Hi folks,

I'm happy to say Titus is doing extremly well after a rollercoaster of events.  Just ten days post-op his stitches opened up to a 2x3inch wide wound. Titus had two flaps of dying skin that did not receive any blood supply after the surgery, so the vet had to snip the skin off. The wound then became the size of my fist

He also had an infection from two strains of bacteria that were resistant to the antibiotics (Clavulox) he was on. The vet took him off the antibiotics and painkillers and gave him Gentimicin. Titus was also having diarrhea (must be from the meds) since surgery. The wound was so big and there was plenty of drainage. The vet recommended it was best for Titus to stay for a few days until the infection clears up(since the antibiotic was in the form of injection/daily), and we should let it heal from inside out. I didnt want to risk more infections at home as it would delay the chemo treatment, so poor Titus was there for a full week until the fluid turned clear. He'd lost 10kg since surgery. 

A week after Titus came home, his appetite improved tremendously, and appeared to be very active. We managed to go for short walks despite his gaping wound. Managing the wound was not too bad, 4 ten-minute flushes per day, each followed by an application of Solcoseryl. It helped with the drainage a lot, and granulation tissue formed well for the skin to adhere to. I was extremely concerned about so much tissue  being exposed, and everyone who saw it stayed away from him 🙁 It must be difficult for Titus because he's such a people-loving dog.

Titus was given the green light to go ahead with his first chemo (carboplatin) on Nov. 1, and wow he handled it extremely well. He was extremely hyper after that session, so much so that i got a little concerned. The vet said different dogs react differently so there's really nothing to worry about. Anyone had a similar experience?

This Saturday will be Titus' 2nd chemo session, i hope his blood work comes back normal. When he had his blood checked 5 days after his first session, the vet said it was excellent. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this week. 

As for the wound, its the size of my thumb and closing up nicely. I am more relieved now that he's gotten over so many hurdles and only to stay positive and acting like nothing's different from before.

I pray that all your new tripawds' recovery will be smooth and know that no matter how tough it gets, our pooches seem to know that they can breeze through it. It just takes a lot of time, patience and lotsa love on our side. I know I am stronger now because Titus has taught me so much in these toughest of times. 

 xx,

Carol