MIGHTY IS BACK

Well the little guy is home but not a happy camper. He is in pain as evidenced by his panting and shaking at the same time. I have pain meds for him but they just seem to only take the worst away, not relieve him totally. He is kind of in a catch 22. Pain increases his serum cortisol levels and this is detrimental to proper healing. However if he were totally out of pain, he might hurt himself.

We know if we have a broken leg to use crutches, elevate, and not to go jogging. If an animal feels no pain, they will just use the wounded limb and do damage. Of course Mighty has a very low pain threshold. He screams when you remove a tick. My job is to keep him out of serious pain but leave him in enough pain that he won't hurt himself. This is the worst time for us both. Time for the tightrope walker to do her stuff.

This time his wound looks much better. Not sure if there was less damage this time or the vet is getting better. First I will show a picture of Mighty's left leg he hurt two years ago. Then his right leg as of last night. There is a big difference in the amount of post-op bruising.

Post-op two years ago on left leg

New surgery right leg.

Hope you weren't having breakfast.

We have a 12 week rehab program ahead. The vet did change one aspect which I am happy about and I know Mighty would be thrilled with. He gets to rest for 5 days this time. Last time we started therapy immediately after he came home.

In two weeks I can start him on the water therapy which he likes much better than the stretching exercises. I get a kiddy pool from Walmart, let the sun warm the water, put on his life vest with handle on the back and let him swim. That way he can exercise with no weight on the joint.

Last time I put the pool in the front yard which is quite elevated from road level. Didn't realize that people driving by could not see the dog, just an old lady walking round and round in a wading pool. Finally some neighbors who couldn't stand it any longer called to see if I were "all right". This time the pool goes in the back yard.

This surgery cost $300 more than the last one but then everything goes up and as I told a friend, "If I had to hook on the streets to get the money necessary to fix my dog, I would." Fortunately I didn't have to do that though my bank account is a lot lighter. Just as well for she brought up the premise that I might not foster much interest on the streets at my age. Now what did I do with that pimp?

I really want to thank all of you who commented and sent Mighty your wishes and prayers. Pretty sure it helped him, know for certain it helped me. Thank you . You are the best.