Thanks Clare, Meg and Elsie Pie,
They'll be taking from her abdomen and flipping it around to the knee. She'll be coming home day of surgery, and I know she'll have some drains for about 5 days.
That's a great idea about taking a daily picture so you can easily notice any changes, I'll have to remember to do that.
I felt so prepared for amp recovery and now that plans have changed I'm feeling rather unprepared and unsure about recovery. I just want to do what's best for our girl and part of me feels like I'm failing her because I'm not prepared enough. I guess there's always gonna be something to worry about.

Yes, its Ashley. Sometimes my wife Noelle comes on, but usually I'm the one posting in the forums.

I know she'll have some drains so the giant cone o' shame is necessary. I've read that the inflatable ones don't do so well with rear sites as they can still reach them pretty easily. She'll also be sporting some boxer shorts, though I imagine that won't be until after the drains come out.

I'm really not concerned about her activity level-shes very calm for an Aussie and I'll be with her 24/7 to make sure she's not trying to jump on couches or anything. We are going to be staying with our neighbor(we live on the 3rd floor-24 steps to ground level) so that Zuzu will have an easier time with going potty. Only 5 steps to deal with when we first bring her home and any time we need to go to the vet(not sure how to handle that yet-dont want to stress on her abdomen by lifting/carrying her but not sure what else we can do), but otherwise its only about 5 feet from the door to "grass"(weeds and dirt mostly). She will be staying with another dog, but I don't think Sally (the dachshund) will be of any concern, they get along fine-mostly just sniff then ignore each other.

Part of me is glad we have time to prepare but the other part wants it to just be done and over with so we can move onto recovery. The more time my mind has to think the more I worry about her, it doesn't help that in the past week or so we've started seeing some signs of pain.

This surgery, even though I know the technical aspects(thanks dvm360) is scarier to me than amp surgery. I think mostly because it's so hard to find anyone else with experience in this. I'm glad our girl gets to keep her leg (for now) and that everything with this surgery seems to be falling into place-it feels like a sign that this is the right course of action for us and for Zuzu.
Thank you for the reassuring words, the support from everyone here has been amazing. I love reading all the different stories and adventures, it sucks that our pets being in pain have brought us here, but I'm so glad we have a place to come to be together and help each other. I have recommended this community to several different people in the short time I've been a member.

*hugs*
Ashley and a sleepy Zuzu

Thanks Pam, I was hoping for your input!
I know they said they would be giving her pain meds before/during surgery but I don't remember her specifying what exactly. It also shows post-op pain medication on her estimate breakdown but again doesn't say what specifically.
I know all dogs are different but how long should she be on pain meds for?
If she has an injection before coming home does she still need oral meds?
If tramadol is suspected as not being as effective is there something else you recommend we ask for?

Thanks so much!
Ashley

tazziedog said
I would do an NSAID for 10-14 days and if they give her a Fentanyl patch you shoul dnot need Tramadol.  If the surgery involves bone I would ask for an MLK drip.

Pam  

Thank you!