Rusty was released to come home after spending one night at the vet. I was so happy to have him home and have been amazed at his progress. When I first saw him right after surgery at 4:30pm he was very drugged. I called the techs a few times overnight to see how he was doing. They checked his vitals every two hours and he was a little chilly so he got some heat support but otherwise his numbers were good. They tried to take him out to potty at 9pm and he didn’t like the sling and had trouble trying to stand. They fed him at 2am and 8am and he ate well (food is Rusty’s favorite thing). They took him outside every 5 hours and because he didn’t like the sling they let him try it on his own and he was able to figure out how to squat! The surgeon called at 9am and said that he was doing well and would be able to come home later that same day.
I went to pick him up and met with a tech who answered all of my questions ( I had loads of them and she was very patient and thorough). I got the bill, made a follow-up appt. and collected his medicines and then she brought out my little guy (or little “flower” as he looked in his cone). This was the first time I had seen his incision site and honestly, it didn’t bother me at all. I thought he looked beautiful.
Before I left, they showed me how he was walking and I couldn’t believe that he could stand let alone take some steps. I was so impressed with how well he was doing on his first night home. Rusty ate his dinner, took his meds and peed and pooped outside! The first night he was very restless and couldn’t seem to get comfortable. The next day he was able to nap soundly and was walking better every time he got up. I had gotten him an inflatable collar to wear instead of the cone but he can still reach his incision to lick so he has the cone back on today.
The ride home
Rusty has adjusted so quickly to having three legs and has such a good attitude. I decided I had absolutely no excuse for not doing the same! I am so proud of him and inspired by him and so glad to have him home.
Resting at home
We should get the findings from the pathologist next week and we have gone ahead and scheduled an appointment with the University’s oncology department in case we need to pursue chemo. I am doing my best just to take each day as it comes – just like Mister Rusty Bucket.
Standing on his own!
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my ramblings and send well wishes for Rusty. It is helping me so much to have the support of others who have been through this same thing.
Much Love – Amy & Rusty
Great news for you and Rusty! Brandy gets her staples removed tomorrow, and she is doing great. She is still sleeping a lot, but I am sure it’s due to the fact that hopping on 3 legs takes more out of her than walking on 4! Keep up the good work, be positive! That’s helping both of us so much!
Yeah Brandy! I’m so glad to hear she is doing well and gets those staples out tomorrow. It’s true – hopping looks like a workout, it definitely would be for me. Thanks for your kind message. Good luck tomorrow.
Hi Amy and Rusty!
Things are looking pretty good over there! Glad to see that he not only got home OK, but he’s walking, pooping, eating…those are all awesome milestones! I was so excited when Mac finally took his first 3-legged poop LOL. Glad to see you got the inflatable cone – I felt like that made Mac a bit more comfortable. Since he’s a rear amp, you might also consider putting a clean t-shirt over Rusty so that he doesn’t bite at his incision. You might have to tie the excess fabric in a knot so he doesn’t trip over it.
Keep us posted! Wishing you both luck and sending hugs <3
Jamie & Mac
Jamie & Mac,
So true, the first 3-legged poop was an impressive feat! I’m truly amazed by everything he does. Everything feels new – it’s the first time he had a doggie dream or the first time he stretched his leg out behind him or the first time he barked – everything old is new again! Thanks for the t-shirt tip. We will try that. Oh and Rusty got the Wellness Core Ocean you mentioned so we are incorporating that into his meals. Thanks for all of your help. Best to you and Mac – Amy & Rusty
What a cutie! Sounds like he is doing great! Boxer shorts also work well for rear amps, perhaps better than the t-shirt.
Otis & Tess – thanks for your message. We appreciate your kind words and the boxers are a great suggestion. We need something to keep him away from that incision! – Rusty & Amy
Kudos to you and Rusty! He is reaching all the milestones early which is fantastic!!! His incision does look good, indeed. Nice to see him already up and standing:) He may ( or may not) hit the 3-5 day post-op dip; if so, don’t worry as this is COMPLETELY normal. Also LOVE that you said his good attitude is infectious:) rusty, you keep up your WonderDog Ways!!! Best wishes for a continued recovery full of pawsitivity!
Awh, thanks! I appreciate the heads up on the possible 3-5 day post-op dip so I don’t worry. He is up and at ’em this morning and wants to hop around. I am trying to get him to remain calm but he’s so dang happy. Watching the way he is handling this really does help put life in perspective. It helps to remember to focus on what is happening right now instead of what could have been or what is to come. Dogs are amazing, right Charliebear? – Amy & Rusty