Happy Thursday, my sweet friends! Some of you have been asking about Lacey and how she is doing after her ACL surgery. So, come on over for the latest and see how our sweet girl is doing on Day 4!
Just to recap, our 8 year old golden retriever, Lacey Lou tore her ACL about a month ago. We weren’t sure what exactly happened except all of a sudden she started limping after a day swimming and playing at the lake. The following day we took her to the vet and they examined her and thought perhaps it was a sprained foot or hip. However, after a few weeks Lacey was still limping and we knew something was seriously wrong.. Last week the vet performed a sedation x-ray and found the ACL was in fact torn, requiring surgery. First thing this past Monday, we took Lacey in for surgery.. To read more about that you can read here: ACL Surgery for Lacey
The vet’s office initially told us they would keep her for 2 nights and 3 days after the surgery and we could pick her up on Wednesday after 4:30 pm. We were bummed she had to stay so long, but yesterday morning, they called at 7:30 am and said she was doing so well, she could come home at any time! So, we grabbed a cup of coffee to go and went to get our girl.
Once we got to the office, they gave us some instructions and let us see her. Lacey was happy to see us, but still very groggy from the surgery and medication. She was really limping on that hind leg but was still anxious to get in the car and come home. I suspect Lacey was making such a fuss in her crate, they thought she would be better off recuperating at home, for everyone’s sake. (Lacey hates being in a kennel or crate, so I can only imagine the noise she was making once the anesthesia wore off!)
All day yesterday Lacey was so pitiful. She was hardly putting any weight on the bad leg and couldn’t seem to get comfortable. I gave her more pain meds and that seemed to help. This picture was taken yesterday afternoon. You can see they shaved her leg from hip to toe and wrapped it. The bandages lend support to her knee for a few days. She goes in Friday to have the bandages removed.
The vet put her on an antibiotic for 2 weeks in addition to her anti-inflammatory and pain medicines. So, she needs to take 5 pills in the morning and 5 at night! So, how do I get her to take all of this medicine without filling her up with unnecessary calories? I remember reading about hide-a-pills or pill pockets for animals so I went to our local pet store and they had them! Since we are in this for several weeks, I bought two large packs of 60. The pill pockets are made by Greenies and come in tablet or capsule sizes. They have chicken, cheese, peanut butter and hickory smoked flavors. For a pack of 60 they run about $14.99 per bag.
The pill pockets are sort of shaped like Rolo candy and are flat on the bottom and more narrow at the top, with a hole. You simply put the capsule into the hole and pinch the top closed. Then it looks like a Hershey’s Kiss. Each of the pockets have about 23 calories. Because Lacey seems to really like the pill pockets, I may try to start squeezing more than one into each pocket to save on calories. She isn’t getting any exercise, so I don’t want her gaining weight because it may hinder her ability to recover.
Lacey is doing much better today! She seemed to sleep well last night although she wanted to sleep right by my side of the bed on the floor. I nearly stepped on her when I got up during the night! Today she has a better appetite and is putting more pressure on her hind leg and foot. Her medications are keeping her a bit drowsy and lethargic, but I think that’s a good thing while she is recuperating. Our main goal for now is to keep her pain-free and comfortable.
Today Lacey is also more alert. You can see where they shaved her arms for the I.V.’s. Luckily, her hair grows quickly and it won’t take long for it to grow out. One of the bandages came off today so I hope she won’t start licking her arms.
The vet said Lacey has no restrictions but to let her do as much as she is able and wants to. We think after a few more days she will be walking better and have less pain. Some patients actually walk through the door for a two week check-up without a limp! It’s what we are hoping and praying for! If you know our Lacey, you know how playful and active she is even though she’s 8 ½. That’s why this whole injury has been such a shock to us all. Our normally high-spirited girl has been hobbling and in pain, which has been hard for us. Not to mention poor Lacey! I only wish we figured out what was wrong a month ago and saved her all of this time and pain!
So, thank you all so much for your prayers and kind words! It really has helped us both! Stop by tomorrow and I’ll share a fun new recipe. I think you’ll like it! I hope you have a wonderful day. Thanks for stopping by and supporting me and my little slice of blogger universe. I truly appreciate it! xoxo Dell
2 comments
Glad you’re doing do well, Lacy.
I noticed you have a Lambchop in the first picture. I have one just like it and I am 66 yrs old ( you can’t pick your cousins ). I hope you get well quick. You are adorable.
Thank you so much Kathy! Lacey is getting a little better every day. And she sure loves her big Lamb Chop! It’s here favorite toy. <3