Oh - you all are so sweet - it confirms what I've already known from my experience with fostering...Dog "people" are the best and people who go above and beyond - rescue, caring for Tripawds, etc. are the cream of the crop!!

So since she already navigates my wood floor well and usually holds up her short leg - do you think she will need traction mats everywhere?  I was thinking in front of her crate, the bed in the den, and her food/water bowl.  Those mats are kind of expensive.  Maybe I can find some cheaper bath mats with rubber underneath that would work. Anyone have any other suggestions?   I find that small throw rugs tend to slip around on my floors and could make things worse?  

She's been having a nice weekend.  We've had beautiful weather here in Ga.  I took her out to a local festival on Sat. where she got lots of petting and attention, some healthy, homemade dog treats, and even met some other nice dogs.  Today she is relaxing in the sunshine and watching me putter in the garden.  

I just realized when I was looking for my thread that I posted in the cancer section.  I am so sorry - obviously a newbie! Only 2 more "normal" days until surgery - no food after 8 pm on Tues. night and no water after midnight.  

I'll keep you posted on how she's doing.... thanks for "holding my hand" through this!

I thought of another question.  Will she be able to sit after the amputation?  Currently, because of the angle of her leg, she can only stand and lie down.  I even wonder if she will remember how to sit?

Thanks!

One more "normal" day.....

That is good news Alison, thanks!  I feel like she is so limited - it's not that easy for her lie down - so she stands a lot.  She also has a strange stance when she tries to urinate - I cannot picture exactly how it will be after amputation - but trust she will figure it all out.

I called the vet's office today to check on her current medication - whether to dose her that morning or not... my sweet vet got on the phone and talked to me for almost 5 minutes. She was very reassuring and told me she would make sure she isn't in pain and that she will quickly heal and feel relief as the leg now is more of hindrance than a help.  She reminded me of how much easier it would be than a dog who is suddenly hit by a car and loses a leg that she has been using normally.  She also said she would leave a little bit of the bone so that she would have a more normal look to her hindquarters.  

So grateful to have a vet who is willing to talk and takes time with her patients!!!

She's home!  None of my fears came to pass...she jumped *JUMPED* into my back seat.  (I was imagining struggling to load her in and out of the car).   She has a little bit of edema - she's on 2 pain meds and antibiotics - but she actually walked right in the kitchen and seemed hungry - so I fixed her dinner and she ate almost all of it!   She went out to go potty - 

I bought this $60 orthopedic pad for her crate - I took the old comforter out and tossed it in the corner - guess where she is sleeping?  Right - on the old comforter.  I guess it smells familiar.  

I think she is doing so well because the leg was actually more of a pain than a help.  They are talking about her being off all pain meds in about a week - she's been on Metacam and Tramadol since I've had her - (Jan.) - so that will be amazing!! 

The incision and stitches don't look bad - it's a bit red now and swollen.  I'm supposed to keep an eye on the swelling over the weekend. I tried to get all of my errands done so I can stay in with her for the next few days.