An Update on Odin: Rest, Healing, and a Missing Voice

Over the past few weeks, many of you have been checking in about Odin, and we wanted to share an update on how he’s doing. Odin has been dealing with a combination of back pain and laryngeal paralysis, which has meant a period of strict activity restriction, pain medications, and steroids to help his body heal and reduce his discomfort.  Because of his kidney disease, he is limited in the medications he can take, which complicates things a bit.

The good news is that he does seem to be feeling a bit better. He’s more comfortable overall, less tense in his movements, and brighter in his day-to-day demeanor. That said, we’re still being very careful. Odin remains on activity restriction, which for a dog who loves to trot, bark at pigs, and jump on the couch is… a personal injustice. But rest is an essential part of giving his body the best chance to recover, and he’s handling it with quiet patience (and occasional dramatic expressions).

One lingering symptom is that Odin still doesn’t have his voice. His bark has been absent, which is unsettling in its own way - not because barking is that important, but because it means that there is a neurological connection between his sudden back pain and his larynx. Laryngeal paralysis is not typically life-threatening, and there isn't really a treatment for it.  And while the prednisone has helped reduce inflammation, nerves and soft tissues often heal on their own timeline. At this point, we’re cautiously optimistic, but we don’t yet know when or if his voice will return.

We will likely consult with a neurologist soon once we figure out where Odin lands in terms of his day-to-day comfort.  There isn't necessarily a need to see a neurologist if surgery isn't a possibility, but we aren't sure just yet what is wrong with Odin so we can't rule out a surgical treatment.  His bloodwork came back fine (except his kidneys), his x-rays showed great lung function, with the only thing noticeable being some slight pinching of the spinal discs.  But nothing dramatic that would explain his situation.  

We’re continuing to monitor him closely as he finishes out his course of prednisone, watching for comfort, breathing changes, energy levels, and any signs that would suggest we need to reassess more quickly. For now, the plan is rest, patience, and listening carefully to what Odin’s body is telling us - even when that message comes without sound.

​The good news that we would like to end with is that his kidney values have remained stable for a year - so his homemade vegan kidney diet is definitely working!  

As always, thank you for loving our animals with us. Odin is deeply loved and surrounded by people who are committed to doing right by him.  We’ll continue to share updates as we learn more and as his healing unfolds.