Home sweet Home 6/30/2010

So happy to have my boy home! He is 9 months old today. He was supper excited to see me at the office....he missed his momma :P

I met with Holly, the discharge tech., who explained what life is gonna be like for the next 6-12 weeks. Let's just say its involved!!

• He is on Rimadyl (anti-inflamatory) for the next 2 weeks, Cephalen (antibiotic) for 5 days, can have Tramadol for pain med. when needed (prob. last 1-1.5 weeks), and will need to get adequan (helps protect against osteoarthritis) IM injections for twice a week for 4 weeks. I'll have to call the vet and see how much adequan injections cost, she will probably charge for administering them so I will prob. do them myself. Being a nurse is handy sometimes.:)


• When not suprivised he is to be crated or kept in a small space, and not allowed to run, jump, or play. He may have short leash walks to go outside for elimination only for the next 2 weeks. He must wear his elizabethan collar (lampshade) at all times unless directly suprivised.


• I have to apply a cold compress to his knee for 10-15 minutes at a time, 2-3 times daily , for the next 3-5 days. I have to start doing ROM exercises with him in 5-7 days post-op, 4 different exercises, 10 repetitions each 2-3 times per day. Cold compress post ROM excercises 10-15 minutes.


• 10-14 day incision evaluation and first apt. with rehab therapist. I will then learn his second set of at home exercises.


• Weekly apts. from then on-for rehab therapy and potentially start hydrotherapy at 6 weeks. Repeat xrays at 4 and 8 weeks.

Man I'm tired just rereading all that. At once that's all done it will be september and Doug is getting his surgery. Boy, I have my work cut out for me.