30.05.13-31.05.13

I can say enough how scared I was that these two little ones were going to have such big operations, but each hour they never cease to amaze me.

On Thursday Griselda from Doggy Bliss came to visit them both and see their progress, she too was impressed at how far they had come in such little time.  We put together a massage/rehab program from them both that will last 8-10 weeks depending on their progress (starting next Thursday).  After Grissy left the two of them (and the others) sat quietly with me while I did Moving Paws paperwork, they are so self sufficient, getting around so well.  No pain relief today for Jessie or Marty - which is amazing!  Jess even started to weight bear on both back legs, she had been holding the left leg up until now.  Last night when I saw her walking (woddling) I couldn't get to my phone quickly enough to show everyone!

Marty is back to himself, but he is behaving himself (he is one cheeky boy!), they are resting as much as required (helping me with lots of book keeping!).  I can see Jessies personality coming through as well her cheeky barking at the other doggies has returned!

Today, Friday was a yucky day, rained all day so it was a perfect day for them not to do too much.  Jess had fresh bandages put on this afternoon, her little legs make the bandages slip down, the vet was pretty impressed too that she walked in..... Marty's legs are a big chunkier and the bandage is doing ok, although he was licking a little bit where it was itching, but I have stopped that with some cream.  The biggest thing with Marty is watching him so he doesn't jump off the couch or bed, he thinks he is back to normal.....but he is doing pretty good!

I am so lucky that I haven't had to confine them to a play pen (even though I had purchased two ready to go) I use them to block of the lounge room so they have this whole area and they have been so well behaved and so much better than all the articles I had read on the double patella surgery.  I am sure there are a few little people upstairs helping these munchkins through (one in particular, my little man, Toby - he had this procedure himself).

Like I said before I had been dreading this week - I hate seeing little ones in pain, but apart from the first night when Jessie had some anxiety so far it has been nothing but uplifting to watch such gorgeous souls go through such huge procedures with smiles on their whiskas!  I have enjoyed being at home with them, helping them, encouraging them and finally catching up on all the charity bookwork - it is never ending!

Cheers, Deb.

28.05.13-29.05.13
Marty's Op Time

Well yesterday it was Marty's turn for his patella ops and Jessie spent the day being monitored at the vet clinic.

When I spoke with the vet, she had only operated on one of Marty's patellas, she had found that their grades had improved since his examination and that it was worth holding out to see how he goes with his rehab on this knee and we will access how he is using his back left over the next few months.

Part of me was so relieved, but part of me is thinking, please don't let him have to have another op down the track.

Jessie was fantastic at the vet, quiet and used the time to recoup.  Once home we got the duo` settled - one each side of the bed.  Marty was so sleepy, he had his dinner (which was all over his face!) and then straight back to sleep.  Jessie made her way over and spent some time next to Marty (just like a big sister would - animals are so healing).  Jessie only made murmurs when she moved over in her sleep - I was amazed at both of them.  They both slept solidly through the night.

At 7am Marty woke to let me know he wanted cuddles on the bed, he popped up snuggled and back to sleep...then Jessie went from her bed into Marty's.  We had an early brekky to get their meds into their system and a very quiet day - it was hard to do to much as they follow me everywhere and I really wanted them to do some healing today.

They are both getting themselves outside for their business and both spent a bit of time laying in the sun this morning which was gorgeous.

Jessie is placing some more weight on her back right leg, still holding the left one up and Marty is almost back to normal in his personality (still a bit groggy!) but running around on three legs - nothing stops that guy!

The vet said really not to expect anything in the first week, but I really did think I would be holding them while they did their business and helping them down stairs and inside and outside the house - but they are so mobile so quickly.  When I go to help Jessie she gets mad at me - she wants to do it herself, she only wants to be picked up if it's cuddle time.

They both got cuddle time today, their Aunty Judy came over and they sat in the sun with lots of loving.  The other crew members are great - Jessie had play time with Daisy and Daisy was that extra bit softer in the tugging department - but still enough to be fun - sometimes I wish humans has more of their compassion.

Our dear friends at Dog Gone Walking and Minding have given Jess and Marty their own supply of Rose Hip powder to assist with their bone recovery and arthritis - we are so happy!

Tomorrow Griselda from Doggy Bliss will be coming over to say hello to them and we will work out a rehab program for them both.  Rehabilitation is the most important thing, no point in going through the pain if we don't follow through to make sure these cherubs get the best results.

NIGHT 1 - JESSIE

Last night we didn't get a lot of sleep, but Jessie was so brave, she whimpered most of the night, but I think it was just because she was wondering what the hell was going on?
She did have bits of sleep and slept well during those times.
At Midnight I heard pitter patter of feet and thought it was one of my other dogs but Jessie was up and trying to exit through the doggy door for her business....I was gob smacked, she was up and about just hours after such a huge operation.
She had learnt to put all her weight on her front two legs and hold her back ones up - so cute!
By this morning, she was placing some weight on her back right foot which was just so encouraging.  She even refused for me to pick her up and help her with my back steps - I left her to her own devices (while carefully watching - though she didn't know) but she got herself up and back inside.
The souls of these gorgeous creatures never cease to amaze me - they are such fighters and full of hope.
She is at the vet today being watched to make sure her pain levels are ok etc - so I'm at work and doing remarkably well so far considering the lack of stress and the strain on my heart watching little people in distress.

Today Marty was also dropped at the vet for his double patella surgery - he was full of beans - he is such a character that boy, I told him to be strong and brave like Jessie.  Everything is ready for their joint arrival home tonight, I feel a little better prepared knowing what is in store, even though each doggy reacts differently.

I have the next three days off work to be with the munchkins to help them and support them as much as they need.

Jessie's op day

Jessie had her op today, I thought about her every hour. 

I got to collect her from the vet at 7pm. Got the run down from the vet and shown on a model what the op entailed. 

Jessie was so sleepy and quiet as she had been given pain relief for the night. 

I asked if she needed anxiety meds too as my own doggy had patella surgery a few years ago and he was pain free but was totally freaked out and I had to take him to the emergency vet for some relaxation meds. The vet didn't feel it was needed but I could give to her if I felt so during the night. 

Once in the car she began crying, scared and not a happy girl. 

I got her home gave her some dinner with her med (as instructed),and tried a couple of wee stops. 

Jessie was trying to walk already! I was gobbed smacked, doggies are so resilient. 

I got her sleeping arrangements ready (with the wonderful help of my sister) next to me in the bedroom, she was still distressed and it's hard to ignore. 

Jessie had wet the bed... Of course we knew this was going to happen poor bubba. Nice clean wipe and fresh bedding, her anxiety grew. 

I was feeling her pain, down to the kitchen and a Xanax in custard...that went down a treat! 10 mins on and we are resting.....crying has stopped. 

I am now convinced, anxiety meds are a must after ops! Why let animals suffer - its not necessary. Sleeping is healing!

Lets hope darling Jessie gets a good nice rest (and me too!). 

Tomorrow, it's Martys turn! 

Well the time is nearing and I am starting to get scare :(
I spoke with the vet today and said please triple check that these munchkins definately need both patellas operated on - just like a worried Mum.
I trust our vet wholeheartedly, otherwise these ops wouldn't be taken place.
Tomorrow afternoon I pick Jessie up from her foster care home so I can take her to the vet on Monday morning.
2 sleeps to go (I think this is going to hurt me more than them!)
Deb.

The beginning...

Marty (2 year old Maltese X) rescued from Geelong Animal Shelter and Jessie (2 year old Foxie X) rescued from Renbury Farm NSW are booked in for their double patella surgery on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th May, 2013.

Moving Paws Inc fundraised for these munchkins to have their much needed surgery and to date have raised $1500 of the $3000 required.

Follow their journey here....