D Day - The Visit

Hudson was taken into surgery at 4:15 pm.  Dr. Stubbs called at 7:15 to say that he had made it through the surgery with flying colors.  There were no complications and everything went really well.  The next step is to send the leg in for biopsy to determine what kind of bone cancer specifically that Hudson has, so that we can choose the best course of chemo to treat him.  We should have the pathology results on Monday the 13th.

Dr. Stubbs said that it would be fine for us to come and see Hudson during visiting hours (7-9) but that we should shoot for approximately 8:30, since Hudson was still waking up and coming out of the anesthesia. 

Tony and I arrived right at 8:30, but didn't get to go back and see Hudson until 8:45 due to an emergency that had arrived moments before us.  We were walked back into the treatment part of the hospital where the overnight cases are kept.  Hudson was in the lone "big cage" which is approximately three of the smaller cages.  The tech said it's mostly used for storage due to the size.  It was just the right length for Hudson.  :)

He was wrapped up in lots of blankets and towels and completely out of it.  His eyes were having trouble focusing and his tongue was still hanging out of his mouth from the surgery.  (When dogs are anesthetized, their tongues are secured outside of their mouths to ensure that it doesn't obstruct the airway.)  It was pretty obvious that he was confused and disoriented, but he perked up when he heard our voices.  He was still very cold from the surgery, which is common, so we did not remove the blankets to view the surgical site.  I can't say I'm disappointed to have missed it.  Tomorrow is soon enough to face reality.  Everyone says to desensitize yourself to the surgical site by viewing pictures before you face your dog in the same situation.  I've seen enough pictures that I know what's coming, but I got to pretend for an extra night that everything was the same.

Provided Hudson continues to improve, he should get to come home tomorrow night.  I'm planning to stop by for another visit tomorrow afternoon between 3-5, before he's discharged at 6.