Porter has had a good three weeks since we last posted. He seemed to have a good recovery after his first round of chemo, no noticeable side effects. Which made us very happy! Life has been good – he has been back to his normal self, chasing his cat and sleeping a lot. We’ve noticed that he’s been super super cuddly and “needy” with us. If we’re on the couch, he wants to be up there with us. If we’re in the bathroom, he comes in and lays on the floor. Porter has always had a very strong pack instinct, but it seems to have gotten much stronger. He’s had two rounds of acupuncture and he’s still loving it. He’s also had another massage with a micro current treatment. We left with specific instructions to give him nightly rubdowns – I think Porter’s got an insider deal with the masseuse!!
Porter has been doing a strange yippy thing – not the screaming that he had right after his surgery. This is just a plain ole yip. He’s laying there, then he yips, and jumps up like somebody bit him. We have no idea what’s causing it.
Porter had his bloodwork a week ago and things looked good. His numbers were on the low end of normal, but within expected ranges. Which meant round two as planned! He was so happy to see everyone at the vet’s office yesterday (which always surprises me considering all the bad things that happen there – I guess he really loves the vet & all the vet techs!). I asked Dr. Brown about the yips – he’s not sure what’s causing them, but his best guess is scar tissue growing at his surgery site and affecting nerve endings. He’s hopeful that it will get better over time. We’re hoping! He did ok with the chemo, except that we think he did vomit either last night before bed or sometime this morning, outside under the tree. Dad found it today. So Porter got a half a meal tonight, just in case his tummy was upset. If no more puking, then he gets the rest of his dinner before bed!
I noticed Baby’s ‘vocalizing’ changed after surgery. I don’t know why, but she started making different talking sounds than usual. I wonder if the sudden yip/jump could be a phantom pain. I don’t think Baby’s had that, but I’ve read about several dogs who did.
I also have noticed that she’s more needy. She’s more upset when we have to go to work than she used to be.
Anyway – from reading other’s stories, it seems everything gets better over time. It’s just tough to be patient when we want our old happy pals back, isn’t it.
It’s so great that Porter loves the vets. They must be really good with him.
Good luck with the chemo – keep on healing!
Wags and Slobbers
Judy and Baby
way to go porter!!! glad you are doing well with your chemo, acupuncture and massages.
charon & spirit gayle
The yip definitely sounds like phantom pain. Some dogs get it worse than others, his sounds pretty mild and should dissipate in time. What happens is that the brain takes a while to realize the leg is gone. Occasionally it will get confused and “short circut” when trying to repeat those patterns of looking for the leg, and that’s when the ‘Yip!” comes out. It hurts! But it’s nothing to worry about. Check our discussion forums and news blog for “phantom pain” and you’ll find lots of suggestions for making this easier through massage and lots of TLC.
Keep up the great recovery Porter!