Day 6
After a reasonably good night (he slept all night!) Monday pretty rapidly deteriorated. I don’t want to get too graphic here but the best word to describe it is “gory.” Some of his skin is not healing so he was in a fair bit of pain. I took him out for a walk but he struggled, and he needed a lot of cleaning up. So did the floor. I didn’t know where to start and my poor dog was in pain. His pain patch had also expired the night before. He wouldn’t sit down and I couldn’t do anything to comfort him. Cue ME having a total meltdown.
James came home and together we made Mr B clean and comfortable. His surgeon got in touch with our local vet and ordered some new pain medication, and antibiotic cream for Badger’s poor skin. We ate cake. The world was slightly better, but I don’t think I stopped crying all day. I’m very thankful that it was my night to sleep!
Badger REFUSING to stand on the non-slip mat or lovely soft bed I so thoughtfully provided. Instead he wants to hide under the table on a slippery floor.
Day 7
Mr B only got up once during the night, but the pain and general “goriness” continued this morning. We took more photos and sent them to his surgeon, then all we could do was wait for further advice.
Right in the nick of time, my sister in law messaged me:
Sorry to hear. We are thinking of you. But it was amazing what a couple
of weeks with Max* did. At first we worried if we had done the right
thing for him. Don’t despair. Give it some time. And just keep
encouraging him and yourselves. Big hugs.
It was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment, and the day slowly started to get better from there.
Even though it looks like some of his skin flap might (gulp) die, the swelling has gone down noticeably, his urine is flowing more naturally and he is less distressed. And less gory.
He is also pretty funny, settling into his “invalid” role with aplomb. This morning he wanted breakfast but apparently couldn’t lift his head enough to eat. I’m having to either hand feed him or put the food near his head and let him eat lying down! This is why I have christened him “Prince Badgington” the Very Spoilt Dog.
“Prince Badgington The Very Spoilt Dog” eating breakfast in bed
*Max was my nephew-dog, an all around good fella, who had major surgery on both front legs after jumping out of a second floor window during an earthquake! He went on to live a long and very happy life, mostly at ground level.
I believe spoiling a pet assists in healing. My kitty tripawd Mona certainly convinced her vet and me of this. After her amputation she made it clear that massages were essential along with monthly chiropractic treatments. Last year she had a bladder and kidney infection and lost weight so she trained me to feed her by hand (even at 2:00 am). Good going Prince Paddington!! You are very effective at expressing what you need. You are adorable.
Oops, sorry I got your name wrong! I accidentally renamed you a bear’s name. “Prince Badgington – A Very Spoiled Dog” would be a great title for a child’s book.
Heal well,
Kerren
He would make a good Paddington too. 🙂
Prince Badgington, work it! You sure deserve being spoiled rotten after what you’re going through. I’m so sorry! Maybe some boiled chicken should be on the menu too?!
Bumpy recovery roads aren’t unusual but it doesn’t make things any easier for you or your people to know that. I’m just glad your vets are on top of the situation and monitoring you closely. We are too, and sending lots of love and healing wishes. Keep us posted my friend.
Minced chicken has been the favourite so far. He’s been a bit picky but at the moment I don’t blame him.
I am so sorry you had to go through the pain and distress. Times like these, take one day at a time…everyday will get a little better…Thinking if you!!
Thanks 🙂