 My Max had LP Surgery Monday 6/5
This is not exactly an answer to the specific questions that you asked, but I thought that it might help. I know that a few days ago, when we realized that Max would definitely need surgery, I was searching for answers about what to do for him after surgery. Oh, and it only cost me $401.00 (antibiotics and pain meds included). I am EXTREMELY LUCKY to have a local vet with a lot of experience in this area that doesn't choose to charge crazy prices!
I dropped Max off Monday morning with a blanket with my scent on it for comfort. He had the surgery that morning. I was able to go by and visit him around 4:00 pm and while that just made me more neurotic, he was still doped up and doing okay and the leg just had a light wrap around it, thigh to ankle, to cover the stitches.
He had to spend the night but we were able to pick him up yesterday morning. He looked good, but he was sleepy most of the day and while he would occasionally allow his foot to tap the floor, he mostly carried himself on the other three feet. He could stand up and walk to his water bowl when needed. He wasn't interested in his kibble, but he ate chicken and rice with his normal appetite.
THEN, I took him out last night and he hiked with both the good and the bad leg supporting him. He was also able to stand and do the other by himself. This made me feel so much better. But, all and all, most of the day he slept and wanted to be right up next to me. We felt that he needed the pain meds yesterday and last night.
We woke up this morning and he was raring to go. He is hobbling everywhere and ready to play with his toys, so I am extremely optimistic. He has showed no signs of needing pain meds today, we are just keeping an eye on him.
I guess I'm just trying to give you a picture of the after surgery experience and give you some comfort that they do better than we give them credit for. (Of course I still feel horrible and guilty because I feel he can't understand why I did this, but again, that's just me being neurotic.)
I hope that this helps.
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