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Originally Posted by yorkiemalt  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. |
oh good, you posted everything for me. LOL
Patti, Kim had Phoebi and Chan's surgery done by the surgeon I used to work for so what she wrote was what i was gonna say.
Surgery is only done if the dog is in pain or the LP is effecting the ability to get around. Morgan has grade 3/4 in both back legs but shows no signs other than a mechanical gait which only the trained eye can notice. She doesn't limp or skip a beat, or hold up a limb. I talked to the surgeon about doing surgery on both her legs and we decided it just wouldn't benefit her enough to risk putting her under. so she gets joint supplements and i make sure she stays skinny so her joints aren't carrying excess weight.
If surgery is done, its best to leave them over night if they have 24 hour care. At my place, the dogs were left on an IV pain drip until 2 am then switched to regular fluids so that they can be comfortable and get some sleep. A pressure bandage is applied right after surgery to reduce swelling and then its taken off the next morning (some vets leave bandages on for 2 weeks but this is the older method and is not recommended anymore). In the morning they are taken for their first potty walk. a sling or a scarf is needed to support them while walking. As far as pottying goes, well, they kinda figure it out on their own. they'll have to work out how to position themselves so they can go without hurting themselves.
physical therapy consists of walking and range of motion exercises. they should be going on 3 walks a day, starting out just going to potty and then working up to 10 minutes each time over the next two weeks. then over the next 6 weeks the 10 minute walks are gradually transitioned into unlimited walks by adding on a few minutes every couple days to build up tolerance and muscle mass again. Range of motion exercises involve flexing and extending all the joints in the surgical limb (hock, knee, & hip). the vet should show you how to do this and it should be done 3-4 times a day with 10 reps each leg.
this is the basic idea of what my surgeons recommend. Pixie's surgeon may have different ways of doing things so its best to make sure he explains everything and you are comfortable with him doing the surgery. Make a list of questions and bring them with you so you can ask him everything. take notes of your own, even if they give you written instructions.
patti if you have any more questions please feel free to PM me.
