Slow and easy

Gracie seems to be doing much better after this surgery than her initial TPLO surgery on April 27. I left the e-collar off overnight, but noticed her incision was looking a bit raw and thought it wise to put the collar back on her. I like these soft collars better than the rigid plastic ones. Plus, it makes her look like a flower.

As you can see, she is not lacking for comfort. Her precious Pig is near by. Several times yesterday as I sat by her, she would reach forward and pull Pig close. I often find her asleep with her head on Pig.

Here's a close up of the incision site. Her TPLO was done on the inside her leg. Dr. Gustafson said had he done both procedures together, the incision would be on the inside, but with it being done separately, it was better to do the femoral osteotomy on the outside of the leg. He closed the wound with internal sutures that will dissolve over time. The incision site is closed with surgical glue. Dr. G recommends icing 3 times a day for the first three days. I have worked in about 4 times each day. She has not had near the swelling or bruising she had with the TPLO.

Better living through chemicals. This time around I asked for a mild sedative to help keep her more calm during recovery. Between the pain meds and the twice daily sedative, she is resting comfortably but doesn't seem to be "out of it." With the help of the belly sling we've made a couple of trips to the backyard to go potty. For some reason she is adamant about not going in the front yard. Most likely the result of those puppy training techniques that tell you to train your dog to go potty in one area of the yard. Unlike some of the other lessons she learned, she is consistent and firm on following this one.

I'm feeling better equipped to handle this recovery than I did with the TPLO. I was frantic all the time with her after the first surgery. I'm still concerned about her, but having gone through this once, I know more what to expect. It's OK if she doesn't go potty like her usual clock-work pre-surgery.

We still have a long row to hoe, but we'll get there. We're going to take it slow and easy this time.