jerry said
Yay for Henry's remarkable and pawesome recovery!

Does anyone have any other suggestions for assisting with BM?

You bet. First I would try straight up canned  pumpkin pulp over baby food. There's more fiber and should run through him faster. Steamed squash, some olive oil or metamucil flakes can also help.

 Any suggestions on how to keep his stitches dry?

I wouldn't worry too much as long as he's not out there long and not rolling around in mud. Just pat dry when he comes inside.

 I'd love to add a picture but I can't figure out how.

Sure! Here are instructions for adding images to the forums. If you'd like a tutorial just PM me.

Glad to hear things are going so well!  

Thank you so much for the advice.  I will attempt to post a pic when I get home tonight.  I am so grateful to have come across such great support!

raeandskyla said
Awww, sweet Henry! Sounds like he's doing really well for being just a few days post-op! 

My Skyla is on day 4, and she JUST had her first poop this evening - hooray! I haven't been this excited about a dog poop in a LONG time. It just takes time, especially with all the pain meds, anesthesia, having fasted for quite awhile, etc. If you try pumpkin, just do a small amount as it works as both a "get things moving" and a "bulk things up" food. You could fit him with a little T-shirt to keep his stitches dry! 

Best of luck to you both! 

XOXO,

Rae & Skyla  

Hi Rae.  How is Skyla doing?  Henry is still very lethargic and while he can get up and move he doesn't go very far.  He has been whining a bit particularly at night.  I'm guessing he's uncomfortable from laying on the same side all the time.  I give him little massages and that seems to help some. His pooping is still very sporadic.  Thanks for the advice on giving pumpkin in small amounts; I didn't know it was a binder too. Does Skyla spend a lot of time sleeping? Henry sleeps a lot and I'm only giving him Quellin (anti-inflammatory/pain reliever) once a day in the morning. He's taking his last dose of that tomorrow.  I hope you are all doing as best as can be expected.  Hugs...Waleska & Henry

benny55 said
Oh good, glad he has some Tramadol. I'm certainly no Vet, but you may ask about giving him some Tram at a minimum of every twelve hrs and see if that makes a difference.

Just in the "for whatever it's worth" column, pain can show up in different ways. Dogs aren't always vocal about it. They are too stoic for their own good sometimes. Anyway, Henry may not feel like moving and may appear lethargic because he hurts. And using energy to fight pain is exhausting.

Henry is pooping some and that's more than some dogs do at day six! Have you tried rhe pumpkin suggestion yet? How bout his water jntake, is that pretty good?

Trynot to worry about the , especially since he is, indeed some! 🙂 🙂

Hang in there! Henry needs rest to recover so he's doing exactly what ne needs ro do. Smart boy! One thing you can try though so you can see him perk up aa bit. Hzve someone come over he really @ikes...hzve them knock on the door with enthusiasm...And bring him a cheeseburger!! Also, if he likes to sit outside, take a blanket out and sit in the sun with him for a few minutes and just let him enjoy the sce ts of Nature.

Thanks for the words of encouragement.  Henry is definitely doing better every day.  I have been giving him pure pureed pumpkin which seemed to help somewhat, but his was so hard still and he was very distressed trying to get it out.  His water intake is good.  His vet suggested I give him a tablespoon of Metamucil and that has really helped.

Henry does LOVE to lay in the grass.  We have been sitting outside for an hour at a time alternating between sun and shade. Fortunately, the weather here has been great and we have been taking advantage of that.  We went on a field trip today to visit my co-workers. He was such a ham; hobbling up to each one looking for some loving.  Everyone fell instantly in love.

Thanks again for your support.  It really has helped.