Healing issues *UPDATE*

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

We are now ten days post surgery and we have been back to visit the vets twice in the last three days. Boris was due to have his stitches out today. He has 15 staples on each shoulder. On Christmas eve I noticed the right shoulder had swelling around the stitches and clear liquid was seeping from the wound. I felt around and there was no pain, the liquid was clear so that was a good sign in a worrying situation. I called the vet hospital and they asked me to bring Boris in at 9 am on Boxing Day or if I was worried later in the day to bring him straight in. I spent Christmas day worrying and cooking......Boxing day we arrived at the hospital and were seen by the Professor and two recent Vet Graduates who it seemed knew Boris and he was more than happy to see them!  Once it was clear that there was no infection there was a debate as to whether to keep him in and put in a drain or treat conservatively. It was decided to remove a couple of the stitches there and then so that's what was done. I helped them to hold him and he was very good, the Professor was very quick and kind but the wound then opened up pretty much completely.  We could see that it's only the layer of skin that isn't healing and there is a gap. The decision was to staple it up again but to leave a small gap so the fluid could drain itself. We were happy to bring Boris home and we were asked to bring him back on Monday, or if needed any time. Fast forward to this morning.  I checked the wound at 9am and it was fine, draining but still together. One hour later and two of the staples were loosened and there was a big  gap. I decided to call my own vet and see if he could re staple the wound so we wouldn't have to go all the way back to the hospital. We went half an hour later and John our vet was wonderful. He re stapled the wound (again Boris was really good, no distress) He explained that the wound edges were not coming together and that they may need some intervention in order to allow them to attach to each other and to expect Boris to be kept in on Monday and to bring him in fasting. I might add that he wouldn't take any money for the visit. I am very stressed by the whole thing and just want the wound on the right side to heal and the stitches on both sides to come out. Boris is moving around really well. He is on Rimadyl and an Antibiotic plus Probiotics

*UPDATE* 

Several good DK friends said some powerful prayers and yesterday was the first day there was no leakage from the right sided wound so I am sure they are working.  Today we went back to the hospital and they removed the stitches on the left side and agreed that there is huge improvement and that hopefully with no more complications the stitches on the right side can come out in seven days. There is still some minor swelling but it may well get absorbed internally which is what I am hoping for.  Then we can start the rehabilitation proper and the hydrotherapy pool will be on the list. Riley is getting a little bored that his BF can't play and I've seen him pick up a ball and throw it over Boris while he is sleeping a few times now! I am very relieved things are starting to move in the right direction at last.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Nicky, I'm sorry Boris is having this complication in his healing. I hope your vet can fix the problem and you can ease up on the worrying (I know better than to say "stop worrying.")

Hugs to you both.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Thanks Karen, It's a really hard task to keep him quiet enough for the wound to heal. One side is fine but one is not. Luckily there is no infection but there is a build up of liquid so that means there is a space. I'm getting cabin fever at this stage!  Long term we will be adding some joint support supplements to his diet even though they are not proven and if necessary he will be on NSAID's 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

What a mess.  Hopefully they can get it all straightened out on Monday.  Will be thinking about you all and hoping for a better week this week.  Big hugs to you both.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Yes, what a mess indeed. I just felt around the wound site and a huge gush of liquid spilled out...:( Thank goodness no infection but I can't see just how this is going to heal but I'm not a vet. Hoping for solutions on Monday. I have Boris tethered to me...it's just like having a very very large puppy all over again LOL

[Bonnie and Kona]

I'm so glad it's clear fluid but hoping Monday arrives with no more incidents.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Yes, it's pretty clear with a little blood but no infection thank goodness. They told me if there was any sign of infection we were to bring him in immediately.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

So sorry to hear that healing is complicated but at least it's not infected.  Keeping good thoughts.

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

I am sorry to hear about what you are going through with Boris  Sending healing thoughts and prayers!