One Week Ampuversary! Yay!

Dakota officially has an ampuversary! Today I cut down his Tramadol dose to try to get him to perk up a bit. I think it worked. He was more involved and went outside more, once at his request. On the other hand, he also had some times of pain when he yelped at being touched near his incision. That’s new. Before today, being touched or even bumped slightly didn’t elicit a response. I guess it’s all about balance. If he has a tolerable amount of discomfort only when the area is touched, then I think that’s ok.

Dakota also developed what looks like additional bruising in his abdominal area, from his ribs down to his groin. He is very, very furry so it’s kind of hard to see without shaving him, but his skin is a livid fuchsia, just like an awful new bruise. I called one of his doctors and she said that it is normal for bruises to sometimes spread and migrate great distances, as long as the area doesn’t seem painful or swollen. Suture removal had been scheduled for Wednesday, but I moved it up to Monday so he can be looked at sooner. Since today is Friday, I think that’s prudent.

Overall, I think things are improving. I wish Dakota could already be pain-free, but this is just something he will have to get through. He wags a lot and his appetite is improving, and he peed 3 times today, which is a biggie.

I will update again after suture removal on Monday, unless there is something extraordinary to report before then. I am going to relax and enjoy my weekend with my family and my buddy Dakota.

Author: Dakota Dawg

Dakota lived high in Colorado and was a member of the February Furballs. He lost a front leg to soft tissue sarcoma on 2-11-11. Dakota impulsively decided to see what the whole "rainbow bridge" business was about on 12-15-12 and before we could stop him, he was gone. But never forgotten. Never.

4 thoughts on “One Week Ampuversary! Yay!”

  1. Happy one-week ampuversary, Dakota.

    The recovery period can be quite a roller-coaster of good days and worrisome ones. Hope everything’s okay with the bruising; Catie’s bruising did expand several days after surgery as well.

    Enjoy your weekend with your sweet boy.

  2. Awww good news Dakota. Yes the bruises can be nasty, but I’m sure it’ll be fine. It sounds like your folks are on top of things and watching you pretty closely, without freaking out too much. They’re pretty tough, like you!

    Have a great weekend. Let us know how the stitches visit goes.

  3. Hi Dakota! You look like such a sweetie:)

    I’m glad to hear that things are moving right along with your recovery. After we stopped giving Rudy pain meds and the antibiotics he seems to be more his normal self.

    He also had bruising that spread around. I took pictures of it daily to see how it changed. I think Rudy became more sensitive and uncomfortable with the stitches as he healed. Now that they are out (it’s just been a week since they were removed) he seems to be more comfortable.

    We send lots of love to you, your family and Dakota:)

  4. Hi! Dakota
    My mom is so thrilled to find this blog as i am a 9 year old Golden Retriever who just lost his left back rear leg to a mast cell tumor.
    My surgery was jan. 28th and I too had the bruising oh I also had another tumor removed the same day on my tummie sooo yes my mom and dad were very concerned! But Dakota I am doing GREAT i go for short walks, I can go down the stairs without help not so good going up but that’s ok I have lots of help were needed. One thing I have ran into is my goo paw is a little red so if anybody has an idea pleaseee let us know and Dakota it will only get better!!!

    Harley

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