ok deep breaths, Chance is home now and no one loves her more, so she is in great hands! We are only 3 weeks out and you wont believe the difference 3 weeks can make - I know it seems like that is very far away right now, but it's just around the corner. We had lots of leaking and bleeding that first week - as long as it's not just blood but is more pink and watered down then no need to worry. It would leak more after Horace moved around. The first time he got up to pee we only made it a few steps to the door, the second time we made it just outside on the patio and the third time we made it to the grass - every day he made progress and Chance will too. Right now rest is all Chance need, make sure she is drinking and keep her drugs on schedule. You are doing great, keep us updated.

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am for you. You have already gotten some fantastic advice here, and I agree that your doctor acted shamelessly unprofessional. They might be the only ones that you can call to get a prescription for Gabapentin because Chance saw them. I personally would just make the call and get it done, and you can smile when you tell them how wonderfully she is doing. If you go elsewhere, just know that they probably wont give you a prescription until they do an exam on her for the fee of an office visit. If that does not bother you then go for it. I had to deal with a winner of a doctor that took care of Huckleberry and it was not fun. I left that hospital after his sutures were out and he was doing well. Thank goodness I finally found a decent vet for all of our furbabies. 

Chance sounds very determined and like she is feeling better. You will definitely need to make sure her pain medication is on board at regular intervals and not be late with them. She is very likely going to have a bit of a crash here in the next few days. Those hospital medications stay in the system for several days after they come home and slowly wear off. That is when it is vital to be on top of watching for signs of pain. Some people express concern thinking their pets have become "depressed" when likely that is break through pain. Not being able to get comfortable, sudden little cries, not being able to sleep, lethargy, and suddenly jumping and crying out or paying aggressive attention to the surgical site are some signs to look for. 

I was also horrified to see any vet tell you to put peroxide on the incision... yeah.. my head about exploded off my shoulders lol. It has already been addressed in here to not do that, but make sure you are watching that area for any swelling/leakage. The cool and warm compresses are wonderful, and can help stop a seroma from forming. We see this a lot in the larger dogs. Keeping her activity limited to the short walks outside to potty and lay on her blanket will also help to ward against fluid build up (seroma ).

The Novox is an nsaid, how often are you giving her that? The cephalexin is a strong oral antibiotic and that will help ward against infection. The Tramadol might have to be increased more than twice a day. I think most of our furbabies got it every 8 hours or so. I don't know anything about the Novox. I am not a vet, just trying to get you prepared for the possibility of a bit of a rollercoaster ride that most of us go through for similar and different reasons. 

You are doing an awesome job   I am relieved that Chance is already letting you know you did the right thing, some of us don't get to see that until a few weeks post op. They are all different and they all handle this differently. Looks like you are on the right path though, I am thrilled for you. Stay tuned in and keep close. Maybe you could figure out how to post a picture of your girl when you have a few moments to yourself

Hugs,

Jackie and Huckleberry