Maggie, Post Op

Just a quick post since I'm busier than a one armed paperhanger--which is pretty accurate since I'm still sore from the chomp on my arm.

I brought Maggie home with a bag full of drugs and instructions to flush out the wound several times a day. 

Even though I had cleaned and dressed the wound the day of the incident, I didn't inspect the surrounding area since it wasn't the part bleeding. 

It was only when I gave her a bath several days later that I noticed all the bruising under her wet fur. I also noticed that an existing lipoma seemed much larger. At first I didn't notice the lump because Maggie has a tendency to sit funny due to her arthritis and her shoulder rides up at that point. It was only when I had her wet that I could examine her better.

I called my regular vet and he was double-booked. I called another vet we liked but she was gone for the week. I called yet another vet, but he was booked too. Finally, I found one I didn't know existed even though I'd driven past there several times. They took us in.

Being an emergency drop-in, I think they padded the bill a bit, but after some discussion, they lowered it by almost $200. I'll do anything for my kids but I refuse to be gouged for frivolous add-ons.

Aside from that, I was pleased with the vet and the staff. I was also pleased that they didn't hesitate to answer my questions entirely. Most vets don't like their actions or drug choices challenged, but I've been around the block too many times, and I know my dogs and what they can handle.



Maggie looks pretty bad because of the drip tubes and the oozing, but she's actually in great spirits. 

Right now everywhere she lies down looks like a crime scene when she gets up because she leaves bloody stains everywhere. But floors can be washed and rugs can be cleaned.

She looks a little down in the mouth here but it's all an act. Right after this pitiful display she hopped up and trotted after Tank.

The old girl has been getting extra treats, and I take her and Tank for an 'old folks walk' where they can wander without being knocked down by my two tornadoes, Iko and Nana.

Nana knows I'm still angry at her and she's been doing her best to get back into my good graces. I think I'll let her stew a little longer.

Other stuff: My internet woes continue. Now my email is acting up. I can receive email, but I can't send it--at least not by regular channels. If you've tried to reach me and I haven't answered, try reaching out through Facebook. If I'm on, I usually see the message icon.

PS  Whoever is pounding a voodoo doll of me over a rock, you can stop now. Whatever I did wrong, I'm sorry. Uncle!


Comments

Marian Perera said…
Good to hear she's on the mend. Hope you take care of yourself as well. No one to flush out your wound and give you treats. :(
Maria Zannini said…
Marian: LOL! Yeah, I'm pretty much on my own.

These are the days I wish I could escape to a tropical island and get room service. :)
B.E. Sanderson said…
Aww, poor baby Maggie.

:hugs: I hope life gets better for you soon.
Maria Zannini said…
BE: Maggie is soaking up all the extra attention. When hubby gets home she'll really cash in.

I'm just glad it wasn't worse than it was. Poor old girl.
Angela Brown said…
Poor Maggie. She looks up and happy in the first pic then down in the dumps in the second. I'm glad to know she was just working on her acting skills for the shot :-)

Nana is going to be a while ib the "doghouse" and I don't blame you one bit.

I hope the soreness in your arm goes away soon. And whoever is beating your voodoo doll double over a rock, well, they've probabaly slowed things down now, or so I hope.
Mike Keyton said…
Two questions, Maria:

What's the Maggie/Nana interaction like now? Any noticable differences?

and

Have you any idea what's causing your cyber problems?
Maria Zannini said…
Angela: Dogs are the greatest hams in the world. I swear to you, Maggie is in the best of moods. She's hopping, dancing and smiling--especially when there's food around.
Maria Zannini said…
Mike:
Re: Maggie and Nana
Since this last incident, Nana has been all apologies and tail wags, but I will never again give her the benefit of the doubt when it comes to Maggie. She's too unpredictable, and worse, FAST. If I can distract her before she makes contact, she will stop and come to me, but I have to do it before teeth reach fur.

Re: internet
I wish I knew. The first week was strictly a mechanical issue. The line was severed. Then my router defaulted to its original (and wrong) settings. But this? I have no idea.

Some people I can reach, but other people's email gets kicked back as undeliverable. I double checked to make sure those people aren't on my Blocked list and even moved them to my Safe list, but it doesn't make any difference.

It could be a glitch, in which case it'll resolve itself on its own. I've had this happen once before but it only lasted a few days.
Mike Keyton said…
In the Middle Ages they'd have blamed it on demons, but then again they didn't have the internet.:)
Maria Zannini said…
Mike: Ha! I'm ready to blame it on demons too. This is getting too ridiculous even for television.

Mason Canyon said…
Glad Maggie continues to be on the mend. Hope your internet problems work out soon.
Maria Zannini said…
Mason: Thanks, Mason. She's definitely better today. She was back to her old self jumping like a loon for breakfast. :)
Unknown said…
Poor Maggie looks terrible. Hope she gets better soon. Give her a hug for me.
Stacy McKitrick said…
I've heard others having problems with e-mails (specifically aol), so you're not alone there. Some cyber glitch is going on, I'm sure.

Glad Maggie is doing better. Sounds like you need the hug, though. So here you go (((hug))).
Maria Zannini said…
Jim: Will do. I think she's over the worst. The bruising has gone down and no more fever. She's basking in the glow of all the extra attention.
Maria Zannini said…
Stacy: This internet stuff drives me insane, especially when it makes no rhyme or reason for not working.

Greg will be home this weekend and hopefully take some of the burden off my shoulders. It's been a stressful week.
Maria Zannini said…
Mac: She's doing better today.
Anne Gallagher said…
Oh wow, Maggie looks so bad. But I'm glad she's doing better.

Is your husband still down at Casa South?

I will pray for you that the dark cloud lifts very soon. Can you smudge your house and lands? Do you know someone who can? I think you need all the help you can get these days. I wish I could come out and help you deal.
Maria Zannini said…
Anne: Thank you! You're the second person to offer. It's been a rough year all around.

Still, I have plenty for which to be grateful. When things get this dark, I just put my head down and keep trudging. It can't last forever.
Unknown said…
Glad to hear she's doing better. I bet Mama won't try that again. ;)
Maria Zannini said…
Darke: I wish I knew for sure what sets Nana into a Tazamanian devil. Whatever it is, it's gotta stop. That sort of behavior is unacceptable.
Poor Maggie! Give her extra treats for me. I've got my fingers crossed that everything works out, and that it's smooth sailing from here on out.
Maria Zannini said…
Barbara: So far, so good. I'm really pleased at how well she's healing. There's one big cut, but the vet did that to remove some of the interior damage. That's taking longer to heal, but the puncture marks are healing nicely.
Jennifer Shirk said…
Aww, glad to hear Maggie is healing.

You poor thing. I hope these internet woes end soon for you. I know they are SO frustrating.
Maria Zannini said…
Jennifer: I know Maggie is feeling better because she's starting to mess with the sutures. I think it's starting to itch.

There's still one bad spot but overall she's healing nicely.