We are off to the vet visit in a couple of hours - sutures to be removed and general check up on everything.

Questions about her pain meds and when/how to wean her off of some of those.  I am nervous about the Gabapentin as I know that has been keeping those horrible phantom pain episodes at bay.  She prescribed a month's supply so I imagine we won't be getting off of that anytime soon.

Must share that as perfect as Dolly Momma is in all other ways - she is a real stinker about taking pills.  I'm used to "hiding" pills in fresh hamburger, cheese, etc.  and having most dogs just scarf them down.  Not her!  She carefully takes the treat - then spits it out on the floor, and carefully licks it off, leaving the pill. I've tried every desirable treat, fresh meat, cheese, luncheon meat, etc. I can think of.     The same with her food..... I tried hiding them in her soft food - which is mixed with kibble.  She cleans the bowl and the pills are sitting in the bottom.  SO..... I have to hold her head, place the pill way down her throat (almost making her gag) and then hold her mouth until she swallows.  If it is even 1/4" too high on her tongue - she will move it around, keep it in her mouth - indefinitely - until I release her head - then spit it out.  I can only assume her keen sense of smells alerts her to any hidden objects in her food and she refuses to eat them.  This is only a problem because she takes 8 pills a day - plus a squirt of Medicam (which is not problem).  

Fingers crossed that we can eliminate a few of those during this week.

I'll report back later today/tonight!!  

We're home!!!!  

 All good news. The incision is healed up and all sutures removed. She is taking her off of the Medicam first (naturally, the easiest one to give....but also the most $$$) continue the Tramadol for a week- then keep her off the Tramadol for a week - then we will slowly wean her off the Gabapentin. Sounds like a plan! So at least 2+ more weeks of slimy fingers twice a day  (The vet said they had to do the same thing with her - stick pills back in her throat and wait for her to swallow). Dolly Momma seemed very relieved that we brought we back home instead of leaving her there for a 4th surgery~~~ (last 3 trips - spay, amputation, removal of necrotic tissue at wound site).  

I will try all of your suggestions.  I figured out that it was the scent - so I've tried covering it VERY well - washing my hands, etc.  I can give her a piece without a pill first and she takes it and eats it without any delay.  But - the ones with pills - "the Nose Knows!!"   Someone in my rescue group suggested Liver Sausage - I never knew there was such a thing...so I may see if I can find that. I already tried peanut butter - she is not a fan even without a pill.  She is a funny girl - she prefers cooked meat to raw - doesn't like cheese.  Considering a few months ago she was starving, with all of her ribs and hip bones showing - it didn't take long to become a picky connoisseur  🙂