Ascripton, or St Josephs Asprin for children you might even try glucosamin condroitin....good luck

Eating is a good sign. Dogs generally won't eat if they're in pain. Please don't give any other meds without talking with your vet. If your vet is closed on week-ends, he or she should still be able to return a phone call if you truly are concerned that she may have damaged the repair or if she's in acute pain (panting would be a sign of serious pain). Most have pagers or emergency numbers.

Note that Glucosamine Chondroitin is not a pain reliever, it's a good supplement which will help joint health over time. Not going to do a thing for the current situation. It's a good supplement which most dogs should be on anyway. Since you've already given Tramadol, don't give Aspirin or anything else without talking with your vet or an emergency care facility. I think the 50mg of Tramadol was a good call, but I wouldn't give more today unless you see signs of pain.

cynthia,

I told the vet yesterday that I was going to give her Tramadol. They were ok with it. They use it for pain regularly.

I'm more interested in what to do about the new fluid collection vs. joint swelling in her repaired elbow. She's still pretty gimpy this morning, but doesn't seem quite as uncomfortable...or at least I'm doing a good job in talking myself into her not being in as much pain. She's not whining or whimpering. The leg is still painful to touch, but she doesn't look quite as pitiful, at least.

Her appetite is fine, and she was excited to go out to pee this morning. We got about a foot of snow yesterday. She LOVES snow! Normally, she would jump around and throw snow in the air. But today, she just took care of business and was ready to come back in the house. So, she's definitely not herself.

There is something wrong, clearly. Let us know what the vet says, and in the meantime keep her off that leg as much as you can by cutting any exercise and play.

Personally, I'd take her to ER and have them check the leg. My fear would be that more damage could be done while waiting out the weekend.

The paw turned under could be a sign of nerve damage. It could be temporary and caused by the pressure of the swelling or it may be something more serious that should be seen immediately.

Awww you poor dear! You must be out of your mind with worry.

When my dog (Saint Bernard/ Black Lab mix) had surgery on his hind leg I kept him on a short leash tied to the couch. I iced his leg three times a day for 15 minutes. We also did light stretching exercises by moving his leg in and out gently. It helped with the swelling. He also had a little fluid retention but that went away in a few days. He was also on a light seditive and pain pills for a week. If your dogs swelling and fluid retention is really bad and leaking it could be a bad sign and I would take her to the emergency vet if you have one available. They may put her on antibiotics.

It takes time for them to use the leg after a major surgery but a re-evaluation on Monday wouldn't be a bad idea.

After 4 months, my dog is still going through physical therapy to strengthen his leg.

Best wishes,

Edna

elly, annz & todance-

Thanks for the feedback. She has been confined to a small area at the end of the sofa for 2 weeks, with the exception of going out to go potty. If she was being calm, we'd let her lie at our feet in the living room, under constant supervision. She hasn't played at all.

She just finished her antibiotics that were started the night she was hit. She doesn't have a fever, and there is no drainage. Just swollen and tender to touch. I've been icing it several times a day.

The most perplexing thing is that it was seemingly PERFECT until the staples came out. I take staples out of kids all the time, so I cannot imagine what could cause this. But it's the absolute only difference.

Sounds as if she's fine until you contact your vet tomorrow.

Big hugs to you.

Edna

Thanks...

I'm calling in the morning for an appt. She seems like it's less painful, but she also seems less aware of her foot position. It's almost always tucked under...definitely not in a natural position.

The surgeon saw her today and decided to stick a needle into the fluid collection. It was a seroma...probably not infected, but started on abx just in case. She said it will probably recur, but will be reabsorbed naturally over a couple weeks. Her foot position was immediately better, so I think the nerve was just irritated by the swelling.

On we go....

That's great news!!!!

Do you have a dog physical therapist in your area? It did wonders for my dog.

Here is a link that might be useful: Physical Therapy & Rehab Assistance: A Multi-State U.S. & Canada Listing