she does but they don’t take away from her gentle, loving personality.  She loves to pile up with the other Cavaliers in her foster home.  She even tries to play with them so we can tell that she’s feeling pretty good now.  She likes the company of other Cavaliers so we’ll be looking for a home with canine companionship and lots of TLC from humans.  Small children will be too active for her.  She’s still a bit timid but improving every day.