Bentley has been limping a lot more recently. We went to his physical therapy (swimming) and it helped some but I’m just trying to keep him as pain free as possible before his surgery. We had a consultation with the surgeon a few days ago and he will be having his full leg amputated in less than a week. The sarcoma has progressed too far into his bone for a limb sparing procedure to end with a good chance of removing all the cancer. His surgery is scheduled for Wednesday. As of now I’m in denial and feel like I have no more tears. I’m able to talk about it like its no big deal because I can’t realize how different our lives are going to change. I just ordered a Big Barker orthopedic bed, the web master harness, and a stroller. Living in the city I want him to be able to meander in the park and eventually come with me everywhere like he does now with the stroller. I’m just trying to keep him comfortable and ease myself into less denial, but it’s hard. I just want him to be out of pain, which will happen in time.
My Maggie is almost 2 months post op and I was a wreck before the surgery. The first 48 hours are hard, but they are pretty out of it. I took maggie to a grassy area in my car almost exactly 48 hours after surgery and was trying to get the harness untangled when she just took off hopping. All that worry was for nothing. She is now hopping from room to room and even chasing a ball in the park. He wouldn’t want you to worry – he’s not worried himself!
It will be tough until the staples come out (generally about day 10 for a lot of us), and then you will be surprised how quickly he bounces back. For Otis, it meant up on the sofa. But even before that he was meandering around in the yard and moving through the house. Now (almost 2 months out), he takes short walks, meanders around the yard a lot more, goes up and down the flight of stairs without assistance, chases the cats, and plays with his sister. Your life might change, but not that much I bet. And the Big Barker beds are great – we have 3 – Otis has mild arthritis in his hips, and he just loves those beds.
You are a wonderfully loving dog parent, it sounds like you and Bentley are lucky to have each other 🙂
We wish him a quick & comfortable recovery!
All the best,
Eric Shannon
I much prefer inamorftive articles like this to that high brow literature.