Ouch!

Today was the day that Whiffler had his operation.

30% took him in to the Vet's, while I headed out with Hobson and TB for our usual walk.

It was significantly cooler today, and the weather and our schedule meant that very little was removed from my to-do list. I did add a feeder to the nucleus colony, and I also had an appointment at the surgery to review pain management for my stenosis symptoms.

The GP confirmed that my self-mediation was appropriate, but he also recommended that I refer myself to NHS Physiotherapy for guidance on appropriate back exercises.

The Vet called in the early afternoon to advise that Whiffler was out of surgery and could be collected at four o'clock.  The operation had gone well, and the Vet seemed quietly confident of a positive outcome.  We are well aware that the cancer may had metastasised,* and that Whiffler is an old dog, but we are hopeful that it will give him another year of good quality pottering and sniffing.

Shortly before four, we headed up to the Vet's to collect Whiffler.  We were briefed on his post-surgery care, drugs were handed over, and follow-up appointments were made.** Then the old fellow was brought out.  He seemed quite perky, but he was a bit wobbly. This was totally understandable when we saw the site of his surgery. You might have heard the phrase, "tear someone a new arsehole." Well, it looked like that was exactly what had happened to our poor, old dog.

Ouch!

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* Anal gland cancer can metastasis through the lymphatic system and take hold in the spine causing a variety of nasty symptoms.  

** I almost forgot to mention that the best part of nine hundred quid was handed over too. I'd also paid the roofers this morning, so it was quite an expensive day!