Hello Katie and Marion.  Your post has been aroved and we look forward to following Marion's journey,   You have come to the right place for support,  understanding  and information.   We've all been where you are and know how daunting  this can all be at first.

Yes, it certainly  is an emotional  time getting  to this point. You are probably exhausted mentally and physically. Just know that recovery doesn't last forever and you are doing this to ensure Marianne has a pain-free quality life.

When dogs first jave a limp they are often treated off and on for months for arthritis,  sprains, etc.  So just know you were doing everything  right and the treatments, etc  they were doing was what we often see.....actually a little "better"..  

You have done an EXCELLENT job of preparing  for Marion's homecoming  and recovery.

  Everything I have read, says not to use the harnesses until the sutures are removed. 

Yes, in a perfect tripawd world it's best to wait until the sutures are out.  However, often dogs  needs assistance so you can put a tee shirt under the harness, or maybe a dog sweater,  for protection.  

We have the ramp (removable) over the back 4 stairs and this has been much easier for her to walk down now with her sore leg. I’m just worried it will be too steep after surgery. It’s also still a bit of a walk from there to the yard. How do we carry her after surgery 

If Marion has been used to the ramp before, she probably  will be able to handle it now.  You may even fi d that by using the harness as assistance,  you can navigate the four stairs a yway.  This just may be a trial and error to see what works best.

Not sure what the distance is to the yard, So that's another thing you'll have to play by ear. It may be that she takes a couple of short hops with some rest in between andmakes her way out to her potty spot that way. Or maybe it's a combo of carrying her and letting her walk some. But yes, the first two weeks are just short least potty breaks and then back inside for more rest.

If you haven't already done so, you'll want some non-slip scatter rugs for traction in the house if you have Hardwoods or vinyls.

pain management will be crucial. Most dogs come home with gabapentin, and anti-inflammatory and probably an antibiotic. Some come home with the fentanyl morphine patch for a few days, some don't.

Let us know as any questions or concerns arise, okay we are right here by your side to help you navigate through recovery. The first two weeks are no picnic, but I have a feeling Marion will Astound you at her resilience!  

You've got this!!!!

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS. 

When you do go to pick Marian up after surgery, don't even bother to draw attention to her incision. She just wants to see your smiling face telling her what a good girl she is and she's going home!! Keep your energy strong and upbeat and positive and she will feed off of that!

YAY FOR EATING👏  YAY FOR DRINKING 👏  YAY FOR PEEING!👏

You are doing an excellent  job of monitoring  her.  Patience is so hard for us hoomans  during recovery, but each day brings you to full recovery. 

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

P.S.What pain are her  meds , frequency,  dose?  How much does she weigh?