Well, Dieter’s recovery has been amazing. The vet’s office said he was up and walking around the day after surgery, and had pee’d and poo’d by day 2 after surgery. Thursday, the oncology section was “quiet”, so they let him roam around free in the office, and apparently he made himself at home, hopping around, laying on a makeshift bed and eating a piece of Pizza Hut pizza crust as a treat. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing over the phone! I was in the Detroit airport when I heard this news and decided to celebrate with a couple of beers before getting on my flight (I was at a job interview while he was recovering).
I picked him up Friday and we spent the afternoon in a quiet house, relaxing for the most part. Here are some photos.
The area below the incision looks real angry; it’s tough to look at, as you can see. The oncology vet tech said everything was normal, and that in fact it doesn’t get much better than how he is. No swelling, no discharge. He is on some meds, and not showing any signs of pain, so that makes me happy.
Here’s a full-body shot.
And, the you’d-never-would-know-it-happened shot:
Like so many others here, I am amazed and humbled. I thought I would feel sorry for him, and want to baby him, but aside from some confusing times (which side do I lay on?), he is just fine and I really don’t feel that way at all. I don’t feel like I have to be watching him or making sure he doesn’t trip up somehow. Same ol’ D. I think that’s what makes me not feel sorry for him — he doesn’t feel sorry for himself. He just does what he does. He seems more physically stable today than yesterday, which is great. He pee’d and poo’d in the back yard last night (in the rain), which has an uneven surface and it almost looked like he was going to tumble over for a second, but he did it! He was a lot more steady this morning when eating breakfast – his back leg did not shake, and he didn’t shift his weight at all.
I’m relieved that the surgery is over, and that he came through so well. To be honest, I’m just really, really enjoying being home in a quiet house (it’s raining, too, which is nice) relaxing, reading, snacking, and otherwise having a normal weekend (no school work). I’m going to start a “gratitude jar” today (if I can find a jar), and I think that one of the things I’m grateful for is the opportunity to have a slow weekend. They are very few and far between in my life.
Oh, Christine, if you’re reading this, he is *still* a 100lb lab, even after the amputation!
This is WO DERFUL news! And so far, his recovery seems EXCEPTIO AL!! You mayhave some us and downs, but that’s perfectly normal.
His site really loos good too! You may have some color changes but it loos like you aren’t going to have too much more swelling..n discharge…all good.
You and Dieter make a great team. You have a wonderful attitude and I know that transfers over to your handsome boy!
I know you are relieved beyomd words…..and it only gets better!!
And pooping and peeing!!! YAAAAAY! I’m sure it’s already been mentined and you’ve probaby already done it, but raised food and drink bowls make a huge difference.
Your update really brightened my day:-) 🙂 Thank you for the great photos too!! You have a very handsome boy!
And it gets better and better!!
enjoy this week end of rest and just “being”……being dog.
Sally and Happy Hannah
That last photo is absolutely amazing!! Glad to hear your boy is back home with you where he belongs!
Look at him! He’s AMAZING! This is fantastic news and we are thrilled that he’s home and with his people. There’s no better place to get on the road to life on three legs. Congrats!