We had a real scare yesterday, mid way cooking J's birthday lunch, was summoned to the front of the house by J's shouting. There were two large and deep holes in Max's bum area. At first we thought that Rex or Brownie had attacked Max the Rottie. When no sign of blood was found on either dog, assumed blame was then passed on to Easter the Turtle (yes, there's a large turtle in J's zoohouse - rescued from Kesas highway many moons ago).

So we hurriedly ate his birthday lunch, cleaning etc and since it was a public holiday J did a quick drive around Kota Kemuning to check out, hoping to find one of the vets open. No such luck. We felt that the holes were too big to heal on its own and will most probably need stitches. Only other option was to call Healing Rooms in Subang Jaya. Luckily they were open but was closing by 7pm and it was already 4.30pm when we made the call. Made a quick dash to the car with J carrying Max to the car.

Upon inspection by the vet - Dr Vijay, he quickly fill us in with news that shocked us - that there were maggots in the wound,  that it was probably 2-3 days old, it was not caused by a bite but instead as a result of flies laying eggs on Max's open skin and this was in fact just secondary reason due to his health condition. Max has severe hip dysplasia, a condition which has affected him since 3-4 years ago and started getting worse affecting his movement and very noticeable muscle wastage of his back hinds. He is already on glucosamine but recently this too didn't seem to help much. He will not want to walk much except during meal times. Then he will get all too excited and start rushing when walking which ends up with him falling down most of the time. Sigh.

Anyhoo, I digressed. Long story short, the doctor was recommending that we put Max to sleep! OurMy eyes started tearing the moment he said that. I supposed that was understandable given that we thought he had only needed normal stitching but instead was told that the best thing to do to ease Max's suffering (maggots can be easily cured but it is very painful and since hip dysplasia is a digressive condition, it will recur and cause him more pain)! We were really undecided on what to do and quickly called J's parents who was with his brother and girlfriend to the clinic. After which the doctor proceeded with the same explanation again and we decided that it there was probably nothing much we can do for Max anymore.

By this time, the flood gates were wide open with everyone crying. Aiyer, I still feel the heartache recalling the situation. Everyone was silently saying their goodbyes to Max with me clicking pictures of him away with my handphone while the vet was preparing the syringe. The barbiturate was supposed to take effect immediately in 10 seconds. Just as Dr. Vijay was shaving Max for the jap, J called out for the doctor to stop! And that he wanted to try better Max's health condition through higher dosage of glucosamine (apparently he's currently under-dosed), exercise and theraphy for his back legs. Will not be easy as Max doesn't like people touching his legs what more painfully stretching them out. But that's where the muzzle will come in handy.

 Pictures of Max looking sad and forlorn in Healing Rooms before we decieded to give him another try - it's almost as if he knows something bad was gona happen :(

We're also currently cleaning Max maggot wounds on a daily basis. It was really painful the first time the vet did it as the maggots were still alive. He assured us that it will be less painful as the day goes by. So in the meantime, Max gets special treatment and is placed in front part of the living room. This will at least help with the flies situation.

                                                      Max recuperating at home now :)

Get better soon Max. It is really heartbreaking to see you in this condition. We love you very much. It's way too soon to part now. Though to be honest, I don't think we will ever be ready when the time comes....