Day 103.

I have really been slacking at updating this blog. We found out that our other dog, Harvey, needs the same exact surgery Hana had. His is a "grade 3" which is pretty bad, but he is showing no signs of discomfort or pain. We have him on Metacam for a couple of weeks to try to help with inflammation and I bought some Glucosamine Chondroitin with Maganese at the vet and have to give them each a half a capsule, for the rest of their lives. I'm not sure when we will be getting Harvey his surgery, but we can't afford it right now. 

Hana is doing well! She is enjoying her freedom a lot. We took her to my parent's house to run around the backyard and she had a blast. Here are some pictures:

Day 80

Hana is doing great. We have been giving her more and more freedom, and taking her for more walks. I still have to watch her like a hawk but she seems to be doing ok. Harvey, on the other hand, has started to limp on his rear right leg (the opposite of Hana's). I noticed it the other day but he stopped almost immediately. This evening he started again, after trying to climb over the baby gate that prohibits him from going near the room with the litter box, he fell and landed in the water bowl (ha!), but he must have slipped on his way down and hurt his leg or knee. I really, really, really, really hope this is nothing serious and won't need surgery, but with my luck he probably will. :( He won't put any weight on it but didn't cry at all. Well, I take that back. He made a tiny little whining noise when he accidentally put all his weight on the leg. He isn't sure how to walk with a limp so he just kinda stands there blankly, not knowing what to do. He is sleeping right now and I hope he wakes up and everything is okay. I don't have money at ALL for a surgery, I can barely afford a vet visit right now. If he's still limping tomorrow I will call the vet though. I gave him 1/2 a baby aspirin to help relieve any discomfort he might be having. *sigh*. I wish I still had some of Hana's pain medicine.

Can I please, please catch a break?

day 75

I got back from the Animal Emergency and Referral Center, where Hana had her surgery, a little while ago. Matt and I noticed something extremely tiny and extremely sharp sticking out of Hana's knee where her incision used to be. We feared it might be a suture or staple that wasn't removed, or even the pin they used in her surgery sticking out or something. It is super sharp. After looking her over, we learned that it was just a suture that didn't dissolve like they thought it would. She is supposed to wear a soft blue e-collar for a few days to prevent her from licking at it, since licking can cause infection or open up the incision area again. I think she said that after a few days if it looks good and she isn't bothered by it, I can remove the collar and it should then dissolve on it's own still.

Two more weeks until she can have freedom to play, run and jump so if it's still there in 2 weeks I'm going to have them look at her again. Jeesh, this never ends!

Day 62

Hana is ready to play and be active! We've been taking her on walks and instead of walking she is running and hopping. It's adorable. She also sits down in the grass a lot as if to say "I'm not going back inside!". I made her x-pen larger and I really hope these next few weeks go by quickly.

Day 53

Hana is out of doggy jail on parole, with some limitations. For the next 6 weeks she is allowed unlimited leash-less walks, so that is good. But no jumping or roughhousing. After the 6 weeks of leashed walking, if she is doing okay she is allowed to jump and play!

Day 51

My husband and I took Harvey, our other dog, to the dog beach today. I think Hana was really pissed off at us and stressed because when we came home there was a bunch of gross liquidy diarrhea waiting for us. Ahh!! She is not acting funny or vomiting so I don't know what the problem is. I'm going to buy some more chicken and make her chicken & rice again. Too bad it's Sunday and tomorrow is a holiday, she always seems to get sick or have problems on a weekend or holiday weekend!

Day 50!

Hana has been feeling better. Her BM's (ew, ha) are more normal, still a bit soft but no more blood. She's been eating and drinking okay too, so I haven't called the vet.

I can't wait for her appointment!