Little Maddie Mulligan has had a rough weekend. If you follow me on Twitter or FaceBook, this is old news, and I apologize for repeating myself. Here's the story.
Late Saturday afternoon Neal heard Maddie give a yelp. This isn't unusual as she and Tilly rough house quite a bit as they romp in the yard. A few minutes later, she sat on the deck in the snow, waiting to be let in. Not long after, Neal took the big girls on their walk while I attended to Coco. Maddie wasn't that into her walk, so Neal cut it short.
As Maddie lay curled up on the living room rug, I noticed she was licking her side. Maddie tends toward compulsive behaviors, and I like to check them out when I see them. Lo! What I found was a raw spot about the size of a half dollar. Neal had the good sense to bring her to the vet's. Our usual vet's office was closed, and we couldn't get through to their phone service. Luckily, just down the hill from us is another veterinarian office, and Neal brought her there. I honestly thought this was a surface wound, just in need of a little topical or dressing.
My heart sank when Neal came home alone. They said it was a deep puncture wound and wanted to put in a drain and stitch her up. As best we can figure, the 14" or so of snow raised the ground enough to make Maddie's usually running paths more difficult to get around, and she must have plowed into a stick or branch that she would duck normally.
We got a call after her surgery to let us know she was waking up, and another call this morning. I nearly fainted when I heard Neal's voice, shocked, ask the vet to repeat the size of the puncture. I knew it must be bad; he doesn't shock easily.
Six inches, people. Six. Inches.
We are so very fortunate that it missed any organs. So lucky that Neal decided she needed a trip to the vet's, thereby avoiding infection. So lucky.
I got to see my girl this afternoon. She was groggy, but happy to see me. After a little walk and a treat (vet approved), we brought her back in. She seemed pretty tired and ready to go back to her crate. I'll call tomorrow to see if she can come home. We have to wait until the drain comes out, and then she'll have to wear a collar, which will make her miserable.
Maddie not having a more serious accident is my best gift this year. I feel so very lucky.
Poor Maddie! That's just awful. Luckily you did notice it and got it taken care of quickly by what sounds like a good vet. Nimitz punctured his paw over the summer but the newly graduated vet didn't see it and sent us home. Two days later it was pussy and swollen (infected) and our regular wonderful vet got everything straightened out. Give her an extra hug from us when you see her next!
Posted by: Michelle | December 21, 2008 at 10:31 PM
oh no! I'm so glad it wasn't worse!
Posted by: JessaLu | December 21, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Oh no, poor Maddie! I'm so glad to hear it wasn't worse. Sending ear scritches and gentle hugs and healing thoughts her way!
Posted by: Liz | December 21, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Ouch!! I hope she heals quickly!
Posted by: Alissa | December 21, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Poor Maddie. I hope she will be all healed soon. Thanks so much for visiting my blog via Feeling Stitchy. It's been a great way to discover new blogs.
Posted by: Patty | December 21, 2008 at 11:40 PM
That's so frightening! Poor Maddie. They are so resilient and she'll be feeling better and back to her old self soon. My heart goes out to you!
Posted by: Margene | December 22, 2008 at 07:57 AM
sending lots of love to miss maddie and her mama. {{hugs}}
Posted by: penny | December 22, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Poor little poochie, I hope she heals quickly.
Posted by: heide | December 22, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Wow! Scary! I'm glad it all turned out OK.
Posted by: Nora | December 22, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Poor Maddie. I hope she feels better soon and has a super speedy recovery to spend Christmas at home.
Posted by: Gina | December 22, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Oh no - poor Maddie! I'm glad that your girl will be okay, although I'm sure it sucks to have her away from you.
You and Neal are awesome pet parents. :)
Happy Holidays to your whole fam with extra pets and scratches thrown in for your furry family members.
Posted by: elisa | December 22, 2008 at 12:49 PM
yikes! did not even think of hidden dangers under the snow! Glad she is OK
Posted by: kristen - gock's frocks | December 22, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Poor Maddie! Thank goodness Neal took her to the vet down the hill.
Wearing the rat hat when she gets home is a small price to pay considering what could have happened.
xo
Posted by: Cookie! | December 22, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Yikes!! I'm so glad she's okay, but ... scary!!
Posted by: --Deb | December 22, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Oh poor girl, hope she feels better soon!
Posted by: Heather | December 22, 2008 at 06:27 PM
awww, the poor sweetie! i'm so glad she's ok; it's a miracle!
Posted by: cal | December 23, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Poor little puppy. Very scary! I hope she is healing well, and that you guys are having good holidays. Have a peaceful New Years!
Posted by: Account Deleted | December 28, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Poor girl! I send my wishes for a swift recovery!
Posted by: Claire | January 04, 2009 at 04:41 PM