Ivy is out of sorts

Ivy has been acting a bit out of sorts for about 3 days. Nothing that we could really put our finger on, though. She seemed a bit more fatigued during our long walks. Plus, she was a bit lethargic during the day and not interested in playing with her inside toys. Her appetite was fine and she was not drinking any more water than usual. Pee and poop normal. She was just not right. So, off to see the Vet. Her temp was normal and both knees seemed stable and pain free. Her physical exam was fine but the vet also agreed that she did not seem right. She had some crystals in her urine so he put her on an antibiotic in case of a UTI, which she does have a history of. We have had some strange weather here in VA recently...lots of temperature swings from hot and cold and big rains. So, he thought maybe her joints were bothering her. She was given an injection of Metacam, an NSAID used to treat osteoarthritis. Well, the next day she was a different dog. Back to being the Ivy we love. Raring to go on her walks and playful. A good outcome and a week later she is still normal, so we are back to breathing easier once again.

These paws are made for walking

Ivy is now coming up on the 7 month post op mark. Time has been flying by! We do the two mile walk about 4 or 5 times a week now. She still does not seem stiff or sore following the walks. The main issue now seems to be with the heat and walking certain trails with fallen gumballs. I think the gumballs must hurt her paws because she will be walking along and then just stop and hold up a paw. We take a look an brush it off and then she is fine. The heat does wear her out though, so on the warmer days we will walk where there is some water so she can take a short swim to cool down. She is a water loving Lab!!