We’re on Day 13 post-op and this past weekend Sadie was almost back to her normal personality. She was moving really well, following us everywhere, curious and happy as can be. Then Sunday night came and she just seemed completely out of it. She stopped following us and, really, stopped being concerned at all if we were moving about the house. She just seemed lethargic and didn’t have much of an appetite. She also seemed very clumsy again on our potty trips outside (which I had to drag her on because she had no interest in getting up), relying way more on the sling to hold her weight than she had been the last day or so. I figured maybe she was just overly tired or possible had some muscle soreness just from the use of all new muscles, so I tried not to worry. But Monday brought more of that same thing so I made the call for a check up with our vet …. and, of course, when we were at the office Tuesday afternoon Sadie acted just fine. She hopped all around the room and inhaled the treats and samples of canned food like she hadn’t eaten in weeks. Doc took her for a little trip outside to see how she was moving and was happy with the mobility that she was showing at this point in the recovery. All her vitals were good … so vet just thought it was possible muscle soreness on top of the effects from the pain meds. We decided to try and lay off the meds for now (only using them if needed) and see if that helped perk her up. Doc also went ahead and removed her staples while we were there (we had an appt in 2 days anyway). I left the office pretty confident that we were getting somewhere and that Sadie was just fine.
BUT …. not 30 minutes after being back home, she was back to just being motionless. She did scarf down her dinner (I added a little of that AMAZING canned goodness from the vet’s office) … but the canned stuff didn’t sit well with her and it showed later that evening on our potty break. At bedtime, I thought I’d see if we could manage getting up the stairs with some help … but she wouldn’t budge to even attempt the steps. I finally just carried her up … which is something she would have NEVER allowed before. And this morning she was still no different.
I’m trying my best to be patient, but I think I just really looked forward to that magic 2 week mark where I’ve read they typically perk right back up … and we just not even near that. And the fact that she seemed to be doing so well just a few short days ago then took a turn backwards is a bit concerning. The fact that she really didn’t use her bad leg much before her surgery had me hopeful that she’d adapt to 3 legs much quicker. I had grand hopes of being able to go for short walks by our 1 month mark … but that doesn’t seem even near possible at this point. Perhaps her senior age on top of her lack of fitness (she was a bit out of shape to begin with) means she just needs a lot more time to adjust. Trying my best to stay positive here. Almost 2 weeks into this process and I can honestly say that, for the first time, I’m wondering if I indeed made the right decision.
Okay, some deep breaths…this is NOT unusual this EARLY (yep, two weeks is still early), especially for a “mature” girl.
And isn’t it always the case…..at the Vet they always act all perky and happy! Assuming for a minute it is muscle related, it makes sense that after all ner “showing off” at the Vet’s she’s all skre again!
When you put a lottle pressure up and down ner spine, all arou d her neck, her shoulders, her hocks, does she flinch at all? Have you tried GENTLE .assage a d GENTLE stretching for several minutes before taking her out for potty?
Did the Vet flex her joints, pull and tug on her legs? That could make her sore also.
Just one more thought. If she’s sore, thst can make her not want to eat, but also if she has some GI irritation, that can be a cause too. If she’s having some diarrhea and acting a bit nauseous, maybe the Vet coukd give her something for that.
Now, as far as thst MYTHICAL two week mark, its just that, MYTHICAL!!
For the first three weeks, I was lretty much devastated because of what I had done TO my beloved Happy Hannah! And then BAM! Her sparkle finally started coming back consistently! Going into the fourth week, I realized I had done this FOR my Happy Hannah! Oh, and Happy Hannah also took her pain meds, although somewhat reduced, for three weeks too.
I know the “two week when stitches are out” mark seems to be a turning point for some, it takes longer for a whole lot of dogs!
Did he give you any Rimadyl or suggest a smaller dose of a pain med?
You did the right thing by having the Vet check him over. Don’t hesitate to go back if you still have concerns.
Hang in tnere and please keep us posted! And keep posting pictures! She is so darn cute!!
((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Thanks for sharing the tips and your story! Definitely makes me feel a bit better than we’re moving in the right direction. I will try massage and stretch before potty to see if that helps!
My pug Maggie didn’t play with me for 6 weeks after her amp for mast cell cancer, left rear leg. I spent all that time SURE I had made a mistake. Maggie was a stubborn pug who hated any changes to her routine. She was mad for 4 weeks when I traded in my little truck, where she could ride in the front seat, for a SUV where she was in the back. But it was the whole back with the back seats folded down. She has shown you that she will be fine, she just needs to get there on her own. Try having some fun visitors over, or take her in the car to her favorite park. She doesn’t need to walk far, but maybe a change of scenery will do her some good.
Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls
Thanks! Sadie has been known to be a bit stubborn too … and gets anxious fairly easily. Maybe it really is just a case of needing more time.
Like Sally and Karen said, it’s still really early in her recovery. One thing I heard over and over when I joined this fabulous family is “every dog is different…don’t compare your dog with others” – it will drive you crazy. They all heal in their own way, on their own timeline. Truly, this journey is one step forward, two steps back. We are still seeing this 20 months post amp with Nitro. Don’t give up, stay positive, better days are comin’.
Paula and Nitro