I wish I had some progress to report as far as Layla is concerned. I don’t. She is just the same. She is still getting rest and the anti-inflamatory meds, but the limp remains. We’ll continue until the first part of next week, and then I guess we’ll check back with the vet and see how to proceed from here.
Thanks for all the concern and kind thoughts for Layla. We got x-rays done today and they didn’t show any signs of a break or even a crack, so that’s good news. They are going to have the orthopedic specialist take a look at them when he comes in midweek. If he happens to find anything that the other vets missed, then they’ll let me know. In the meantime, their advice is to give her crate rest for 10 days or so. That way if it is a strain, it will have a chance to heal up a bit.
So, that means that I’ll have my hands full keeping her occupied without allowing her to zip around everywhere like she usually does. I’m sure that neither of us will find it very enjoyable. It will be worth it though if it helps. 
So, Layla is lame. 
It all started a couple of weeks ago when I was taking care of the farm for my parents. Layla and Dare came along while I did the chores. On Friday (August 28th), they were due to come home, Layla started limping. I couldn’t find anything when I looked at her leg or foot, and I figured she’d just run herself silly on the 20 acres.
That Monday (August 31st), I took her into the vet and he said that he felt some thickness and that it was warm to touch by her elbow. He gave us some anti-inflamatory meds and told me to watch her. Well, of course, the second day of the meds, she was back to her normal bouncy self. On and off though, since she’s been off the meds, I’ve questioned myself whether I was seeing the slightest little limp again. Especially at the beginning of this week.
On Tuesday night we went to agility class, and the limp was noticeable enough then for our friends to spot it too. Needless to say, we didn’t do any agility. I’ve been trying to keep her less active this week, with varied success. If she gets the chance she does just about everything at top speed. I am considering just giving her crate rest the next few days, till I can get an appointment to get x-rays. I think we’ll have to head to Salt Lake to get the x-rays done by a vet up there, rather than do them here. The vet here is mainly a large animal vet, and I don’t want him to overlook something that we need to address.
Anyway…here’s hoping that we can figure out this out soon!
We’re back! We had a great time at the IKC Labor Day trial. I only entered Zoe and Raven for the first two days, but they both did really well. Zoe double Q’d both days, with 3 first places and one second place. Raven earned her first Ex. A Standard Q, and two Open FAST Q’s this weekend.
The only down side was the Zoe still wasn’t able to finish her Ex. FAST title. Raven did really well the first day of the trial. She was eager to run, and kept up decent speed around the course, even if it wasn’t quite like she runs at home or practice. The second day, though, she seemed to be more anxious…I think I’ll take that information and just enter her in one day of a trial next time. I want to keep her attitude happy about trialing.
Here are some videos of the girls Standard runs from Friday.
We’re getting ready to head out for an agility trial this weekend. Zoe and Raven are entered Friday and Sat. Layla and Dare are going along for the experience, and for a semi-private lesson with our Obedience trainer.
All the dogs are bathed, I just need to dremel some toenails…get packed up and leave. Should be a fun weekend! I’ll try to get some video this time. 
