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Miss Maizy ... Right hock, some answers but so many questions
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On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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4 February 2016 - 8:11 pm
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Thanks for the update. Get some rest, and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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4 February 2016 - 8:55 pm
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YAY FOR MISS MAIZY!! Surgery is done! She's in la la land seeing beautiful pink elephants!

Grab some zzzz's yourself! You may not get much sleep for a few nights.

Be prepared, surgeons like to shave a lot of fur!

Stay connected and let us know how recovery is going.

Hugs!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Member Since:
11 January 2016
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4 February 2016 - 9:56 pm
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Oh, I'm so happy that Miss Maizy made it through surgery and that everything went so well! Please try to get some rest tonight! When you get Miss Maizy home, her days and nights may be all turned around, and it might be like having a newborn baby in the house. (That's exactly how it seemed to me, especially the first few days after surgery.) So get plenty of sleep (if you drink wine, that might help!) and try to relax. I know you feel shattered, but please believe me that you need to project confidence and hope and joy when you see Miss Maizy. Dogs really do take their emotional cues from their pawrents (just as small children do), and they can easily "read" our emotions. Try to focus on the relief that one of the hardest parts of this journey is over (Miss Maizy came through the surgery with flying colors, and is still singing her own unique song) instead of worrying about the cancer.

None of us knows how many days we (or our pets) have "left in the box," cancer or no cancer. Just try to concentrate on the joy of having Miss Maizy with you to love and spoil for the rest of her life. (That's what I'm trying to do with my Susie.)

((((hugs))))xxx from Nancy & Susie

Member Since:
29 January 2016
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6 February 2016 - 3:39 am
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So much for getting some sleep... Miss Maizy had other plans for me. She was up right away after her surgery. They gave her were monitoring her at the clinic as planned. They called and said she is up and about and a little anxious so they gave here some more pain meds and a sedative so she would settle down and sleep. She fought the pre anistetic prior to her surgery as well. They called at 10 and said she was tangling herself up in the iv, so they were going to remove it. she calmed down for aout 1/2 an hour and then I got another call at 11ish. The vet said she was having a freak out and maybe it would be better for her if I came down to the clinic and took her home. We went down and she was pretty much hyperventilating and stressed right out but as soon as I got there she calmed down quite a bit. We went over her meds etc, loaded her up and she was calm all the way home. Once home we got her out of the truck and she took a big pee and then wanted to lay down on the lawn which was not good because we were in the middle of a really big storm. Pouring down rain and super windy. I got her into the house and she hit her bed and zonked right out.

That was not to last. After an hour and a half the whimpering began. It started in low and it started to grow. It got pretty bad but no panting. I did some reiki on her and that helped for about half an hour. I messaged the vet at 330 and she said to give her some more Gabapentin. I did and she was able to rest. At 5 the squeaky whining started up again. I got her up and took her out for a pee and then she went back to sleep. 

 she was just going to injure herself if she stayed at the clinic. Bringing her home was the right thing to do. I was not really prepared for it. So the bad little puppy just 5 hours post op came home.  I wash hoping  he would be able to stay overnight be rested before coming home. 

I'm giving her a bit more Gaba  to keep her comfy and rest .

I need sleep. I got about 1/2 an hour  last night

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
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6 February 2016 - 8:20 am
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That's too bad you had to deal with the first night most of us get to skip that.  The thing to remember is right now Maize will still have the surgery drugs in her system plus the take home drugs will be added so what you are seeing now will not be your Maize in a few days. After a few days she will be a different dog.  Our Max never seemed to sleep more than 15 minutes at a time those first few days.  After the first few days you will find yourself settling into a rhythm that works for you.  Right now she needs to eat potty and rest.  As Nancy and the other hers have said now is the time you need to be calm and relaxed around her.  She will take her cues from you.  These are the hardest days right now but you will do fine and soon Things will get better. Bringing her home surely was the right thing to do.  Try to get in some sleep when you can.  This is a hard emotional journey and you need to also take care of yourself.  We know what you're feeling and we will be here for you for emotional support.  Much love and hugs (((())))

Linda, Ollie, Riley & Spirit Mighty Max

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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6 February 2016 - 9:43 am
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Well now....WELCOME HOME MAIZY! Albeit a litte early! WOW!

Yoive already fotten good insight from those of us who did not have dogs who jist came home and slept for a couple of days! Nope, we had dogs whiny and pacing and restless for several days! Sounds like Miss Maizy will fit in thst category!
My Happy Hannah was up for nineteen hours straight before she slept at all! It was just myself and I had not joined this site until six days after her amputation. Thought I would go crazy! Thought I'd made a horrible decision!! But once recovery took place...best decision ever!!

Stay connected...eat lots of CHOCOLATE! It helps!

Love

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Member Since:
29 January 2016
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6 February 2016 - 1:16 pm
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Thank you all for the opportunity to tell Miss Maizys story and get insight and support so that we can pick our way through this journey.

Yesterday evening was better. She is still pretty wobbly on her legs and goes slow. I'm not pushing her except to pee so she doesn't have to strain to hold it in and when she does she noticably relaxes and gives me a tail wag.

This morning she told me she wanted to go outside...Poop poop poop! she took a poop! whooop whoop whooop! I love doggy poop!

well maybe not love it but pretty happy to see it today.

She cried out a bit when she was settling and trying to get comfy so i helped her manuver her butt around and gave her some reiki and now she is chillaxing on her bed. She even poked her toy a few times with her big black nose.

One day, One hour, one minute at a time. We are on our way.

Member Since:
11 January 2016
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6 February 2016 - 3:36 pm
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Oh, Miss Maizy! You are doing this whole journey your way--aren't you? She sounds so much like my own Susie, despite the size difference. One thing that has helped me tremendously throughout Susie's diagnosis, surgery, and recovery is realizing and appreciating that she's still Susie--the exact same little soul who has been part of my life (and my heart) for ten years---whether three legs or four, cancer or no cancer. I love it so much that she is still here!

Susy, you and Maizy obviously have a very tight bond. I completely understand. My Susie has separation anxiety issues, and goes into a panic every time I bring out a suitcase (because I have to travel for work). I am sure part of her recovery from the surgery is emotional recovery from the trauma of being separated from me while in the hospital. I actually think she had nightmares afterwards.

Susie lost her IV right after surgery, too, as the catheter became infiltrated. (They tried putting an IV in a back leg, but that one didn't work out, either.) So then she had to switch to oral meds--codeine and Metacam (Meloxidyl). She's been on the Metacam since last October, due to the pain of the cancer (which they thought for three months was just an infection that wouldn't heal.) I finally got Gabapentin prescribed for her (and I just give it once a day, at night) during her two-week post-op checkup, and the Gabapentin is what finally gave her much-needed pain relief. (She didn't get an antibiotic after surgery, either, but she was on numerous strong antibiotics in the three months preceding the surgery, due to the fact that our local vet thought she had a stubborn infection.)

Anyway, I could easily tell from your posts that Miss Maizy is a very high-spirited dog! She has plenty of joie de vivre to spare! I believe that it's this strong life force that will see her through the next two weeks of recovery.

Yes, you are definitely on your way! I love it that you're giving her reiki. I wish so much I could give reiki to Susie. I think she'd really benefit.

Hang in there, Susy! You and Miss Maizy rock! And you have got this! One day, one hour, one minute at a time. Your love will see you through!

((((hugs)))))xxxx from Nancy & Susie

Member Since:
29 January 2016
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13 February 2016 - 12:03 am
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Here we are 8 days post amp. Its been a slow go for the little Miss Maizy. She really seems to be having a hard time getting  the hop down pat. She makes a hop and goes down quite low like she is waiting for her other foot to be there and its not 🙁 She is still on her pain meds but am slowly lowing the dose. She went in for a massage but she was so scared she shook like a leaf in the wind.

Last night was horrible. The day before she coughed a couple times. Nothing serious but it was unusual enough to take notice. at about 2:30 am she started wretching and gagging like crazy, then she would flop her head back down and go back to sleep and the a few minutes later she'd do it again and again etc. She didn't seem distressed but i video taped it and sent it to out vet. I was suspecting kennel cough or something like that and even thought her cancer may have set up shop in her lungs already.

I took her in first thing this morning and she was examined out in the truck and everything was ok. no fever etc but the vet was thinking maybe she had tracheal bronchitis? from being intubated and under general anesthesia for such a long time. She wanted an xray of her lungs so we took her inside and they are still clear. She said the timeline fits for kennel cough and her surger. She said that they haven't had any cases of it come in but its always a possibility. She changed Maizys post amp antibiotics to a different one and gave me a cough suppressant medication to use if she gets really bad. I'm going to try to calm her coughs with some good organic honey from my neighbours hives and see if that help and have the meds a backup if I need them.

She has only made 2-3 small huffs like she's just clearing her throat a today so I think she may be saving it up for when I try to get some sleep. Bad Little Puppy lol

We are still waiting on the bone biopsy results but I think that may be a good thing. It is giving me time to research treatments and really think about where we go from here. I just wish Maizy was having an easier transition. She really seems to be depressed and I just see glimpses of her through the drug fog. Hopefully we can have her of the drugs and she can move through this respiratory issue with no more complications.

I just feel awful for my poor little girl and all this crap she is having to go through.

Susy & The Munk (Miss Maizy)

Member Since:
11 January 2016
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13 February 2016 - 12:27 am
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Oh, Miss Maizy! I am so sorry that you are having to deal with kennel cough, on top of everything else! That's not fair! I hope that you feel better very soon, and that your mom can get some sleep! I remember the first week after the surgery that my Susie (a front amp) was always trying to move that right front leg that was no longer there, and then she'd cry in frustration when she couldn't do it, and sometimes she'd fall down in a pitiful heap.

Susy, I'm so glad you were so observant to notice her coughing even that first day when it wasn't anything much. Maizy is so lucky to have a mum who's so on top of things!

I hope that both of you get a good night's sleep and feel better soon!

Love and ((((hugs))))xxxx from Nancy & Susie (one month post-amp)

Schofield, WI
Member Since:
13 August 2015
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13 February 2016 - 8:38 am
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I'm so sorry Miss Maizy is having some difficulties in her recovery.  But let's celebrate still clear lung x-rays.  Yay Maize!  Hopefully the new antibiotic will soon clear up the coughing issues.  As far as mobility issues remember she's using a whole new set of muscles to get around now.  They need time to strengthen.  I've heard it said that dogs need at least two weeks or more to recover from surgery and at least a month to get mobility issues strong.   Hang in there you are doing a wonderful job with Maize and recovery!  You're staying positive and calm around her which is what she needs right now.  Pat yourself on the back for doing a great job!  Hugs!

Linda, Ollie, Riley & Spirit Mighty Max

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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13 February 2016 - 10:28 am
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I'm really sorry. I know it's hard to see our pups in recovery mode. Remember though eight days is definitely not a long time, especially for a larger dog. Imagine where a human would be right now, and odds are, Maizy is way ahead. I'll also bet that in a couple of weeks you'll both feel so much better and be much stronger.

Glad she cleared the vet with an A and went in for a massage. Does the therapist work at a rehab clinic? If so you may want to consider having Maizy evaluated by a CCRT or CCRP rehab therapist. It's soooo beneficial for new Tripawds, especially one who needs a little extra help.

Use caution with the honey, too much can be detrimental according to the Bee Conservancy. I would double check with your vet and ask about Robitussin (sugar free), which is safe for dogs, but again, ask your vet for the proper dosage.

Hugs to you both. Stay strong, we're with you.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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13 February 2016 - 11:35 am
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You've gotten good feedback from everyone! Just to ditto this is still early in recovery!

And a great vig YAAAAAAAAAY FOR CLEAR XRAYS!!!!clapclap

Check with yiur vet about reducing her pain meds. Every dognis different, but most stay on them approximately two weeks. Eight days may be a little early to reduce them yet. But if they're making her a zoombie, it may be a good idea. I guess you can always increase them shoukd she show signs of pain.

Sorry she's having to deal with that cough too. Bummer! She'll soon nave all this behi d her and her sparkle will come back bigger and brighter than before!

Hang in there and TRY and get some rest! This part of the jkurney is nerve wracking and exhausting!

Love!

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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13 February 2016 - 11:37 am
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Oh, and btw, it took me three weeks before I could say I did this FOR my Happy Hannah and notnTO her!. I may have already mentioned that, but n it's worth repeating!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Michigan
Member Since:
2 April 2013
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13 February 2016 - 12:38 pm
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It sounds like Maizy is having a little harder time, but it's really not unusual...recovery really does take a good 2 weeks or a little longer, especially if they're bigger.  A couple of weeks from now you'll be breathing much easier!

Donna

Donna, Glenn & Murphy 

Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17  
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs

Donna.png

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