We have set up a GoFundMe for Dino's veterinary expenses.
We brought Dino home today! He is very relieved to be back in his house.
We were able to sleep in a little later and avoid some of the Toronto area traffic today. I called the hospital at 8 am and they said Dino had a good night and was doing well, but was looking for us. I arranged the pickup time and Ben and I were back on the familiar highway to Toronto shortly after.
I had that anxious feeling in my stomach the whole drive there, but when we arrived the wonderful staff welcomed us back and said lots of kind things about Dino. Vet technician Lindsay sat down with us and went through all of Dino's medications and what we can expect for recovery over the next couple of weeks. I asked lots of questions about how to avoid pressure sores, how to help Dino's remaining legs be strong, and if we should pursue rehab or anything like that. She assured us that Dino is young, healthy, and his other legs are strong so we probably won't need that. She emailed us some exercises we could do during his coming sedentary weeks, and said the surgeon will do an assessment when we return in two weeks to have Dino's stitches removed.
Then finally, the moment we were waiting for: vet technician Erica brought Dino in to the room. He was very happy to see us, but definitely less of a steam-roller than he usually is. Usually when I collect him at the vet he bowls everyone over and drags the vet tech behind him as he sprints to me. We could see he was on a lot of drugs, but his personality still shone through. I was pretty overwhelmed when they brought him in, but he walked in himself and he looked really good (although clearly high). Having seen the photos they sent me yesterday really helped prepare me.
Lindsay told us how Dino had not eaten overnight (pretty common for dogs to not eat at the vet because of the medications and stress of the environment), and I had brought Dino a special treat prepared by Ben's mum: Milk Bones dipped in bacon grease. I offered Dino one and he took it very gently and then his eyes opened so wide as he got a taste. He was so excited and I gave him a few more. I don't think he really chewed them. Haha.
Erica walked us out to our car and showed us how to use the new sling the hospital provided (a very simple modified towel with a handle sewed on). Before loading Dino into the car, he took one of the longest pees he's ever taken and looked very satisfied with himself. He needed some help getting into the car, so Ben gave him a boost. After another thank you to Erica and Lindsay, we were on our way.
The drive home was smooth and uneventful, just the way we like it. Dino slept and he even snored a little. When we got home Dino needed help getting out of the car, and Ben helped him out. He had another long pee and then led us inside, where he immediately flopped down on our temporary living-room bed. After a bit he fancied a change and moved over to his bed. I fed him some kibble by hand and he was a hungry boy, and ate it all up.
Ben had to go out for a couple of hours, but Dino and I made ourselves comfortable. I spoke to our local vet office and vet tech Connor gave me some more info about keeping "tripawds" healthy. He explained that we need to be very careful of Dino's weight now. Dino is in good shape, but any extra weight at all will be very hard on his remaining legs. Connor explained that on a scale of 1-10 of "dog weight" where a 10 is basically a barrel on legs and 5 is an ideal dog weight, Dino will need to be around a 4 from now on. Dino is probably currently around a 6. Connor said to focus on healing right now though, and we can worry about the weight later. Last year our local vet actually requested that Dino lose some weight, and we are very proud that he lost 15 lbs over about 18 months in a very healthy way.
At 4pm I gave him his first round of medications and he was happy they were served in peanut butter. I also applied a cold compress to help with bruising and I got a closer look at the surgery site. It currently looks pretty good, but Lyndsay warned us that it will look worse before it looks better. She said to expect a lot of bruising in the next 3-5 days, and some swelling. One of the medications should help with the latter. Dino is taking a painkiller, a sedative, an anti-inflammatory, and an antibiotic. Some of these are given every 8 hours, one every 12 hours.
As with the photos in yesterday's post, I have a few photos that are blurred. Today the photos actually have the bandage removed, and you can see the stitches. There is no blood, but I didn't want anyone to be caught off-guard. Click on the image to see it in a new tab, unblurred.
I took Dino out for a pee and he was happy to be outside, although moving slowly. He had another good pee and then we came in for him to nap some more. When Ben got home we fed Dino a tasty dinner of kibble, canned pumpkin, water, and anti-inflammatory drugs all mixed up into the world's ugliest soup. Dino thought it was brilliant and licked the bowl clean. Pumpkin is supposed to help with bowel movements - it is not uncommon for dogs to not poop for 3-5 days post surgery (poor guy....).
His surgery site is already looking more red and bruised than it did this morning. I applied the cold compress again and he doesn't seem to mind it. We're supposed to have some hot weather here this week, so I am sure he won't mind the cold compress at all. I'm supposed to do it 4-6 times a day.
Dino is sleeping a lot, and I hope tonight goes well. We will both sleep downstairs and be ready to support him if he needs anything at all. We're so happy to have our boy back home, and I am so relieved that today went smoothly.
That's all for now, I'll be sure to post again tomorrow.
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