Today we got to see Dr. Roberts for the first time since Newton had his amputation. I have been chatting with Dr. Roberts via email and over the phone, but it was good to see him in person today. Dr. Roberts examined Newton's incision and removed the 3 remaining staples and found a couple of sutures that he snipped.

I was concerned that Newton's incision may be getting reinfected. Dr. Roberts said that the incision is looking good and appears to be healing. He didn't want to put Newton back on antibiotics, but gave me some Animax cream to use. He also cut some of their hair from around the area so that it would be easier for me to make sure that it is kept clean.

I also got a copy of Newton's CBC report. His white blood count was 7.1. Dr. Roberts said that is is a less than what it was when he had his neuter in May, but it isn't alarmingly low which is what they worry about during chemotherapy treatment. His Eosinophils and Platelet Count were both a bit high. The following was the comments from the pathologist: "The peripheral blood smear has been examined. Microscopic findings correlate well with reported CBC results. Leukocytes exhibit some degenerative changes compatible with sample deterioration. A mild eosinophilia is observed. This finding may be nonspecific but may be indicative of a hypersensitivity process occurring in response to allergic or parasitic stimuli.".

I decided that unless we have to go up to CSU, I am going to start doing more of my check-ups, etc. at VCA. It seems like most of our CSU visits take all day and sometimes I leave very frustrated and VCA has always been very good at giving us the attention that we need. Our next appointment is up at CSU next Thursday for round #2 of chemo.

Over the weekend, Laura and I went and checked out Honda Elements. The Element would be the perfect car for Newton. I haven't pulled the trigger on a new car purchase yet since I already have a crazy high car payment on the Jeep. With the economy the way it is today, I still have to do a bit of thinking before a buy another car.

So, in anticipation of not buying another car, Laura came over today to see if we could get Newton into the back of the Jeep. After about 10 minutes of hesitation, Newton finally got in the back. He has no problem getting out of the Jeep using his ramp, it is the getting in part that is not consistent. It was freezing so we only tried it a couple of times. I know Newton can do it, now it is a question of if Newton will do it.

Today marks Newton's 1 month amp-iversary. He is doing so well. Each day reinforces my decision to amputate. Newton is no longer in pain from his bone cancer. He is a happy dog and enjoys playing the games that he use to play. He is also back to his old self...barking at everybody that checks their mail at the mailboxes and letting Sydney (the dog next door) that he wants to play.

Since his last adventure upstairs, Newton hasn't attempted to go up the stairs again. Now if I am upstairs, he will sit at the bottom of the stairs and whine. Silly boy, I know that he can make the journey. Sleeping in my bed alone has taken some time getting use to. About 5 am, I will move to the couch downstairs and sleep for a couple more hours with Newton on the couch. Hopefully one of these days, Newton will get his courage up to try the stairs again.

Newton is healing well and the antibiotic seems to be helping fight the infection. I clean it with antibacterial soap and a washcloth each day to remove any of puss from the incision. I also have been cleaning the scabs off of his fur. As I was inspecting the incision, I came across 5 staples that had been missed. I was able to work 2 of the staples out myself. The remaining staples I will let Dr. Roberts take care of.

Today, Newton had an appointment with Dr. McVicker. If Dr. Roberts isn't available, I will probably start making appointments with Dr. McVicker. She is really nice and Newton seems to really like her. Today, they removed the staples and the sutures. Dr. McVicker confirmed that the incision is infected so she put Newton back on the Enrofloxacin (Baytril). Newton is not going to like having to take pills again.

Newton is still a very well behaved boy when we go to the vet's office which makes me very happy. He is almost back to his old self completely.