We are now 3+ weeks post-amputation and Ray continues to do well. His stitches are out and the incision is getting close to being indistinguishable. He hops around happily with few problems or obstacles.
My concern at this point has become his thyroid levels. He has been on thyroid medication since we adopted him. His meds were upped just before the tumor incident, and he’s now showing signs of hyperthyroidism – agitation, excessive drinking and urination, heavy breathing – so we’re doing a test tomorrow. Now that his other habits are pretty much back to normal I’ve noticed these types of things are not righting themselves…which could also be an explanation as to why his heart rate elevated prior to the first attempted amputation surgery. We’ll see. He’s also returned to chewing at himself, which was a definite challenge before. Hotspots, etc. I guess I should be grateful for the return to “normal” but it seems like we’re re-defining normal all the time.
It’s ok, though. Overall, things have been good and we’re certainly grateful. Best wishes to all of our friends who have been supporting us through this continuous journey.
Hooray for happily hopping Ray!!!
I am so greatful that he is healing and adapting. Keep us posted about the thyroid. Maybe if that gets back into wack the chewing will also resolve.
Samdog is also just past his third week and doing great. He has a few staples left which will come out on Wednesday. He has joined me a couple of times out on the town. We don’t go far, but he gets loved on wherever we go. He loves that.
Our best wishes back to you.
Kisses from an Arizonian three-legged golden boy!
So happy to hear Ray is doing well!
Those Goldens and their hotspots! How well we know. We have to pull out the Cone of Shame to prevent the chewing/licking sometimes and Butchey gets so dejected when we do.
Keep up the good work Ray! Hope you get some resolution to your thyroid issue.
Woofs and wags,
Butchey Hudson & his Fam
Thanks Butchey. Mommy got the stink-eye all day for putting bad tasting meds on the hotspots. Guess that’s the price we pay. I wondered when the allergies would return to be a problem, but truth be told we’ve all been suffering around our house.
So glad to hear Ray is doing well, but sorry to hear about the other issues. Hopefully his docs can figure out something to give that boy some relief!
I was thinking about Ray and happy to see his little face avatar and read that he is doing well. I can really sympathize with the chewing. That was Harley’s favorite pastime/activity and unfortunately I always used the cone. Give Ray a big hug for me.
Aww sweet boy, I’m glad things are hopping right along. I don’t know anything about thyroid levels but you might want to ask in our Ask a Vet forum topic.
How come you’re chewing your pretty fur though? Hmm….getting enough fish oil and Omega 3s and all that? That’s such a tough one to figure out.
Keep on keepin’ on my friend, your “new normal” is lookin’ pretty good overall!
Thanks for the Ray update. Redefining ‘normal’ is the key. Amazing how they adjust to the new norm. Wishing you continued progress. Hope the Thyroid issue is resolved soon. I have a friend who read about (and is trying) coconut oil on hot spots. I don’t know if it helps the chewing as much as healing…..but thought I’d mention it.
Best of Luck! Looking forward to more progress reports!
Charlie (and mom)
http://charliewarlie.tripawds.com/