Questions I had:
January 14:
Pam: Both legs would be approximately $3500. Is this a correct approximation (1900-2000 per leg minus 5-600)? I understood this to include any of the four procedures that may be done during surgery, overnight care, medications and any take home items. Am I correct about this?
Dr. Grant: Yes, your figures are correct as listed.
Pam: We will most likely have funds secured for the surgery in late-February - early March. Is it ok for Bunny to be on pain meds for this long (six weeks)?
Dr. Grant: Most likely not going to be a problem. Like most non-steroidal medication the difference in response is usually based on the patient and not the drug. We have had some animals on these medications continuously for years without any issues, and some animals have a sensitivity issues within one week.
Pam: Will we have to change bandages at home?
Dr. Grant: Usually there is one bandage change which is performed at our office one week after the surgery. Some dogs do not require any bandage change until the two week recheck when the bandage is removed. (good, I don't think I could handle changing the bandages).
Pam: Approximately, how long is recovery? When would Bunny be able to jump, run and play again?
Dr. Grant: Recovery time is based on the number of procedures performed. The prognosis is also based on the severity of disease at the time of surgery. In Bunny's case I would expect full return to run, jump, play assuming that the procedure is done in the not too distant future as planned. Certainly no apology for any question, ever. This is a major procedure and a lot to consider. (wow, thanks.)
A month later I had more questions that the nurse answered. February 14-15:
Pam: What should I expect in the first couple weeks?
Nurse: No running, jumping, playing or stairs. She should be crate confined for a minimum of two weeks with potty breaks (on a leash only) three or four times a day. First recheck is 1 week post op for a bandage change, next recheck is 2 weeks post op for bandage off and stuure removal. The doctor will advise you at that point what physical therapy (if any at all) will be needed. May be more crate confinement, maybe short walks.
Pam: Will she be able to walk when I bring her home?
Nurse: Yes, limping with a funny walk but yes. Try to avoid slippery floors. (great, we have laminate in our apartment).
Pam: What are normal behaviors?
Nurse: Back to normal day after surgery as far as eating, drinking, etc.
Pam: Do you think I should use pee pads?
Nurse: If she is peepad trained they work out great. (too bad, I never trained her with those.)
Pam: I usually bring her to work with me and she sits on my desk in her bed. Will that be ok?
Nurse: She must not be able to jump and run around. If she gets excited when vistors come in the office then I would say NO, but if she is chilling out next to her Mama all day and you can keep an eye on her than SURE. I wouldn't recommend putting her on you desk incase she gets an itch to jump off. The floor would be better.
Pam: Thank you in advance and Happy Valentine's Day!
Nurse: I did, thank you. I hope you did as well. Hope this helps. Please fell free to ask if you have more questions. (haha..thanks)
Whew and ahh...relief that there are nice people here with us.
 |
| Bunny in her favorite bed on my desk. (oh and her toy too.) |
 |
| Bunny at her window seat. |
No comments:
Post a Comment