It turns out that Buster did not stop seeping fluids from his incision. We had a really hard time determining the exact nature of the fluid. How red is red? How red is dog's blood? We did not have this issue after Buster's first TPLO so we were really amazed at how much fluid came washing out of his incision. It was like a daily bath.
We first noticed it Saturday night and called the surgical center. They told us it was normal and to call back if it was still happening on Monday. On Sunday morning, it had the metallic odor of blood and we were concerned by the sheer volume so we called again. Normal. It was still happening Monday. Finally on Tuesday we said we were unnerved and that they had told us to call if it was still occurring on Monday. We talked to one of Buster's surgeon's made an appointment and took him in for a suture check. As the doc said, "It's free and why not have the peace of mind?"
The fluid was normal drainage. However, our secondary surgeon said that she could "milk" Buster's incision and so she added a couple staples to keep him sealed up. We confirmed that we are keeping him confined to a small space (as seen on this blog--about 5 feet by 7 feet). We also discussed keeping him drugged up to keep him quiet. For the most part he is resting calmly.
Buster is continuing to make remarkable progress, based on our experience with his first TPLO. He is touching down most of the time but is not weight bearing. He has learned how to walk rather quickly in his attempts to head out to the plaza, where his friends are. He barked to Oliver and Madeleine when they walked this evening.
He clearly is bored and lonely but we are doing all we can to play and talk with him calmly. He sang a lot for attention and to be included in cooking dinner. I tried to record it but every time I've tried to record Buster's songs, he quiets down. Ah, guess only Jay and I will know the exquisite singing of Buster, American bulldog.
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