Time for an update now that it is post-surgery day four and the third day that carter has been home (glad that he is sleeping so that i can grab some time to post).  As stated earlier the surgery went extremely well and Carter continues to do exceptionally well.  Our biggest problem is the opposite of what we had expected…he is TOO active.  We had anticipated early days of pain and grogginess and we were going to have to keep him alert to eat…battle to get him up to go outside to do his business and worry about slow breathing, etc.  Well, folks, that aint what happened.  While he does spend most of his time on his bed in the dining room that we converted into his recovery suite he is alert, let's us readily know when he is ready to go out, and has a healthy appetite (although a bit of hand-feeding may contribute to that). 

Watching him up and about on his three legs is astonishing.  It is just what you all said - he doesnt know the difference.  He is moving at a rapid pace most all times that he moves as I think that is easier for him to navigate.  But when necessary he is walking and standing just fine.  On his outside walk today to do his business, when he finisher, he shook and wagged his tail like - 'well what did ya expect??? I've been doing this all my life.  I wasnt sure how he was going to crouch to do his solid business but it was not a problem at all. 

Again, just as you all have said - some of his early post-tumor pain energy and gleam is back.  We both have commented on how we have not seen his ears as alert as they are now in quite some time.  He had to have been in so much pain.  His entire countenance has changed.  yes, he is still in pain from the surgery and is still on some drugs but our concerns of lack of mobility or energy have been completely shattered.   We look forward to seeing what full recovery will be like and we have to continue to remind ourselves that he MUST have time to heal…dont rush things.

A few things we learned about post-amputation recovery-

• no need to invest in the sling they offered at the pet hospital.  A towel has done so much better.
• A 3 part/1 part water/rubbing alcohol mix makes a great cold compress when frozen
• For a large hard-wood floor area the padded interlocking blocks (like they have in pre-schools and such) are a great option (especially when they are on clearance at Lowes!!!)
• The bruising goes away in about three days
• The hair starts growing back fast!!!
• Some of the pain medication causes increased panting and nasal drip

Carter is well on the road to recovery and we are so grateful.  It's true that we are watching things develop just as when he was a puppy - he barked for the first time again yesterday; he wagged his tail for the first time again today; he groomed his brother…we are still waiting for the first stretch, the first play time and all the rest…those will come but for now we are just enjoying his company and are so thankful that he is still with us.

fyi - posted a pic of carter and his brother together under the recovery forum under “post-amputation and siblings.”  Not the best pic but  just used my blackberry when we got home .  Will look to take and post others with our digiital camera.