two days post surgery

Ruby got a blood transfusion yesterday.  Only 19% blood, day after the surgery.   She thinks that she is bleeding from the bone on this inside because she had to cut her up high.  Heavy bleeder.  They had a donor dog that donated the blood, no charge. The Vet would like to keep her an additional week until the staples come out, no charge. I told her that was ok with me. She offered to bring her to Anderson Monday so I could visit her, but I said not too and I will travel there on my day off next week to visit her. Amazingly strong Ruby is. You can’t even tell when she is dying. She is very alert and walked outside to potty today. The Vet told me that she really is such a good dog. Due to her bleeding though, she wants to keep her until the staples come out to prevent any kind of problems during this healing process.

making life easier.

I went and bought Ruby a bed and elevated food dishes.  I think this will make life easier on her.  It’s a nice sturdy Orthopedic double thick mattress, firm, supportive.  Rather large for her size 36 x 48 x 6.  I also bought some Freshpet food for her.  This way she gets some tasty meals while recovering and good vitamins.

Ruby amputation today

Ruby went into surgery this afternoon to amputate her back hind left leg.  The Vet has called me a few times to tell me that she was seeping blood, but she wrapped her and then she was still bleeding a lot a few hours later.  She opened her back up to make sure nothing was bleeding and then closed her back up again.  She is going to remain there overnight with Ruby.  So worried about my dog.  This is a very stressful situation and complicated procedure, evidently.  I will call them tomorrow to find out how she was thru the night.  🙁

Day of Amputation Surgery

I called to check on Ruby this morning and she hasn’t gone into surgery yet, but she is expected soon.  I wanted to talk with them about her return home and when she might be released.  They said she would be there until at least Monday and that relieves me a lot.  Her first few days/week will be spent under that 24/7 care at the hospital.  I asked if she would be able to remain there longer, if I felt it necessary and they said yes it would be no problem to keep her there.  I feel much more confident today than I did last night.  More rested also.  It’s a nerve racking process having to get thru this ordeal.  I appreciate the responses and interest that we have gotten on this site so far.  I’m glad that I spoke out and told our story as it is starting to unfold.  I will see if I can get three days off in a row next week for when she does return home, but I do not think that I have put in for that time off soon enough.  I do have a neighbor and some family that will be able to check on her, if I do have to work.  Luckily my job is not very demanding and only takes up about six hours of my time, per shift.  Sometimes I over analyze the situation, just to be sure I have it all covered.  I will update as soon as I have word about how her surgery went or if I find myself with more questions.  I will also look over the forum and see what I can discover there.