Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Vinny is Home!

This post will probably be a jumbled mess (and I apologize that I could not allow Vito to tell the story - I can't get the details right and I know he definitely can't!). We just got home with Vinny from his surgery this morning. Oh my, this baby is breaking my heart. He is SO sleepy (which is much better than being awake and in pain!). The incision is frankly frightening. Luckily I can work from home tomorrow to be with him.

As for the surgery - here is where my details probably aren't accurate, but I'm trying to remember everything the Dr. told me on the phone around 1pm today after Vinny woke from anesthesia. He said that the shunt was not what they were expecting once they got in there - it was a different kind of shunt - what kind I can't quite remember! Which might explain why his symptoms didn't match a typical liver shunt - what with him acting so healthy. But they did repair it. He then went on to tell me that the real concern is with his pancreas. It is very small, and could possibly be (or lead to?) something called EPI, which you can read about here. Or it could lead to diabetes. He did say that pancreatitis was probably not a possibility.

All very scary. BUT the doctor said all can be managed, thank God. I do not know at this point if I will be able to manage it financially as his forever Mom, but I do hope so. We will cross that bridge when we come to it. For now he has staples for 14 days, and must be kept "inactive" (no jumping on the furniture! How do I manage that??) for 4 weeks.

So much information to process, yet so much waiting to do. I know that everything will end up the way it is supposed to be though.

And thank you again so very much for all of your support, as well as your donations. Love to you all!

Sleeping with his head up

Sloooowly falling over...

Finally comfortable. Look at that hideous incision.

WARNING: Graphic incision photo below. Along with tiny puggy wee-wee, which he would hate me for posting.

Uuuuuuggggghhhhh

And Vito got a Shut Up Stick to distract him. He's still working on it!

10 comments:

Minnie and Mack said...

OH, we're so glad that Vinny made it through surgery and that his problems can be "managed"...and that you will be able to keep him. I know what you mean regarding all the info the doctor tells you...when the doctor was telling us about Minnie's pancreatitis, a vet tech was in the room taking notes, which were typed up and given to us when we left, thank goodness! I haven't run into another vet that does that and it is such a good idea!
Such a huge incision, we hope he does not have much discomfort in the next few days.
We'll keep our paws crossed for a speedy recovery and that keeping him quiet isn't too hard.
Please keep us posted and give the handsome boy a hug and kiss from Minnie!

Drools and licks,
Minnie and Mack

Sequoia & Petunia & Emma said...

We are happy to hear Vinny is home and sleeping. We wish you the very best on recovery process and hope your scary incision heals quickly.

Punchbugpug said...

Poor baby! That incision is HUGE! Glad he is "home" to recover. Your right, so hard to keep them quiet. 2 of our close Puggie friends have shunt related problems. Both are controling their issues with diet and medications. I can give you contact info if you need someone to chat with in the future. They are having great success!!!

Payton said...

Oh, Gina, we are so excited that Vinny is home and doing good! Don't worry, he'll be just fine. Seems like the vets are on top of things. I know what you mean about the incision...when Payton had her gall bladder removed she came home with one like his, but even longer. Poor thing has a bad scar still the entire length of her chest...armpits down to her girl part. It was just such a shock cause we thought it would have just been a inch or so. Anyway, we will continue to pray for Vinny and hope that he can become a permanent part of your family.
Love,
Christy (and Payton)

The Slimmer Pugs, Kitties, and Mama said...

My family is glad that Vinny came through surgery successfully and that he, because of you, has a real good chance to actually live as all pugs should live...spoiled rotten. He's such a cutie pie and we hope that the maintanence that is required for him to live his spoiled puggy life is quite affordable and that you will be able to add him to your family of you and Vito.
We will continue to pray for a speedy recovery.
Much love,
Mama Mindy and her mama, CJ, and the Slimmer Puggums

Tweedles -- that's me said...

We are looking at cute little Vinny as he is sleeping.
Thanks to you , and the doctors, he is getting love and healing care.
We are sending healing wishes to him.
We also know that you must be feeling a little exhaughsted right now,,, remember we are right with you,, and the blog world loves Vinnny.
love
tweedles

emily said...

I'm so glad Vinny made it through surgery. Now it's time for healing which means lots of snuggles and kisses. My thoughts are with you.

Archie and Melissa said...

oh what a wonderful update!
we are so glad vinny is doing so well and that he will be feeling soooo much better!
gina, you saved him! your love and resources brought his doctors, friends and family together to make him well.
he will live a long and wonderful life all because of you and vito.
you are a very special person!
xoxoxo
m & a

Mia said...

His belly looks like Lilo's did after she ate the rock!! So glad he came out of surgery alright. No matter what happens, you know you can count on us for support and guidance!! Your blogger family will give you all the help and knowledge we can put together!! You and the boys are not alone in this!!!

~hugs~

Jess & Mia

Salinger The Pug said...

Awww...sweet sleepy Vinny!!!! Thanks for keeping us posted.

Poor baby....we hope he heals up soon and can find a comfy position to sleep!

On the upside...that's a SWEET bikini wax he's got there! ;-)

Love,
S-Dog

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...