Thanks everyone!  It’s been a busy day!! Kip is urinating every 5-7 hours and just took his first poop!  So proud of him!  I think he was a little restless bc of the constipation.  He just came in from #2 (I sodded my balcony so he doesn’t have to go too far as he recovers) and sighed deeply and laid back down in a way I haven’t seen since he came home (this is a dog that typically poops 3-4 times a day)!  

Today I’m seeing Kip get a little stronger (he stood and hopped the entire time when he found his pee spot and then poop spot at once) and has been making it to / from the living room to the bedroom (may 10 ft) 1-2 times a day.  Overnight he is doing well standing to reposition.  He’s tried a few times to lay on the surgery side but switches right away so it’s tender (obviously only 3 days post op)!!   Today wasn’t without its challenges though - he kind of rolled off his bed into a water fountain earlier (luckily not the surgery side)!  His appetite is completely normal and he seems so much more at ease post bathroom success (sorry for the overstate)! 

im going to change the sod tomorrow to keep it clean but - when do you think I should I try to take him on a walk?  From my condo to the exit of our building is ab elevator ride, long hallway (maybe 20-30 feet) and then 5 steps downstairs.   Well DEF sling him for assistance.  I know we’d have to take some rest stops but I’m wondering if it’s too much! 

Thanks!!!  Going to give him a week before we venture out (assuming I can find sod tmrw bc we need it after all the long tinkles - it’ll be a dirty job cleaning and replacing but worth it to create a “backyard” in Santa Monica for him.  

Another giant #2 this evening!!! Guess all his insides are back functioning!  Hes up to peeing ever 4-5 hours now - I’m worried he’s peeing too much.  He’s eaten SO much since yesterday afternoon I knew it was a matter of time.  Issue was after his PM drugs he’s so much Wobblier - I worry when he’s got to go he tries to turn around to quick and his good hint leg bends in ways that make me worried! 

Thank you!!!! Today has been tough - he woke us up at 4am with a terrible loud cry. I think maybe the good injectable meds are wearing off and he rolled / sat on it funny.  I’m going to keep his pain meds up every 6-8 hours (prob closer to 7 hrs) and talk to the vet Monday.  He seems ok now but I’m just worried he’s more tired today.  I have a med schedule but I’m def adding. Mood and potty info to it - thanks for the idea!!!!

update - my fiancé just approached kip who was sitting to give him pats / kisses and i think kip leaned back and let out an awful cry and freaked. It might have stretched / been intense pains.  I held him steady until he calmed down and now he’s laying down just panting but ate treats. I think he needs more frequent pain meds - it seems like by hour 6-7 he’s uncomfortable.   I’m waiting for the vet to call me back 

WHAT A WEEKEND!    Kip’s anxiety seemed to pick up Saturday PM where he just wouldn’t settle down.   Sunday was a bit better but hell randomly cry out and realize his leg is gone and try to lick it (cry is like I stepped on his tail)!  We increased his tramadol a bit.  Saturday PM I slept with him on the floor to calm him down.  Last night he only woke me up at 2am and 6am (2am was for meds) - he was just up looking around but overall slept MUCH better than the first few nights.    He is eating like normal (with a little prompting - like I have to handfeed him a little cheese then he realizes he is hungry and eats).   When he was going through chemo - he realized I would keep trying stuff until he got what he liked so hed hold out for steak.  He is pottying like normal now.  

He is SO excited to go out for walks - like he charges the door.  His anxiety / overall mood seems MUCH better as of Sunday AM when we took him on a walk outside.   As soon as we get to our 4 mins of walking though (which is about half a block moving quick in one direction), he realized I’m trying to turn him back towards home and he becomes dead weight and refuses to get up. This AM we were out for 1.5 hours just kind of sitting around (Kip was laying).  Anyone experience that or have any ideas!?  I spoke with his Dr this AM and the Dr doesnt want to resort to anxiety meds yet (since he improved last night and Kip has never been anxious a day in his life).   Ideas for dealing with a very stubborn lab!?  Im SO looking forward to getting the staples out so I can get him to PT / maybe take him away for a week end of Oct/Nov to rent a house with a backyard (is that crazy)!?