Bad Knees
 

My sweet Sophie has stage 3-4 LPD. I am so upset that she is going to have to go through this surgery. (Twice!) I have a few questions for anyone who has gone through tis with their baby.

Will she need round the clock care? If so for how long? I have 2 weeks off soon or I could wait till summer. (I'm a teacher)

How long will she be in pain?

What is the approximate recovery time?

I dread this for her!:(

Sorry to hear about Sophie's knee's. Have you had her seen by an orthopedic surgeon? I have Cali who is 8 1/2 and has grade 4 in both knees and so far hasn't required surgery. Her vet has taken a wait and see position. She gets along fine. Then I have Pixie who is soon to be 8 and she had grade 3 in one knee and after walking off the bed needed surgery on hers. She was having trouble walking so I got 3 opinions and an orthopedic surgeons advice before getting the surgery done. Some dogs do fine without surgery, if you limit their jumping, others require surgery.
I'm retired. so when Pixie had the surgery I was home the whole time. I would want to be home for the first 3-4 days to see how she does. Because they have to be confined in a small space for awhile, you can crate her and leave her for awhile. Pixie slept alot the first 24-48 hours and was on pain medication. She didn't seem to be too uncomfortable. After 4-5 days she was more active and was able to walk around a bit. Pixie is vert laid back so it wasn't hard to keep her quiet. After about 4- 5 weeks she was back to herself. I hope Sophie can avoid surgery and if not her recovery goes smoothly.

I can't help you but I hope someone with that experience will answer soon. Maybe try posting on health and diet section as well.

I was with Callie 24/7 but am normally but she was on a schedule of pain meds so I needed to make sure she got those on time. I would not have a regular vet do the surgery you need an orthopedic specialist to do it. Its a rough surgery and the first two weeks where the worst for us Callie would not eat or drink for many many days. After her incision healed we did physical therapy one a week for a few months which also included things I needed to do at home. They have to be on crate rest for 8 weeks.

I just can't believe she has to go through all of this. Her knee caps are actually displaced toward the inside at all times. My husband is retired and can be home with her but I think I'm going to try to wait till summer so I'm home. It doesn't seem to be effecting her yet.
Thank you for the responses and any advice is welcomed.