Thinking of you & sweet Lucy. I hope all is well very soon.

My doc recommended ice for a disk issue I have with my back, for months I never did it bc I thought no way, I wouldn't be able to tolerate the cold. One day I woke up in so much pain, I was willing to try anything. I had a gel pack in the fridge and grabbed it, put it on my back. I was really surprised... the pain and inflammation was gone in about 30 minutes (10 min on, 5 off for 30 minutes), and I felt good as new!

The gel pac doesn't feel quite as cold going on as an ice pack, and the comfort it brought really shocked me. At first I used a thin towel between my skin and the pac, but since I found that it's really not necessary.

I think after the initial insult, the general rule is to ice for the first 24 hours, then one can go to heat, if that feels better, or one can alternate using heat and ice. Heat increases blood flow to the area (promotes healing) and relaxes muscles, and ice reduces inflammation, thereby reducing pain.

I hope Lucy is feeling better and wishing her the best on her bloodwork.... Hugs,

Sending prayers for Lucy. Hugs to you.

Sending prayers and best wishes for you and Lucy.

Checking on Lucy....is surgery planned for Thursday?

Next Thursday. The vet called me tonight and said plans could change - depending on how the bloodwork and BAT's come out that we are doing Monday.

He told me that he forgot to tell me that the stones she has are probably not resulting from her liver problems - because those don't normally show on x rays. I think Kathy told me the same thing. He gave me his cell phone because he knows I'm worried about giving her the Rimadyl this week. I'm only giving half of what he recommended.

He asked me alot of questions about her spay - they will be doing some type of laser surgery for the stones and it is supposed to be really quick. He seemed like he wanted to be really thorough so I feel better about it.

That's where we're at! Lucy had to stay home in her crate when I took Ringo for a walk on this beautiful day. I hate keeping her in her crate all week. What if something DID happen during the surgery? Then her last week with me would have been spent in her crate. Trying not to go there though . . I was getting really good vibes from the vet.

Anyhoo - next Thursday say a little prayer for Lucy, please. If her bloodwork is crazy wild - I'll post when I know that.

Will be praying for Lucy. :hug:

Sounds like you have a very good vet. :)

Lasers are such a great advancement in medical care. That is what Max had on his eyelid. So much less invasive, and very fast, as you mentioned.

I know it is impossible not to worry, but focus on the positive.

Definitely will keep Lucy in my prayers and thought.

Do you have a stroller for her? I take Peek a Boo out in a stroller if he's having any issues, he sits quietly and is very content rolling along. You could use it for her in the house too, easy to move her from room to room so she can be with you. They have some on Ebay for around $50.

links: New Pink 3 Wheel All Terrain Pet Dog Cat Stroller | eBay

New Heavy Duty Red Pet Dog Cat Stroller Carrier | eBay

It will help during her recovery too.

Strollers are a great idea. The one thing I will say about the strollers you linked is that I don't care for the 3 wheel ones...matter of personal taste I guess. The second one does not have a zipper. I had gotten one of them and did not care for it because the pups can push their heads through...they only close with velcro. I just feel zippers are more secure. Here is the one I always get...almost identical except for the closure.

New Stable Red Pet Dog Cat Stroller w/Rain Cover | eBay

Sounds like your vet is being very careful and thorough. I will definitely keep Lucy in my thoughts and prayers.

I think our run of good weather has come to an end ~ as of today. We have been so lucky for this time of year but rain starts today and snow tomorrow.

But I'm going to look for a stroller for spring and in case we have some good days!

RE: Strollers: I think all of them have a restraining clip in them, which I use religiously... as I fear mine would just go right through the mesh, velcro or zippered! Lol!

I do agree, zippered is more secure... my bike cart uses velcro and snaps, and the velcro is a pain to line up properly. I may just sew it together and cut a hole in the top, lol. Plus one of mine is terrified of the velcro sound, different when removing clothes and it's only a tab, as opposed to 3 feet. I also prefer the four wheelers, just seems to be more balanced, but then again I only walk with mine.

Strollers are great to use in the house too for recouperating pups!

Update
 

The Vet called today - all of her bloodwork looked find and he got the BATS back as well.

I don't have the papers in front of me but the pre-meal testing was normal and the post-meal was 30 - normal being 25 and under.

He felt those were pretty good numbers but he is still going to follow the protocol for dogs with liver problems. I'm actually pretty happy with the BATS - they could be so much worse.

Thursday is her big day - please keep her in your thoughts.