Moose's LP Surgery is Tommorow! - Page 8 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Mom to Hot Rod · 11-12-2009, 06:51 PM

Hot Rod still lifts his leg now and one vet told us that it could take up to a year for full recuperation. I'm not saying this to scare you or anything, but we were told that we should not be surprised if Hot Rod were to keep hopping for awhile yet.

Sunday, I think Maggie hurt Hot Rod. He started to skip in the house - all day! I don't know what happened to him but he yelp one time when I held him and then he yelped again when hubby was looking at him. We just let him be quiet (he just wanted to lay still). I wanted to take him to the vet right away but hubby prevailed and we waited it out. Well, Monday he was fine. Maggie plays really rough. She is constantly jumping on his hinds and I think she may have just caught him right. I always worry about that.

Laura, please take as long as you need for Moose's recovery. I know it may sound like a long time but it really isn't for the outcome.

amandawash · 11-12-2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mom to Hot Rod

Hot Rod still lifts his leg now and one vet told us that it could take up to a year for full recuperation. I'm not saying this to scare you or anything, but we were told that we should not be surprised if Hot Rod were to keep hopping for awhile yet.

Sunday, I think Maggie hurt Hot Rod. He started to skip in the house - all day! I don't know what happened to him but he yelp one time when I held him and then he yelped again when hubby was looking at him. We just let him be quiet (he just wanted to lay still). I wanted to take him to the vet right away but hubby prevailed and we waited it out. Well, Monday he was fine. Maggie plays really rough. She is constantly jumping on his hinds and I think she may have just caught him right. I always worry about that.

Laura, please take as long as you need for Moose's recovery. I know it may sound like a long time but it really isn't for the outcome.

kalina82 · 11-13-2009, 04:25 AM

I too am surprised he gave you the ok for normal activity already AND that he took x-rays so early. Bones do not heal in a month so i'm not surprised that his one knee isn't totally stable yet. he needs more time and rest. honestly i'd keep him confined another month but take him for longer walks. he needs to build up the muscles in those legs again. i don't know if you've been walking him yet but start with 10 minutes a few times a day and then every few days add on a few minutes. if he's tired or lifts a leg back up after a walk then cut back again and go from there.

the sedation he received was typical for x-ray sedation.

LBH · 11-13-2009, 06:53 AM

Thanks everyone!

I knew that you would all think that this was too soon! I hope Dr. Erne's opinion isn't a reflection on his abilities as a surgeon- he has been absolutely wonderful throughout the process and I really trusted Moose in his care. I wonder why he thinks that he is ok for normal activity? His practice is truly the best in this area when it comes to LP surgeries... but now I have doubts because everyone agrees that releasing Moose so early was a bad idea.

Kalina do you think we should do x-rays again in a month?

So I will continue to keep the rascal confined for at least another month (sheer torture) and hopefully the right patella will not cause problems! I just hate the thought of always watching and being worried about his legs, but it sounds like the surgery is more of a "probable" fix than an absolutely permanent one. Sure hope Moose won't have to go through another surgery for the tissues like Dr. Erne mentioned.

I will try taking him for a short walk today and see how that goes. Hopefully no limping!

Mom to Hot Rod · 11-13-2009, 07:15 AM

I didn't want to make you question your surgeons abilities. Any given day could be different. Maybe Moose just caught it wrong and was limping because of it. Just keep an eye on him and make sure that he's not pushing on the hind legs in the motion of "springing" off of them. He should be fine.

There is no reason to worry about down the road, I would just concentrate on now and keeping him from jumping and/or standing on his hinds. Our surgeon told us that water therapy was good for Hot Rod. You can try just holding him in a full bath tub while he swims. This will give him mobility without it being weight bearing. But please ask your surgeon what he thinks about this before trying it...each surgeon/vet has their own opinions and knows the patient much better.

Give Moose big hugs and kisses from us.

LBH · 04-14-2010, 05:44 AM

Hi everyone!

Sorry I've been away so long! I got a new job where I'm typing on the computer all day long so I put the computer away and the end of the day and do want to go near it again, haha.

Most of you know about Moose's LP surgery last October because I was so worried, scared, and clueless about how we would get through it. And thank you again SO MUCH for all your posts, thoughts, prayers and advice! You all were just amazing and helped so much!

The surgery was a success, or so we thought, and Moose was doing just fine and seemed a happy puppy. He was back to walking and playing just like before the LP, and two vets gave us the

and all clear that he would do great.

Then, two days ago, I noticed him kind of "hitching" his left back leg. He also yelped a couple times when I picked him up, and stopped and sat down in the middle of walking or playing like he was hurt. All signs of LP injury.

I took him to the vet yesterday and sure enough- she said his left back leg is luxating medially again. I am absolutely distraught and devestated! How could this happen again?! Yesterday he could walk but he just didn't want to but today he is essentially immobile. I can tell he is in alot of pain because he was panting and shaking until I started cuddling him.

He is only 4lbs and to put him through another surgery and recovery is terrifying. It's barely been 6 months! Not to mention, I am still paying for the last one and simply can't afford another $2000 surgery right now.

Has anyone ever had to do back to back LP surgeries?! I am so angry and upset!!

Mom to Hot Rod · 04-14-2010, 05:54 AM

Laura, Oh my gosh, I am so sorry that Moose is having this all over again! Did the vet say how this could have happened? Poor baby. I know what you went thru and I feel for you.

LBH · 04-14-2010, 06:06 AM

She didn't say how it could've happened but now that I think about it- Moose's patella was luxating laterally before the surgery and she said it was luxating mediallly yesterday. She also said it was one of the worst cases she'd ever seen in a small dog (prior to surgery last October).

He has been playing and walking normally, no unusual activity that would've caused strain on his back legs. He was walking, running, and playing just like he did before the surgery and seemed to be doing well; no signs of injury or weakness.

Also though.. I've noticed Moose is a little congested and has some clear mucous in his nose. He was making a little cough after eating and drinking. He has had Kennel Cough before, about a year ago. But when he had that he was wheezing horribly and could not stop. I wonder if him wanting to lay down and panting a little could be for respiratory/congestive reasons?

LBH · 04-14-2010, 07:20 AM

I'm taking Moose back to his surgeon this afternoon to see what he thinks, he will probably do x-rays.

What is the protocol for this? I am so angry that it was only 6 months ago we had to go throught this and now my poor little Moose is suffering again. I know that there is no recourse with the surgeon since I signed a form stating that there is no guarantee as to the surgery outcome. But I guess I'm just looking for something because we shouldn't be having to do this again already!!

I'm just so sad for him and so upset at the outcome.

HarleyHOO · 05-07-2010, 04:45 AM

Ugh...my heart breaks FOR you. This is aweful given how recent his surgery was. I will pray for you and Moose. Any update on how he's doing now? What did the surgeon say when you took him back?

I noticed that you are in St. Augustine...I'm in Jacksonville. My girl Harley has an appt with an ortho surgeon next Wednesday. Do you mind me asking what surgeon's office you went to? I was referred to AVS in Orange Park. From what I've read, they seem very good. I'm just hoping that Harley gets through this okay. I understand how stressful it can be, and we haven't even had the surgery yet! Well wishes to both of you!

LBH · 05-10-2010, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarleyHOO

Ugh...my heart breaks FOR you. This is aweful given how recent his surgery was. I will pray for you and Moose. Any update on how he's doing now? What did the surgeon say when you took him back?

I noticed that you are in St. Augustine...I'm in Jacksonville. My girl Harley has an appt with an ortho surgeon next Wednesday. Do you mind me asking what surgeon's office you went to? I was referred to AVS in Orange Park. From what I've read, they seem very good. I'm just hoping that Harley gets through this okay. I understand how stressful it can be, and we haven't even had the surgery yet! Well wishes to both of you!

Hi there,

Moose is actually ok now! (we think) After our visit with the surgeon he said that Moose probably just tweaked his leg somehow and was experiencing some soreness or pain that should go away. And after a couple days he was feeling better and using the leg again.

And now Moose seems just fine, no limping or pain at all!

We used Dr. Erne at AVS- they are a great surgery team. The nurses are very nice and Dr. Erne sat down with us for a very long time to answer all of our questions and explain everything. I must've called a million times during and after the surgery to check on Moose and they were always so sweet and accomodating. I would definitely reccomend AVS, I've heard many people say this is the best team in the Jacksonville area and I definitely agree. Dr. Erne didn't even charge us for the last visit when I thought Moose's leg was hurt again, they are wonderful! It just sounds like once they have LP its just like injured human knees that can get "tweaked" or injured again at any time even though its been corrected with surgery.

But they are great!

If you can go back and read my entire thread from the start of the surgery it will help you a ton with what to expect before and after!

Mom to Hot Rod · 05-10-2010, 08:07 AM

I am so glad that Moose is going to be okay! Yay. I know how worried you must have been. It is never easy when these little furballs aren't feeling well. Hugs, Bo

yorkieusa · 05-10-2010, 11:21 AM

I'm so glad for both you and Moose that you won't have to go through that again. You must feel soooooo much better.

LBH · 05-10-2010, 01:57 PM

Hi guys,

No emergencies or anything- Moose is fine! Just wanted to post some pictures to this thread so a YT'er could see what I used for a pen after Moose's LP surgery.

We used this pen for him after he started trying to walk around and play again. You obviously want to watch her very closely right after the surgery, which for me was mostly holding Moose- never left his side for the first week I think! But after she starts to walk around and use her legs, and when the surgeon is telling you to confine her and keep her from moving you can use this pen. But plan for lots of holding after the surgery!

The 1st pic you can't see much but just wanted to show you what type of pen we used. If you look closely inside the pen you can see the black mesh topper.

The 2nd one you can see how the mesh topper is attached inside the pen, with zip ties. Its just low enough he can move a little but he can't jump or get on his hind legs which is the most important.

The 3rd is a view from the top. We started out with the bigger size pen but then shortened it to a square.

May not be for everyone but it worked great for us!

LBH · 05-10-2010, 02:00 PM

Hi guys,

No emergencies or anything- Moose is fine! Just wanted to post some pictures to this thread so a YT'er could see what I used for a pen after Moose's LP surgery.

We used this pen for him after he started trying to walk around and play again. You obviously want to watch her very closely right after the surgery, which for me was mostly holding Moose- never left his side for the first week I think! But after she starts to walk around and use her legs, and when the surgeon is telling you to confine her and keep her from moving you can use this pen. But plan for lots of holding after the surgery!

The 1st pic you can't see much but just wanted to show you what type of pen we used. If you look closely inside the pen you can see the black mesh topper.

The 2nd one you can see how the mesh topper is attached inside the pen, with zip ties. Its just low enough he can move a little but he can't jump or get on his hind legs which is the most important.

The 3rd is a view from the top. We started out with the bigger size pen but then shortened it to a square.

This of course isn't for everyone but it worked great for us!

11-12-2009, 06:51 PM	#106
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	Hot Rod still lifts his leg now and one vet told us that it could take up to a year for full recuperation. I'm not saying this to scare you or anything, but we were told that we should not be surprised if Hot Rod were to keep hopping for awhile yet. Sunday, I think Maggie hurt Hot Rod. He started to skip in the house - all day! I don't know what happened to him but he yelp one time when I held him and then he yelped again when hubby was looking at him. We just let him be quiet (he just wanted to lay still). I wanted to take him to the vet right away but hubby prevailed and we waited it out. Well, Monday he was fine. Maggie plays really rough. She is constantly jumping on his hinds and I think she may have just caught him right. I always worry about that. Laura, please take as long as you need for Moose's recovery. I know it may sound like a long time but it really isn't for the outcome. __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10

11-13-2009, 04:25 AM	#108
kalina82 Phantom Queen Morrigan Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: with my yorkie baby Posts: 10,141 Blog Entries: 1	I too am surprised he gave you the ok for normal activity already AND that he took x-rays so early. Bones do not heal in a month so i'm not surprised that his one knee isn't totally stable yet. he needs more time and rest. honestly i'd keep him confined another month but take him for longer walks. he needs to build up the muscles in those legs again. i don't know if you've been walking him yet but start with 10 minutes a few times a day and then every few days add on a few minutes. if he's tired or lifts a leg back up after a walk then cut back again and go from there. the sedation he received was typical for x-ray sedation. __________________ Kellie and Morgan

11-13-2009, 07:15 AM	#110
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	I didn't want to make you question your surgeons abilities. Any given day could be different. Maybe Moose just caught it wrong and was limping because of it. Just keep an eye on him and make sure that he's not pushing on the hind legs in the motion of "springing" off of them. He should be fine. There is no reason to worry about down the road, I would just concentrate on now and keeping him from jumping and/or standing on his hinds. Our surgeon told us that water therapy was good for Hot Rod. You can try just holding him in a full bath tub while he swims. This will give him mobility without it being weight bearing. But please ask your surgeon what he thinks about this before trying it...each surgeon/vet has their own opinions and knows the patient much better. Give Moose big hugs and kisses from us. __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10

04-14-2010, 05:44 AM	#111
LBH Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: St Augustine, FL Posts: 123	Moose may need a 2nd LP Surgery!! OMG! Hi everyone! Sorry I've been away so long! I got a new job where I'm typing on the computer all day long so I put the computer away and the end of the day and do want to go near it again, haha. Most of you know about Moose's LP surgery last October because I was so worried, scared, and clueless about how we would get through it. And thank you again SO MUCH for all your posts, thoughts, prayers and advice! You all were just amazing and helped so much! The surgery was a success, or so we thought, and Moose was doing just fine and seemed a happy puppy. He was back to walking and playing just like before the LP, and two vets gave us the and all clear that he would do great. Then, two days ago, I noticed him kind of "hitching" his left back leg. He also yelped a couple times when I picked him up, and stopped and sat down in the middle of walking or playing like he was hurt. All signs of LP injury. I took him to the vet yesterday and sure enough- she said his left back leg is luxating medially again. I am absolutely distraught and devestated! How could this happen again?! Yesterday he could walk but he just didn't want to but today he is essentially immobile. I can tell he is in alot of pain because he was panting and shaking until I started cuddling him. He is only 4lbs and to put him through another surgery and recovery is terrifying. It's barely been 6 months! Not to mention, I am still paying for the last one and simply can't afford another $2000 surgery right now. Has anyone ever had to do back to back LP surgeries?! I am so angry and upset!!

04-14-2010, 05:54 AM	#112
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	Laura, Oh my gosh, I am so sorry that Moose is having this all over again! Did the vet say how this could have happened? Poor baby. I know what you went thru and I feel for you. __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10

11-13-2009, 06:53 AM	#109
LBH Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: St Augustine, FL Posts: 123	Thanks everyone! I knew that you would all think that this was too soon! I hope Dr. Erne's opinion isn't a reflection on his abilities as a surgeon- he has been absolutely wonderful throughout the process and I really trusted Moose in his care. I wonder why he thinks that he is ok for normal activity? His practice is truly the best in this area when it comes to LP surgeries... but now I have doubts because everyone agrees that releasing Moose so early was a bad idea. Kalina do you think we should do x-rays again in a month? So I will continue to keep the rascal confined for at least another month (sheer torture) and hopefully the right patella will not cause problems! I just hate the thought of always watching and being worried about his legs, but it sounds like the surgery is more of a "probable" fix than an absolutely permanent one. Sure hope Moose won't have to go through another surgery for the tissues like Dr. Erne mentioned. I will try taking him for a short walk today and see how that goes. Hopefully no limping!

04-14-2010, 06:06 AM	#113
LBH Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: St Augustine, FL Posts: 123	She didn't say how it could've happened but now that I think about it- Moose's patella was luxating laterally before the surgery and she said it was luxating mediallly yesterday. She also said it was one of the worst cases she'd ever seen in a small dog (prior to surgery last October). He has been playing and walking normally, no unusual activity that would've caused strain on his back legs. He was walking, running, and playing just like he did before the surgery and seemed to be doing well; no signs of injury or weakness. Also though.. I've noticed Moose is a little congested and has some clear mucous in his nose. He was making a little cough after eating and drinking. He has had Kennel Cough before, about a year ago. But when he had that he was wheezing horribly and could not stop. I wonder if him wanting to lay down and panting a little could be for respiratory/congestive reasons?

04-14-2010, 07:20 AM	#114
LBH Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: St Augustine, FL Posts: 123	I'm taking Moose back to his surgeon this afternoon to see what he thinks, he will probably do x-rays. What is the protocol for this? I am so angry that it was only 6 months ago we had to go throught this and now my poor little Moose is suffering again. I know that there is no recourse with the surgeon since I signed a form stating that there is no guarantee as to the surgery outcome. But I guess I'm just looking for something because we shouldn't be having to do this again already!! I'm just so sad for him and so upset at the outcome.

05-07-2010, 04:45 AM	#115
HarleyHOO YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Jacksonville Posts: 255	Ugh...my heart breaks FOR you. This is aweful given how recent his surgery was. I will pray for you and Moose. Any update on how he's doing now? What did the surgeon say when you took him back? I noticed that you are in St. Augustine...I'm in Jacksonville. My girl Harley has an appt with an ortho surgeon next Wednesday. Do you mind me asking what surgeon's office you went to? I was referred to AVS in Orange Park. From what I've read, they seem very good. I'm just hoping that Harley gets through this okay. I understand how stressful it can be, and we haven't even had the surgery yet! Well wishes to both of you! __________________ ---~<3 Harley...aka...mama's sweet sweet~---

05-10-2010, 08:07 AM	#117
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	I am so glad that Moose is going to be okay! Yay. I know how worried you must have been. It is never easy when these little furballs aren't feeling well. Hugs, Bo __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10

05-10-2010, 11:21 AM	#118
yorkieusa Crazy about Kacee! Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas Posts: 21,173	I'm so glad for both you and Moose that you won't have to go through that again. You must feel soooooo much better. __________________ Karen Kacee Muffin 1991-2005 Rest in Peace My Little Angel

05-10-2010, 02:00 PM	#120
LBH Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: St Augustine, FL Posts: 123	Moose's after surgery pen Hi guys, No emergencies or anything- Moose is fine! Just wanted to post some pictures to this thread so a YT'er could see what I used for a pen after Moose's LP surgery. We used this pen for him after he started trying to walk around and play again. You obviously want to watch her very closely right after the surgery, which for me was mostly holding Moose- never left his side for the first week I think! But after she starts to walk around and use her legs, and when the surgeon is telling you to confine her and keep her from moving you can use this pen. But plan for lots of holding after the surgery! The 1st pic you can't see much but just wanted to show you what type of pen we used. If you look closely inside the pen you can see the black mesh topper. The 2nd one you can see how the mesh topper is attached inside the pen, with zip ties. Its just low enough he can move a little but he can't jump or get on his hind legs which is the most important. The 3rd is a view from the top. We started out with the bigger size pen but then shortened it to a square. This of course isn't for everyone but it worked great for us!