Recovery Day 1

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

Friday, May 20, 2011 - Morning Update
Received a call from Brandy this morning at around 9:30.  She informed me that Remington is still in a lot of pain, but that he is raising his tail a little bit today, which means he is feeling a little more comfortable.  She told me that yesterday evening after surgery he did have a bowel movement in his kennel and he got it all over himself, but she cleaned him up the best she could and he is scheduled for a bath later this afternoon.  She did warn me that the staining may not come out of his fur until we would have his hair cut again.  She said that his bum is completely shaved and he has some razor burn that is causing him to be very uncomfortable as well.  He also has a patch on his back shaved above his spine where they have been injecting some pain meds.  Remington is eating pretty well and taking his pain meds in a meatball.  I asked her if she thought he would have a normal bowel movement before we came to pick him up, and she said they were sure hoping so.  Right now the plan is still to pick him up Saturday morning.

I'm extremely worried and nervous at this point.  Not only am I worried that I'm going to be overwhelmed when he comes home and not be able to care for him properly, but I'm really worried that this accident in his crate was a sign of incontinence!  Remington has NEVER had an accident in his crate, so this pretty much tells me he was unable to control what happened.  I swear if he is incontinent, I will NEVER forgive myself for doing this surgery.  I'm beyond scared at this point!

Evening Update
Brandy called me around 5:00 in the evening and had good things to report.  Remington is back to his old happy go lucky self!  He is alert, tail wagging, pulling at his leash, and walking around.  She said he is the same dog she met the first day :)  He has not had a normal bowel movement as of yet, but she is hoping sometime later tonight or tomorrow morning before we get there.  She gave him a good scrub down after his accident in the kennel and got all the stains out of his fur except for a little spot on his elbow.  I told her I was nervous about bringing him home tomorrow and she assured me that he will be just fine and is ready to go home.  I'm pretty happy and relieved at this point.  If he would just have a normal bowel movement I would feel 100 percent confident. It's amazing what just a few hours can do!

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Each day/hour will bring improvement and the Remington you are used to will be back soon - with the improvement of no anal gland problems!  His kisses when he sees you will erase your worries.  Can't wait to hear how the homecoming goes.

[Pat and Traveler]

Kendra, I wouldn't worry yet about the accident in the crate.  He might have been giving signals that he needed to go but the signals weren't recognized as this is not his usual environment.  Plus, as others have said, he's on some major meds.  So glad to hear he's doing better!  He'll be SO glad to get home!

[Leslie and Halas]

Oh, I'm glad he's doing so well.  I bet you'll be so happy to see each other.  Just being home will probably make him and you feel so much better.

[Adina P]

Great to hear he's wagging that tail and getting into his old self again.  That's a big relief...three cheers for a good normal poo now!!!

[Pam & Trixie]

So glad your afternoon report of Remington was better.  Im glad he is acting like himself & wagging his tail.

I hope he will have a normal bm soon.

Good luck tomorrow bringing him home.

We will all be thinking about you.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

So happy to hear about the improvement! There's still time for the potty to come either way he will be so happy to see you. I'm sure he will be fine. Good luck tomorrow!!

[Kyoko]

I am so happy to hear that he is recovering rapidly!! I think he will be OK... He probably had an accident due to the pain and all of that meds. I am sure he will be OK once he fully recovers!!

[Donna K & Quincy]

I agree with Cheryl, the accident was probably a result of all the medications. Remember to think positive. I am sure he will be  so excited and happy to get home.

[cheryl & oliver]

So glad to hear the great news about Remington.  You do have to understand that he had an accident in the crate which might have been due to the anesthesia, and pain meds.  He might not even realized that he had to go, and where he was.  As the anesthesia wears off, he is more like himself, and that is wonderful.  Do not worry about taking care of him at home, you will do just fine.  You are a great doodle Mommy, and I am sure that they will give you all the instructions you will need to take care of him.  I honestly don't think he will be incontinent, I think that this happened like I said above.  he might have an accident here and there for a few days, but I think he will be fine, and I am sure he will be just so happy to see his Mom & Dad, that his tail will be wagging away.  Now the hard part will be to keep him calm, lol....Please give us a report tomorrow...

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Remington, you will be so happy to see your Mom and Dad you just might poop from excitement.   That might be a good thing. Wishing you  a very happy reunion tomorrow morning, a great and painless recovery from  now on