Poor hobbled pup

Otis had an accident today. He was going down the steps from the back deck, seemed to miss a couple of steps, and landed with a painful yelp at the bottom. He couldn't bear any weight on his back left leg. Nate took him to the vet immediately. The x-ray was negative for a fracture, so all we know right now is that it is either a sprain or a ligament tear.

Otis came home on morphine and an anti-inflammatory. He's very sad and uncomfortable and whiny. We have limited him to his bed in the living room, where he can see everything that is going on without needing to get up. He's not allowed to go up or down stairs, which means that any time he needs to go outside, Nate carries him.

The vet told us to come back in on Monday, at which time they will be able to determine if it is a sprain or a tear. If it is a tear, then Otis will be scheduled for surgery some time next week to repair the damage. If it is a sprain, then we will need to continue to limit his activity until it is completely healed.

The boys don't quite understand what is going on. While Nate was at the vet with Otis, they did help me make a welcome home sign for Otis, though. Anyway, just wanted to post a short update to let you know what was going on. I'd better get back to assisting with the patient. Nate is downstairs hand feeding Otis his dinner. Now that's true love.