***I have been posting on another thread but decided to start a new on here. I have copy and pasted so sorry if you're reading duplicates***

 

Brody, our fabulous 10yr old boxer had his left front leg amputated on Thursday. We picked up Friday around 12. When they called us back he was walking and wagging his tail at us. He was so happy! He walked out to the car at which time my husband put him in the back and I sat with him. The vet tech told us that morning when he went to tend to him, he hopped right up and walked! He was so impressed and it made his day. Since we've been home he has been relaxing comfortably. When we first got home I offered him some water which he gladly took and 2 pieces of cheese (his medication treat) which he took. Then he went to the cold kitchen tile floor and layed. When he got up next he went to the living room, his other favorite room and layed on the rug. Next, when he got up he stood for a long while not sure what to do. I asked if he needed to go outside and he went to door but just stared. Then I went out and he did and sat. Then I came in and he followed. He layed on family room rug for awhile until kids got home from school excited to see him. I told them to be quite and not disrupt. My daughter was a little upset at first but quickly recovered. They pet and said HI. Then I wanted to give him some peace again so my husband took out to dinner and I am here watching over him. It was time for meds and as soon as he heard the containers being opened he came right to kitchen. I put in the cheese and he took all 3 slices. He drank a lot of water and the food was in the bowl but didn't seem interested. He's been spoiled with gravy lately. I offered to go outside. He thought about it and went to front door which has 2 steps but he seems to prefer that to the backyard sometimes. So we went outside. He was moving quite fast. I think he got excited and thought we were going on a walk. He stopped when he realized we weren't He stood for awhile then went to a bush but lost his balance and didn't go. Then waited and found another bush and went a little. I was so proud of him. He walked back inside and I prepared his rice and chicken which he gladly ate. He's back to sleeping on the cold tile floor. I am just so proud of my Brody boy.. I knew this was the right decision for him. I know it's only the first few hours but so far so good. I know everyone has said the first 4 days are hard. I'm not sure if that's the fact that they need to adjust to 3 legs and the meds make them lethargic but I think Brody has an advantage since he was already a tripaw most of the summer since his ankle had the sprain/tumor and it was too painful to use. He always kept it held up. He's also been on these meds aside from the morphine and antibiotic for 3 weeks so he's quite used to them too. He slept through the night just shifting sleeping places.

Day 2 - He took his meds with cheese, ate some treats and his chicken and rice. He also drank some water. He's been laying around most of the day. He doesn't seem interested in going outside. My husband tried and he at least walked outside but wouldn't go in the grass and came back in. At one point he did stand for close to an hour in one stop and panted. I had been following him around which I discovered he doesn't like so now I just let him be and he is much more comfortable moving around the house. He hadn't peed all day and then finally at 630pm he went all over the house from the living room, thru dining room into kitchen and I was SOOO happy! I didn't even care, I was just glad he went. That evening he drank A LOT of water but didn't want to go outside. He slept through the night. He doesn't whine but he does pant in spurts. But when he is laying his head down he is quietly sleeping.

Day 3 - He took his meds and layed around all day. I tried many times for him to go outside since he drank a lot of water the night before and this morning. I just knew he needed to pee but he wasn't going for it. Also, I have forgotten to mention I have been doing cold compresses for 15 minutes 3-4 times a day if he lets me do that long. During that time he gets the shakes and trembles alot. Last night he was definitely out of sorts. He was laying in the dining room where he NEVER lays and I felt like I was looking into the black hole. There was no emotion in his eyes and it made me sad.