At day 11, no significant updates to report. Chloe is definitely showing signs of muscle fatigue/soreness at the end of each day but that is largely our only issue at the moment.
We’ve begun to taper the Gabapentin, she’s only getting the dose at night now. So far, so good. Her panting seems to occur in the evening, after getting her meds, and it’s not significant. I’ve read that panting can be a side effect from Tramadol, so I’m not too concerned. Chloe has always been a needy dog, so the panting and wanting to be by our side is also a semi-normal behavior for her.
A few people have asked how the kids are adapting. That is also going better than I expected! Ava, our 19 month old, doesn’t appear to be impacted at all. She hasn’t really noticed, doesn’t speak well enough to ask questions, and she still loves on her dogs just the same as before. We have not been allowing her to cuddle with the dogs, which is one of her favorite things to do, so that’s been our only impacts with her. We tried to explain a bit about what was going to happen, to Jack who is almost 3 1/2. Before Chloe came home, he just did not really seem to understand. When Chloe was gone for the procedure, he mentioned missing her and wishing she’d come home. Once Chloe came home, Jack gave her a good look, getting very close to her stitches. He said he was mad, that he wanted her to have 4 legs. We explained cheerfully but very to the point – that Chloe’s leg was sick, and the only way to help her be healthy was to have her leg taken off. We asked him how many legs he has, and then said “See!? Chloe still has one more than you!” which he thought was silly. He’s always been really sweet with our dogs, but now when she whines he tries to comfort her – “It’s ok, Bear-Bear. It’s ok.” The one thing that he has a hard time with, is when she’s yelped out in phantom pain. That scares both of the kids and makes them very upset. We spend equal time comforting Chloe and the kids when that happens. Jack is otherwise really great, and tells people very matter of fact “My dog was sick and had surgery! She has three legs now!”
We ordered our harness, and we go in on Monday to have the stitches removed! It’s going by so quickly. Hopefully once the stitches are out and we can fit the harness, we will try the stairs with her. I have a feeling she’ll do better than expected, but I don’t want her to overdo it.
Joe snapped this picture of Chloe out in the yard today. It’s a balmy 40 degrees in Minneapolis, and sunny. Of course, Chloe wants to be outside sitting in the sun. Yuck, the yard looks gross. We can’t wait for spring!
She is so beautiful! I bet she will amaze you when the time comes for stairs. Glad things are going well for you all. By the way, we’re almost neighbors – we live in Green Bay!
Paula and Nitro
Poor Chloe still in her cone! Hopefully that will come off soon. For what it is worth, Otis seems to be done with the panting, yelping, etc. For us at least, the improvement in Week 3 has been noticeable, even with chemo! And great that your kids are adapting so well. It must be really hard for your little guy to comprehend at first, so it is great that he is now proud of Chloe for getting through her surgery.
Chloe looks wonderful! Kids actually “live like dog” more than most of us adults. They get the explanation for things, ponder it for a while and then accept that’s the way it is and go back to living life. Too sweet!
Linda, Ollie, Riley & Spirit Mighty Max
Let us know your experiences with the harness – we are going to live on the ground floor for a bit longer before we try the stairs. Love your comment Linda – kids do have a way to put things in perspective.