Yes, I do mean "we" survived. Radar was the one who went through surgery but it was our job to make sure he "rested" for 10 - 14 days. In fact, they would like to see dogs do NOTHING but lie down for the entire recuperation period. HA!! Unrealistic for Radar. When Radar is happy and feels well, Radar bounces. You can't keep a good poodle down and he was back to bouncing the day after his surgery. I knew then it was going to be a very long 10 days.
We limited outside to potty breaks on a leash only. At first, he seemed to enjoy my company with each potty break. Then it became apparent that each time he would try to play with his toys, I would stop the play. The same would happen when he would try to run or bounce. Suddenly, it seemed, I was just plain NO FUN!
As what typically happens, Radar was obssessed with licking at his sutures so spent a good chunk of time in a cone. It was pitiful, really, but necessary. It took him a while to be able to navigate the house wearing it. He bumped into a lot before he got the hang of steering his new, larger-space-required head.
Eventually I was able to get him to understand that licking meant the cone went on so toward the end of the 10 days, we would wear it only when we could not directly supervise him (when leaving the house or night time).
It was a happy, happy day when the sutures came out (day 10 as I couldn't take it anymore!). We came home from the vet and played fetch in the back yard for 20 minutes and then went for a nice long walk. In the afternoon, Radar came with me to occupational therapy (as he had been once week for many weeks) and by evening, he was one tired pooch. Happy to be back to a routine that saw him with lots of activity.
It's now been almost a week since the sutures were removed and he is doing great. He's back to plenty of walking, lots of playing and returning to public places. He was delighted to go to the grocery store with me yesterday. He's so smart, I considered just sending him with a list.
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