Gracie needs surgery!

[Gracie2006]

Well, Gracie will have LP surgery on both knees (hopefully) on 1/24/08. I'm taking this time to stock up on supplies we may need. I am going to get her a nice big soft pillow to lay on for when she is not in her crate. I plan on cooking up some boiled chicken and rice and some other goodies to entice her to eat. The vet said she absolutely cannot stand up on her back legs other than to potty, so an ex-pen is out. It will be the crate or my lap. I plan to have her in a harness and leash in bed, and tie the leash to the headboard so she can't get off the bed by herself. Otherwise neither one of us will sleep (we always sleep together). Can you think of any other supplies I might need? I will be working from home and taking some time off during her 4-6 week recovery period so I can help her. The vet assures me that she will be on IV pain meds while in the hospital and on strong pain killers for the first two weeks while she is home. It is going to be a challenge for little Holly who won't possibly understand what has happened to her big sister. I so hate this!

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by Gracie2006

Well, Gracie will have LP surgery on both knees (hopefully) on 1/24/08. I'm taking this time to stock up on supplies we may need. I am going to get her a nice big soft pillow to lay on for when she is not in her crate. I plan on cooking up some boiled chicken and rice and some other goodies to entice her to eat. The vet said she absolutely cannot stand up on her back legs other than to potty, so an ex-pen is out. It will be the crate or my lap. I plan to have her in a harness and leash in bed, and tie the leash to the headboard so she can't get off the bed by herself. Otherwise neither one of us will sleep (we always sleep together). Can you think of any other supplies I might need? I will be working from home and taking some time off during her 4-6 week recovery period so I can help her. The vet assures me that she will be on IV pain meds while in the hospital and on strong pain killers for the first two weeks while she is home. It is going to be a challenge for little Holly who won't possibly understand what has happened to her big sister. I so hate this!

Good Luck to Gracie! I hope the surgery goes well.

the vet told you he doesn't want her walking at all other then to potty? Did he say for how long that walking restriction period is? Is he sending you home with a sling to help her walk? If not a scarf or a thicker leash is a good tool to use to support her.

[Gingergirlsmom]

I just saw this! Good luck to Gracie and to you! It sounds like you've got a great vet. I hope all goes well!!!! I'll be watching for updates.

[Bizzymammabee]

I am so sorry to hear that. Hope that it all goes well and she recovers fast when it's all said and done.

Good luck and god bless the cutie.

[sadiesamie]

Originally Posted by Gracie2006

Well, Gracie will have LP surgery on both knees (hopefully) on 1/24/08. I'm taking this time to stock up on supplies we may need. I am going to get her a nice big soft pillow to lay on for when she is not in her crate. I plan on cooking up some boiled chicken and rice and some other goodies to entice her to eat. The vet said she absolutely cannot stand up on her back legs other than to potty, so an ex-pen is out. It will be the crate or my lap. I plan to have her in a harness and leash in bed, and tie the leash to the headboard so she can't get off the bed by herself. Otherwise neither one of us will sleep (we always sleep together). Can you think of any other supplies I might need? I will be working from home and taking some time off during her 4-6 week recovery period so I can help her. The vet assures me that she will be on IV pain meds while in the hospital and on strong pain killers for the first two weeks while she is home. It is going to be a challenge for little Holly who won't possibly understand what has happened to her big sister. I so hate this!

The ONLY thing that worked for us was a playpen that i kept in whatever room i was in. At night I wheeled it in the bedroom and as long as my Samie was next to me she was ok. She could see my through the play pen and believe it or not- she was so drugged up the first few days all we could do was watch her lay down. The hard part will be keeping her down when she starts to feel better. We left the vet "without" pain meds which caused us big problems that first night home. (she panted so bad her trachea collapsed and she turned blue and we almost lost her) so whatever you do make sure your take home bag has everything in there. The bandaging is so secure that it will be hard for her to walk as the leg is completely straight under the "cast like" bandage. (Samie's was bright pink) I will try to email you some pics of her after. Both legs is going to be tough- we only had to do one and it was really hard. My Samie always has to be in bed with me too and after her surgery believe it or not- she just wanted to be in bed by herself. As far as her sister Sadie... she knew to leave her be, because Samie was not feeling good and was very tired. They are smart little dogs and I guess they realize what is happening. Doggie day care is also an option. Check with your vet and especially if you have to work. It may be only 20.00 a day to or less to drop her off at the vet. I did that for a week after Samie's surgery. Only because we have no relatives close to us that could come by and check on her (we are in Tx and everyone is in Oh)

If you have an email I will send you some pics. Or i will try to figure out how to do it on here.

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by sadiesamie

The ONLY thing that worked for us was a playpen that i kept in whatever room i was in. At night I wheeled it in the bedroom and as long as my Samie was next to me she was ok. She could see my through the play pen and believe it or not- she was so drugged up the first few days all we could do was watch her lay down. The hard part will be keeping her down when she starts to feel better. We left the vet "without" pain meds which caused us big problems that first night home. (she panted so bad her trachea collapsed and she turned blue and we almost lost her) so whatever you do make sure your take home bag has everything in there. The bandaging is so secure that it will be hard for her to walk as the leg is completely straight under the "cast like" bandage. (Samie's was bright pink) I will try to email you some pics of her after. Both legs is going to be tough- we only had to do one and it was really hard. My Samie always has to be in bed with me too and after her surgery believe it or not- she just wanted to be in bed by herself. As far as her sister Sadie... she knew to leave her be, because Samie was not feeling good and was very tired. They are smart little dogs and I guess they realize what is happening. Doggie day care is also an option. Check with your vet and especially if you have to work. It may be only 20.00 a day to or less to drop her off at the vet. I did that for a week after Samie's surgery. Only because we have no relatives close to us that could come by and check on her (we are in Tx and everyone is in Oh)

If you have an email I will send you some pics. Or i will try to figure out how to do it on here.

good info!

Some vet's don't send patients home with bandages tho. We don't. They get one after surgery and it gets taken off the next morning. The bandage is put on to keep the swelling down right after surgery. After that icing 4 times a day for 10 minutes really helps keep the swelling and bruising down. get an ice pack or you can use a frozen bag of veggies, wrap in a towel and place on her knees.

[sadiesamie]

also a "flat" fluffy and cozy blanket worked well. you don't want to have her step around too much. I wanted the same thing but she seemed to like just a neatly folder cozy blanket. I propped it up so she could put her chin on it and she was super cozy that way. I also put her toys in their- the ones she carries around with her everywhere. And a sweatshirt that was my husbands-she is always making a bed on his shirts or coats every chance she gets. she digs and makes a bed out of them. :-)

[sadiesamie]

Originally Posted by kalina82

good info!

Some vet's don't send patients home with bandages tho. We don't. They get one after surgery and it gets taken off the next morning. The bandage is put on to keep the swelling down right after surgery. After that icing 4 times a day for 10 minutes really helps keep the swelling and bruising down. get an ice pack or you can use a frozen bag of veggies, wrap in a towel and place on her knees.

Yes-the bruising was very very bad. her whole knee cap and leg were very badly bruised.

[sadiesamie]

she also had artificial ligaments put in too so maybe that was why they did the cast like bandage. when she had it taken off... whoaaa..couldn't believe the bruising.

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by sadiesamie

she also had artificial ligaments put in too so maybe that was why they did the cast like bandage. when she had it taken off... whoaaa..couldn't believe the bruising.

hehe, the artificial ligaments is basically fishing wire.

there are a few different types of knee surgeries. fishing wire, pins, tiny screw like implants, one plate and screws, or a plate, screws and a cage. we do all of these and they all get the bandage taken off the next day. Every vet is different tho. Just curious, did samie have an orthopedic surgeon do the surgery or did your regular vet do it?

[Tiger's Mom]

Originally Posted by Gracie2006

Well, Gracie will have LP surgery on both knees (hopefully) on 1/24/08. I'm taking this time to stock up on supplies we may need. I am going to get her a nice big soft pillow to lay on for when she is not in her crate. I plan on cooking up some boiled chicken and rice and some other goodies to entice her to eat. The vet said she absolutely cannot stand up on her back legs other than to potty, so an ex-pen is out. It will be the crate or my lap. I plan to have her in a harness and leash in bed, and tie the leash to the headboard so she can't get off the bed by herself. Otherwise neither one of us will sleep (we always sleep together). Can you think of any other supplies I might need? I will be working from home and taking some time off during her 4-6 week recovery period so I can help her. The vet assures me that she will be on IV pain meds while in the hospital and on strong pain killers for the first two weeks while she is home. It is going to be a challenge for little Holly who won't possibly understand what has happened to her big sister. I so hate this!

Oh Melonie, my heart goes out to you . . . .I am sure Gracie has an excellent vet. I will pray for her and for you to be strong for her . . she will be good as new soon.

[sadiesamie]

Originally Posted by kalina82

hehe, the artificial ligaments is basically fishing wire.

there are a few different types of knee surgeries. fishing wire, pins, tiny screw like implants, one plate and screws, or a plate, screws and a cage. we do all of these and they all get the bandage taken off the next day. Every vet is different tho. Just curious, did samie have an orthopedic surgeon do the surgery or did your regular vet do it?

we were referred to a specialist.

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by sadiesamie

we were referred to a specialist.

again, good luck to Gracie. I'm sure she'll pull thru with flying colors.

[Yorksmama]

I hope the best for Gracie! What are some of the symptoms to look for that require LP surgery? I have a male yorkie that as a pup would limp on one of his back legs. During the warm months he put weight on it and now that the weather is cooler he is beginning to not walk on it again. He never has been able to jump up onto our couch.

[sadiesamie]

Originally Posted by kalina82

hehe, the artificial ligaments is basically fishing wire.

there are a few different types of knee surgeries. fishing wire, pins, tiny screw like implants, one plate and screws, or a plate, screws and a cage. we do all of these and they all get the bandage taken off the next day. Every vet is different tho. Just curious, did samie have an orthopedic surgeon do the surgery or did your regular vet do it?

yep-fishing line