Dec 22
12 hours post surgery
Posted in Uncategorized
11 Comments »
Surgery was yesterday at 3:00. I was a wreck most of the day just thinking about what was going to happen to Ruby. Once the vet called at about 5:30 I felt better. It was done. Ruby is a 3-legged dog, a “tripawd”. Surgery went well. The vet felt he got it all. He was surprised at how much it had grown up the leg and said if we had waited even 3 months it would have been even too late to amputate. Now we’re scurrying around placing carpet runners all over our tile floors which cover most of the downstairs living spaces. The vet said they will get her up on her feet (all 3 of them) this morning and we should be able to pick her up this afternoon. Just like people, I think the goal is to get them moving right away. We’ll pen her in the family room close to the patio door to the back yard. We’ll fashion a sling out of a disposable grocery bag to help walk her outside. She’ll be on pain meds and probably a little out of it. I expect that I’ll sleep on the sofa for a couple nights. I’m steeling myself for my first sight of her. Her lush velvety fur shaved, a huge wound. The vet said due to the size he had to do a incision that looks like the Mercedes symbol. (For the life of me, I can’t picture that symbol . . . ) I just can’t wait to get her back – that’s our Christmas gift to ourselves – a cancer-free, 3-legged Ruby. There’s plenty of time for wiggle dancing.
11 comments so far
1:54 pm - 12-22-2011
Pretty Ruby!
7:09 am - 12-22-2011
she is a beauty! glad the surgery went well, sounds like you are very prepared at home for her healing. the first two weeks can be rough, but you’ll get through it.
charon & spirit gayle
8:34 am - 12-22-2011
Abby had a huge incision too – it looked like a giant capital Y. I hadn’t seen pics ahead of time and was a bit shocked by it. Be strong for your girl! Just look into her eyes and you’ll see your girl there and all the love and that’s what matters!
Being a tripawd pawrent is awesome. You are one of us now. Welcome!
Keep us posted. Hope Ruby has an uneventful recovery!
Jackie, Abby’s mom
9:09 am - 12-22-2011
rumblesmom, etgayle, and AbbysMom – you people are amazing. I fumbled around this morning setting up this blog intending to share it with family and friends instead of sending email updates about Ruby. Lo and behold, you’re all here already with support. I feel very welcomed to this group I never heard of before nor wanted to be a part of!! Thank you . . .
9:27 am - 12-22-2011
Glad to hear Ruby’s surgery went well. It sounds like you have everything covered, the floors, rugs, slings, etc. I was so nervous about seeing Ginger after her surgery and worried that I would not be able to handle the sight of her wound.
We were put in a room and they brought Ginger to us. We could hear her hopping and whining (in a good way) all the way down the hall. So when we saw her, she was so happy to see us that I didn’t even focus on her incision site – I was too busy kissing her sweet face.
Ginger will do a little wiggle dance tonight for Ruby since she may not feel up to it. But I’m sure she will be wiggling all over the place in no time at all.
Annie – Ginger’s Mom
2:06 pm - 12-22-2011
Thank you for the wiggle dance offer – much appreciated. I’m pretty confident Ruby will find some way to do at least a modified wiggle …
9:51 am - 12-22-2011
Welcome and best wishes for Ruby’s speedy recovery. We look forward to seeing her wiggle again. Please keep us posted.
11:16 am - 12-22-2011
Welcome Ruby and pack to the group no one ever wanted to join!
If you have specific questions, or are looking for more info on how to care for Ruby please check out the forums here. More people frequent the forums and you will get more responses to your questions.
A blog is a great place to track her progress and post lots and lots of pictures (hint hint).
Good luck when you get her home and wishing a speedy and uneventful heeling process.
Karen and the pugapalooza
2:47 pm - 12-22-2011
Glad to hear Ruby is out of surgery and on the road to recovery! She’s a beautiful girl, can’t wait to see more photos. Please keep us updated on her progress, and don’t be afraid to ask questions – believe me, just about everything has been asked on these forums!!
4:48 pm - 12-22-2011
Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers to Ruby for a super speedy recovery!!! Tripawd Ruby will amaze you!
Here’s a link to Charley playing in the snow at 12 weeks post amputation. It will amaze you!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2HyoeOj6u0&context=C36fddd1ADOEgsToPDskI03A2xbN6uxvikbIZbwNrg
Hugs and chocolate kisses,
Ellen & Charley
8:25 pm - 12-22-2011
Wishing you both a speedy recovery and sending a “you can do this! When you see her you will know…she’s still your girl!