Preparing for the news.

[Ann]

He is now quite bashful not wanting to show me his inclusion. We are on day 11 of his recovery. I am wondering if he can be pillow free if he still has scab material showing or is he released on good behavior?

I think you can take the pillow off when he's with you and you can watch him. Any sign of noodling at it, put it back on. If you do take it off, I would put it on for the overnight and when you can't see him. You don't want him scratching off the scab but my rule is as long as they're good, they can have some freedom.

 

[Sharon7]

Agree with Ann - while supervised he can have the pillow off, but leave on at night. Only a few more days! Then you can thankfully put all this behind you.

 

[Ron Atkinson]

I guess I should have said on Day 15 if he has scab material on the incision can he still lose the pillow?

 

[Ann]

I guess I should have said on Day 15 if he has scab material on the incision can he still lose the pillow?

When is your vet seeing him for a follow-up? Usually that's about 14 days and they give him clearance then. He should be OK by Day 14 to give it up but I'd feel better with your vet's blessing that the wound looks fine.

 

[Sharon7]

Usually they are indeed cone-free after day 14. Do you have a vet follow up visit?

 

[Ron Atkinson]

He said if it looks good I don't need 1 but I agree I would feel better if Teddy is seen so I plan on calling Dr Brandon tomorrow and scheduling a follow-up appointment to get his approval.

 

[Ron Atkinson]

Well the news is here After seeing pictures of Teddy's incision Dr Brandon has released Teddy from the pillow and has said to work up his exercise gradually. He will go in again in 5 weeks to see how his liver values are doing. The day of his surgery they were normal. Those results will tell us if he stays on Ursodiol medication.
He was not happy about brushing his hair and detangling his hair around his ears from having the pillow on his head. Took about 30 mint but we got it done.

 

[Ann]

Yay Teddy!!! Congratulations on your graduation from gallbladder surgery! No more pillow, and you can finally relax, Ron.

 

[Sharon7]

Good job Teddy and Ron! You can breathe a huge sigh of relief now. Both mine have had to stay on the Ursodiol and Denamarin.
I'm so happy for you that it all went so smoothly.

 

[Ron Atkinson]

I am beyond happy right now. Next milestone will be when the scabbing is all gone. He has 2 days worth of pain meds and antibiotics to go. But you could tell he was excited to have his blow-up pillow off.