Post-amp Days 10, 11

Sunday 10-10-10 Achilles doesn’t want to do much. He hasn’t pee’d or pooed since we brought him home yesteray. His testicles are very swollen and sore and sensitive to the touch. The amputation site is draining and it runs down onto them, so I am constantly cleaning the area with a damp cloth. He managed to tear a stitch off the top and so there is a large open hole near his hip. He won’t eat. Dr says it’s important we get some nutrition in him. I bought canned goats milk, and a high calorie paste from petsmart. The paste is nice because when I rub it on his teeth he licks it off and therefore has to eat. We gave him some goats milk by syringe. Also some pedialite. He’s drinking water some and eating ice cubes. Sleeping a lot. He likes it when we take him out in the yard, but gets very tired after only a few steps.

Finally in the afternoon we were sitting outside hoping he would pee. Dave walked toward him , Achilles rolled over like he was playing and tried to get up  – we quickly got under him to help  – he stood and started peeing!!!! yay! he peed all over our hands as we both were holding him up, but that’s alright – at least he went!  – And standing on his feet!

Dr. said to put peroxide through the drainholes since Achilles has pulled them both out now. That helped a lot – the amputation looks a lot better and a lot of yuck came out of there.

Monday 10-11-10 Achilles seems to be getting a bit stronger in his legs every time we take him out. He still tires very quickly after a few steps, and he wants to lie down, but we’re going just a little farther everytime. We are still using the helpemup harness – that’s a huge help  – it’s not a perfect solution – but it sure is the best I’ve got so far.  Added bonus is the strap around the amputation forces some of the yuck out the drainholes when we have him stand up. I know it sounds gross, and yes, it is gross, but it’s reality with an amputation. We got vaseline to put on his testicles to help keep that area from chafing – it seemed to help today and the swelling seems to be going down some. Achilles did not stand up to pee today. He did pee this morning lying outside. Still no bowel movement – but then he really hasn’t had much food. We are forcing the goats milk and high calorie paste.

This evening we blended 2 pasturized eggs, some chopped parsley, cholodin and omega oils  – we gave it to him via syringe. Some decent nutrition in that I hope.

9 thoughts on “Post-amp Days 10, 11

  1. So sorry to hear you guys are going through all of this. Sounds like a lot to deal with! Achilles sounds like a trooper through all of this. Great to hear he peed. Isn’t it funny how pee and poop from your dog can make your day? We are 21 days post amputation and feel as if Bruiser is just now bouncing back. In the beginning, we were terrified, but each day has gotten a bit better. Hope the same happens with Achilles.

    1. Oh yeah – the little things mean so much! (not so little when a Pyr pees and poops! lol) BTW – he pooed today!!! 1st time in 5 days! So, you’re 3 weeks in now and he’s beginning to bounce back – okay – that’s making me feel better about this. Good luck to you and Bruiser! (what a great name!)

  2. bless your hearts, what a scary time you all have been having. we hope achilles continues to heal and starts to find more moments of joy in his life!! paws crossed that he’s turning the corner!!

    charon & gayle

    1. Thank you for the crossed paws! (made me smile 🙂 ) that’s the wisdom in all this, isn’t it – finding the moments of joy.
      Beginning to accept this and appreciate it.

  3. Oh I feel so badly you’re going thru hard times with this. Having been there, done that, I feel your agony!!! Hang in there…you’re doing good! It’ll get better….

    Have you tried any cooked meat at all? Chicken? Or baby food? Or maybe some liver treats? Or fried eggs? Those are some of things my girl would eat when she went off her food after amputation.

    Hugs to you!

    Tracy, Maggie’s Mom

    1. Thank you for the food suggestions! He’s being really stubborn about it. I bought a high calorie paste made by GNC. i smear that on his teeth. Yeah, this morning I tried a lovely steak – organic beef. I will keep trying. I am glad to hear that others have had the same challenges. it feels more “normal” when I see we aren’t the only ones! Thank you!

  4. It is one week today since Heather’s amputation. It took her 30 hrs to pee. Feeding is a big problem also. I bought Instinct frozen raw food patties yesterday. She ate 1/2 a patty last night and 1/2 patty this AM (likes it better seared in a pan) plus a little canned food. Refuses kibble in any form. She is starting hop around the yard more but tires easily. You should see some improvement from Achilles each day. I am learning it is one special day at a time. You are doing great!

    1. I’m glad she’s eating a little something for you. That’s great! He seems to be stronger on his legs each time I get him up. You are exactly right – it really is one special day at a time. Thank you for the encouragement! Wishing you and Heather the best!

  5. We are sorry we are late to the pawty on Achilles. Sounds like things have been tough, but it will get better. We promise.

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