Wonderful pics, Rosa, thanks for sharing. In the second one Eil looks like he's saying, "get out of my bed," to Kody.

Kody can be a pesky little brother that's for sure. I just love the way they interact.

I'm afraid to say it but it appears Eli is drinking more water lately. I'm going to keep an eye on it. He's also starting to loose his urine a little as he sleeps. Right now our next step is to wait and observe. I'm going to need some time to figure this out. Thankfully, he seems to be doing really well. He seems happy and enjoys his walks and time outside with Kody and I.

Just a quick update here on Eli. Thankfully, his increase in water consumption ended pretty quickly. I tend to think he's still passing small amounts of urine in his sleep, but clean up is a small price to pay when I get to share my days with such a dear sweet friend.

He's been wanting to take longer walks lately which is really nice. I just kind of go wherever he chooses in the neighborhood. He so enjoys those walks.

There is some exciting news. Last week I was determined to save all I could on his meds. I was paying $514.40 a month, but was actually able to get the bills down to $229.19, a savings of $285.21 per month

That is big news! A savings of over $280 is no small change. Glad to hear Eli is taking longer walks and enjoying them. As long as he's a happy camper the small urine messes are tolerable.

Let the sun stream through that beautiful coat to warm this magnificent creature.

Thank you both so much. Having Eli around is just such a gift. I know everything he does requires more effort for him but that little guy (yes, little guy) has a heart of gold.

As far as the savings on his meds, a big part of that is getting three of his meds through Walgreens Prescription Savings Club for pets. I got lucky when I called as the lady I first talked to told me about the plan. The next day when I went to sign up everyone was really confused about what I was talking about. I guess its not very well known at the Walgreens here in town. It took awhile but I was able to sign up for it. But I wanted to put that out there in case it helps someone else.

The other two I shopped around on line for the best price. I'm just thrilled with the outcome. Some of these drugs are so expensive but there was no way I was going to let my Eli down. The fact that he can still walk is huge. He gives me 110% every day, he deserves nothing less in return.

He is loosing some urine as he sleeps, but that's ok. I don't think its anything I need to fix, I just need to make sure he doesn't get a rash or something like that in case he lays in it too long.

Yes, Eli still being here is definitely a gift and I know you don't take it for granted. Even if he does require more effort it's so well worth it especially as you said, he has a heart of gold.

I remember when Sean was on cyclosporine I called everywhere to find the lowest price. At that time Costco gave me the best deal. It's nice to know that Walgreens offers a Prescription Savings Club for pets. Thanks for the tip!

This morning when I took Eli for this walk, he was limping. But Eli limps as he walks all the time, it wasn't anything different. He didn't seem to want to walk far and that was fine, it's all about what he wants to do. Afterwards, we sat and laid together on the sidewalk in the front of our home. I fed him treats and rubbed his belly. We layed on our backs looking at the clouds. I just love time like this with my boy.

But I was massaging him and I noticed his left front leg was so much bigger than his right!!! I checked it really carefully and sure enough, it was nearly twice the size. I took him to the Vet who seemed to think it was a soft tissue issue. It didn't have the appearance of an abcess but she did put a small needle in it thinking if it was she would get pus out. Nothing came out.

They then did x rays which didn't reveil anything new.

The meds he normally takes are the same for this so there was nothing new given, She suggested I ice it which I have done once and will repeat when I get off here. The problem just now is he really had a hard time walking to his food bowl just now.

They shaved the area looking for bit marks but there were none. With this much swelling should I do more????

*****ADVISE NEEDED FOR ABOVE POST *****************************

I went on a bit too much but can my friends here check the above post and give me any thoughts you might have. Many thanks

Rosa, I'm not sure what more you can do at this time. I'd go with Bigeloil horse liniment rather than ice because I wouldn't have to keep changing it or forget it and have frost bite (did that to myself once....)

Thanks Middle. I'm afraid I can't go all the way to the Feed and Fuel right now where they might have that product. Eli is really slowing down, he might be shutting down.

****ADVISE NEEDED*** JUST ADDING THIS SO PEOPLE WILL SEE IF THEY HIT ACTIVE TOPICS.

Rosa, I would try alternating cold and warm packs. Alternating heat and cold helps the tissue to expand and contract to help reduce swelling. Cold First then Heat.

Thanks Val, I wondered about the heat. I will start alternating them now!!! It is still really swollen and he's really struggling to walk. I gave him extra Tramadol this morning hoping that will help.

Keeping Eli and you in my thoughts. I hope the extra Tramadol helps. Please keep us posted if there's any changes.

No ideas, but all good wishes for Eli and Rosa (and that little prince Kody)

MJ

Thanks everyone. Just a quick update. His leg is still really swollen but I think the swelling has gone down some... not a lot, but some. I'm doing the cold/heat treatments and I think the increase in Tramadol has helped some.

He's able to walk a little bit better than yesterday but it's not very comfortable for him. Still that is better than yesterday. He did wake up in the living room today wanting a cookie. He got up, slowly stumbles over to me in the dining room with 'that look' he shows when he really wants a cookie. Of course, he got his cookie. He always gets his cookie. I was thankful to see him do that today thinking he must be feeling a bit better.

for Eli, hope the swelling continues to go down.

Rosa, glad hot/cold + meds is helping. Keep in mind horse liniment can be found at pet supply stores, too. Or purchased on line.

Thankfully, the swelling has gone down quite a bit and Eli is able to move a bit better. He wanted to try a walk today but I made him stop when we got to the sidewalk. I felt it was way too soon for him to be walking and there still is some swelling that needs to go down. I'm still giving him the increased amount of Tramadol.

I know I forgot to mention it earlier, but the Vet did take some cells from whatever came out when she poked it with a needle. We will have those results in about a week. I tend to think its like she said, a soft tissue injury. With cold/heat the swelling has gone down.

I did have to make some changes in the house here. At night he is now limited to the kitchen, part of the hallway and my bedroom. I block off the rest. This way its much easier for me to keep clean and yet it gives him some choices.

His spirits are great. Today I took Kody to daycare so Eli had me all to himself this afternoon. I gave him a special treat to chew on and lots of yummy treats to enjoy. We so enjoy our time together.

Well he's looking at me right now so I guess it's time for his massage. Better go but thanks for reading.