Editor's note: please don't tell Gracie that I'm posting her bathroom habits on the web. She's already mortified at the prospects of having to potty in the front yard. It's been four days since surgery and Gracie hasn't recovered her typical potty habits. Gracie has always been very precise in her bathroom habits and I could always count on a poop and pee every morning and every evening. Not so now. Yesterday I fretted over the fact she wouldn't go at all. This morning I shouted for joy following a lengthy pee.
I have a feeling this recovery is going to be harder on me than Grace. I revisited some of the web postings about post operative care following TPLOs. The Vet Surgery Central, Inc., site has been very helpful in explaining the entire TPLO process from start to finish. It confirmed that potty activities will be impacted following surgery.
In other recovery news, the swelling in her leg seems better. I'm trying warm compresses now although she is less eager to lay still for these. Actually she is less eager to stay still at all. She is still not putting much weight on the injured leg, but is taking a few tentative steps. She is very fast on 3 legs so I have to be diligent and keep her leashed at all times. Even so, her strength is returning and she's been a handful on our brief sojourns to the backyard.
Yesterday, our neighbor dogs, Clare and Pre, stopped by for a visit. Gracie laid down and both Clare and Pre, with a display of gentleness and respect, sniffed Gracie and gave her a lick on the snout.
I still find myself anxious about her level of activity - trying to make sure she doesn't over do it and that I, in my selfish want to have her close by, don't put her at greater risk.
I know that the smarter and more patient we are now, the better chance we have of enjoying some nice walks this summer.
3 comments:
When my dog Specs, a red chow mix, was 9 she had the same surgery Gracie had. She spent 6 weeks in a large cage in the living room, only went out on a leash and the recovery was much worse for me than her! Sitting down on the floor by her, up and down many many times takes a toll on your back. My other dog, her mother, was content to sit beside her. After recovery Specs was perfect, and although the vet said she might have the same problem with the other side, it never happened. She had a long and happy life until age 14. Good luck to you and Gracie. I know it will go well for you.
Gracie seems most happy in her "garage apartment" a 9 x 12 kennel. I spend time out there with her each day. But today, Saturday, I find myself at loose ends about what to do. Usually my weekends of busy with walks, trips to the dog park and chores around town with Grace riding along.
We're glad to hear all went well. If you want an OVER-ACTIVE 12-year old dog to take care of, just let us know...Sitka is as crazy as ever!
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