I had been hesitating to put it in writing, but Sadie has shown some definite signs of improvement over the past three days. By yesterday morning, "the hole" looked about half the size that it did on Monday. It is narrower and not as deep. (Click here to see it.) Hooray! It was still leaking quite of bit of fluid, however, and I was still changing bandages 3-4 times a day.
Yesterday afternoon, my great friends Dionne and Kristi watched my girls so I could take Sadie over to Dr. V's for an appointment. I was pretty sure Sadie still needed a drain tube, given the amount of fluid that was still there.
Dr. V agreed that it looked better. However, he was not in favor of putting in a drain tube. Apparently, he had been in touch with Dr. James Cook (the one who developed the TightRope technique)about Sadie's case. Dr. Cook recommended that we continue to use the compression bandages and let the hole heal on it's own. A drain tube may just cause additional irritation to an area that has already had a lot.
I told Dr. V I was concerned that if the hole closed up, but the fluid was still building up, that we might risk a rupture lower down in her leg, where the incision has already healed. He said that wouldn't happen. He said that the hole wouldn't close until the fluid had stopped or slowed down significantly.
So, I won't argue with Dr. Cook's advice. But I am greatly encouraged by the amount of healing that's taken place just in the past few days.
Dr. V also showed me a new way to bandage Sadie's knee, that may help keep it from slipping down so much. We'll see how it works. If it is better than what I've been doing, I'll probably blog about it, since I've been googling for ideas in that area and not found anything helpful.
The back of her leg has been rubbed raw from all the bandaging. Poor pup. I just slather some neosporin on, put a Telfa pad over it and wrap away.
Sadie's still been a great girl, laying down all day and night (yes, I'm still sleeping next to her) and has been eating her food without coaxing.
I feel so much better. Thank you for your prayer, it was felt in a big way this week.
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4 comments:
That is GREAT to hear. I hope he continues in this direction.
Wow, Sadie's incision is looking so much better, I am glad that things are taking a good turn. You are a great pet parent, so diligent and attentive. Keep up the terrific care.
Another suggestion for cream to put on her raw spot...Lanisoh or laniolin cream. The breastfeeding cream. We use it on sores that may come into contact with mouths because its all natural and a little goes a long way.
I'm glad to hear a good report, Lori!
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