Day 1 Post-Op

We woke up this morning to find that Abby moved her sweater in the night...with no arm to anchor her sweater in place, the sweater that velcros across her chest has almost free mobility. That's not good because she can get to her sutures and lick, and the sweater can also rub against the sore (not good). So we got smart: We grabbed a sweater-dress with a hood on it, stitched shut the right leg, and put it on her. Then, we put on her collar over the dress (loosened up A LOT) so that she can't get to her sutures. The dress velcros down the middle of her chest, so it is not rubbing aginst her boo-boos. And we already cleaned the area with peroxide, but I think she is still a bit doped up because she didn't feel like eating her meds this morning (1 antibiotic that smells like strawberry or cherry, 1 general pain reliever, and a super small dosage of the same stronger painkillers she got at the vets yesterday- all mixed in with vienna sausage, which she usually likes).

But she did feel up for a small treat that was a chicken and rawhide; as well as my Mom's excellent dog cuisine: boiled chicken and cooked rice, peas and carrots, Royal Canin Chihuahua 28, and a dietary supplement mixed in daily.

She will spend today in a wonderful, spacious (for her small stature) doggie stroller, padded and warm (I have class today and my mom said she would keep an eye on her). She's already moving around on three legs, and her balance seems better than when she had four legs! She does this "praying mantis" thing where she hitches up on her back legs, and we think that contributed to her leg break. Now that she has to rely on the front left leg, I noticed that she keeps her balance better and does the "praying mantis" thing a little less. That could also be because she is a little woozy from the surgery. But I am an optimist.

It will probably take a few months for the shaven hair to grow in again, so she will sport sweaters and t-shirts - especially with the impending cold weather. When she can move around better, we will have to find a way for her harness to work well. Without the leg to anchor the harness, much like with anchoring the sweater, I think we will have to make a few minor adjustments to the harness so that she is secure, not strained, and comfortable.

I think her story is inspiring. She is already moving a bit, back to talking to me, and I think it shows her inner strength. Her missing leg I think will be hardly noticeable, because with the nub that remains, she can move her torso pretty well still. And she will wear cute little sweaters with the arm stitched shut, or sweaters with the arm tied off.

It is truly a rewarding experience to be a small part in this pup's rehabilitation!