April 23, 2013- I dropped off Athena at 8 am this morning on my way to school. I was so anxious all day waiting for the phone call that surgery was over and all was well. The vet called and relayed that everything went great! We decided that the best thing to do would be to leave her at the vet office overnight. Our experience from the day before when she was sedated to get chest x-rays convinced us that she would be impossible to handle still recovering from anesthesia and without the front leg.
April 24- The day after her amputation- What a shock to see her like this. I spent the first night sleeping next to her on the living room floor.
She is very restless, and I’ve learned that she’s not really happy until she gets to lay outside all day in this cooler weather.
Hang in there Mom and Athena. These are the most difficult days. She will be much happier when the compression bandage is off. Each day you will see a little bit of the old Athena reappear. Sending happy thoughts your way.
She looks good and absolutely normal. If she doesn’t like warm temps, you can ice the amputation area. It seems to help an awful lot of dogs. When mine had his surgery, it was February and we had a good bit of snow. He’d lay in the snow, icing himself.
Keep us posted!
Shari
Yeah, ditto all of the above. I know it’s unsettling at first, but just picture the good results that lay ahead because of this surgery. She’s a very, very beautiful girl and nothing can mar those stunning good looks:-) 🙂
The pacing ad not being able to get comfortable may continue for awhile, along with some whining. Yeah, I slept on the floor(partially on her Big Barker Bed made for big guys) for a couple of weeks:-) Happy Hannah had a slower recovery than some but recover she has:-) Can’t wait to see your post when she first gets her sparkle back:-) 🙂 The joy is unbelievable!!
Hang in there and we are all here for you. Give her a hug from all of us and a big pat on the back to mom! Big pat on the back!! Good job everyone:-)
Sally and Happy Hannah
you will be amazed at how quickly she recovers. we spent many sleepless nights but it was well worth it!