Baxter's Operation

Monday 12th May 2008 - Baxter was due to have his operation today, but due to an emergency was delayed until tomorrow.

Tuesday 13th May 2008 - I received a phone from Fitzpatrick Referrals late that evening confirming that the operation went well. All of the cartilage was removed from both wrist joints, the bone grafts were taken from each hip and was prepared before being packed into the joints and finally the special Arthrodesis plate was screwed into position.

Friday 16th May 2008 - I was able to collect Baxter after 2pm. My first thought when I saw him was horrific - how could I have let them done this to my boy, 50 % of his fur had been shaved and the image of the night dogs from I am Legend flooded my head.

Once back home I was now totally responsible for his recovery, Baxter spent the next few day trying to get comfortable - we both experienced sleep deprivation over the next week.

Complete cage rest for the next 6 - 8 weeks. Unable to eat or drink unaided due to the head collar Baxter was hand fed. The medication proved to be a challenge as Baxter didn't like the taste of the antibiotics at all and after trying to hide or disguise them in a load of tasty treats. There were times when I was concerned over him not drinking, this was overcome by adding a small amount of skimmed milk to his water.

It was distressing to see Baxter like this but the only assistance he required was with eating and drinking.

Monday 26th May 2008 - I had to take Baxter back to Fitzpatrick Referrals as he had started to limp and his left leg was swollen and weeping. By 8:30 am following an examination Baxter was kept in due to an infection. Swabs were taken and a pressure bandage applied to stop the swelling so stopping the stitches from bursting. Until the results came back from the laboratory regarding the swabs, the right combination of antibiotics could not issued.

I returned to collect Baxter on that Wednesday he was discharged with more pain killers, a cover to keep his dressing dry and a double combination of very strong antibiotics which he would have to take twice a day for the next 6 weeks. The concern was that the infection could attach to the plate, which would result in the plate having to be removed.

Saturday 31st May 2008 - Pressure dressing removed and all of the stitches too. This time we left with a months supply of probiotics to help his digestive systems build up the natural bacteria which had been destroyed by the strong combination of antibiotics - which in turn would improve Baxter appetite and food intake.

Friday 27th June 2008 - 6 week post op' X-rays, continue as previous and return in another 6 weeks unless any problems occur.

Friday 8th August 2008 - 8 week post op' X-rays confirmed the joint had fully healed and Baxter could now start to exercise again a little at a time, starting with 5 minute walks which will be increased in time on a weekly basis until Baxter can walk continually for 1 hour.