Hi!
My maltese had his first knee done in April 2006, his second in June 2006 and my yorkie had her one knee done in January 2007.
Our Orthopaedic Surgeon is the same one that Kalina works with. I did my research first and found him to be the most qualified (by far) in our area. I think choosing the best surgeon is the beginning step to a successful surgery.
Our rehab directions were also very specific and very different than some I've read about. Both Chandler & Phoebi had the mpl surgery. Groove deepened, ligaments tightened and fibular head cut and pinned.
Chan never had a bandage and Phoebi was bandaged (lightly) as she opened a few sutures when I went to pick her up.
Both came home with an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory and a morhine patch on their leg. Before discharging we met with a Tech who went through all 5 pages of rehab instructions.
Phoebi & Chan were kept in an ex-pen with only enough room to stand and lay down for 8 weeks. The only time they were allowed out was for their 3 walks a day.
I'm not even going to say this was easy. Neither are crate trained and have never been confined for any reason. We would sit with them to keep them company and I found keeping the ex-pen within site of us helped tremendously. Some days I would just cry because I didn't think I could do it. They weren't always happy but in the back of my mind I kept remembering our surgeon saying.....it just takes a second Kim for something to happen. Please listen to the post-op directions or else your dog will be back here and I will have to fix the repair and it'll start all over again.
From their first day home the surgeon wanted them up and moving. I supported their backside with a belly strap which I switched for a scarf (it was way easier for us). In the beginning I was supporting most of their weight and just allowed the leg to move. Moving is the key!
Walks were 5 minutes 3X a day for a few days. Then we would increase it to 6 minutes, 7 minutes and so on until at the end of 8 weeks they were walking 1 hour combined in all 3 walks. I actually kept a daily chart to keep track.
Along with the walks we would do range of motion exercises that began within a day or two of the surgery. Obviously we were very gentle in the beginning and moving the joint helps to reduce the swelling and the pain. We would ice every 4 hours. Eventually I would heat the leg gently, do range of motion and then ice. Exactly how it would be done at a human physical therapy facility.
At the end of 8 weeks and it was a full 8 weeks we would go back for our final check up. If everything was good at that point we were then told to take the next month or so and slowly wean them back into their normal routine.
It was explained to me that I couldn't just go home and let them start running and jumping as muscles had weakened over their confinement. So we would take that 1st week and say give them the kitchen and dining room area. Then maybe increase it to the kitchen, dining room and hallway...making sure there was still no crazy running or jumping.
Finally at 12 weeks they were free to be dogs again. Easier said than done! lol I was a nervous wreck and to be honest neither one was nuts for quite awhile. It's kind of like they knew what to do.
Chan's will be 2 years post-op this April and Phoebi was just 1 year post-op. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to watch them run and play without any limping.
I do supplement both daily with Cosequin, a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement but other than that...they're as good as new.
I have recommended by Surgeon and his facility to many people since then. Some have gone there, some have shopped for a better price and subsequently have not had the successful outcome we've had.
I wish the best for you and Shelby. If there's anything I could possibly do or any questions I'd be happy to help. |