Sandpiper did not come home today.  This mornings update was positive - he went outside last night without help and doing very well.  The doctor knows my distance from the hospital and given that, preferred to keep him one more day  just to make sure all continues to go well for my boy.  Today's plan was to discontinue IV medications and move to oral meds and monitor / manage accordingly.  

I had a fantastic, fifteen minute phone call a little later in the morning with his nurse - we talked about the setup Sand has at the hospital and I spent the day shopping and then duplicating that setup at home.  Sandpiper now has a 4' x 5' pen in our living room with slip proof mats and a comforter.  I also have runner rugs with anti-slip covering our path from the living room to the door for outside time.

This evening's update was also positive, Sandpiper was eagerly awaiting his meal.  He has successfully done both businesses without issue and is tolerating the oral medications very nicely.  His nurse did mention that he was reluctant to move nor move as well this afternoon but she believes that's because she tried to do so not long after giving him is Trazodone (I think that is the name).  She said he continues to progress in the right direction.

Now to tackle my Monday and returning to work issue.  I might have mentioned, all the doctors were quick to get the surgery scheduled to resolve his pain but there wasn't much opportunity for setting expectations for the recovery.  I was not and am not prepared to be off work this coming week nor do I have anyone to check on him.

Thank you for easing the loneliness!

Billie Jo

PS  Jerry - yes, I read it and re-read it.  I also read reviews and suggestions to order the brush guard down size for a better fit.  I just need my boy home to take that measurement and be ready when he is ready.

Sandpiper came home yesterday - what a day!

A different nurse shared the story that she never saw a dog pop up and walk (sort of drug her) from the surgery recovery crate to his recovery area!!  The Trazodone kept him from being over excited to see me but his eyes and tail told another story.  The long trip home was fine as he slept on my lap. 

Honestly, my only two challenges - Sand is losing control of his bowel movements.  He is making soft squirt and dropping messes and not really even realizing he is doing it.  And, despite what the nursing staff reported for his mobility - I am having trouble getting him to move to come back in the house after potty break.

I called last night and they said give the accidents another 24 hours, they 'believe' it be because he is learning to go on three legs and not emptying completely.  So, in a 12 hour span, Sand had 4 solid, large movements.  We are still experiencing some 'leakage' but not as much.

Today he snuck in some of his normal personality stuff - it was great to see!  

My question - is he to have activity during the day to avoid stiffness and weakness or is this truly a time of nothing but rest?  I have him setup for nothing but rest and that appears to be what he wants.  He is not fighting to be confined or wear his cone...just rest!!

Oh...thank you for the compliment on the name!  He was named after the bird you find on the beach.  The Boxer I had many years ago LOVED to chase those birds and he was named in her memory.  

gracek said
I am a few days ahead of you in the recovery process. My DJ had a rear leaf amputation done on Tuesday. We can compare notes if you want. I have her in the corner of my living room with an x pen making  up an area about 3 feet across by maybe 6 feet long. 

  

I would like that - being new, do we just keep doing that here or start a new thread?!