Post by deboosh on Dec 9, 2014 2:56:31 GMT -5
For the past 3 months, I've been writing "Bonnie updates" on Facebook. They documented her progress following the surgical repair for a toe dislocation that occurred while chasing her good friend, Willy. I wanted to mention it here, because it's not an uncommon injury; and just maybe it will help another pupper who may face a similar injury one day (knock wood).
The surgery was successful; however 8 days following the repair, Bonnie suddenly stopped eating. She became lethargic, and had no interest in walkies. Lethargy can be interpreted as laziness, and its not unusual for her to skip a meal or two, but no walkies? Something was definitely wrong!
Dr. Bala removed her bandages. Ugh, you wouldn't believe the shock. My poor little girlie developed a very serious infection from inflammation. It caused the bandages to essentially strangle her foot. Dr. Bala felt that one more day without intervention, and she would have gone into septic shock. She could have lost her foot; she could have lost her life! She spent the next 3 days in hospital, and lost 9 lbs. There she was hand-fed, and received IV fluids and antibiotics. Once she was out of the woods, she came home. She went back 3 x/wk for bandage changes that continued for the next 13 weeks.
On Dec. 1st, the bandages came off for the very last time! Bonnie is still limping; but it's not because of pain ~~ she just doesn't realize she can walk on it yet. I must remember baby steps and patience; it'll happen all at her own pace.
I wrote Bonnie's final FB update this evening, and thought I'd share it with you, here:
"The LAST Bonnie Update! It seems like we’ve been waiting forever for this day to arrive, and FINALLY, we can officially say that Bonnie is now healed! Her initial injury was Sept. 6th. It's been a long haul, and three long months later, the bandages have been removed. Bonnie couldn’t have had a more capable veterinarian than Dr. Bala, of Cloverdale Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Bala has a calming presence; and is very capable and conscientious. He followed Bonnie very closely; she was in GREYT hands!
Bonnie will definitely miss her thrice weekly bandage changes for no other reason than to get kisses and pats from Dr. Bala’s team. She never used to be a fan of her vet visits, but her fears have since been replaced with unbridled enthusiasm and helicopter tail; all due to the kindness of Gen, Nicole and Joanne.
A genuine and heartfelt THANK YOU to Dr. Bala, Gen, Nicole and Joanne for taking such excellent care of our Bonnie girl!"
. . . and what story is complete without a pictorial, boys and girls:
Sept. 6th ~~ First moments @ home following surgery. Still feeling dopey, and not a happy camper.
Wearing the latest in cone of shame couture.
In the end, Bonnie's muzzle with a makeshift poop guard was more comfortable and effective than that cumbersome and goofy-looking cone.
We had hoped this home made ramp would help Bonnie up and down the stairs, but it was too steep. My sons work close by, and took turns helping me taker her out at lunch.
The infection, 8 days after surgery. My apologies for the graphic pic.
December 8th. The happy ending! With Dr. Bala and his GREYT team.
Dontcha just love a happy ending?