I have one more pic of Gracie but I am not sure if I want to post it, it is kind of graphic Yorkie porn. She was in such a silly pose but for some reason she seemed most comfortable that way. Think about how us ladies are positioned for a certain part of our physical examinations and you will get where I am going with this. Let me know if you want me to post the other pic.
Gracie had a really tough night last night, and so did I. She slept in bed with me but just could not get comfortable. She tossed and turned and moaned all night. I tried putting her on a pillow, just on the mattress, under the covers, on top of the covers, nothing was comfortable for her. Finally I put both girls in their rooms to potty at 6 am and went back to bed, alone, for what I thought would be an hour. I woke up two hours later. By then Gracie was in such pain that she was trembling. I fed her chicken and rice which she ate, then gave her pain pills. It was after 9 am by the time she was comfortable again. I talked to the vet and they said I could give her an extra dose of pain meds if she needs it. Surgery for dogs is like surgery for us. The third day after surgery is the worst, so I am hoping that Gracie will start to steadily feel better within a day or two.
I have been sharing my experiences here so those who are facing LP surgery for their babies will know what to expect. While the pictures will break your heart, living it day to day will tear you apart. I can tell you that since I brought Gracie home, she has been total care. She cannot get up, sit down, lay down, pee, eat, drink or get from point A to point B without help. I thought I anticipated her every need, and I pretty much did, but I was not prepared for two things. 1. The degree of assistance that she would need. and 2. How much hugging she requires. She has been attached to me like velcro. Don't take this diagnosis or the surgery lightly. It is major stuff. The surgeon says that Gracie's knee caps are securely where they should be and should not give her any further problems. That is the end goal.
I forgot to answer another question or two. Gracie gets her sutures out (and cast removed)in 10 days. I don't know if the casts will go back on then or not. She has to stay in strict confinement for a total of 4 weeks. Right now, she is not able to walk much at all. She can take a few steps, but can't lift her back legs up high enough to walk across a pee pad without pulling it behind her. When I have to do things, I put a soft cushy pillow in a file box and put her in that so I can move her from room to room. She is in her crate with the door shut if I have to leave her for more than a few minutes, mostly because I fear she will trip and fall trying to get out of it if I am not there to help her.
Feel free to ask questions. I will post updates as appropriate. I was feeling so alone today with YT down, I'm glad its back up. Your support is needed and appreciated more than words can say.