Lucie Goes Swimming

My big girl Lucie is getting older now, and because she is a giant breed dog, she is considered to be entering the early phases of her geriatric years.  She is only 7 1/2, but for Saints, this is getting up there.  As we age, we all know the health problems that are associated with advanced age.  Anyone who has experienced more than a few turns around the sun knows exactly what I am talking about.  Lucie is no exception.  A while ago, Lucie tore her ccl or cranial cruciate ligament.  This is the equivalent to the ACL or anterior cruciate ligament in humans, that connects the tibia (or shin, which is below the knee) to the femur (at the top of of the knee).  This is painful and takes time to heal.  I know exactly what Lucie is going through since a couple of years ago, I ruptured my ACL and needed ACL reconstructive surgery, followed by a total knee replacement on the other knee 6 months later.  Surgery was not an option for Luice though, like it was for me.  Fortunately there are other non-surgical options available.  Water therapy and acupuncture are among the most popular and most effective forms of treatment for dogs.  Lucie is getting them both.

Today was Lucie’s first appointment with the physical therapist.  She had an evaluation and some laser treatment today, along with her first session of aqua therapy.  Next week, she will start her acupuncture treatments as well.  For the next 12 weeks, Lucie will have aqua therapy 2x a week and acupuncture 1 x a week.  We are very hopeful, and are expecting to see a lot of very positive results.  I admit, this is not a cheap form of therapy, but Lucie is one of my children, and like any mom, I will do anything within my power to help my children feel better and get well.  Lucie is definitely worth every penny being spent.  Since I teach water aerobics and I live in the water, I know the value and the effectiveness of this kind of treatment very well.  We have high hopes.

The therapist placed a harness on Lucie then placed her into the water tank that had a treadmill in it.  She got into the tank with Lucie.  Because this was Lucie’s first time, the treadmill was set at a very slow pace.  My big girl did great.  She did not like it, but she did great.  She seemed to accept that this is helping her, so she put on a brave face and tolerated it.

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After her first day at physical therapy, Lucie was wiped out.  It was a full, adventurous day.  She will sleep very well tonight.  We love you very much Big Girl.

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Author: ajeanneinthekitchen

I have worked in the restaurant and catering industry for over 35 years. I attended 2 culinary schools in Southern California, and have a degree in culinary arts from the Southern California School of Culinary Arts, as well as a few other degrees in other areas. I love to cook and I love to feed people.

41 thoughts on “Lucie Goes Swimming”

      1. I don’t understand how you get anything done! How do you not just spend the whole day cuddling her???? 💙💙💙

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  2. We lost our beloved 200-pound English Mastiff last year at 11.5 years old. The vet said he was the oldest English Mastiff he had ever seen. It’s amazing what these gentle giants can do with a lot of TLC.

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  4. Lucie’s a very gorgeous dog, I’m an animal lover in general and reading this and seeing these pictures have taken me down memory lane:) it has reminded me when I use to watch turner and hooch, what a brilliant film. Thank you for this post💙

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    1. It sure is. If there is a place that does alternative treatments in your area, it’s worth checking out. Lucie is already doing much better, after only 3 treatments. Give your big girl some love for me too. 🙂

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  10. I hope Lucie starts to regain her strength. I’ll tell you Jeanne, there is something so warm and reassuring with a big dog. We have a German shepherd/mastiff mix and my kids love to literally lay on top of her when she is stretched out on the floor.

    Big dogs also seem more content and not always looking to be the biggest dog on the block if you will.

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    1. I totally agree. I love our gentle giants. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

      Lucie has had 3 treatments now, 2 aqua therapy treatments and one acupuncture. She is already doing MUCH better. Thank you. Give your big girls lots of love and kisses for me too. 🙂

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