adoption, bonding and amputation

[Cathy]

My husband and I adopted our border collie mix, Rhys, on Wednesday. Rhys’ left hind leg is atrophied. I took him to the vet on Friday for a physical and to have x-rays done. To everyone’s surprise the x-ray showed pins. We had assumed that he had an old untreated injury. The x-ray showed that his knee joint is bone on bone and there are two infections in the leg. The only movement he has is in the hip and toes and that the range of motion is very limited. What we thought was use of his leg is actually the inability to keep it out of the way. Rhys’ amputation is April 2nd. Rhys will have lived with us for about 3 weeks at that time. He will have to stay at the vet’s for 3 nights. We are concerned that Rhys will feel abandoned by us and maybe even feel afraid once we bring him home due to the pain. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Bobbie]

My corgi Wesley had kidney removal surgery about 3 weeks after I adopted him. It did not affect our bonding at all, that I could tell. He may think you have just passed him on to another person but he'll be that much more happy to see you when he comes back home. He'll start to learn that when you leave, you will come back. I wouldn't worry about it. You can go visit him at the hospital and reassure him you are coming back.

Bobbie

[tessa]

there is also the possibility that the operation will give him pain relief...and he will be thankful for that.
i don't think it will interfere with bonding.

my dog, xena, had her front leg amputated.
below, a link is attached to her blog site where you might find some helpful information on what to expect during recovery.

keep us posted!

[Amy]

Hi and welcome.

I agree with Tessa and Bobbie. The other thought too is that he will be on medication for the pain and will most likely be out of it for those 3 days at the vet. A couple other thoughts.... is it possible for you to drop him off for a few hours a few days before the surgery and have him stay there, kind of like doggie daycare? That way he will see you come back and pick him up and that should help the bonding. It should also help him get adjusted to being at the vet. If that is not possible ask your vet if you can come visit him during those 3 days, probably not the first day but maybe the second day so he will see a familiar face?
If not rest assured he will be so happy to see you when you do come pick him up that all else will be forgotten.

Amy

[tessa]

yah...i agree. don't visit the first day.
i know it sounds cold...but unless you can be rock solid with your emotions (and, i suspect, this means not only hiding them...but not HAVING them) then stay away...because dogs can smell upset and it will be upsetting for them.
they are heavily sedated, and the vet's is usually quite abuzz with people, so they are not alone. it might actually be the kindest thing to do at that time...to give a little space.
i'm not sure everyone would agree with me...
but i visited xena, and when i left...i could hear her distress. it might have been better if i had just shown up the once...to 'rescue' her from that awful place where did that awful thing to her...and play the 'hero', albeit it the false hero.

[Cathy]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and support. Rhys may only have to stay one night! If so, then I will "rescue" him from the vet the next day. The length of his stay depends on pain management and his adjustment.

[tessa]

we got xena back the next day.

be strong, okay? come in, rescue, take home, pamper. do NOT cry in front of rhys, ok? sing instead. gently rub his eyes. hold ice cubes for him to lick. praise everything he does. don't make a fuss over the incision, try to ignore it while keeping an eye out for infection at the same time.

did i say? be strong.
come here and tell us all about it. we know. we've been there too. we're sitting right beside you.

hope it all goes smoothly.

cheers,
tessa