Jackie - Just wanted to let you know that you and Lincoln are in my prayers. I have two dogs (down from 4 fur babies) and just lost my beloved older girl in June after nursing her through a long decline. Hopefully your baby will come through brilliantly and recover his vigor now being pain free. Dogs are truly angels, they are god's love made manifest on earth. We are all so blessed to have such wonderful companions and fur family!! Hugs to you!! Hang in there!!

Best to you and your pup, jackiec. You are a gift to each other and I wish for a smooth recovery.

Oh, Jackie. Our own doggies are always the most important in our minds - so we want them to be prioritized by everyone. And I'd be tearful all day with you. Sending lots of healing thoughts, strength and much love to you and little Lincoln. xo

This place is sooooo kind to me (and Lincoln!). Thank you so much for your kind words.

Just got the call from the vet that the surgery is done and Lincoln is in recovery. Apparently it went well. I am crying happy tears. He said the first day post op is critical to see how they do. He's likely to be in until Sat/Sun, however, the vet did say that in some circumstances they let the dog come home early (ie tomorrow). Lincoln fits that "special case" since apparently he's become quite anxious in there and the sedatives aren't really helping him (he's chewing the bars...oops!). I'm hoping he can stick it out until Saturday just so that they can manage his pain, but I cannot WAIT to have him in my arms again asap.

Thank you so much for your support.

Jackie - doing the happy dance with tail wags for you!! Continuing to beam prayers for Lincoln!! Hang in there, your sweet fur baby will be home soon!! Hugs!!

So far, very good news Jackie. Thank goodness. Managing Lincoln's pain is crucial, and I'm sure he'll feel happiest at home. Can you visit?

Such good news, Jackie! Our little guy stayed for 2 or 3 nights, I can't remember. We visited everyday, and brought him some of his food and treats, as he wasn't eating. He could walk some with the assistance of a nylon sling someone needed to use to hold up his rear end. But it was a tough time.

The vet will do various neurological tests that give good information on prognosis.

Fingers crossed for Lincoln!!

Such a relief! Wishing little Lincoln speedy recovery and sending healing vibes his way!

I just wanted to come back, with a clearer head, and specifically say thanks to Janet & Classically Casual for sharing your stories of similar surgeries. Your dogs' successes give me hope, yet prepare me for some hard work ahead.
gryffn I am SO sorry for your recent loss. It's absolutely heartwrenching. And Angie, thanks for your support. I know you went through a lot with your beautiful little girls. Unfortunately I couldn't visit Lincoln tonight, we'll see about tomorrow.

Again I appreciate everyone's support for my wee fella

Just popped in to see how things were going. I'm pleased the op went well. Keep us posted Jackie. x

So glad your Lincoln came through the surgery..I just know that he will get better and be with you again...These precious little ones can take a lot and accept it..I am amazed at how wonderful their little outlooks are...I will be thinking about you and hoping you can snuggle Linc again soon...

Thanks, Jackie. Hoping you can see little Lincoln today. And he might even come home.

Jackie - hope Lincoln had a good day today and the vets are happy with his progress. Hang in there!!

I just saw this and am sooooo relieved that Linc is doing well. My heart sank when I read the original post. I had a herniated disc many years ago ( just one ), so I felt his pain immediately. Poor guy.

You are a wonderful, loving mom for taking care of him and agreeing to surgery. He is lucky to have you. You two have a one of a kind relationship.

XXXXXX

I'm late to this thread, Jackie, but I'm now on tenterhooks to know how Lincoln is doing. I remember well the pain of watching my beloved first guide dog, McClure, grapple with cancer back in 2011. Watching animals suffer is truly one of the most painful experiences on this planet. At least you've had very good news so far. I hope so much that the encouraging signs have continued and that you can read this while stroking his poor little back. Give him a hug from me and his Canadian guide dog friend Reva, and please keep us abreast of how things develop. *hugs to you too, of course*
I'm late to this thread, Jackie, but I'm now on tenterhooks to know how Lincoln is doing. I remember well the pain of watching my beloved first guide dog, McClure, grapple with cancer back in 2011. Watching animals suffer is truly one of the most painful experiences on this planet. At least you've had very good news so far. I hope so much that the encouraging signs have continued and that you can read this while stroking his poor little back. Give him a hug from me and his Canadian guide dog friend Reva, and please keep us abreast of how things develop. *hugs to you too, of course*
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He's coming home today! Picking him up at 11AM. Cannot wait

Lincoln is finally home and resting comfortably! Thanks for all of your well wishes. We have a looooong road ahead. Lots of work, patience, love, and hugs. It certainly feels a bit daunting with the meds, restrictions, then exercises, and rehab. He's drugged, shivery, and unhappy, but the little tail wag he showed me when they carried him out to me was worth a few happy tears. I've always been Miss Queasy-pants when it comes to medical issues, so this long, stapled shut incision down his pants is quite the challenge for me. But I'm already over it and so happy to have my sweet-pea home. Thanks again for thinking of us. Onward & upward

Oh, I'm so happy for you both!! The hair grows back amazingly quickly.

We don't have any lawn, but during Smokey's convalescence, we bought a small patch of turf from Home Depot, to serve as his official potty area, that we could carry him out to, and then set him down. It worked.

Also, it was a year or so before he could walk again on our hardwood floors.
We have area rugs, and he would be marooned on them. So we bought a bunch of inexpensive ( and ugly) carpet runners from Costco, and made what we called puppy trails from room to room. Also, a baby gate or board to block off the stairs at the top.

It's all worth it. Cheers to you and Lincoln!

What a great idea, Classically Casual! We have stone/limestone flooring. I wonder if that's going to make things tricky for him. Great idea to pick up some inexpensive runners from Home Depot. I never thought of that. I haven't even taken him out for his first pee-break. He yelped when I took him out of the carrier, yet took a couple of tenative steps into his bed where he's been since we got home. Almost time to take him out. They said the risk of urinary track infection can be high. Thx for the advice

YAY!!! So glad he's back home. The TLC from his humans will be as effective as any medicine, I'm sure of it. Keep us posted on his progress. And don't forget to take care of yourself as well as Lincoln.
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Awww .... he is such a sweetheart ^_^ Hang on there jackiec .... both of you will get through this tough time I promise. Hugs x

So glad your baby is home...These first days post op will be different and difficult for both of you but he is out of surgery, home and on the way to normalcy...I am so deeply happy for both of you...

YAY. Lincoln looks sooooo precious, Jackie. I'm happy for you and your family. I know he's going to recover faster with your special love and care. Plus your bond will grow even stronger. You're an incredible Mummy to him.

I love Peggy's suggestions. When our girls were sick for 3.5 years, we also altered the house, our schedules and life plans to suit their needs. It made a big difference for them - and us - and it was well worth it. They had to have meds every six hours and we set our alarms like clockwork. They couldn't be alone for a lot of their illness so we took shifts between us. Teamwork pays off. I bet your family will make Lincoln's recovery a lot more pleasant. Much love, and sending lot of healing thoughts to the lithe guy. xo