I've been wanting to post this for a while and this is a good time. Reesie had double LP surgery on 2/24/2009, grade 4 right and 2 left. As far as crating, she WANTED to be in there on her own, away from all of us, so we had no trouble with crating her at night. In fact, she was in there all day and wouldn't come out except for pain meds (Metacam) . She seemed to know it helped. Her appetite wasn't great for several weeks but that was expected. Now, she eats twice a day and really gives me heck if I'm late with it.
I have a video we took a couple weeks ago of her zipping around my SIL's backyard, no pain, no sign of anything abnormal with her knees, just zipping around like a rocket with her buddy, Cindy. The look on her face says that it was the right thing to do.
A few things to think about, we couldn't afford physical therapy after surgery but it wasn't needed. We were careful and let her go her own pace. She always pulls on the leash so that is something you have to watch out for. No leash walks for Reesie until May. Now she stills pulls, despite training efforts, but it does help strengthen her back legs. I don't dare let her out if there's a rabbit in the yard, now she's just too fast.
It sure makes your heart sag when you see them in casts, or with those sad eyes, wondering why you did this to them. They don't understand. But most get better with the proper vet. It's better for them, and better for you.
(PS - How do I post a video?) |