Well, I meant to write up some posts since I last blogged, but gee, here we are – a tripawd and lookin' good. Mika's surgery went an hour longer than the vet expected ("I knew she was a 100 pound dog, but that was a BIG leg! LOL), and the procedure went swimmingly! She was supposed to come home tonight, but was too doped up to move, soooo the vet recommended keeping her overnight in the crate since she's just sleeping anyway. Hubs and I weren't keen on that idea since they don't have anyone staying there, but we went to go see her and realized that she can use the extra day of rest. She sure was zoinked, tongue peeking out and eyes glazed over, but her ears perked up when we talked to her. Since she was situated with her "good" side facing us, you couldn't even tell that her leg was missing!

I'll write more later on the blog and post a few pics, but I just wanted to pop in to let you all know that she's doing well. Tomorrow will be the hardest day because I know it will be just heartbreaking to see her strugging to stand and walk.

So what does everyone do with the bum leg that's been removed anyway? Mount it over the mantel? Make a giant key chain (a la lucky rabbit foot)? Turn it into a lamp like the leg light in A Christmas Story? Just kidding…but I did tell the vet's assistant she might need a bigger bio-hazard box after seeing the puny little ones mounted on the wall.

Thanks again one and all for your support and encouragement. Mika is now an OFFICIAL member of the club.

Hugs,
Mari (Mika's mom)

jerry said:
Meanwhile, brace yourself, you might just be surprised at seeing how she gets around tomorrow.

Very glad to hear that Mika's surgery went well. Many overdo the activity when the get home, only to be knocked out later. This can get to the pawrent because they feel that it is really a major set back, when in reality it is only normal over excursion getting to them. Above all, we have learned that every dog responds differently so there realy is no "normal".  Wishing you the very best and above all hang-in-there.

Spirit Cherry's Bob

I second and third the motion………….you may be surprised how well Mika will do, it is not the hardest day!!  The hardest day is behind her!!

Give her lots of love and attention and treats and tell her that her Tripawd buddies all send get well wishes.

Ginny & Angel Paris

I am so glad that Mika is doing well.  The first two weeks can be challanging but what a relief to have the amputation over with.  Sorry I can't think of anything clever to do with that leg.  After Emily died I horrified my sons by telling them we should have had Emily's leg preserved and reattached by a taxidermist.  I thought a three legged stuffed Emily would fall over more.  They have no sense of humor.  I was only kidding, you know.

Debra & Angel Emily (She had a sense of humor.)

Mari–

Awesome post.  Harrumph, I may have competition in the 'finding humor in a dark place' department.  But its healthy.

I'm glad Mika (rhymes with Tika!) is doing so well.  Tika's big ole haunch was sent off for further diagnostic testing when she was amputated, of course we had the thoughts: how does it go? FedEx/UPS/carrier pigeon?

Tika had the stick your tongue out thing going also, she did great coming home, we left her at the hospital after my visit to get the house ready for her.  I'd suggest when you get home, do a walk around with Mika and let her re-evaluate things.  Tika had problems with meds and for some reason nights, and I've seen that mentioned with others.

So from Spirit Tika, I don't like visiting hospitals when they do choppy leggy off things!

hmm I think I wondered about the leg for a couple of seconds and then couldn't bear to think about it anymore at the thought of having to be the poor vet and going though that.  I know our vet sent a sample of the leg to have it tested to determine the exact type of cancer, which was oesteosarcoma.  But when she said a piece I then realised that once it was removed she then had to get a sample and that was enough to make me queezy.  Hmmm there are things I hate to have to do in my job but I would hate to be a vet with amputations and having to put down animals.  I guess like any job you would have to learn pretty quick to cope with it. 

As for humor my girlfriend's Christmas present for me last year was a cutting board that had labrador retrievers on it.  As I opened it her partner hadn't seen it yet and his comment was "You got Storm a cutting board when her dog has just had his leg cut off this year"  My poor girlfriend had not even thought of it like that so we all had a good laugh and I assured her in no way was I offended as she felt terrible. 

Well we hope Mika a speedy recovery.  And welcome to the Tripawd Club Mika!!!! 

Keep us posted with everything.  I posted some tips on Henri's post that may help also.

Storm and Koda