Today we celebrate week one of bring Ellie the Great home from her amputation…well at least to the hotel near the hospital as did not want to make the long trip home until I was sure she was stable.
The week has been filled with timely medications, trying new diets, short walks in the yard (no sling needed), cold/warm compresses on the incision, and REST!!! At least for Ellie we TRIED to rest.
All seemed good until about 2 nights ago…she seemed to get very anxious at night. As a nurse, kept trying to think of why this might happen. The quiet of the evening no longer a distraction from pain was most likely. So, took to giving her trazadone at night along with her gabapentin to let her rest…seemed to work.
This morning, though, she did not want to eat after taking her meds. This worried me as one of the morning meds is carpovet and needs to be taken with food. Her temperature was at 102.4; high end of normal. Sent an email to and called the vet hospital in Virginia, as well as sending pictures of her incision (which looked pretty good). Made an appointment with her local vet, too.
Virginia got back to me and thought things looked good. Was okay with me going to the local vet. Glad I kept the latter appointment as Dr. Dan put my mind at ease. Felt the incision looked good and that we were doing everything we could for her…KEEP IT UP!!!
Boiled her some liver for dinner. That did the trick. She not only ate the liver but also her snack from earlier in the day!!! We reserved the liver water to put over her other food. Figured if the liver water is good for ailing puppies it would be good for her.
I guess the week ended not so badly…actually it ended great as our Ellie was here another week!!!
WHEW! Really glad that she’s on the mend and doing so well. Who knew she was a liver girl eh? That’s awesome it worked. Sounds like a personal chef is in order! 😉
Why did I not remember that you are a nurse? She’s one lucky pup to have you looking out for her! You are doing spectacularly.