Corky has laser surgery 12-29-11

A big reason for driving out to Lake Havasu City the day before Christmas was so I would be there when Corky went to the vet to have laser surgery to remove a number of warts that had become a problem when the groomer accidentally nicked them.  I don't know about other breeds, but poodles have a tendency to develop the warts as they age.  Using laser surgery with local anesthetic avoids having to put the dog to sleep which becomes more dangerous as they age.  I was not invited to attend the surgery, although I was very interested in seeing how it is done.  Corky did not seem to be in any pain afterward and, of course, he didn't have the grogginess that accompanies many surgeries.  He is doing great.

Unfortunately his bad back, arthritis and old age make it impossible for him to get up the steps to his perch in the windows at both LHC and LBeach.  A new addition to his "doggie paraphernalia" is this expanding ramp shown in LHC in the guest room where Corky views the not-so-busy street from the window seat.  In LBeach he has a free-standing 'table' in the front office where he watches a MUCH busier street and we think the ramp will work there also.  He did need some training - coaxing him up with treats and down with treats worked, but will have to be repeated in LBeach!  

 

The surgery required some shaving and sutures, so he is wearing a T-shirt to protect the stitches and keep warm.  This is the post-surgery size 4-T outfit the vet provided.  The tinsel was part of his Xmas bow.

 

Corky received a lot of TLC from his nanny, his g'ma and his mommy.

But the 4-T was a little large, so his mommy went to the pet store for a more fitted shirt.  This one hikes up better when he goes out to piddle.  He looks so long with his hair all compressed - more like a dachsie.

 

Here is a shot with papa's cell phone - I can see the thought in his head, "Enough, already."