Turkey is home!

[eightdogs4me]

Aww, I'm so glad Miss Turkey is home!  Turkey, you'd better behave yourself, those stitches and staples are in there for your own good, Missy!

I agree with everyone, though, if she were to need an amputation (which we hope it doesn't come to that!) she will adjust just fine.  I've got a friend with a three-legger (he is missing a front leg) and he gets around very well.

I always say that God gave dogs and cats four legs so they could have a spare.

[Kermit]

Thanks so much, you guys. I am feeling a little better tonight after spending some time in the crate (yes- in the crate!) with Turkey. She is pepping up a bit, but let me tell you she is mad about that cone! I took her outside for a potty break, and every time she is able to take a peepee I am thankful!!!! I cannot express how scared I was that she would lose control of her bodily functions. The fact that her internal organs are all intact is just so reassuring to me. And her new stitches look fantastic, I am so thankful that we were able to get that fixed up.

However, the swelling in her leg is just crazy. Her leg is huge. I just don't know how I can help bring it down. The only way we will know if she still has nerve function is for the swelling to go down! But I guess I am not doing anyone any good by worrying! I did buy some arnica cream which Nicole suggested for swelling and bruising, so hopefully that will make a difference.

I'm sorry I have been a wreck this week and haven't been able to contribute much to the board other than freaking out about Turkey! This has been one of the hardest weeks of my life! I can't wait for Will to get home so I can just sleep for two days straight!!!!

[Saint and Mal mom]

Oh my goodness! Poor Turkey! well how is she doing right now? Is she resting peacefully? Nonsense, Rebekah. You just tell us everything there is to know about that little girl otherwise we'll all worry and have nervous breakdowns too!

[navarre1316]

Rebekah, as about massaging the leg.  I know in rehab for swelling we would do what is called a retrograde massage, pushing the fluid back, from the foot to the knee, etc.  I know elevation is impossible for her, but maybe if you massaged the leg that would get the fluid moving and it would also help with nerve stimulation.  It's worth a shot!  Good luck!

[kathryn]

I don't have any good advice for you on how to help her leg out except maybe give her access to a heating pad set on low.  That might help relieve some of the discomfort in the leg.  I'm so sorry that both you and Turkey are going through this.  Big hugs to both you and Turkey.

[Kermit]

Hmmm... elevation.... I thought about that for a brief moment today. I will give it a shot.

As for massaging, I don't think I can do it. I tried to do some acupressure to the swollen leg today, and where I pressed down, well, it stayed pressed down after I let go. Her leg feels like clay underneath the skin. It is giving me the creeps. I am going to ask Will to check with his dad about it tonight when I talk to him on the phone. *heebie*jeebies*

Other than that, she is in a much better mood today. I gave her a break from the cone and she went right back to chewing on the incision. What the heck is she thinking?? No more breaks from the cone!!!
Also today I had her out in the yard for some fresh air since the weather was so nice. Some of my neighbors were outside talking and when she heard them she got totally freaked out and started booking it towards the back door!!! I had to grab her to keep her from trying to run!!! She was wobbling all over the place and it scared the bejesus out of me!!!

Ohhhhh Turkey.

[Nina]

I'm not sure if you can, but are you allowed to ice her leg? that usually helps with keeping the swelling down.


Nina

[Kermit]

I'm not sure if you can, but are you allowed to ice her leg? that usually helps with keeping the swelling down.


Nina

Actually, the vets suggested to me that I put a heat pack on it! That doesn't seem to make sense to me! But I'm not the one who went to vet school!!!

The swelling seems to have gone down a *little* bit. I'm hoping to see some more improvement tomorrow!!!!

Ya gotta love a good cone shot.

[Kermit]

And Kathryn suggested heat too! Who knew? I guess I should try heat!!

[Kermit]

Holly's explanation is how I remember it too.  But it has been a long time since I worked in the field. 

I wonder if you wore gloves to massage her leg. Cloth or perhaps gardening gloves. The gloves may help with the feeling that is giving you the willies.

Gloves! Heebie-jeebie protection gloves!!! I LOVE IT!!!

[hairprincessnyu]

Awww Turkey, you are such a beautiful girl...
Rebekah, she will pull through, I wish I knew more about the subject to help Turkey out, but I don't. Can you email me your address, I would like to send Turkey a little something, since that is all I can do from here!! Please give her hugs ad kisses from me!!

[Kermit]

Update on Turkey!
  She is feeling pretty good lately! The swelling in her back leg has gone down completely. I am so relieved. She's still not using the leg, but I didn't expect her to try yet. Sometime soon we'll be getting some new ex-rays to see how everything is healing in there. I am no longer afraid of her losing the leg. I think it's all going to heal up. She is one strong girl.

The crate time is getting to her! And she hates the cone! But she is being such a good girl. My friend let me borrow a sling to help her walk around and it has made potty breaks so much easier. She is being such a trooper.
 

My sweet and beautiful little girl.

[Nicole]

Oh, Rebekah!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAY! I must laugh a little at how peeved she looks, but that's a good thing! That attitude will get her through! She looks like she's healing up nicely. I'm glad to hear it!

[Anakalia]

YAY Turkey!!  I'm so glad she's getting better, she looks a little miffed in the pic, but she's so dang adorable!  Getter better soon Turkey! 

[chaosndestruction]

yay you can do it Turkey!!!

HAHAH she looks pissed in that last picture. I can only imagine what she was thinking!!!