On Christmas Day.. it will be 3 weeks since Franklin had his surgery.
I’m fortunate to report that he is doing amazing. I know that everyone does not have that privilege. Franklin has been the model patient. He has now been off his pain meds for 2 days now.. and I don’t see a need for him to continue with them at this point.
His bandages are now off and I have his thundercoat on for some comfort at this time. While I type this, he is lying beside the bed on the floor on his favourite blanket.. and yes… he has farted!! I do believe my eyes are starting to water! My Gawd….what has died in this dogs inards? phew!!!! man…. wow…
Things I have noticed about Franklin:
His sparkle is back in his eyes….
He walks alot faster than he used to.. or should I say gallop….
he naps more.. which is ok as he is using more energy getting around…
he drinks more water.. I believe because he is using more energy to get around
he still stumbles a little bit… some times
belly rubs are easier with out that leg in the way!!
I now have wall to wall carpet in area rugs… as well, I now have outdoor carpet on my deck because when I stepped on it the other night, the water had frozen from the rain and it was a sheet of ice..
I do not regret the decision to have Frankie’s leg removed… I think it was the best thing for him… Merry Christmas everyone!! I know that this Christmas is going to be extra special because 4 months ago.. I didn’t know if he would even be here at this time. I tell you, if I had a dollar for everytime my dogs made me smile… I woudl be a millionaire!!
Merry Christmas and thank you for the uplifting story. My 4 month old Chihuahua Louie is 8 days post op. He had a freak accident in the house last week, and the surgeon could not pin the leg. His little elbow was shattered. This has a been a very challenging week and pain has been an issue. He is on Tramadol, Metacam and we started Gabapentin 2 days ago, which seems to be helping a lot. We had a rough night last night though, and his progress seem to go back and forth. When he’s out of pain, he is trying to run and jump and play, which is very encouraging.
I’m not finding a lot of information out there on small dogs and their recovery, so I’m always in search of what to expect and how to deal with these difficult first few weeks. I have to get back to work next week, and I’m terrified of leaving him! I have help coming in mid-day to administer meds but I hate the thought of leaving his side. He will absolutely be confined to small pen and crate with access to pee pads and food and water. I know he’ll be safe, I’m just concerned about the pain and his crying when I’m not here! So sad…