luna – May 21, 2012 12:00 AM

We added a full-spectrum light when she is not outside to trigger the formation of Vitamin D. According to research, when vitamin D requirements cannot be met by diet due to metabolic or absorption issues, direct solar exposure is the most effective method of promoting biosynthesis of vitamin D. If solar is not available, artificial lighting may be a viable substitute. I am now trying to investigate her status and nutrition prior to her arrival on site. We have a lot of questions for the source facility and are still in the process of getting answers. We know (by comparison of Bolts growth) that the nutritional supplements and variety of diet seems to be working for him. She is on a 4-week restricted activity order from the surgeons at the University. We put up a small pen within the main kennel as well as outside so Peanut and Bolts have face to face contact. She is active, feeding well, her coat condition has improved dramatically since we first met her, and she has great spirits. Weights since the last posting <li> 5-8-12 – 9.0 lbs <li> 5-9-12 – 9.0 lbs <li> 5-10-12- 8.8 lbs <li> 5-11-12 – 9.4 (note scale change may affect weight) Day of first x rays<li> 5-12-12 – 9.2 lbs <li> 5-13-12 – 9.3 lbs <li> 5- 14-12 – 9.6 lbs <li> 5-15-12- No weight <li> 5-16-12 – 9.7 lbs U of MN Surgery date<li> No weights 5/17 <li> 5-18-12 – 10.5 lbs <li> 5-19-20 – 10.6 lbs <li>