Tatum's Luxating Patella Surgery is Tomorrow (Wednesday)...PLEASE SAY PRAYERS!!!

[Joeysmom]

This is the first time I've been on since Tater had her surgery and I'm so glad she's doing well!

Do you think she might be snapping because she feels insecure? She's immobile, right? She can't walk around, at least not much? I would think that would make her feel vulnerable. Just a guess.

Hang in there...what a long road, but with sunshine at the end, right?

deb

[YorkichonBella]

Originally Posted by stedmansmommy

Just a little while ago I had the front part of Tatum's house open and I was sitting on the floor right in front of it and Stedman jumped in my lap and then walked into her house. Well, when he got over closer to her, she snapped at him Then he walked out, came back a little while later and she snapped at him again! The first time it was on his ear and the second time it was on his head. WHY on EARTH is she doing this? Tatum is the sweetest, most gentle dog EVER and she would never hurt a fly. She is so shy and quiet and is such a mommies girl....she has NEVER snapped at another dog, let alone Stedman, in her entire life! This is just soooo not like her at all. And I know it can't be any of the medication that she's on, because she's been on all of them before and she's never done this. I highly doubt it would be because he walked into her little house, because Tatum is by NO MEANS "territorial" - not in the slightest. The ONLY thing I can think of is that she isn't feeling well and he got to close to her? Still though, we are talking about TATUM here....and it just doesn't make any sense at all. Needless to say, poor Steddy ran out of her house, lol. I just cannot figure this out. I was literally SHOCKED when I saw her do it. My mouth flew open!

P.S. - There was no food in there at that time but even if there was, this still isn't like Tatum AT ALL. They eat out of the same bowl and most times they are at the bowl eating out of it at the same time together. I am just sooo baffled by this

I know this is so strange for Tatum to act this way, but she's been through a tramatic experience. Her little house is her "safe place". Mommie made her feel so comforted there! Don't worry too much.....she will be herself again! Don't take it to heart Steddy......Tatum still wubs you Honey!! She's still trying to figure out why her wittle world changed all of a sudden. I guess we can relate it to us when we have surgery or broken leg, etc......we don't want anyone to get tooo close to it, in fear of feeling pain??
Kisses n Hugs to both Tatum & Stedman!!

[Connie]

I am so glad to hear that Tatum is doing well! As far as her snapping at Stedman, I think it's like the others have said...she's just not feeling great yet and feels more secure with Steddy keeping his distance. Maddie, Libby and I send get well wishes and lots of kisses to Tatum...and Stedman too! Hugs to you...you're doing a great job with taking care of Tatum! I'm so glad she has you!

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Originally Posted by stedmansmommy

Just a little while ago I had the front part of Tatum's house open and I was sitting on the floor right in front of it and Stedman jumped in my lap and then walked into her house. Well, when he got over closer to her, she snapped at him Then he walked out, came back a little while later and she snapped at him again! The first time it was on his ear and the second time it was on his head. WHY on EARTH is she doing this? Tatum is the sweetest, most gentle dog EVER and she would never hurt a fly. She is so shy and quiet and is such a mommies girl....she has NEVER snapped at another dog, let alone Stedman, in her entire life! This is just soooo not like her at all. And I know it can't be any of the medication that she's on, because she's been on all of them before and she's never done this. I highly doubt it would be because he walked into her little house, because Tatum is by NO MEANS "territorial" - not in the slightest. The ONLY thing I can think of is that she isn't feeling well and he got to close to her? Still though, we are talking about TATUM here....and it just doesn't make any sense at all. Needless to say, poor Steddy ran out of her house, lol. I just cannot figure this out. I was literally SHOCKED when I saw her do it. My mouth flew open!

P.S. - There was no food in there at that time but even if there was, this still isn't like Tatum AT ALL. They eat out of the same bowl and most times they are at the bowl eating out of it at the same time together. I am just sooo baffled by this

It's from not feeling well...Hot Rod snapped at Maggie also.

[AmyChristine]

Hey, Just wanted to let you know that we are still sending lots of prayers Tatum's way, hoping that she continues to heal well. And hugs to Stedman, poor sissy doesn't quite feel her self yet. I am sure she will be back to her silly, sweet self in no time.

My older dog, Kalaya, had both of her hips pinned and repaired years ago and it really is alot of work to get them through that 6 weeks, once they are past that point it feels completely worth it, it has been 11 years since her surgery and she is still doing great today!

[Lou]

Don't worry Brooke. Tatum is a typical female. There is only so much tension we can stand before we snap! (Pun intended.)
I'm sure she is just protecting herself from harm. She doesn't want to get moved, or stepped on and she is letting Stedman know that. She may be hurting a little more than usual too. She will soon be welcoming his company again.

[kalina82]

No worries brooke, tatum probably just doesn't feel right. Right now i credit her behavior to the meds, her being tired, and still uncomfortable/painful from the surgery. she just doesn't want him to mess with her right now. not in the mood for cuddles or play.

however, i'd just becareful that that attitude doesn't continue while she is being crated for surgery. she might become possessive of you because you are taking care of her 24/7 and she doesn't want to share you with steddy another. just something to keep in the back of your mind.

[Tiger's Mom]

am thrilled to know your darling Tate is now home . .recovering . . . I think she is acting that way because she is still not quite herself . . .give it time to heal and you'll see she will be back to her nice personality . . . please give that little girl a huge hug from me and my furbabies . .she is such a brave girl . . .

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by bonbon

Yay!! I've been away for a couple of days so I haven't been able to check in until now. I'm so thrilled for you and Tatum! Thank God she's doing well! She's actually able to put weight on her legs?

I'm curious about the new house you bought her. The picture of her in her crate at the park shows exactly the crate I'd planned to use for Chelsea after her surgery. These are a no-no?

Thank you so much girl She is putting weight on her right leg (that is the one that she has always favored) however, until this morning she hasn't put any weight AT ALL on her left leg (it was her worst one....REALLY bad). I will do an update on her in a little while and will write more about that

I will post some pictures shortly of the house that we bought her so that you can see what it looks like. Here is a link to it on Petco.com (that is where we bought it - only we didn't buy it online, we bought it in the actual store): Portable Dog House: Petmate Portable Pet Home at PETCO

It is actually on sale right now on Petco.com though, so if you could go ahead and order it online, you'd be saving quite a bit of money versus buying it in the store - we paid about $162 (with tax) for Tatum's in the store - and right now on Petco.com it is on sale for $99 I believe - wow!!). We bought the Intermediate size one (it is the blue and tan one). It is pretty darn big lol...BUT, her surgeon wanted us to get something that she would have alot of room in. Cause you have to remember, you will need to put something in there for them to lay on, such as a blanket or bed....plus their food bowl and water bowl and a toy or two and a chewie (bully stick, etc.) - and not to mention THEM lol...so you will need to go a little bigger than you'd think. I could actually fit all 4 of my babies in her house if I wanted to lol. There is plenty of room, which is nice. You don't want to go and get something too small and then have them cramped up in there with the food and water bowls and toys, etc. - it is SO important that they don't hit their little knees or run into anything...so you want to keep the food and water bowls on the opposite end of where they lay so that they don't run into them....and you need a house big enough to be able to do this.

Her surgeon absolutely loved this house and said that it would be perfect for keeping her in after surgery. He said that it is very safe. We have had no problems with it what-so-ever and Tate is very, very comfortable in there. I HIGHLY recommend getting one for sweet little Chelsea....I think you and her both will really like it alot I will post some of my own pictures of it shortly for you (have to go get them off of my other computer). Just let me know if you have anymore questions about it girl...I'd be happy to answer them for you

P.S. - The pictures of Tatum at the park in her crate - NO....that is exactly the kind of crate that you do NOT want to use to confine them in after surgery. These types of crates ARE NOT safe to keep them in after surgery!!! I don't know if you read any of the updates at the very beginning of this thread, but if so you may have read about the cat that came in that needed an emergency surgery due to injury. Well, the type of crate that you see Tatum in at the park is the EXACT type of crate that he injured his leg in. Hubby and I actually disassembled that crate and we will no longer be using it. From now on, anytime any of my babies have to be put into something (crated) they will be put in the house that we bought Tatum from Petco. It is very safe and comfortable for them...it is just perfect. So NO, DO NOT use the type of crate that you saw Tatum in at the park for after Chelsea's surgery!! It is a BIG NO-NO!

[BonBon]

Brooke, thank you for posting this link! With your recommendation, this is the house I'll be getting for Chelsea. I'm so glad you put up that pic from the park. I had no idea those types of crates were bad - but I can see where it would be so easy to bang a little knee. I just hadn't really considered a soft-sided crate because I was afraid of Chelsea chewing or tearing it up. You've been so nice letting me butt into your thread!! Can I ask just one more question? Do you think Chelsea needs the next larger size house since she's much bigger than your little Tatum (Chelsea's about 6.5 pounds)?

I can't wait to hear more about Tate and her recovery. She's sooo precious! {hugs}

[stedmansmommy]

Ok...here are the pictures of her house. Sorry it took me awhile, but when I walked out of the living room to go to my other computer to get the pictures, she woke up crying (HOW does she know when I leave the room when she is sleeping anyway??? LOL) - so I had to stop and put her harness and leash on her and take her out to go potty, etc. so it took a while.

1st pic - Front/Side view

2nd pic - Side view

3rd pic - Back view

4th pic - Top/Back view


There is also a pocket on each side which is handy for keeping toys, treats, bully sticks, baby wipes, harness/leash in etc., etc. And there is a handle on top so that you can pick it up and carry it around easily. I just LOVE this house and so does she! It's perfect

P.S. - Both sides and back of the house have velcro "windows" so that you can roll them up so that they can see out, or you can put them down as well. It's nice to be able to put them down incase you are outdoors and it is really sunny...but I always just leave them rolled up so that she can see me from the front, back and both sides of the house. Also...this house can be staked into the ground to use outdoors so that it doesn't move I can just imagine taking this camping with us in the future...it will be absolutely perfect!

[ARCHIE]

I am glad to see an update on Tatum.
Glad she was able to put some weight on her leg. I would think
with all she's been threw she's not only confussed but having
some discomfort as well and that's why she did not welcome
her little brother into her safe place.
Sending recovery wishes her way Brooke.
You'll have your little tator tot back soon. She
needs time to recoup is all I'm sure.

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by bonbon

Brooke, thank you for posting this link! With your recommendation, this is the house I'll be getting for Chelsea. I'm so glad you put up that pic from the park. I had no idea those types of crates were bad - but I can see where it would be so easy to bang a little knee. I just hadn't really considered a soft-sided crate because I was afraid of Chelsea chewing or tearing it up. You've been so nice letting me butt into your thread!! Can I ask just one more question? Do you think Chelsea needs the next larger size house since she's much bigger than your little Tatum (Chelsea's about 6.5 pounds)?

I can't wait to hear more about Tate and her recovery. She's sooo precious! {hugs}

You are so welcome girl and NO WAY did you butt in my thread...I was more than happy to help and so glad that you asked! And ya know, I had NO idea that the crates like I had Tatum in at the park were unsafe either. Her sugeon said that he doesn't really like those crates PERIOD, just because they can get injured in them so easily by getting their legs caught...but, he said that for after surgery, he DEFINITELY doesn't recommend them. That is the exact crate that I was planning on using after surgery...but he told me DON'T YOU DARE lol. HAH! So glad he was so adamant about what I put her in after surgery. The safety aspect of it is just SO important.

I would actually recommend this same size for Chelsea. As I said, I could easily fit all FOUR of my babies in this house, and probably even my cat LOL...it really is THAT roomy. I have a 20-25 lb mixed breed dog and I could fit TWO of her in here. I think this size will be just perfect for Chelsea and she will have PLENTY of room in it The next size up is just insanely HUGE I say DEFINITELY go with this size....nothing smaller as you do want them to have plenty of room...which this size does offer. Just let me know if you have anymore questions girl!!

[stedmansmommy]

Originally Posted by stedmansmommy

You are so welcome girl and NO WAY did you butt in my thread...I was more than happy to help and so glad that you asked! And ya know, I had NO idea that the crates like I had Tatum in at the park were unsafe either. Her sugeon said that he doesn't really like those crates PERIOD, just because they can get injured in them so easily by getting their legs caught...but, he said that for after surgery, he DEFINITELY doesn't recommend them. That is the exact crate that I was planning on using after surgery...but he told me DON'T YOU DARE lol. HAH! So glad he was so adamant about what I put her in after surgery. The safety aspect of it is just SO important.

I would actually recommend this same size for Chelsea. As I said, I could easily fit all FOUR of my babies in this house, and probably even my cat LOL...it really is THAT roomy. I have a 20-25 lb mixed breed dog and I could fit TWO of her in here. I think this size will be just perfect for Chelsea and she will have PLENTY of room in it The next size up is just insanely HUGE I say DEFINITELY go with this size....nothing smaller as you do want them to have plenty of room...which this size does offer. Just let me know if you have anymore questions girl!!

P.S. - The Petco we went to had one of these houses (the same exact size I got) set up and out on display...so hopefully the Petco that you go to will have the same and you can actually see it out of the box There is NO assembly required though - it is so easy...you take it out of the box, and there ya go!

[BonBon]

Your little Tatum is so lucky to have such good parents (and a smart doctor)!! Thank you so much for all the great info!

Now, we all want to hear more about your gorgeous baby and how she's doing. And poor little Stedman, is he adjusting to her boo-boo yet?