Some changes to Llyr's Therapy

A little over a week ago after talking with Llyr's therapy team it was decided that Llyr needed some changes in his therapy program. Llyr was barely using his front left leg when swimming anymore. Since his front legs have become weaker from his progressing DM swimming was no longer benefiting him. He was still watching me as he was going around the pool, but he was floating more than swimming. The spark in his eyes while swimming was disappearing and he was not enjoying swimming anymore. so, llyr is no longer swimming during therapy anymore. 

His therapy sessions are now only land exercises and those are limited as well. He is getting massage, stretching, Cold Laser Therapy and limited head and neck exercises. He is starting to lose strength in his head. This is the progression of Degenerative Myelopathy. Very sad, but true. This disease marches on slowly but surely. Llyr still loves getting his frozen treats and is now getting them twice a week during therapy instead of just once! Since Llyr is a very food motivated Corgi, of course there are no complaints!

        This was a day that I forgot his frozen treats, so it was a Peanut butter day!

               Llyr getting a massage and waiting patiently for more Peanut Butter!

           Llyr getting a neck massage from Michelle and enjoying his frozen treat!

                      Llyr is enjoying just relaxing with Dr. Stephanie Finley! 

                                       Llyr talking with Cheryl! He adores her!

                  Llyr taking time out to smile for the camera with Cheryl and I! 

    

                                  Last, but not least a big smile from Llyr!!!!     

                      More pictures of Llyr in his stroller

    
          Llyr gets to go to my Dr. appointments! With my CDE Marianne McAndrew!

                                                   How sweet is this!


                                       

                                           Llyr with Michelle my Nutritionist! 

  
              Llyr with my best friend Becky and I at Braxton's Animal Works!

    Llyr is upstairs after therapy. He is hoping for more for some more treats!

                     Llyr enjoying treats at one of our many visits to Braxton's!




Even though time marches on with the progression of Degenerative Myelopathy there are still many places you can go with your Corgi! Have fun and enjoy every moment! 
                                             

                         Llyr, out and about in his doggy stroller

                                       Some pictures of Llyr enjoying his stroller rides!

                      Visiting a good friend at the Devon Horse show and Country Fair!

 

                                       Llyr and I enjoying our day at the horse show!

                                        Ear scratches from a fellow Corgi lover!

                                       Llyr posing by the Devon Derby prize list!

                               Llyr enjoying time in the shade and watching people!

                                          Out and about in his neighborhood!

                                                       Llyr waiting to stroll!

                                                   Llyr visiting a local park!

  

                             Taking a stop by the baseball field to smile for the camera!

               Llyr visiting with his good friend Linda at Braxton's Animal Works in Devon, Pa

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                                   A large orange monkey toy catching a ride with Llyr!  

          

                                                   

                                                        

                  Time marches on with DM as much as you do not want it to




Because of Llyr's progressing DM he has stopped being able to use his front legs in his cart a little while after our last visit to K-9 Cart Company East. A very wonderful lady from the Wheelcorgi Yahoo Group lent me her Doggy stroller and Llyr has been loving it! I still use Llyr's cart to express him, to eat and for time in the grass. His stroller has enabled him to continue to enjoy life. Only now it is from a higher level so to speak!

Our last visit with his Neurologist Dr. Moeser at the University of Pennsylvania Llyr again charmed everyone! We also had a tour of the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital after our appointment.

                                                   Llyr with Dr. Moeser

                                      Llyr on our tour visiting one of the three areas in
                                      the hospital that now have new rubber flooring! 

         
                                                   A smiling, happy Llyr! 

    
                                     Llyr and I enjoying our tour of the hospital!

                      Llyr was given smile stickers for being such a good boy!



When the time comes that your Corgi can no longer use the cart please consider using a doggy stroller. There are many different types and price ranges. It has enabled to Llyr to go places he would not have been able to before. We now take "strolls". You may get some comments like "Oh, what a spoiled dog!", but it is a good time to tell people why your Corgi is in a stroller and educate people about DM. You will get more positive comments from most people and you and your Corgi will have many memorable times despite the progressing DM!