Quote:
Originally Posted by Patti  My Pixie has been diagnosed with bad LP. Her vet feels surgery is necessary. I have an appointment Wednesday with a board certified surgeon who specializes in Othropedics, neurology and something else. For anyone who has gone through this I was wondering if you could answer some questions.
How did you know that surgery was the only option, Did you do both legs at once? If so, How long before they can walk? How do they go potty? Do they have to stay over night at the hospital? Are they in a cast/bandage? If so for how long? WHen can they start using the leg? Do you have to do physical therapy on them? Is it hard to do? Are you satisfied with the surgery?
Thanks so much. I know I will have more questions and appreciate any feedback. I am just so scared for my Pixie. |
all 3 times (both knees on my maltese and 1 on my yorkie) both Phoebi & Chan were totally lame. nothing helped, not rest or anti-inflammatories.
Chan had his legs done seperately. If given the option to have done both at once I surely would have chosen it.
The surgeon's office had them up and walking the following morning after the surgeon. No bandage on either Phoebi nor Chan. The knee has to be able to move to heal.
They both stayed overnight and it was very hard but the best thing for them. Both came home with a morphine patch to help control the pain.
I found using a scarf was very helpful in supporting their back legs. The sling carrier they had given me was simply too large for both of them. I used a nice soft crocheted scarf and it worked perfectly.
Physical therapy began immediately at home. We were given detailed instructions on how to ice and move the knee to help promote healing. First day we began with a combined total of 5 minutes of assisted walking. Over the course of the next 2 months it increased daily and by that time we were up to one hour a day (total) of walking.
We used an ex-pen for both of their recoveries. The only time we had them out was when it was time for walking or some physical therapy. I was too afraid they'd try and run or jump and re-injure themselves. For 2 months they stayed in there. Then the 3rd month was transition month. After they got their final check up with the ortho they were allowed limited activity for the following month. So we started by gating off the kitchen, then added the dining room and so on. The stairs were the last thing we allowed.
I wish the best for you and Pixie. It all seems so daunting, the surgery and the long recovery but it is all worth it. You would never know anything was ever wrong with either of mine. They run and play like nothing ever happened.