to cut, perchance to cure?
just got back from round rock and the verdict is...surgery. we spoke to both the vet ortho and the vet radiologist (there was also a vet internist, endocrinologist and oncologist on site--who knew they got this specific???) and they both concurred that the injury was subtle but definitely present. since we were all docs they got really technical when showing us the x-rays, ultrasound and ct scan, which was cool. it seems that they've managed to import a lot of human technology into the animal world but aren't quite there yet when naming disease processes and explaining pathophysiologies. there's still much research and naming to be had, and k says that her general vet is always asking her internal medicine questions to see if they jive, which for dogs there are many similarities.
i was most impressed by their clinic and everyone became enamored with skye. she's such a ham bone, just soaking up all the adoration. she was bit nervous at first because she thought we were going to a show, but somehow were driving too far. it was okay though, because i was there. when i got into the truck, she jumped up, grinned and kissed and licked all over me, which surprised k. she said that skye doesn't really like people and never displays affection of that level to anyone. ever. i wasn't as surprised because almost all animals take a shining to me for some reason. i wish the females of my own species greeted me with the same affection...
i felt a just a little jealousy and self-consciousness at this place. it was waaay nicer than my office and nicer than just about any people doctor's office that i've ever visited. k concurred and wondered where we went wrong. well, i suppose they do routinely collect what they bill and people do tend to take care of their animals much better than themselves. hmmm.
we killed some time checking out the outlet mall. i finally found the vans sandals that i heard about a while back. bought a pair for superrice for his birthday and a pair for myself, as they were by one, get one 1/2 off. score. introduced k to rudy's bbq. they make pretty decent stuff and wrap everything in no frills white butcher paper. i bought some smoked pork tenderloin and improvised some sandwiches. yum. i hoped to meet up with spentpenny, but there wasn't time. boo. on the way home we, of course, stopped at the czech stop for kolaches. gotta do that--it's required.
k initially wanted to do this trip alone, and was surprised that i wanted to go. she resisted, being the independent spirit she is, but i knew this wasn't something that should be done alone when you're freaking out and can barely tell left from right. besides, i bring the fun and skye liked the extra attention.
skye's going back down july 25th for surgery because the surgeon needed to go to europe for a conference and to do some surgery. the prognosis seems good so we were all relieved. i was planning to be down there anyway that weekend for markedformetal's Awesome Birthday Party Event. guess it was meant to be.
thank you, everyone for your concern and support. we appreciate it! updates to follow. i may have to hold a benefit to help pay this off. for reals.