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Originally Posted by flybear  I have no direct experience with the surgery but have gotten lots of former mill dogs with all kinds of joint issues ... My vet advised to allows absolutely no jumping or stairs for small breeds- we installed ramps everywhere ... and I have put those seniors that are not good candidates for surgery in joint support wraps ( available online for the knees - they help stabilize the knees and ease the pain just like in humans ) - a harness that can help lift the dog over obstacles or get weight off the joints is also nice. |
I actually have a ramp so she can get on and off my bed, BUT she has recently decided she won't go up the ramp, so I have to pick her up. I don't know if going up the ramp bothers her legs, or if she has just decided that this is something she now won't do. It drives me crazy when I see another woman who lives in my building let her giant Yorkie jump on and off everything. He has a bad knee too. I have never let Beanie jump, except for the times that she managed to do it before I could stop her. This dog is one stubborn animal! I actually tried a hobble brace when she first injured her shoulder a couple of years ago, but it didn't really fit right. That being said, even if it did fit, she wouldn't have tolerated it. She just stood there for 1/2 hour with this terrified look on her face and would not move. There is a company that makes custom braces for dogs and that is something I am going to explore.
I have apt. with ortho surgeon on 6/6 but I may be able to get a much sooner one with the ortho surgeon at the place where she does the aquatic therapy. Beanie's PT person is going to talk to this doctor to see if she will do the PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections to her. This doctor has done that with other dogs with great results.
So, at least I feel like I do have some kind of plan now to get as much information as possible to try and help her. Some days she is actually really good and doesn't limp at all, but other days she limps more. SO frustrating!!