Ellie and I, mom Denise, started that long trip home from Virginia mid-morning on 3/12/21. She was walking on her own power, but still wearing the brace with which I could help if needed. How I lifted Ellie into the van, I will never know. Just where there is a will there is a way.
Ellie got very anxious at the start of the ride. Not a surprise. Every time she had been in the car the last 3 days it had ended with her being poked and prodded…and losing a leg. A little trazadone quieted her down and the 12 hour trek (normally about 8 1/2 hours) began. We stopped twice to get her out of the car to walk, take pills, and ice her incision (still had not seen it as left the dressing on for the ride). She loved the hamburgers I gave her with her meds and stayed calm when icing the incision.
We finally arrived home at 10:30 p.m. Everyone was up and waiting…dad, Charlie, daughter, Lauren, and son, Lucas. She did not recognize dad at first and growled at him. But, almost immediately recognized Lauren and wagged her tail for the first time!!! Our small enclosure in the front yard was just enough for her to walk around and relieve herself (no poops yet and I was a bit worried). Then she climbed the few stairs to her new room and the hugs and kisses of everyone.
I finally took the dressing off her incision. It did not look as bad as I expected. And, for some unknown reason, I was not as upset as I expected. Just so hopeful that this will make her life better.
Ellie was up at 5 for a walk outside (she finally pooped!!!) and her medications. Then we both fell back to sleep until after 10…we NEVER sleep that late. She is able to negotiate the few steps on the porch and to bark again. Most of the day, though, was spent sleeping.
Post-op instructions included no playing with others…basic solitude for 2 weeks. A bit tough as we have other dogs and chores. But, Ellie became very anxious and pulled computer equipment down when left alone…the first anxiety I had seen since returning home. No more alone time for Ellie!!! She also is trying to lick her incision…e-collar at all times when someone is not with her.
But, all in all, given what she has gone through she is doing well and I am so proud of her!!!
For information on the study in which Ellie is involved, you can look here:
http://www.vetmed.vt.edu/clinical-trials/current-studies/histotripsy-osteo.asp
You can find other trials at:
https://ebusiness.avma.org/aahsd/study_search.aspx
There are also new vaccine trials that pharmaceutical companies may be doing…those you can find through a web search.
Next up…pathology reports due end of this week, follow-up visit in Virginia on 3/26, and oncology consult on 4/1…and each one just a testament to one more day with us!!!
Awww what a terrific update, thanks for sharing all the details. I smiled when I read about how you realized the incision wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be. You know what that is? PURE LOVE! I feared my reaction to our Jerry’s incision too, but also discovered that my love for him gave me what I needed to look beyond the wound and see the joy in his heart at being pain-free and alive! It’s such a learning experience for all of us.
Also thanks for sharing the study links, super helpful!
I’m so glad she is on the mend. Stay strong with the cone of shame. It sucks for them but as you know it’s for the best! Hope there are no more computer calamities. Yikes.
Keep us posted.