More surgery and an angry boy

Dodger is not happy. Yesterday, I took him back to the surgeon for a follow-up visit. Last week, the surgeon told Marc (who took Dodger in for that follow-up) that the patella (kneecap) seemed a little loose. The surgeon said that, while it wasn't a huge deal, it would be best to tighten it up.

So he said to come back in a week, so he could check again. When I took Dodger in yesterday, the surgeon said it still seemed a little loose. The surgery to correct it would be minor, compared to the surgery of a few weeks ago. "Just a couple of stitches, one on either side of the knee." (BTW, it's technically not called a "knee" in a dog. It's the "stifle joint." I have no idea why, but it may have something to do with Archie Bunker.)

So Dodger was checked in yesterday morning and was ready to go home last night. No overnight stay. That seemed good. What didn't occur to me is that we didn't get to see him right after the last surgery, since he was in the hospital for two days afterward, getting morphine, inpatient care and physical therapy. He also came home with a narcotic patch on him to keep the pain down. So Dodger immediately post-surgery was a new experience.

Last night, he just had a big bandage on his leg. No pain patch, and he was in a really foul mood. I guess I can't blame him, and I can't help but think that he was angry at both of us for taking him back to that place where they hurt him again. Remember, he had a very hard early life; he knows the world can be harsh and cruel. Perhaps I'm over-thinking it, but still...

Today, Marc checked on him at lunchtime and found that he was very uncomfortable. By the time I got home this evening, he seemed a bit better, but he's still hurting.

I hope this does it. I hope we're now on the road to recovery, because we can't stand seeing him hurting. For now, he's back to hopping around on three legs (and he was finally starting to use the fourth again!), but he should be doing better soon!