So Far, So Good
Tank is now 4 days post op, he’s hitting some rough spots. He’s having a hard time getting comfortable so he’s not getting much sleep. He used to sleep with his head on his right leg, but now that it’s gone, things don’t feel right. Plus a fellow can’t get on his back and sleep tan side up like he’s used to! It’s been a challenge keeping him off the couches and my bed, those were regular sleeping locations that the doctor forbid. Last night at 3:00 am he woke me trying to get up on one of the couches, even tho I had the cushions tilted up. I took 2 of the cushions off and managed to get him onto those, he and I both happily slept in until 8:30!
He’s been crying quite a bit when he tries to get up, it sounds awful! I’m taking it as he’s still tired. He has managed to go outside and potty a couple times today, going poop is quite a challenge and takes a few passes before he can position his front leg in between his back ones to get things going, he keeps trying and eventually gets it. He’s not eating as much today, so I’ve been doing whatever it takes to get some food in, even if it’s by hand. He’s been drinking a lot since I bring the bowl to him regularly.
His incision area looks good, I check it a few times a day since he’s been wearing a t-shirt all the time. He sees the surgeon on Saturday for his one week check up. We were told his regular vet can take the staples out, so that’s good since the difference in drive time is about an hour closer for our vet.
I’ve taken a few pictures to add today. Tank always has the company of Encore, his little pal. I took a picture of our other Papillon, Tippy. She is my little Prima Donna and she doesn’t associate much with the boys, she’s a Mamma’s girl!
Encore "helping" Tank with his breakfast out on the front porch!
Even after I left to go get Tank's water bowl, Encore was still "helping" with the breakfast!
Tippy waiting inside for me to come back in!
The URI to TrackBack this entry is: https://tanksjourney.tripawds.com/2011/12/15/so-far-so-good/trackback/
finding the new ‘normal’ takes a while. gayle also lost her right front leg, and eventually, the left leg ‘centered’ to form a proper triangle with her back feet. she did eventually figure out how to roll back and lay on her back, it was so funny to see. there may be a few bumps in the road, but watch and see how tank learns to adapt. our tripawd brothers and sisters have alot to teach us!
charon & spirit gayle
So nice that he has a little helper at meal times!
Hang in there. Glad you got some sleep – that’s key to helping stay sane during the recovery. It’s so hard at first to watch them try to figure things out, but he’ll adapt!
Jackie, Abby’s mom
Somebody here–I wish I could remember who–had a couch issue like yours and they ended up turning the couch to the wall and photographing it. It was very funny because I don’t think it mattered at all. A determined dog is an awesome problem solver.
My Dakota is a front amputee and he never lays on his back. He just isn’t comfortable that way. But he does love to lay on his side all sprawled out. I think he takes up more room with a missing limb than he did before. As Charon said, things will be normal again but it will be a new normal. And yeah, the pooping takes some time but he’ll get it. It’s harder for us to watch, I think, than it is for them to actually perform. I think Tank’s doing great!
Shari