Gotta write quick. Penny's downstairs, resting on her bed in the X pen that takes up most my living room.
She was touching her toes on her operated leg. That may or may not be a good sign. What we don't want her to do is begin using that leg too soon. And, she may. Her right leg is a fraction more angled than her left, although it was the left that was operated on, due to her torn meniscus.
She's chewed a bone and a bully stick. I haven't wanted to give her med because they're every 12 hours and I didn't want to have to wake both of us up at 2:30 to give the meds.
I think she's hungry. I am about to take her out for a pee break and then feed her. Then, she can have her pill.
I did forget the antibiotic in my hurry to take her out of there. So, Rick is running up there after work to get them. I sure do appreciate him.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Resting nicely
I called the office last night and the report was that Penny was resting nicely and had been outside for a potty break with the help of a sling. I'll have to get some additional training on that.
I am looking forward to picking her up at 1 pm. I am trying to think of a way to get my desktop computer down to the main floor of my house (with Internet access) so that I can work and update her blog. Right now, it's in Cap'n Jack's room, which is also my studio.
My living room is going to be crowded for the next few weeks, with Penny's X-crate, my desktop computer, and my easel. I want to be in the same room with her while I am home so she doesn't feel left out.
I am looking forward to picking her up at 1 pm. I am trying to think of a way to get my desktop computer down to the main floor of my house (with Internet access) so that I can work and update her blog. Right now, it's in Cap'n Jack's room, which is also my studio.
My living room is going to be crowded for the next few weeks, with Penny's X-crate, my desktop computer, and my easel. I want to be in the same room with her while I am home so she doesn't feel left out.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Recovering nicely at 2:45
Dr. Walker just called. Penny is recovering nicely from her TPLO surgery and will be ready to go home tomorrow at 1 o'clock. She also had a torn meniscus, which was also removed.
There are two cruciate ligaments in the knee: the anterior, or cranial, cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior, or caudal, cruciate ligament (PCL.) 90% of knee injuries in dogs are ruptured ACLs.
When the ACL is torn, the meniscus on the inside of the knee often becomes damaged as well. About one third of the patients that are operated for a torn cruciate ligament also have a tear of the meniscal cartilage on the inner side of the joint (medial meniscus) .
Here is a graphic of how the knee moves back and forth, both with the tear and with the surgery.
There are two cruciate ligaments in the knee: the anterior, or cranial, cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior, or caudal, cruciate ligament (PCL.) 90% of knee injuries in dogs are ruptured ACLs.
When the ACL is torn, the meniscus on the inside of the knee often becomes damaged as well. About one third of the patients that are operated for a torn cruciate ligament also have a tear of the meniscal cartilage on the inner side of the joint (medial meniscus) .
Here is a graphic of how the knee moves back and forth, both with the tear and with the surgery.
Penny is dropped off at ACCES
Penny and I showed up at Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services at just before 8 this morning.
When we arrived, Penny clad in her pink coat, Penny was greeted by name. She wagged her tail, happy to be acknowledged. I was told to weigh her, which I did, but because it was in kilograms, I didn't pay attention. I can't tell you how much she weighed.
Then came the paperwork. I had to indicate whether I wanted her resuscitated if something went wrong (I said I wanted basic CPR, no advanced treatments like heart surgery) and then I had to pay the minimum estimated cost for the surgery.
While I was doing paperwork, a lovely woman came in with a irregularly shaped box. Penny growled. I've never known her to growl at a woman. The woman stopped, said hi to Penny and reached out a hand to pet her. Penny wagged her tail like she was only kidding, and the woman continued walking toward the back. I said to the receptionist that she must be nervously guarding because she doesn't growl often. The receptionist said that veterinarians, even their vets, can be scary. I really liked the interaction between Penny and the woman vet. The vet didn't see Penny as vicious and took the time to meet her. It's a good sign.
Back to the paperwork. For some reason, I thought I had to pay 50% and then 50% on pickup, which I was ready for. I was not ready to pay the entire minimum cost, which amazingly actually was only $200 more than the 2,500 that I put in my checking on Tuesday night. I performed some quick mental accounting and cavalierly just handed them my debit card.
The X rays were not on the billing estimate. I know that Dr. Walker is planning to do both legs and hips, so I know that I'll owe a bit more when I pick her up. I also know that I'll owe a bit for the overnight stay. So, the balance will go on a credit card, which I will then transfer to a low interest card.
We had to wait while they got a room ready for her. Then, the receptionist came back with a green leash with a loop in it. She asked me to take off Penny's coat, collar, and leash. I did. Then, the receptionist, a nice young woman, tried to get the rope over Penny's head. Penny balked. She tried a couple more times and then asked me to loop it over her head. I did. Penny and she stood up and started walking toward the back. The receptionist commented on how well she is walking today.
I watched them disappear behind the swinging doors. I felt like a traitor. I picked up the bill, my purse, Penny's coat, leash and collar and walked to my car. I sat in my car, tears in my eyes, before starting the car and driving.
When we arrived, Penny clad in her pink coat, Penny was greeted by name. She wagged her tail, happy to be acknowledged. I was told to weigh her, which I did, but because it was in kilograms, I didn't pay attention. I can't tell you how much she weighed.
Then came the paperwork. I had to indicate whether I wanted her resuscitated if something went wrong (I said I wanted basic CPR, no advanced treatments like heart surgery) and then I had to pay the minimum estimated cost for the surgery.
While I was doing paperwork, a lovely woman came in with a irregularly shaped box. Penny growled. I've never known her to growl at a woman. The woman stopped, said hi to Penny and reached out a hand to pet her. Penny wagged her tail like she was only kidding, and the woman continued walking toward the back. I said to the receptionist that she must be nervously guarding because she doesn't growl often. The receptionist said that veterinarians, even their vets, can be scary. I really liked the interaction between Penny and the woman vet. The vet didn't see Penny as vicious and took the time to meet her. It's a good sign.
Back to the paperwork. For some reason, I thought I had to pay 50% and then 50% on pickup, which I was ready for. I was not ready to pay the entire minimum cost, which amazingly actually was only $200 more than the 2,500 that I put in my checking on Tuesday night. I performed some quick mental accounting and cavalierly just handed them my debit card.
The X rays were not on the billing estimate. I know that Dr. Walker is planning to do both legs and hips, so I know that I'll owe a bit more when I pick her up. I also know that I'll owe a bit for the overnight stay. So, the balance will go on a credit card, which I will then transfer to a low interest card.
We had to wait while they got a room ready for her. Then, the receptionist came back with a green leash with a loop in it. She asked me to take off Penny's coat, collar, and leash. I did. Then, the receptionist, a nice young woman, tried to get the rope over Penny's head. Penny balked. She tried a couple more times and then asked me to loop it over her head. I did. Penny and she stood up and started walking toward the back. The receptionist commented on how well she is walking today.
I watched them disappear behind the swinging doors. I felt like a traitor. I picked up the bill, my purse, Penny's coat, leash and collar and walked to my car. I sat in my car, tears in my eyes, before starting the car and driving.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tomorrow's the big day
Last night I went to the bank and transferred money from Penny's account to my account. That's $2600! Thanks everyone.
Last night, Penny refused her pain medication. I tried smothering it in cream cheese, canned food, and her treats. No go. She wouldn't touch any portion that had the medication inside. But this morning, she ate her new anti-inflammatory without any wrapping. That's great. It makes things easier for both me and her.
Tomorrow, I drop Penny off before 8 am at Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services. When I drop her off, I'll ask when I can call to find out how surgery went. I will make sure to update the blog as soon as I know.
She will be spending the night because the surgeon cuts her bones. She will be heavily medicated and will need to be watched. I plan to pick her up after work on Friday. Hopefully, she will be able to walk. Otherwise, I'll have Rick and/or Kirsten meet me and we will help her in then.
I am getting ahead of myself. Keep sending those good wishes to Penny.
Last night, Penny refused her pain medication. I tried smothering it in cream cheese, canned food, and her treats. No go. She wouldn't touch any portion that had the medication inside. But this morning, she ate her new anti-inflammatory without any wrapping. That's great. It makes things easier for both me and her.
Tomorrow, I drop Penny off before 8 am at Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services. When I drop her off, I'll ask when I can call to find out how surgery went. I will make sure to update the blog as soon as I know.
She will be spending the night because the surgeon cuts her bones. She will be heavily medicated and will need to be watched. I plan to pick her up after work on Friday. Hopefully, she will be able to walk. Otherwise, I'll have Rick and/or Kirsten meet me and we will help her in then.
I am getting ahead of myself. Keep sending those good wishes to Penny.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Hobbling on two legs
Next Thursday can't come quickly enough. Today, Penny is hobbling on two legs, I think because of the manipulation that occured yesterday.
I did some more research on the surgery. Here is a graphic description. Don't look if you don't want to see some blood.
On a positive note, Graham spent the night with Penny in the X Pen.
I did some more research on the surgery. Here is a graphic description. Don't look if you don't want to see some blood.
On a positive note, Graham spent the night with Penny in the X Pen.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Surgery is scheduled
Penny and I met with Dr. Tamara Walker of Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services today. I heard, for the first time, that Penny had cruciate ligament disease, which is the slow deterioration of the ACLs, rather than torn ACLs from an injury. Same result. Same recommendations. But, this time, I made the appointment for surgery.
I am not dissing Dr. Allen Johnson, not at all. I think it's a matter of timing. Seeing Penny in such severe pain (she's still not putting any weight on her left leg) made me vehemently aware that it is time to schedule surgery. Had I seen him this week, Penny may be scheduled at Animal Surgical Center on Stone Way, rather than at a clinic in Lake City.
I also considered her comfort level with the vet. Penny was more comfortable with Dr. Walker, than she was with the tall, powerfully built Dr. Johnson. Or, maybe Penny was so uncomfortable that a stranger didn't matter. Really, though, we know Penny likes girls better. She allowed Dr. Walker to manipulate her knee, obeyed me when I asked her to stand up. She tolerated the pain while Dr. Walker manipulated her other leg. (Dr. Johnson took her in the back to perform the manipulations as she got antsy.)
Plus, Dr. Walker has a vet technician of her own, so that will be helpful if I want a progress report during surgery and her stay after that. The vet clinic is also open 24 hours a day, under the same ownership. The Animal Surgical Center shares its location with the Emergency Veterinary Clinic, which operates in the off hours. Penny would be able to stay there and be monitored by staff all the time, but I hope that the setup at Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services provides more continuous care.
Dr. Walker had an easier job talking to me than Dr. Johnson. Dr. Johnson told me about TPLO and the other, less expensive surgery techniques. I had time to research TPLO and knew about the procedure, while I didn't with Dr. Johnson. She didn't have to convince me that Penny's weight and age makes TPLO a better choice than for the less expensive options. I had time to recover from the price quote and think of how I was going to pay for the surgery.
Thanks to all of my community's generosity, I have $2,000 toward her first surgery, which is estimated to cost between $3200 and $3700. X rays are included, while they aren't at Seattle Surgical Center. Coming up with $1,200, even putting it on a card, seems easier than the original amount. And, we'll keep fundraising. We'll schedule another bake sale for March and I intend to have a big old rummage/garage sale this spring.
Dr. Walker took her time with me, too, answering my questions. We discussed whether Rick should build a ramp to the back porch. (She doesn't think so. She thinks that it is likely that Penny will refuse to walk the ramp and that it might become a power struggle.) She thinks that Penny would be just fine walking slowly up and down the steps. We discussed whether I should take Penny to Ideal Pet Stop (she is the store dog there) immediately after the surgery (probably not-- she should be as still as possible), or whether I should pay for boarding (save my $$ for the second surgury), and whether physical therapy is helpful (not at this time). Because Penny will be more active than what is ideal during her first two weeks, she does feel that Penny should not go upstairs to sleep for two months. It sounds like it's the XPen for her for the next 2 months. We've got it set up in the living room now. Lovely!
Penny also got new meds because the aspirin that she is taking is an antiplatelet medication and prevents blood from clotting. Not good during surgery! I'll report on how she tolerates the new meds once she's taken them for a few days. She first starts with pain killers and then after 5 days or so, starts taking Rimadyl, another anti-inflamatory. Rimadyl is not without its critics. Pfizer lists one of the side effects as death. Here is one such report. I'll watch her carefully and be on the lookout for vomiting, lethargy or diarrhea after she starts taking it.
We're in shark-infested waters anyway. 80-85% of TPLO surgeries are considered successful. But what about the other 15%? Half of them are infections and other issues. The other 5-8% may require additional surgeries. What's that saying: In for a penny, in for a pound? Let's not dwell too much on that. Instead, let's think positive, healing thoughts.
The surgery is scheduled for Thursday, Feb 28.
I am not dissing Dr. Allen Johnson, not at all. I think it's a matter of timing. Seeing Penny in such severe pain (she's still not putting any weight on her left leg) made me vehemently aware that it is time to schedule surgery. Had I seen him this week, Penny may be scheduled at Animal Surgical Center on Stone Way, rather than at a clinic in Lake City.
I also considered her comfort level with the vet. Penny was more comfortable with Dr. Walker, than she was with the tall, powerfully built Dr. Johnson. Or, maybe Penny was so uncomfortable that a stranger didn't matter. Really, though, we know Penny likes girls better. She allowed Dr. Walker to manipulate her knee, obeyed me when I asked her to stand up. She tolerated the pain while Dr. Walker manipulated her other leg. (Dr. Johnson took her in the back to perform the manipulations as she got antsy.)
Plus, Dr. Walker has a vet technician of her own, so that will be helpful if I want a progress report during surgery and her stay after that. The vet clinic is also open 24 hours a day, under the same ownership. The Animal Surgical Center shares its location with the Emergency Veterinary Clinic, which operates in the off hours. Penny would be able to stay there and be monitored by staff all the time, but I hope that the setup at Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services provides more continuous care.
Dr. Walker had an easier job talking to me than Dr. Johnson. Dr. Johnson told me about TPLO and the other, less expensive surgery techniques. I had time to research TPLO and knew about the procedure, while I didn't with Dr. Johnson. She didn't have to convince me that Penny's weight and age makes TPLO a better choice than for the less expensive options. I had time to recover from the price quote and think of how I was going to pay for the surgery.
Thanks to all of my community's generosity, I have $2,000 toward her first surgery, which is estimated to cost between $3200 and $3700. X rays are included, while they aren't at Seattle Surgical Center. Coming up with $1,200, even putting it on a card, seems easier than the original amount. And, we'll keep fundraising. We'll schedule another bake sale for March and I intend to have a big old rummage/garage sale this spring.
Dr. Walker took her time with me, too, answering my questions. We discussed whether Rick should build a ramp to the back porch. (She doesn't think so. She thinks that it is likely that Penny will refuse to walk the ramp and that it might become a power struggle.) She thinks that Penny would be just fine walking slowly up and down the steps. We discussed whether I should take Penny to Ideal Pet Stop (she is the store dog there) immediately after the surgery (probably not-- she should be as still as possible), or whether I should pay for boarding (save my $$ for the second surgury), and whether physical therapy is helpful (not at this time). Because Penny will be more active than what is ideal during her first two weeks, she does feel that Penny should not go upstairs to sleep for two months. It sounds like it's the XPen for her for the next 2 months. We've got it set up in the living room now. Lovely!
Penny also got new meds because the aspirin that she is taking is an antiplatelet medication and prevents blood from clotting. Not good during surgery! I'll report on how she tolerates the new meds once she's taken them for a few days. She first starts with pain killers and then after 5 days or so, starts taking Rimadyl, another anti-inflamatory. Rimadyl is not without its critics. Pfizer lists one of the side effects as death. Here is one such report. I'll watch her carefully and be on the lookout for vomiting, lethargy or diarrhea after she starts taking it.
We're in shark-infested waters anyway. 80-85% of TPLO surgeries are considered successful. But what about the other 15%? Half of them are infections and other issues. The other 5-8% may require additional surgeries. What's that saying: In for a penny, in for a pound? Let's not dwell too much on that. Instead, let's think positive, healing thoughts.
The surgery is scheduled for Thursday, Feb 28.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Penny is hurt again; search for surgeon intensifies
Last night, Penny and Rox were walking up the hill in back of my house. Rox let Penny pick the route and Penny meandered toward the driveways east of the bike trail. Rox was on the phone with her husband. A car started or something happened that spooked Penny. She jumped and ran. Rox had the leash wrapped around her wrist and did not react quickly enough. She fell, scraping her hand. I think she may have even been dragged a few feet.
This morning, Penny is a three-legged dog. She won't let her right leg touch the ground. Her forehead is wrinkled and her dark eyes look sad.
I've been in denial. Penny's been pretty solid the last two months or so. I was wondering whether we could squeak by, like my sister-in-law Carole did with her big dog, by limiting exercise and not spending money on surgery. As of this morning, the conservative approach is no longer an option.
I revisited the list I made of the TPLO certified surgeons in Seattle and decided that I would talk to Critical Care and Emergency Services. I've already had a consultation with Animal Surgical Clinic of Seattle . Animal Surgical Clinic is the place that Dr. Heino recommends, mainly because they do so many surgeries. But, he has emphasized that any TPLO certified surgeon will do. I like Critical Care and Emergency Services because it is women-owned and Envirostar-certified.
Dr. Tamara Walker, the surgeon at Critical Care and Emergency services, seems young but competent. She has a big, pointy eared dog (a Kelpie). I would choose between her and Dr. Alan Johnson, based on how Penny reacts to them and their willingness to answer my questions. It's been a while since I saw Dr. Johnson, but he was nice enough, had a great handout, and was willing to answer my questions.
Penny has an appointment to see Dr. Walker on Thursday at 9:15 am.
In the meantime, I will probably buy the X Pen that Kirsten ordered for me tonight so that Rox and I will not have to carry Penny again... She came upstairs in the middle of the night, but refused to go down on her own. Imagine this: Rox and Seanna, both in their flannel pjs, struggling to lift Penny down a full flight of stairs. Penny, her heart racing, braces her feet on the floor. She claws at the floor whenever she contacts it. She is not dead weight -- she's resistant weight.
Rox and Seanna release Penny onto the floor and collapse, exhausted, onto the couch. What a great way to start the day.
This morning, Penny is a three-legged dog. She won't let her right leg touch the ground. Her forehead is wrinkled and her dark eyes look sad.
I've been in denial. Penny's been pretty solid the last two months or so. I was wondering whether we could squeak by, like my sister-in-law Carole did with her big dog, by limiting exercise and not spending money on surgery. As of this morning, the conservative approach is no longer an option.
I revisited the list I made of the TPLO certified surgeons in Seattle and decided that I would talk to Critical Care and Emergency Services. I've already had a consultation with Animal Surgical Clinic of Seattle . Animal Surgical Clinic is the place that Dr. Heino recommends, mainly because they do so many surgeries. But, he has emphasized that any TPLO certified surgeon will do. I like Critical Care and Emergency Services because it is women-owned and Envirostar-certified.
Dr. Tamara Walker, the surgeon at Critical Care and Emergency services, seems young but competent. She has a big, pointy eared dog (a Kelpie). I would choose between her and Dr. Alan Johnson, based on how Penny reacts to them and their willingness to answer my questions. It's been a while since I saw Dr. Johnson, but he was nice enough, had a great handout, and was willing to answer my questions.
Penny has an appointment to see Dr. Walker on Thursday at 9:15 am.
In the meantime, I will probably buy the X Pen that Kirsten ordered for me tonight so that Rox and I will not have to carry Penny again... She came upstairs in the middle of the night, but refused to go down on her own. Imagine this: Rox and Seanna, both in their flannel pjs, struggling to lift Penny down a full flight of stairs. Penny, her heart racing, braces her feet on the floor. She claws at the floor whenever she contacts it. She is not dead weight -- she's resistant weight.
Rox and Seanna release Penny onto the floor and collapse, exhausted, onto the couch. What a great way to start the day.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Sean Marie helps out
My 10-year-old friend, Sean Marie, is helping Penny out by making and selling bracelets in the little town of Albany, Oregon. Sean Marie and I talked about Penny's surgery when she and her mom, Cheryl, visited at Christmastime. Cheryl is from Seattle and her aging mother still lives here so Cheryl visits Seattle monthly. Sometimes, Sean Marie comes with.
Sean Marie loves animals but unfortunately lives with parents who are allergic or not exactly excited about furry beasts. But, her current plan is to be a barrel racer.
Back in Albany, Cheryl and Sean Marie stopped at their local bead store (it may be http://www.spearitbeads.com/) so that Sean Marie could buy beads for this project. The person behind the counter (owner? manager?) heard about Sean Marie's project and donated $5. Sean Marie sounded so excited when she called me with the news.
I got the $5 this week and plan to send Sean Marie a thank you card, along with a blank card she can give the woman who donated.
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