Puppy Malaise

"To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace."

- Milan Kundera, Czech writer/philosopher (1929—)

Under the weather. Kaiser, our 17-month-old Springer Spaniel is not well. We can't seem to figure out what is wrong with him. We just got word back from the vet that all the tests we had run are negative, which is good, except that we still don't know what the problem is. 

We are hoping he doesn't have canine hip dysplasia, which is a hereditery disease that can cause lameness and arthritis. It seems more common in Spaniels than some dogs, and usually shows up before they are 18 months.

Kaiser seems very lethargic, and he is having trouble going up and down the stairs. He is also very tentative getting on and off the couches and beds, and doesn't seem to want to go for walks - which is a complete 180 degree reversal from his personality even a couple months ago.

We're thinking we may try acupuncture next...

KJT - Seattle (2008)