As far as laying on his leg, that is ok and normal. Columbo frequently laid on his injured leg after surgery, which he wouldn't do if it were uncomfortable for him. Empanda might be feeling a bit of discomfort when he lays on the other side from the weight the leg puts on the knee, which is to be expected. The first 3 to 5 days are the hardest for them. After that, he should slowly start to perk up. Columbo pooped right away, but the surgeon's office told me it could be several days because the medications used during anesthesia can slow the GI tract. They said normal bowel function would return in a few days, so I wouldn't be too alarmed about it. It sounds normal that he hasn't pooed yet. If he's eating, eventually he will poop lol! Let him take it slowly. Columbo mostly laid around for the first couple weeks. When he went out to potty, he just walked on 3 legs, like before the surgery, then went back in to bed to rest. I think it was about 5 - 7 days before he just barely (and not consistently) started testing it out & "toe tapping" when he walked. It increased to gradually putting a bit more weight on it over the next several weeks. It is still very early for him after surgery and I think everything you've said sounds normal and each dog recovers a bit differently. Some slower, some faster. He will let you know, so follow his lead. When does he go back for his next visit with the surgeon? Columbo's was 2 weeks. Does your surgeon include the follow up visits for the next few months? If so, I wouldn't be taking Empanda back to your regular vet with the questions about his leg. The surgeon and his assistants are more experienced and see this everyday, so they are the ones I would listen to. Your surgery price probably includes follow ups and calling or visiting with any concerns. |