[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by bobohyde

I'm so glad this thread is helping someone else who is going through it! The day or two after surgery, he will be sleeping a lot. The doctor's office said to keep him off the leg except for going potty until after his two week check up. We are supposed to be doing therapy exercises similar to bike riding motion on that leg. HOWEVER... he will have no part of that. Same with the first leg. I talked to the doctor about it when then called after a few days to check on him and they said don't worry about it, just start with 5 minute walks. He started out on 3 legs. On day 5 he started "toe touching" along with 3 legs. Yesterday (day 7) he was bearing weight on it and actually holding himself up on that leg while he peed occasionally. Today, he is even bearing more weight. To repair the ACL, they actually make a new ACL out of something like fishing line. After a couple months, scar tissue forms around it and makes it very strong. It is important not to injure it while healing. No jumping or sudden lunging, etc. Dr said straight forward movements, like walking, is good. It's the side movements that can re-injure. At 2 weeks, he was cleared for longer walks and hydrotherapy (not needed necessary, but we have a hot tub, so good for him at around 80 degrees) At 8 weeks, they took another xray and said it was looking good and he was cleared to gradually work back up to his regular activities. Setbacks are expected, but so far we haven't had any. We intend to limit his jumping as much as possible for the rest of his life. The knees are supposed to work like regular ones, but I'm not made of money, so don't want to ask for problems. Dr said good news is he only has 2 knees. I also want to try to limit those unexpected times like suddenly racing out after a squirrel or the neighbors cat. I pick him up on walks now when we pass an unknown dog instead of just moving over. He sometimes is friendly to newbies, but can also act like a maniac until he gets to know them.

Originally Posted by bobohyde

I just reread your post and you say Wylie is having surgery on both knees at the same time? That may be more difficult. Columbo is doing well because each time he had a good back leg to use while the other recovered. I questioned the doctor about the second knee going out only 4 months after the first surgery and he said he was healed and strong and in good shape for it. He said the dogs that have a difficult time are the ones that have the second leg go out after only 2 weeks since the first leg is not completely healed yet. Little dogs are pretty good at getting around on 3 legs until they are ready to start putting weight on the new knee. I have seen larger dogs have hip surgery, etc., and not be able to bear weight on the back legs and they use a sling while walking them to help hold them up. I would think that would be harder, though, with a tiny dog since they are so much shorter than us. Also, going to the bathroom will be hard, with pooping being the hardest since they wouldn't have any way to squat on the back legs. If it must be done at the same time, you will get through it, it just will be harder for both of you until Wylie can bear some weight on them.

Thanks for both of these. Yup, he's having both done at the same time...I just figure we may as well get them both done since we already know they both need it. It scares me, but I know so many here have gone through it - like you too. We do have a pool in the backyard - so we can do hydro! That might help him get on track sooner, I hope. I am worried about his poo poos bc he's a 'traveler' when he goes...meaning, he sort of walks around in the poo position when pooping, so I dunno how he's gonna manage at first, but we'll figure it out.

How's your kiddo doing today?