Well, the good news is that we visited a different vet who believes that Alexander will do well as a tripawd. He is of good weight, his joints are good, but most of all his drive for life is strong.
The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, they will take him in, do the surgery, keep him for at least two nights to monitor his pain and stuff. If all goes well, then he will be coming home Thursday.
I know that we are making the right decision for him, it’s either his leg or his life, but I keep having anxiety attacks! I just start thinking about the complications from surgery, how it is going to be so startling to see him afterward, my baby in pain and everything else!
Of course the vets have to tell you all the risks for surgery, but all I hear is, “blah, blah, heart failure, blah blah, pneumonia, blah blah, bleeding” Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!
The vets also commented a couple of times that he needs to stay calm so as not to tear his stitches and other tissues, of course it makes me happy they think he’ll be so go, go, go, but now it makes me nervous he could hurt himself.
I am trying to prepare myself for the shock of seeing it for the first time, but I’m not sure you can do that. I am also trying to prepare myself for bringing home a doped up, in pain 165lb dog…..good thing my husband isn’t small…..
Well, I’ve vented enough. I hate that this is happening to him, I am so angry that he has to go through this, but I know that it is not as bad for them as it is us…..I just hate it.
It’s completely normal to be angry. It’s just not fair that these precious, innocent creatures have to suffer any pain. But luckily, the dogs on this website have found humans that love them enough and have the resources to help them through it. As far as being prepared goes, have you seen any pictures of amputations yet? If not, there are a few in the tripawds gallery and I have a couple posted of Roxy on her blog. http://www.lesliec.tripawds.com. There are also some others that have posted pics, but I can’t think of them right now. Seeing pics is the closest you will come to prepared. It’s also important for you and your husband to stay as calm as possible. He needs strong pack leaders He will act depending on the vibes he gets from you guys. It’s stressful and heart wrenching at times, but you can do it…for Alexander if nothing else.
Leslie
It’s an anxiety-riddled time. Take everything one moment, one hour, one day at a time and just keep giving that big boy lots of loving.
Will be thinking of Alexander on Tuesday.
Sending healing wishes.
While his body will change, his soul will not. Spend more time looking into his eyes than at his stump. You’ve already heard plenty about the first two weeks. Be strong for him while he heals then sit back and let him amaze you. We’re all here for you when those questions arise.
Rachel (Major’s mom)
Cemil’s surgery was on a Monday and he stayed an extra day and came home Thursday. While in the hospital, the staff worked with him so that he could get around better on his own, since I can’t lift him. That was successful and I’d recommend it. When you visit, you’ll see how he’s doing–by the time he’s ready to come home, he should be able to hop and not need to be carried. Cemil went straight for the bed and hopped up there, which wasn’t my plan at all, but I let him stay. Then, in the morning, his only accident happened–he stood up to shake and slipped off the edge. Made me feel terrible, but he wasn’t hurt, and he was careful after that.
Mary