Whiskey definitely had a tougher time with her left knee compared to the surgery and recovery of her right knee. Prior to the appointment I had been in touch with her surgical team to let them know that she was still favoring her left knee at times and that the lymph node in her rear left leg was enlarged. Whiskey also still needed to be on Gabapentin twice a day to minimize the limping on her left side. On May 4th, Dr. Morris examined Whiskey and felt that overall she looked great. Whiskey was using both of her back legs without hesitation during the appointment, but still had some swelling along her left incision. The lymph node behind her left knee was still enlarged, but Dr. Morris said she is hopeful this will resolve on its own as the swelling continues to improve. Whiskey also had X-rays done which did not display any sign of infection, and showed that her bone has completely and appropriately healed.
Home Care Instructions:
Unlimited leash walking- allow off leash for about 5 minutes after each walk
Figure 8 Circles, to the left and the right, trotting/ running speed
Trotting or running in a straight line- no sharp cuts or turns
Short retrieves
Whiskey can return to her normal activity level at the end of 2-3 weeks of gradual increases.
Whiskey’s first time off-lead since February 1, 2023
May 8, 2023
Despite how well Whiskey’s final check-up went, swelling at the incision suddenly seemed to have increased, a sore had formed, and Whiskey was limping a bit more.
Left knee:
Left knee (left) in comparison to the right knee (right):
View of both knees:
I shared my observations with Whiskey’s surgical team, who was very responsive and extremely supportive. After reviewing the photos and videos that I had shared, Dr. Morris decided to put Whiskey on a round of antibiotics. If the swelling, sore, and limping does not improve upon the completion of the antibiotics in two weeks, Whiskey will have to return to Dr. Morris for a re-examination.
Whiskey began taking Cefpodoxime Proxetil on May 8th. We are hopeful that by at the end of her antibiotic regimen, the overall condition of Whiskey’s left knee will have improved. The conclusion of Whiskey’s antibiotic schedule happens tofall on the Feast Day of Saint Rita! (Saint Rita of Cascia (Born Margherita Lotti) is the patron Saint of impossible causes and bodily ills). I will be praying to Saint Rita for relief and healing for Whiskey.
Dr. Morris said that Whiskey looked great today and that her incision has nearly fully healed. Whiskey is using her leg without hesitation and Dr. Morris is very pleased with her progress.
Goals next 6 weeks
Maintain stifle stability, improve muscle mass and range of motion
Home Care Instructions
Whiskey’s incision has healed so she no longer needs to wear her E-collar. However, Whiskey has been trying to lick this incision (last surgery she did not attempt this) so we may need to replace the E-collar if we note that Whiskey is licking excessively at the incision site since scar tissue is weaker than normal skin and may be more prone to trauma.
Whiskey will need to continue to be restricted to leashed walking only; no running, no jumping for the next 10 weeks.
No off leash activity outside.
Continue leash walking program with gradual increase in duration:
Week 2-3 after surgery: 5 minute intervals 3 times per day
Week 3-4 after surgery: 10 minute intervals 3 times per day
Week 4-6 after surgery: 15 minute intervals 3 times per day
Week 5-8 after surgery: 20 minute intervals 3 times per day
Begin post-op rehab exercises
Elevated Stance
Sit-to-stand
Backwards Walking
Figure 8’s
If increased fatigue, soreness or discomfort is noticed with increased walks, we are to revert to previous level of activity and begin again from there.
Whiskey cannot exceed 20-30 minute intervals until x-rays confirm appropriate bone healing.
Medications
Gabapentin will be continued for at least 1 more week as activity is increased, and then discontinued or used as needed.
Trazodone will be continued on an as needed basis to enforce exercise restriction.
Follow up
Whiskey’s next recheck appointment is scheduled for May 4, 2023. At that time, x-rays will be obtained in order to ensure adequate bone healing prior to allowing her return to normal activity.
Fixing Pains, Taking Names, Making Gains
I’m relieved that we are back in the swing of Whiskey’s PT program. Whiskey had been getting antsy and was definitely ready to get moving again! The next 6 weeks we will be knee-deep in PT working hard and hoping our efforts will result in a positive report during her next evaluation on May 4th!
Well…more like plates and screws…Today Whiskey had TPLO surgery on her left knee. I’m not sure why, but I was even more nervous this time around!
The surgery was performed at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital by Dr. Morris. Whiskey’s drop off time was 7am so we arrived a few minutes early so that she could visit her farm friends before being admitted for her procedure.
7:00 am: Check-In
Here we go!
Whiskey was a good girl (for the most part!) while in the waiting area after we checked in.
8:00 am
Once I got back home, I did a deep cleaning of the Fish Fortress so that her recovery area was super clean and ready for her arrival home.
8:55 am: Surgery
Whiskey was induced under general anesthesia and X-rays were obtained. She was taken to surgery, where she was confirmed to have a partial tear in her cranial cruciate ligament. Her meniscus was normal. A tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (PLO) was then performed without complication. Whiskey received an injection of a long-lasting numbing medication along her incision during closure to aid in post-operative comfort.
12:00 pm: Recovery
Whiskey recovered smoothly from anesthesia.
3:00 pm: Will Work For Food
…Specifically chicken! Whiskey schmoozed chicken from her Aunt Amanda after surgery.
3:20 pm: Potty Time
Whiskey post-surgery soaking up some sun on this beautiful sunny day.
3:30 pm: Post-Surgery Selfie
Hanging out with her Aunt Amanda after a post-surgery snack and walk. Our friend, Amanda, is the Nursing Supervisor at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital.
4:30 pm: Pick-Up
After the first surgery on her right knee, Whiskey walked out of the hospital on her own. This time, she was reluctant to walk at all or to put any weight on her left knee. She had to be carried out to the car. This is understandable and expected because Whiskey’s right knee is still in the process of healing. Whiskey will be a bit more unsteady this time around, so we will have to be extra cautious and take things especially slow.
Home Care Instructions
Incision Care:
Whiskey’s incision will need to be monitored daily for excess draining, redness, swelling or discharge. Bruising is expected at the incision site and it should progress thru the healing phase as it changes colors. Any bruising that spreads in surface area will need to be documented with photographs and reported to the hospital staff.
A cold pack will be applied to the incision area 2-3 times daily for 5 minutes for the first 3 days following surgery.
The incision will not be covered and will be kept clean and dry
Whiskey is not allowed to swim or be bathed for the first 2 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to heal.
Seroma formation is common with knee surgery. A seroma can present as swelling around the ankle, the joint below the incision. This is where edema from the surgical site will settle over the first 10 days post-op. It will feel like a fluidy sac. Applying a warm compress to the area for 5 minutes 2 to 3 times a day and gently massaging the area will help.
E-Collar:
Whiskey will be wearing an E-Collar at all times when not directly supervised.
Many patients are able to reach around inflatable donut collars or soft cones. As a result, it is recommend to use a hard plastic cone unless Whiskey is being directly supervised because if Whiskey is able to access her incision, she may be at increased risk of complications such as infection or dehiscence.
Exercise Restrictions:
For the next 14 days, Whiskey will be confined to her Fortress and activity is restricted to short (less than 5 minutes) leash walks in the yard only to go out to the bathroom…then it’s back to her Fortress.
Whiskey must always be on a leash when outside.
Whiskey is not allowed to run, jump, stair climb or play with other dogs.
A sling will be used to support Whiskey while walking.
Medications
Carprofen (Rimadyl)
This medication is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication used for pain control.
Gabapentin
This medication is used to target neuropathic pain.
Trazodone
This medication is used as needed to keep Whiskey calm.
Codeine
This medication is a opioid derived medication used for pain control.
Whiskey is expected to increasingly put weight on the operated leg over the next 2 weeks so that she is at least touching the toe to the ground by the time she goes to her two-week check-up appointment. By 6 weeks post-op, Whiskey is expected to be comfortably weight bearing on her left leg. Full recovery can take up to 3 to 6 months once Whiskey is allowed to resume her usual activities.
Last week Whiskey was tapered off of all meds for pain and sedation. She tolerated it well! I kept her PT exercises the same since the pain meds were being stopped, but her walking routine increased by five minutes each session to three walks a day at 10 minutes a piece.
This week marks 4-weeks post-surgery and we once again kicked her PT sessions up a notch. Along with the exercises Whiskey began at her 2-week post-surgery mark, I added in some tug in addition to backwards walking instead of using it as an alternative, and also introduced cavalettis. Whiskey’s three walks a day also increased to 15 minutes per session. She is tolerating all of this just fine, which is great because surgery number two on her left side is less than a week away – March 6th!
Whiskey’s schedule at Week 4:
Tug
Controlled “tug” is a great way to encourage use of hind quarters during recovery.
Cavalettis
Cavalettis during rehab strengthens muscles involved in knee flexion (bending), increases range of motion in the knee joint and helps to ensure stiffness in the joint does not occur.
If you are setting up cavalettis for your dog, here is a general guideline on where to set the poles:
Pole Spacing
Measure your dog at the withers. Then set the poles at the same distance apart as your dog’s height at the withers. For example, if your dog is 22 inches tall at the withers, space the poles 22 inches apart.
Pole Height
Set the poles at a height that is equal to half your dog’s hock height. For example, if your dog’s hock measures 6 inches from the ground, set the poles no higher than 3″ high. For the purpose of rehabbing Whiskey’s knee, I set the poles on the ground at first to get her acclimated to them, and then set them at 2 inches.
*Adjusted from original guidelines at cleanrun.com
Intro to cavalettis
Cavaletti practice
Look Ma, No Sling!
Whiskey has been walking, doing her exercises, and using stairs without any assistance.
Stairs
Stairs (down)
Stairs (up)
Walking
Walking at 4 weeks post-surgery
Walking at 4 weeks post-surgery
Care Package
A very special someone sent Whiskey a “Get Well Soon” package! Yummy treats and the most PERFECT Benebone ever…a fish! Whiskey worked extra hard during her PT for the treats and was occupied all night with the Benebone fish! Such perfect gifts – and so thoughtful and generous! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Whiskey received a wonderful get-well package on February 10th with the cutest purple toy and super yummy treats! She was SO very happy! This could not have arrived sooner, as Whiskey is starting to get a bit tired of confinement- this made her day – and ours!
Weak in the Knees For You: Valentine’s Day
I do annual holiday photos with our pack, but all the dogs know that when the photo backdrop gets set up, yummy treats are to follow…and that causes much excitement. I decided it was best if Whiskey did not participate in the Valentine’s Day photoshoot. Instead, I decorated her Fish Fortress (recovery pen) using a couple of photo backdrops.
It’s Going Tibia a Good Day: Two Week Post-Surgery Check Up with Dr. Morris
February 16, 2023
Assessment:
Dr. Morris said that Whiskey looked great! Whiskey’s incision has healed appropriately, she is using her leg consistently, and she was not reactive to palpation of her plate.
Medications:
Carprofen
dosage schedule is complete
Codeine
dosage schedule is complete
Gabapentin
will be continued for 1 more week while her activity is increased, then will be discontinued.
Trazodone
on an as needed basis to enforce exercise restriction.
Supplements to continue long-term
Dasuquin Advanced
VRS Omega Benefits
Restrictions
Whiskey may NOT do any of the following:
running
jumping
playing with other dogs
off leash activity
stairs (unless on a leash and speed is controlled)
Goal and Instructions for the Next 6 weeks
Goal
Maintain stifle stability, improve muscle mass and range of motion
Home Care Instructions
Whiskey’s incision has healed. She no longer needs to wear her E-collar. However, she may need to wear it again if she begins licking excessively at her incision site.
Although we can stop using the sling for assisted walking, Whiskey will need to continue to be restricted to leashed walking only; no running, no jumping for the next 10 weeks. We will also need to watch closely for lameness in either of her hind legs.
No off-leash activity outside.
Begin leash walking program with gradual increase in duration (NOTE:If at any time increased fatigue, soreness or discomfort is noticed with increased walks revert to previous levelof activity).
Now through Feb 19 / Week 2 post-surgery: 5 minute intervals, 3 times a day
February 20-26 / Week 3 post-surgery: 10 minute intervals, 3 times a day
February 27-March5 / Week 4 post-surgery: 15 minute intervals, 3 times a day
New Knee, No Cone…Who Dis?!
Whiskey was given the all-clear to be cone-free AND sling-free! Her first cone-less / sling-less post-op walk was around the grounds of Mount Laurel Animal Hospital to visit some of the farm animals.
Whiskey’s first post-op walk on the street
Follow up
Whiskey is tentatively scheduled for surgery on her left knee on Monday, March 6.
A Joint Effort: Rehab Exercises
In addition walking program, Whiskey also is also starting an exercise program. Exercises can be used in conjunction with walks as a warm up or a cool down. Together and with Whiskey on a leash, we will be practicing the rehab activities:
Elevated Stance
Have dog stand on a step or foam pad (I used a Klimb). Make sure both back legs are even.
Hold for 30-60 seconds
perform one time a day weeks 2 to 6 post-op
Sit to Stand
Sit dog with affected leg close to a wall (I used the back of our couch). Note if your dog uses both legs evenly. Drop treat in front of your dog to encourage them to stand up.
Repeat 3 times
perform three times a day
Backwards Walking
Using a treat near your dog’s nose, motion towards the dog’s tail. Reward when the dog offers one step back, gradually building up to several steps. Lower your hand if your dog sits instead of backing up.
back up for 6 to 10 feet and repeat 2 times
perform once a day
Figure 8’s
Use 2 objects (e.g. cones, milk jugs, buckets… I used folding step-stools) to encourage your dog to make a figure 8 in both directions. Make each figure 8 two times the length of your dog.
Repeat 3 times
perform before each walk
Luckily I had all of the items on-hand from doing conditioning and training with our pack, and Whiskey was already familiar with the commands and activities she had to perform.
You Can’t Spell Party Without PT: Whiskey’s Rehab Activities All-in-One Video
Git ‘Er Done
I made a checklist to print out to help keep me on track with Whiskey’s schedule.
We are hopeful that if we follow Whiskey’s rehab plan as directed, she will be ready for her second surgery on March 6!
One week ago today, (2/1/23) Whiskey had her first TPLO surgery on her right knee. I am happy to report that she is still doing very well! Her incision and surgery sites both had normal progression and she is tolerating wearing her cone as well as her confinement.
In this post I included a photo of the incision as well as a rear-view photo from each day over the last week, as well as some videos of Whiskey progressing with using a few stairs and walking (with a lift sling in place in case she stumbles). A lift sling is especially important for Whiskey since she has a tear in her left knee as well.
Day 1: Thursday 2/2/23
She slept well her first night and only woke up once at about 4am to go out to potty. Swelling and bruising had started around the incision.
Day 2: Friday 2/3/23
Morning:
Evening: Bruising was at its worst tonight.
Day 3: Saturday 2/4/23
Today the Nocita was due to wear off. Nocita is given for postoperative pain relief. It is a long-acting local anesthetic that provides up to 72 hours pain relief and helps prevent increasing pain during thetransition period from the epidural given before surgery to the oral pain relievers we administer at home. We saw absolutely no change in Whiskey – she was in good spirits and did not display any signs of pain. The bruising looks much better already this morning.
Day 4: Sunday 2/5/23
One of her mini walks around the yard today:
Today I took the bed frame and headboard away so that the mattress was on the floor. The mattress is 14 inches high so I put a child safety guardrail on the far side of the bed as well as the foot of the bed so that Whiskey can’t fall off. Runners were placed at the exit side to help with traction when Whiskey is able to get on/off the bed independently.
Whiskey is learning to navigate the stairs. She is allowed to try up to 5 stairs as long as she has her lift sling to assist her.
February 2, 2023 …The First 24 Hours: We Made It! (Phew!)
I have to admit, even with having a great friend on the surgery team to prepare me and guide me through the surgery procedure, I was still SO nervous about… well… EVERYTHING! However, the first 24 hours have gone much better than I expected! Whiskey slept well the first night until about 4am this morning when she needed to go out to potty. She has been calm, tolerating confinement, eating well, willingly taking her medications, having normal bowl movements and urinating regularly.
Pimp My Crib Fish Fortress
Once Whiskey was in her recovery pen, I noticed that she was having trouble repositioning herself on the bed I had placed inside the area. It seemed that the bed was a bit too small for her to safely maneuver herself. I also observed her shivering. After I had taken her out to potty again at 7:30am and gave her breakfast, I knew changes had to be made.
Whiskey enjoyed “breakfast in bed” before the “renovations” began.
Immediately following breakfast, The Pimp My Crib Fortress Crew did an on-the-spot makeover (it’s me… Hi.. I’m the crew, it’s me…) I changed out the dog bed for a bigger one, and added a heavy blanket “wall” to block cold drafts from our ancient cabin’s exterior wall. I also added a “bed comforter” … a Pointer themed blanket that is on the human bed Whiskey normally sleeps on and also included one of the bed pillows because she loves to sleep with her head on the pillow. I felt these items would have a familiar smell and comfort her.
Lastly, I performed some surgeries of my own and “de-squeaked” a few larger stuffy survivors from Christmas to help block out cold drafts as well as to provide padding against the wire walls of the pen. (Squeakers removed so that the stuffies didn’t squeak while Whiskey leaned on them or played with them … in an attempt to avoid a whole-house riot when the others hear the squeak and realize THEY don’t have a toy!
Whiskey in Good Spirits
Whiskey has been alert, wagging her tail and even felt well enough to nom on some of the stuffies!
Whiskey seemed to approve of her upgrades and was much more settled after the “renovations.”
Invest in Rest
Lights out! Sleep gives the body time to repair itself so we kept Whiskey’s area as quiet as we could.
Visiting Hours
Some of the pack visited Whiskey throughout the day. All of the dogs except for Jägermeister have been respectful of visiting hours. Jagermeister has decided he’s just going to bark at Whiskey so he has been banned from visiting for the time being … I think he is a bit put-off that he doesn’t have nice digs like Whiskey! Haha!
Incision Check
A quick check-in with our friend Amanda…We sent her a photo of Whiskey’s incision and she told us that it looks normal for 24 hours post surgery.
🎶All The Pretty Girls Walk like This, This, This, This, This🎶
Whiskey is supposed to take a 5 minute or less leash walk around the yard a few times a day to keep her right leg moving. A lift-sling is used just as a precaution for support – but only if needed so that Whiskey can naturally rehab her leg and learn to walk on it. The video below is Whiskey on her most recent walk before I wrote this post. There is no support being given to her -and she is doing wonderfully!
Medications…Get it Write
In order to keep track and make sure I don’t miss any medication doses, rehab walks in the yard, or cold pack sessions, I made a very simple chart to keep myself organized. I’m sure it would look much prettier if it were completed on the computer, but I tend to make less mistakes when creating these by hand.
Keep Your Cool (Packs)
The hospital sent us home with a cold pack which I have been using, but our friend, Amanda, gave us this great tip as well. Take a wash cloth or dish towel, run it under water, then ring it out. Place the cloth in a zip lock bag and put it in the refrigerator. The temperature won’t be too cold for the dog, and it remains flexible instead of a hard/stiff frozen pack so that you can wrap it around the leg. Whiskey has been so good and has let me apply the cold pack throughout the day with no issues.
I am so relieved and thrilled with the first 24 hours and I will remain hopeful that Whiskey will continue to have a smooth recovery. Brian and I thank everyone for their continued support, positive thoughts, and prayers!
Today Whiskey had her TPLO Surgery at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital. She was in the best hands with our our good friend, Amanda, who is the Nursing Supervisor for Specialty Surgery.
Pre-Surgery
Porter’s Poo Palace that we use for camping has been sanitized (twice) and brought indoors to be transformed into The Fish Fortress for Wish the Fish’s recovery from TPLO surgery. A secluded, confined area for Whiskey is imperative for her safety and proper recovery from her surgery. This area included a low, flat bed, a feeder, non-skid whelping mat that covered the entire floor, and lighting courtesy of a rechargeable camp light. Luckily we had all of this on-hand!
Checking out her recovery digs:
Lounging with Mom after we administered the pre-surgery medications to help her relax:
Arrival
We arrived a bit early to Mount Laurel Animal Hospital…but Whiskey didn’t mind because she was watching all of the farm animals from the car, then took a short potty break before entering the hospital.
Check-In
Amanda checked Whiskey in and fully explained the procedure and what to expect.
Whiskey and Amanda
X-Rays
Radiographs were taken and confirmed that Whiskey has a complete tear in her cranial cruciate ligament. Effusion is present in the left knee where the suspected partial tear is located.
Getting ready for X-rays
Dr. Morris called me once the radiographs were taken to let me know Whiskey is doing well and was about to get her epidural in preparation for surgery.
Surgery
Whiskey was sedated and anesthesia was administered.
Once the incision was made, Dr. Morris could see that luckily Whiskey’s joint is normal and her meniscus is intact. Whiskey’s X-rays are displayed on the screen so that there are live views of her measurements as Dr. Morris reconfigures the angle and makes a curved cut in the top of Whiskey’s tibia bone
Whiskey’s heart rate, oxygen level, blood pressure, CO2 levels, breathing rate and body temperature were all monitored throughout the surgery.
The TPLO was performed without complication. Whiskey received an injection of a long-lasting numbing medication along her incision during closure to aid in post-operative comfort.
Post-Surgery X-Rays
Whiskey’s incision was closed and post surgery X-rays were taken before moving her to the recovery room.
Possible Complications
Although we are optimistic that Whiskey will not have any complications, we need to be aware that it is a possibility. The risk of these potential (and hopefully unlikely) complications far outweighs the benefits of repairing Whiskey’s knees so that she can return to her normal Pointer shenanigans and be provided with the opportunity for the best achievable quality of life. Potential complications associated with this procedure include infection, dehiscence, need for implant removal, implant failure, implant migration, persistent lameness, patellar luxation, progression or arthritis, pivot shift, fracture, future meniscal injury, and need for additional intervention.
Recovery
Whiskey recovered smoothly from anesthesia. The breathing tube was taken out and a warming blanket was placed over Whiskey while she recovers with her IV fluids. Dr. Morris called to review the surgery. After a few hours of recovery, Dr. Morris called us again and let us know that she was comfortable at this point to release Whiskey to come home since she was doing so well.
Whiskey hung out with the best nurse any patient could ever ask for…our friend, Amanda! Whiskey took a trip to the kitchen and ate a snack, which she was able to keep down!
Whiskey on her way to the kitchen for a snack after her TPLO surgery.
Pick-Up
Amanda met with me and reviewed all of the post-surgery instructions. Success of the surgery depends heavily upon the adherence to the post-operative instructions for the next 8-12 weeks. Too much activity too soon, or failure to closely follow the given instructions could disrupt and potentially fail the repair, which would require a re-operation. Whiskey is expected to increasingly put weight on the operated leg over the next 2 weeks so that she is at least touching the toe to the ground by the time of suture removal. By 6 weeks post-op, Whiskey is expected to be comfortably weight bearing on the leg. Full recovery can take up to three months.
Incision Care:
Monitor the incision daily for excess draining, redness, swelling or discharge: Bruising can be expected at the incision site and it should progress thru the healing phase as if changes colors. Any bruising that spreads in surface area should be documented with photographs if able and the hospital should be contacted.
Cold pack the incision area 2-3 times daily for 5 minutes for the first 3 days following surgery.
Incision does not need to be covered. It should simply be kept clean and dry.
No swimming or be bath for the first 2 weeks following surgery to allow the incision to heal.
Seroma formation is common with knee surgery. A seroma can present as swelling around the ankle, the joint below the incision. This is where edema from the surgical site will settle over the first 10 days post-op. It will feel like a fluidy sac. A warm compress can be applied to the area for 5 minutes 2 to 3 times a day and gently massage the area. If the site is painful or red, the hospital should be contacted.
E-Collar:
An E-Collar is imperative at all times when not directly supervised. If the incision is accessed, there will be increased risk of complications such as infection or dehiscence.
Many patients are able to reach around inflatable donut collars or soft cones. As a result, use of a hard plastic cone is recommended
Exercise Restrictions:
Restrict activity to short (< 5 minutes) leash walks only to go out to the bathroom for the next 14 days. Whiskey must always be on a leash when outside.
No running, jumping, stair climbing or playing with other dogs. If you need to use stairs and your pet is too large to carry up and down – make sure Whiskey is on a leash and walk up and down the stairs very slowly.
Whiskey should be crated or kenneled in a small room without furniture when not directly supervised. Using a crate is a security for Whiskey to heal appropriately. If Whiskey is hyperexcitable when you are home, use the crate to create safe periods of rest.
Use yoga mats, bath rugs or carpet runners to cover slick floors in the kitchen or hallways to prevent slipping. Major areas of concern are around doors where Whiskey will be coming in and out as well as around food and water dishes. If needed, use a towel or sling to support your dog during walking around these areas of your home.
Medications:
Carprofen (Rimadyl)
This medication is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication used for pain control. Adverse effects include anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and dark tarry stool. Please stop this medication and call if you note these. Do not administer this medication with other NSAIDs (Aspirin, Meloxicam, Previcox, Deramaxx, etc.) or steroids (Prednisone, Temaril-P. or injectable/topical steroids).
Gabapentin
This medication is used to target neuropathic pain. Adverse effects include sedation, anorexia, constipation and occasional anxiety/tremors/neurologic sions.
Trazodone
This medication is used as needed to keep Whiskey calm. Adverse effects include excessive sedation, anorexia, constipation, and occasional anxiety/tremors/neurologic signs
Codeine
This medication is a opioid derived medication used for pain control. Adverse effects include sedation, anorexia constipation
Bag of Goodies
medications
a pill cutter to help us with the dose amounts
cold pack
food that is easy on the belly in case her stomach is upset
folder with post-surgery instructions
Shortly after the post-surgery discussion, Whiskey walked out of the hospital with Amanda!
Arrival Home
Besides setting up a safe confined recovery pen, we also had these two items to assist us to lift and/or support Whiskey if needed:
Once we were home, Whiskey quickly settled in to her Fish Fortress.
Whiskey’s same-day release was possible because of the outstanding skill and medical expertise of the Mount Laurel Surgical Team. We are so grateful for the compassionate attention and professional care displayed from each and every person involved in Whiskey’s surgery.
Follow-Up Care
A recheck examination will be scheduled at the 2-3 week post-surgery mark. At this visit, Whiskey’s incisional healing will be assessed.
