Well, Sierra came home Saturday morning after spending two nights with the vet. There were not any complications, just apparent pain issues so it took a little longer to ween her off the iv pain medicine. She was sure happy to be home and we were ecstatic to have her home. She has been getting lots of belly rubs and doing lots of sleeping which is a good thing.
Today she seems a little more uncomfortable. Her back legs shake a little when she stands so the strain of rebalancing and learning how to move is taking its tolls. She has always been an active dog in good shape so we are a little surprised but under the circumstances, totally get it. We have been good at keeping her locked up except for eating/drinking and potty trips to the yard trying not to over do it. She seems to be panting a bit more today and we don’t know if it is because of pain or side effects of the pain medications (tremadol). All the laying down on her ‘good’ side also seems to be taking its toll on her and she seems sore on it now even though she many different beds to sleep on. She does not seem to want to lie on her back as she did on Saturday in the photos above.
This whole process has been amazing and shocking all at the same time. We just have to take it one day at a time!
Good plan – one day at a time. 🙂
Wow, I remember those first few days when Catie came home like yesterday. Heart thudding anxiety over every grunt or sigh or pant. Teary-eyed joy at her resilience and determination to resume the life she had before surgery (but without all the unimaginable pain from the bone-eating tumour).
Sierra’s still recovering from major surgery. She’ll get her groove back, her strength, and she’ll find her new balance on three legs all in good time, and no doubt sooner than you think. In the meantime, keep bringing on the loving and encouraging the naps.
Rest is excellent.
And make sure you get some yourself. Caregivers need to tend to themselves too. 🙂
Welcome to the recovery roller coaster! One day at a time indeed.
Panting is a very common side effect of the Tramadol. It’s early, and it may take a while for Sierra to fully regain her balance and stability. Thanks for the update, please keep us posted.
Yes, I agree. The tramadol made our Maggie pant a lot too. Caties mom is right, this is a big surgery and it will get better.
You’ll soon be amazed at the recovery process in dogs,
as well as the things she’ll do to surprise you. I remember coming home one day there was our Maggie! She had gotten out of the doggie door all by herself and was waiting for us to come home.
I was shocked, happy, cried, the whole nine yards. Just continue to give her a lot of petting and I also would give Maggie back leg massages. She seemed to love those.
Rest for the both of you when you can! Take care.
Kathy, Maggie’s mom.