Did they test forMRSA?

I don't believe so. I'll keep watching it and we will definitely mention that thought in case. 

It’s interesting that they’ve given you Buprenex for him.

Because he had been on steroids and they couldn't give NSAIDS, they gave us ONE dose of Bupranex for if he had a particularly bad night.  We opted to use it and then he developed the pustule and we would up at ER anyway.  Won't be touching the stuff again.  Boy oh boy.  

Do you think the whining is partly because he’s in the kennel?

He does occasionally whine in the kennel when he smells food or needs out, but he and our other dogs are used to being in.  He usually sleeps in bed with us, so I know that adds to it, but on Bupranex, even laid next to me on my mattress on the floor he cries and cries.  It's constant neediness.  

Has he tried eating anything yet? 

He ate the first night home.  He's getting pickier and pickier by the day.  He has tried to reject kibble in hopes we provide more smoked turkey but I have tricked him for now by sprinkling water on it to make it smell more.  He just ate a decent amount, again. He's been pooping daily and peeing regularly too. 🙂 

time for you and Barkley  to get off this crazy roller coaster!!

Right?! Honestly, if he wasn't wagging tail and smiling and so happy to see us (and today he started trying to jump up on my husband), we would have probably been discussing where the line is drawn to stop his pain.  This just feels like such a cruel ordeal for *hopefully, but maybe not* stopping the mast cell.  

I'm really relieved that his lab results are improving.  When we got home, today, I put him down to pee and he started running into the grass and found a bush to pee on and seriously considered climbing a wood pile.  He barked at tree trimmers and attempted to jump on my husband multiple times.  He's definitely getting stronger and more confident.  I'm trying to stay positive and enjoy the good moments as much as possible.  I'm also taking pictures, which feels like I'm trying to catch one last shot sometimes, but I know I'll want photos either way one day.  

Kids are up, Barkley is laying down and the day goes on. 

PATHOLOGY IS BACK!

First off, y'all will appreciate that I accidentally broke up with his initial vet this morning, before the results were in.  I had to take him to new vet for labs and couldn't understand why they weren't coming out to get Barkley even though I had called.  I had accidentally called his first vet.  They were calling me to see where I was as they couldn't find my vehicle.  I had to explain.  Oops.  

So... Vet #1 called with pathology report.  He has subcutaneous mast cell.  The type he has doesn't have grading scale yet.  She had never seen it before.  Tumor removal is curative in 98% of cases.  Only 15% of cases ever see a similar tumor present.  The rate at which the cells were reproducing was very low.  So his prognosis is pretty great.  We just have to get the infection under control.  

He is definitely feeling more like himself.  He was just joining the other dogs in barking at tree trimmers.  

Side note: I DID explain the situation to the vet and why we chose to move his care elsewhere.  I assured her it was nothing personal and we aren't unhappy with the care she personally provided.  I explained that the communication gaps and limited hours just weren't providing the access we needed right now.  She was very understanding and assured me that she will be discussing with general manager.  

Y'all, I'm so excited right now.  For the first time since we were told amputation was the only way to try to remove the cancer, my husband is feeling like we made the right call.  

Carprofen for the WIN!  He whined part of the night, clearly upset he wasn't in bed with Poppa.  We are discussing lowering our master bed so he and our elderly dog will have better access.  But it's still too soon.  He slept wonderfully after he settled in and even slept on the incision side from time to time.  He's much more relaxed.  I think the gabapentin has a chance at slight sedation now that his pain is better managed and the infection is clearing up.  

He tries to follow my husband, practically touching his leg at all times, and his separation anxiety is getting more serious, but we are so close to some normalcy.  🐾

I had to give him his meds with cream cheese throughout this, which was concerning because he is a pancreatitis survivor, but he has his appetite back fully now, so I can use white bread and no more forced swallowing!  This is such a relief for me.  We have four scheduled times for meds until the antibiotic is done, then only 3.  

I'm in a state of sleepiness that is almost comical.  My adrenaline response to the crisis has ended and I'm in crash and recover mode.  Everyone is being very understanding.  

He doesn't love the collar in his kennel so much, but he seems to love lounging in it otherwise.  Last night we took it off for cuddles and he put his head back in it. 😂

I finally got him bandaged in a way that I haven't had to change it since last night.  It's a huge learning curve- allowing holes for pee, poop, leg, tail, belly and not catching any hair.  I also learned that athletic tape is wonderful, but without the surgical suit, it catches on everything and shifts every time he moves.  So... The surgical suit is saving my sanity!  He can reposition himself effectively without help or pulling!

I'm gonna nap some more.  But it certainly looks like we are through the worst of it!