Welcome Christie and Obie!

I'm sure you have all kinds of questions and fears and that is completely understandable. My Rusty dog had his left rear leg amputated on May 5, 2017 so we have recently celebrated our 2 month ampuversary. Rusty is doing great and has really adjusted to life on three legs. 

This site has been an amazing resource for us, both the information and the emotional support. Rusty had been limping for several months. When it began we took him to our vet who thought it was a partially torn ACL. We did exercises and pain management but it didn't improve. We returned and adjusted meds and eventually a tumor grew on his knee that I could feel. We went to another vet who recognized the tumor and recommended amputation. We ended up transferring to a specialty vet because we felt more comfortable with 24 hour care and our local vet doesn't offer that. Rusty had a very smooth recovery and is in physical therapy.

So here are some things I would ask based on our experience and things we have read about on this site.

1. Do they have 24 hour care or are they left alone or can they be transferred to emergency vet? Rusty had 24 hour care which was great I could call and get updates overnight.

2. What kind of pain management do they offer? Rusty had Nocita a 72 hour slow release injectible that was given during surgery. Some vets seem to be sending dogs home without pain meds and a lot of them are having trouble. Rusty had tramadol and galliprant (gabapentin is a great option but made Rusty incontinent)

3. What kind of sutures will they use? Will they place a drain? Rusty had dissolvable sutures and no drain.

4. Have they had dogs with phantom limb pain or residual nerve pain? If so, will they do follow up surgery for nerve issues? Rusty did not have trouble with this but several kiddos have. 

5. When will you get pathology results? We got Rusty's back after 10 days.

Those are the ones I can think of now but I'm sure others will chime in with more! This community is amazing.

oh and not a question but some good advice I received from Sally was that when you first see Obie after surgery don't worry about looking at his incision (Rusty was in a blanket) but just look at his face and he will be thrilled to see you (thrilled might be a bit strong as they are rather drugged out!) but don't worry about the incision he will be beautiful and perfect and you will only be glad he is ok.

The first nights are rough, typically restless and very little sleep for dogs or parents but those hospital drugs are intense. Drugs effect each dog differently so if something seems off with Obie -ask, it may need to be adjusted)

oh and physical therapy has been invaluable in regaining strength and balance!

and hugs, lots of hugs

 Amy & Rusty

I definitely would ask about pain management - too often dogs are sent home without adequate pain coverage.  Murphy was sent home with Tramadol, Rimadyl & Gabapentin - that seems to be the best combination for most dogs.  Some come home with a Fentanyl patch.

Donna