This is such a great update! I'm delighted Toby is doing so well and that you both got some rest. What a superstar he is.

Re your questions: I think your instincts are spot on. This is very early days and it's important that Toby does as little physically as possible. Can you occupy him with some games and food puzzles, perhaps? He sounds like a lively character, and it will be easier to keep him physically still if you can keep the Toby brain active... This will also help keep him out of trouble when your parents are caring for him on their own.

I think you are right. I didn't let Meg go up and down stairs at this stage. Even though he might be able to do it physically, the more he moves around, the slower he is likely to heal, it also raises the risk of developing a seroma . Most rear amps have a harder time going upstairs than downstairs. The opposite is true for front amps.

Megstamum - that's good to know that Meg wasn't prescribed it either. I think I'll ask the vet about it tomorrow, because if we can get it then I'd rather have it on hand.

Absolutely - can't do any harm to ask. If they do prescribe it, you may also find it zonks him out, which might be a blessing, lol. Meg was on it briefly for a carpal strain, and it was the only meds that has EVER made her dopey, though only for 24 hours...

How come Meg didn't have stitches??

I don't know! It's a mystery. And I do realise that sounds daft. She has had multiple surgeries, and she always had stitches before, and sometimes glue on top of the stitches, but her amputation (which was done at a different hospital) just seemed to be sealed up by magic. Her rehab vet (who is based elsewhere) was unsurprised though, so it obviously is a thing they sometimes do. I mean, she MUST have had stitches internally, but there was absolutely nothing visible on the outside (and believe me, I looked!). I think they must have somehow stitched it up from underneath. Anyway, it doesn't matter. Stitches, staples, magic, whatever - so long as it stays closed!

Re bringing Toby home. I totally agree! Definitely a good decision, rather than leaving him on his own. Meg had all her operations in hospitals, which were staffed 24 hours, so this wasn't an issue, but if that were the set up, I would certainly do as you have done, though I'm not sure I'd have managed so well!

Looking forward to your update later. Wishing you all a good day. What's the weather like with you? Gorgeous sunshine here after endless rain; I think it's come out for Toby.

Big hug,

Meg, Clare and Angel Pie xxx

OMD, he has the sweetest face! What an expression! That dog knows he is loved! The wound looks good in the other pics too. Very clean and healing nicely. He is doing really well.

Btw, if you go into your 'media library', click on the picture you want, and then copy the URL link in the top box on the right, you can click on the little mountain picture above the box where you post and paste it in there, then the picture will appear here in the thread (rather than the link). I'm sorry that is terribly explained.

Re your comments on Toby's activity levels. I would try to have him move around as little as possible, though I know it's not always easy with an active dog. Shadebathing is great, but maybe try to cut back on the walking around. Re the wanting to trot, many tripawds find it easier to go faster, rather than slower, because the momentum helps with balance etc.

I know it's hard to be thinking of having to leave him, but, as you say, the garden is nice for him, and he has company all day, and he'll be super pleased to see you when you come round.

Re the human bed question. No reason at all why Toby won't be able to able to lie in/on human beds, but you want to avoid him jumping up and down. This was an issue for me and Meg too, as I cannot conceive of sleeping dogless, any more than she would want to sleep without me... the answer for us (after hours of researching, debating, humming, hawing) was these cork-topped steps I bought from Amazon. I use them in various combinations to create steps upon to the beds, and also for getting on and off the sofa etc. Like so:

The steps going up at the end of the bed are actually made from wine boxes. I used two lots of steps because I had two dogs, and I didn't want Meg (or Elsie, for that matter) jumping down if the other was blocking her way.

Here's another arrangement in another room. You also get a free view of Miss Elsie Pie, my little staff who died recently. As you can see, here I've created a double width platform at the top so they can turn round.

It's not the cheapest solution, as the steps add up if you start buying a number of them (The man actually rang me to query my order, lol, because he couldn't imagine why anyone would need 10 disability steps, and thought I had added a zero by mistake), and there are other purpose made steps and slopes for dogs, but I was worried these looked a bit flimsy (I haven't tried them. This is just from the photo), and I thought the dogs might not use them. These are seriously solid, and the cork provides good traction . Neither dog had any hesitation in using them at all. An added bonus is that if I'm staying with friends or something, I can just stick a couple in the car, and then use them wherever we go. They are also great for physio/core strength exercises.

Hope some of that is useful and you are enjoying a peaceful day with your boy. Good luck at the vets. Let us know how you get on.

All best,

Meg, Clare and Angel Pie xxx