Ah..choo!!!! Juniper Pollen

Randy used his iPhone to catch a Juniper at the golf course releasing it's pollen. 

We have been miserable with allergies this month. We're not sure how long it is going to last.

The Juniperus family has 70 species of evergreen trees and shrubs. Folks in AZ use the term "Cedar Fever" to describe this allergy season. The Pinon-Juniper Woodland produces pollen that can be carried 40,000 feet up into the atmosphere and can be transported 50 miles from the source. We are surrounded. We are taking allergy pills, tree pollen, and a nasal spray…….we are still sniffing and have runny noses and eyes. We are not alone…..practically everyone in Payson is suffering.

Note: the video seems to work on a computer and not on an iPad or iPhone.

Cooper's Operation

Cooper had a cranial cruciate ligament tear in his left leg. He had a TPLO which stands for tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. It's a surgical procedure that makes a change to the biomechanics of the knee to reduce pain and instability. The vet consulted with us for a half an hour and outlined the procedure. His practice is the only one in AZ doing this procedure.

We were able to watch the surgery from home via the Internet. The operation took 3 hours. During surgery, a curved cut is made near the top of the tibia (shin bone). The top of the bone is then rotated to eliminate the slope on the top of the tibia (this is where the "leveling" comes from).

A plate is applied to hold the tibia in this position while the bone heals. The threads on the head of the locking screw mate with the threads in the plate hole to form a rigid, fixed-angle construct.

This procedure allows less friction between the construct and the bone and is intended to preserve blood supply and promote faster healing.

Cooper is a bit funny looking right now. He is not putting much weight on his leg but that should get better each day. He is on an antibiotic for 5 days and a pain medication for a month. We have 50 days before they x-ray to see how the bone is healing.

He can only go on short leash "elimination" walks for 6-8 weeks…….ugh! He is unhappy about being left behind when Argo goes off for a run.

Not sure how much he understands about all this…….hope the 50 days flies by!