Tuesday, January 24, 2012

An Update on Benjamin

It’s been one week and one day since sweet Benjamin had his teensy tiny knee operated on. Many of you have inquired about how he is doing. I can’t tell you how much MD and I appreciate that. We are very grateful for your thoughts and prayers.

A little background on the need for such an invasive surgery: Ben’s knee cap didn’t fit properly and wasn’t directly in line with his tibia bone. This was causing it to pop out on a constant basis (but obviously he wasn’t able to tell us this in a way we could understand). He would pop it back into place as needed. But, our little babe was accidentally stepped on and ultimately expedited this surgery. As sad as it was to see him hop around on three legs and to put him through this surgery, it was one that would have eventually had to happen. If anything, it was better that this problem was recognized now before arthritis set in. Glass half full, people.


His surgery was scheduled for Monday, Jan. 16 at 8 o'clock. After talking to the doctor, we smooched Ben goodbye and left him in good hands. 

 The doctors called seven hours later to let us know the surgery was a success and that Ben was doing well and resting. He also let us know that we could visit the next day. What?! Heck yes, I’ll be there.  

Since MD was teaching that day, I went to pay our sweet babe a visit over my lunch hour. He was pleased as punch to see me. They brought him out wrapped in his blanket we left him with.

I was so happy to see him. His was still pretty sedated and his leg looked awful. There was so much bruising on his pale pink skin and six stitches on his tiny chicken leg.

The nurses positively LOVED him. Many of them came into the room we were in to say hello and to tell me how much they adored him. He even gained himself a nickname during his stay. Because we dropped him off with his plush bed and blanket, they said he looked like he was set up in a hotel and dubbed him His Lordship. With a name like that, he was totally in his element.

Now that we have him back home, he’s getting plenty of rest, hugs and kisses. We give him his antibiotics twice a day and pain medicine once a day.  *Side note: cream cheese is your best friend when it comes to hiding a pill from your pup. – He’s being spoiled with his favorite soft food.

He's even received these precious treats in the mail from his cousin Berry.


And even more from his sweet friend Winnie!



Here’s a little glimpse of what his leg is looking like today. 


Bless his sweet heart.

While this is still a little sad for me to look at, it's so much better now that a full week has passed. He has good days and he has not-so-good days. Monday wasn't so good. 

I was perched on our bed when I was writing this post. MD came in and put Ben next to me the bed. Precious. 

He really enjoys the comfort of his own kennel. We call it his master bedroom. 

Most of his healing process includes sleep. Lots and lots of sleep. Here are a few photos I snapped while we blogged from bed. This is what his daily routine usually looks like. 

Taking at peek at me.


Positioning himself.


Snoozing.


Checking in on things.



Drifting back to sleep.


And, he's out.


Swoon.

Thanks for visiting today! I appreciate all the love you've been sending Benny's way. He should be back to his athletic self just in time for Spring.

With love,
Christi

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh goodness, poor Benjamin. I can't imagine how painful that knee was for him! But I'm so delighted to know his surgery went well and he's back at home recuperating. I know you both are so relived! I love those amazing doggie treats - I bet Benjamin will too :) Thanks for the update Christi! So glad to hear the good news!!

henning love said...

ahh little benjamin! he is so sweet looking. i hope his healing goes fast and smoothly. it would break my heart to see other of our dogs to undergo for surgery

Christi's Chirps said...

Hi, Ally! Yes, we are so happy to have him back home. It really makes a difference to all of us! :) He's been rather spoiled by our sweet friends. Ben is totally loving it. :) Thank you for checking in!

Hi, Meg--Benjamin is certainly a sweetie! Thank you for your kind message. Fortunately, he will be better than ever by the time spring comes around. :)
I appreciate you dropping by!

Cheers,
Christi

amy (fearless homemaker) said...

so glad your little pupster's surgery went well - i know how horrible it is to know that our little furry friends are in pain or uncomfortable + can't quite tell us. it breaks my heart! so happy that surgery was a success + he's on the mend! =)

Christi's Chirps said...

Hi, Amy! :) Thank you so much for your well wishes!
Yes, it's so hard to see sweet pets in pain. I just have to remind myself that Ben will be 110% in a couple of months! But in the meantime, I don't mind his sweet snuggles as he recovers. ;)

Thanks again for visiting and your sweet comments!

Cheers,
Christi