Hi Bella

Just wanted to say that the first few weeks are tough, but it's amazing how fast they improve.  It sounds like it's worth it to get a 2nd opinion.  I would guess that Bellas level of anxiety was through the roof at the vets, especially if they recomended that she go home early.  The sedatives are most likely precautionary, but maybe not as necessary once she calms down at home.

Lots of the blogs have great accounts of what to expect over the next few weeks and for years to come.  Kess was on a similar amount of medication when she first got home and was pretty much just in a haze the first few days.  She needed help to walk, I generally just stayed closed and supported her side while she walked.  She fell down when she went potty for the first couple of days, but quickly learned how to place her paws to keep her balance.  Two weeks later she was back to her old self and even running.

After Sadie's surgery, she was on tramadol and rimadyl only. However, we did have to give her Ace in order to be groomed (both before and after her amp.)  The one thing I noticed about it is that it made Sadie very "wobbly", and that's with 4 legs! So, I would imagine that it might have something to do with Bella falling down after a few steps (imagine being drunk and walking in high heels) Anyway, once she's drug-free, I'm sure her mobility and attitude will improve.  I think the drugs are kind of a necessary evil. You want to stop them as soon as possible, but you want to make sure they rest enough and are not in too much pain.  Good luck, we're all here for you.

Lisa

We're glad Bella is at home!  Holly was on Tramadol and Deramaxx and an antibiotic (I think Clavamoxx) after her surgery.  They took her off the antibiotic after 7 days since she had developed an upset stomach and they thought taking her off of that might help, and they could see she didn't have an infection.  I'd agree with the rest of the non-vets here - it never hurts to get a second opinion.  Rene - that's good to know that Univ of Colorado has a free help line!  I'll tuck that away for the future in case I ever need it.

All dogs will heal at their own pace, and Bella will let you know what her pace is.  Give her plenty of love, and be strong for her and she will amaze you.  When Holly had her amputation I rented a bunch of movies and pulled out my knitting needles and sat on the floor with her beside me on her pillow and knit mittens for the family.  I loved pulling those mittens out when it got cold a few weeks ago - another reminder of how far she's come!  It seemed to help Holly that I was right with her, and calm (knitting does that for me) with nothing else I was worried about except her for a couple of days.  She pretty much just rested and slept.  Will Bella stay beside you if you have time to sit with her? - if she's not used to being confined that could add to her stress.

We're keeping all fingers and paws crossed for a smooth recovery for Bella.  Those first few weeks are the toughest - especially for us humans.

Sending hugs,

Holly, Zuzu and Susan

Cooper panted an extra lot after he came home - I think the pain medicine had something to do with it, and it may be a little pain related too. His panting went way down after he was off all meds.

Coopsdad

Oh!  That's wonderful news!

I know other's know better than I but the panting is normal.  Between the tramadol and the massive amount of inflammation  she has right now - it's normal   (inflammation will make you very hot).    You may want to try a fan on her or something frozen to lick on (like frozen chicken broth, salmon broth, tuna broth, ect...)

If she is eating and drinking normal, the I say try not to worry. 

Hopping and Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Everything you mention has been the experience for most of us here.  The panting really worried me, especially at night with some anxiety.  You will be amazed at Bella's resilience...  All these dogs (& parents) are amazing.