Outside Time

Convalescing from surgery is challenging, so Hu-dad thought a little outside time – in addition to her bathroom breaks – would be a nice treat for Natasha. Our back deck can be blocked off to provide a smallish area, and Hu-dad can work thanks to the power of wireless internet. Of course, he assumed Natasha would want to just nap in the sun, but she had other plans.

laying outside

Yes, Hu-dad, laying outside does feel nice.

greet my subjects

Besides I can greet my subjects through the fencing.

sling support

What do you mean I can’t walk around without my sling supporting me?

nap time

Back in the crate – and nap time. But at least it is outside.

Q watching

Qannik monitors – a Knight watching his Queen sleep.

Couple of things of interest –

We are supporting Natasha with a sling when she goes out for bathroom breaks. She wants to just go out, but we are giving the leg time to heal – and trying to minimize pressure on the good leg to avoid that 30-40% chance of a double TPLO surgery. We don’t want to do this twice! Thus, that is why the second picture is a no-no and Hu-dad put a stop to it.

In the third picture above, you can see that Natasha is not exhibiting the swelling or bruising that so many dogs have post surgery. Her leg is looking very good (though hairless much to her displeasure). She is not yet putting any weight on the leg, but that is natural at this stage.

And, finally, in case you are wondering about the shaved belly, that is not directly from the TPLO surgery. Because of her age, we were checking everything thoroughly before the surgery and had done an ultrasound of her organs in addition to the chest, back, hip, and knee x-rays. The x-rays could be done through fur, but the ultrasound needed a more direct picture. Fortunately, everything checked out great which made us feel comfortable moving forward.

11 Comments

  1. KB on September 19, 2014 at 10:39 pm

    It is so nice to be able to let our convalescing pets be outdoors. You are a great hu-dad, and I bet that the sunshine helped Natasha’s spirits a ton!

  2. houndstooth on September 19, 2014 at 6:42 pm

    Is the sling like the Bottoms Up Leash? That thing was a big help for us when Treat had her spinal tumor, back in my days before blogging. Here’s hoping that Natasha continues to have a speedy recovery!

    • D.K. Wall on September 19, 2014 at 8:14 pm

      Yes, sort of, though I think a simpler design. You can just use a towel as a sling and the only difference with an actual sling is that it has handles.

  3. Cheerful Monk on September 18, 2014 at 11:13 pm

    As usual, thank you for all the pictures and updates. I’m hooked on your blog!

  4. Mom 'n Ice on September 18, 2014 at 3:43 pm

    Mom ‘n Ice sez: We are both so happy to see how well ‘Tasha is coming along. She seems to be taking her “down time” in stride, which is a good thing. Hopefully, she KNOWS this is all for her own good, and continues to be a good patient!

  5. The Painter Pack on September 18, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    So thankful that everything checked out! I know it is hard for a Queen to be on lockdown. But it looks like her subjects are handling it as well as can be expected!

    The Painter Pack

  6. Jenna,Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady on September 18, 2014 at 9:42 am

    I’m very glad to hear everything else checked out good.
    ჊ husky hugz ჊ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

  7. Anna the GSD on September 18, 2014 at 9:40 am

    Outside air is good medicine. And I’m sure that fur will grow back in time for winter romps! Although, nice abs! 😉

  8. DJ on September 18, 2014 at 9:29 am

    So happy that her recovery is going well! Q-Tip looks like he misses being by her side so much.

  9. Deborah on September 18, 2014 at 7:34 am

    I’m glad to see she is doing well and getting to spend some time outside.

  10. marleen on September 18, 2014 at 6:43 am

    That’s good news.

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