A few months ago I noticed that Sophie had developed a small lump under the skin on her lower abdomen ; it wasn’t bothering her so I left it alone but kept an eye on it, however quite a while later I noticed it had grown and two more lumps had developed close to it so I booked a visit to the vet’s. I was told that these were probably mammary tumours and she would need an operation called a ‘mammary strip’ – it wasn’t a small operation though and the recovery time would be quite lengthy so as I was due to go to Ireland at the end of November I postponed it until after I’d got back home.
I finally booked Sophie in for her operation on December 17th but when I took her in that morning I was dealt quite a blow – she had developed some more lumps on the other side of her abdomen near her chest and though they were only tiny at the time they would grow and would eventually need removing. The vet said that all the lumps were probably caused by a hormonal imbalance and recommended that I have her spayed asap, which left me with three options – (1) have the original operation which I’d already paid an expensive amount for, then have a second operation at a later date which would be another expensive amount, (2) have the original op plus the spay (an added cost) then the second op another time (again, another expensive amount) or (3) have the whole lot done at once, in which case they could reduce the combined extra cost. It was a no-brainer really, apart from keeping the cost down I couldn’t put Sophie through two or even three separate operations so I agreed to have the whole lot done there and then.
I’d been told I would be able to collect Sophie that evening but I got a phone call to say that even though the operation had gone well and she was in recovery they were keeping her in overnight just to monitor her. I finally collected her at noon the following day along with three lots of medication and strict instructions – plenty of rest, peace and quiet, no walks except once round the garden on a lead, no running, no jumping, no picking her up etc. and I had to take her for a post-op check three days later.
Now I personally don’t agree with confining dogs in cages unless it’s for transport purposes but knowing that I would need to keep Sophie separate from Poppie I’d put them both in a cage each before I went to Ireland. For one thing it was easier for my friend Lin to deal with them while I was away and also it would get them used to being separated, although the cages are next to each other. So since Sophie came home she’s been in her own little den with a new bed and a hot water bottle, and post-op care has consisted of medication three times daily, a slow circuit of the garden every three hours and a hot water bottle refresh 3-4 times a day. For the first couple of days she was a bit subdued but since then she’s come on in leaps and bounds (almost literally) and for the last few days has been back to her lively little self.

Phew! Glad to hear she is ok.
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She’s absolutely fine thanks Anabel. I went for a walk the other day and it felt really strange without the dogs – I’ve not been taking Poppie out either as it wouldn’t be fair to take her and leave Sophie behind π¦
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Bless her. It must be such a relief to know she’s OK. Good luck with the short walks. Terriers are robust little things and they’re not out of the game for long. X
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She’s raring to go now Jules but I have to keep her in check for a while longer. At the moment it’s not really the weather for long walks so short ones will suffice for a while.
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I’m so pleased Sophie has recovered well from her surgery and wonderful to know they were non-canceros tumours. She is a sweet little dog and you’ve looked after her so well. Vets bills are very expensive and they want their money upfront these days. Great news to start my day, well done to you and Sophie x
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I thought you’d be pleased with the news π The wound has healed well but she’s now wearing a little pink t-shirt to stop her from messing with it π
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Glad to hear Sophie is on the mend. She is a gorgeous little dog. They are definitely worth it aren’t they. Bless her. Love to her and Poppy. Xx
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I can’t really cuddle her yet as she’s still very tender underneath but I’ll give them both a pat from you π
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So glad all went well even if the bank account is feeling empty. Enjoy your first proper walks with them both this year once she is up to it xx
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She’s up to it now Becky, she’s so lively you wouldn’t know she’s recently had a major op π The bank account has certainly been depleted but she’s worth it π
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Oh, what a worry for you (and your bank account) but definitely right to put her through only one surgery, one anaesthetic and one lot of recovery. Virtual cuddles to all the pack. xxx
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It certainly was a worry so I’m happy that Sophie has come through it all so well. I’ll pass on the virtual cuddles later on π
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