Bella's Surgery - YorkieTalk.com Forums

LoveMyBellaGirl · 12-09-2010, 11:20 AM

Hi All...this is my very first post. I wish it was under better circumstances. My Bella just had surgery on monday, last week she injured her back right leg. She tore a ligament in her knee and she also has luxating patella. I was hestitant in getting her the surgery for many reasons. I researched online and with that and what the vet told me I decided to do it. I still am not sure if it was the right decision. My heart breaks for Bella now, she has to be resting in a cage for 3 weeks and will not be completely healed for 4-5 months. Even by then who knows if this surgery was done correctly and that she'll be ok. I cried and cried last night wondering all of the what if's. Even though she had the surgery it still amazes me that her mood is still good and she shows so much love to me and my husband and son. And it doesn't seem as though she realizes she's injured and needs to take it easy. Everytime I take her out of the cage to go to the bathroom she tries to go wherever she wants. I did make an exception today, and she is laying in my bed with me while my son is in school. She's not going to be happy when she has to get back in there. I have to admit it is alot of hard work besides how stressful it is emotionally. I just want her to be better and pray her knee heals properly. She had damage to her miniscus and so they repaired that and made a groove in her bone to help with the luxating patella. Has anyone had a similar experience with their yorkie and how did it go? I'd love to hear from anyone that went through this or something similar. Thanks

)

JDS · 12-09-2010, 11:59 AM

Sorry to hear about Bella. We are facing a similar situation with our Lulu. She was recently diagnosed with luxating patella & is on crate rest & Metacam for 14 days to see if it helps. If not, we will be referred to a board certified surgeon to proceed with surgery. Did your vet recommend any supplements for Bella? Mine recommended Glucosamine (we are using Dasuquin) & an Omega 3 supplement (we are using a liquid form).

Crate rest is very hard on everyone. But we have to keep in mind that it's for the best. We want them to be healthy asap, so the crate rest is a must. FWIW, I do get Lulu out of her crate & allow her to sit with me & watch tv and cuddle. I also carry her around the house a little. Not sure if that will be allowed after surgery or not, though. Good luck & hang in there.

BTW, there are several members here who have already gone through LP surgery. I hope they chime in for ya as well.

ladyjane · 12-09-2010, 12:13 PM

With a torn ligament, surgery is a must. One of my fosters (Isabella) had this surgery done in September and she was cleared medically in November. I worried the entire time during her recovery because she is a very active pup. She hated being crated, so I opted for a small area for her. Also, when I was home, I allowed her to sit with me.
Total crate rest for her would have been more stressful than what I did.
Before you know it your Bella will be good as new! The time goes quickly.

Iluvalldogs · 12-09-2010, 12:33 PM

Hi! I am sorry that you are feeling so sad and upset by Bella's current situation. But she will be good as new before you know it! The surgery is over now, and you need to just focus on loving her and helping her feel as comfortable as possible -- which I know you are doing!

)

Its good that you went ahead and went forward with her surgery, who knows what could have happened if you had put it off. It sounds like she is doing wonderfully so far and considering her surgery. I know it is hard seeing them in pain or having to keep them still due to a surgery or health condition -- especially when they like to pretend nothing ever happened, like your Bella wanting to run around everywhere (my little one just had hernia surgery, and she is the same way).

Its great news that she is such good spirits! That shows you that her future is bright! I'm glad that Bella has such a great mom who loves her so much! That is what is going to help her heal quickly! Praying for you and Bella!

Patti · 12-09-2010, 01:03 PM

I am sorry about Bella. My Pixie had to have the LP surgery and her bone cut and moved over and stitch in her ligament last May. The first week was hard but after that she seemed to accept the confinement. There was no way to keep her completely still. She has a habit of kicking her back legs when she gets excited. I tried to limit that but couldn't completely. She healed fine in spite of not being kept completely still. I found that keeping her by me when I could by moving her into different rooms helped. Also, after a week she was allowed to have her sister, Roxie in with her and they snuggled a lot. I think the confinement is harder on us. lol I used several different methods of confinement to keep her happy. The little ex pen is for guinea pigs and was easily movable from room to room. I got it at Pet smart.

JDS · 12-09-2010, 01:08 PM

Patti, is Pixie not a jumper? I would love to keep Lulu in her pet playpen but when she wants out she will jump up & try to climb out. So I reserve that strictly for nighttime when she doesn't try to get out. Unfortunately, it's the crate during the day. We do snuggle during the day as well. But it's still hard. I know if she has to have surgery & is restricted for a longer period of time I will have a very hard time with it.

Patti · 12-09-2010, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDS

Patti, is Pixie not a jumper? I would love to keep Lulu in her pet playpen but when she wants out she will jump up & try to climb out. So I reserve that strictly for nighttime when she doesn't try to get out. Unfortunately, it's the crate during the day. We do snuggle during the day as well. But it's still hard. I know if she has to have surgery & is restricted for a longer period of time I will have a very hard time with it.

No Pixie is not a jumper. None of my girls are. I think because we always made them use steps and ramps they never even try to jump on anything. Nikki my 16 year old male can jump up really well but has learned to use the ramps most of the time now. lol

deeda9999 · 12-09-2010, 04:36 PM

I am sorry to hear about Bella! I can definitely relate to how you are feeling.

My Gilmore had surgery for his LP 2 weeks ago Friday. They told me he needs to be restricted- basically on crate rest for 3 months. It has not been easy. I try to move him from one crate to another to the couch to my bed to his pillow ( all while he is on a very tight leash to prevent jumping or running ) to keep him from getting too bored. I notice as he is feeling better he is crying more and more to get out.

I see you are from Holbrook- Long Island? I live in Long Island.

Mom to Hot Rod · 12-09-2010, 09:15 PM

hi there,
there are quite of few of us who have been thru this. My boy had lp surgery a year and half ago. It was a very long day of the surgery and I don't think I was any good until I got the phone call that he was okay. Then it was a very long night as he had to stay overnight.

Now that the surgery is behind you, you can look forward to healing. It is a hard road but just keep thinking of how much better your little one will be in the long run. We had to keep Hot Rod still for 6 weeks and I can say the first 2 weeks were tough. After that he sparked up a bit. But then he was ready to get going and we had to keep him still. I kept him on the table beside me on the sofa with a neck lanyard attached to his harness. Then I pretty much carried him for 5 weeks. lol Not much of anything else got done for awhile.

Just keeping thinking of the end result and the time will go by much more easily. Good luck and let us know how she is doing. Hugs, Bo

BTW, welcome to YT!

LoveMyBellaGirl · 12-15-2010, 03:18 PM

Thank you so much for your input and advice. They did not recommend any supplements as per they were very sure of her injury. A couple of years ago she injured her leg and the vet recommended joint pills, I don't remember the name and she did very well with them and she had recovered just fine. But this time was different she got her nail caught I think and twisted her leg trying to pull it out while running 100 miles an hour(not really but she gets extremely excited over new toys and runs like a maniac). At that time they were only concerned with the luxating patella. But this injury was definitely more than that. I hope you can avoid the surgery for Lulu. It's nice hearing from people who have dealt with similar situations with the same type of dog. Bella has been doing very well recovering but she still wants to get around like she's not injured. It's rough but I have been letting her sit with me now too, I even put her in a laundry basket with a blanket and take her with me around the corner to pick my son up from school. I'm amazed though that she is able to walk already on her leg, monday was one week. Keep me posted on Lulu...I hope she feels better soon and avoids surgery.

)

LoveMyBellaGirl · 12-15-2010, 03:44 PM

Hi All....I'm still new to this site and cannot for the life of me figure out how to respond individually to you all. I just want to thank everyone for their input and positive thoughts for Bella. It has helped me feel better about her situation. I'm so glad I joined this forum. It's very helpful and relieves the stress hearing similar stories and ideas on how to make things more comfortable and easy for Bella to deal with her recovery. As you all have experienced with our wonderful little angels it's hard to keep them crated. They are small dogs with big personalities and so much love. They love us and want to be with us. Bella the other night was crying in her cage(which I put in my bedroom at night) she usually sleeps in the bed in my legs everynight so I know it's hard for her to not be able to. Anyway it was funny because my husband who adores her went and layed on the floor next to her crate to make her feel better(I would've but we have a 4yr old boy who has been a permanent guest in our bed too who needs mommy to fall asleep)(I know after Bella's recovery that situation is next) anyway it was so cute because he layed by her and she still cried so I asked my son can mommy go lay with Bella, so he said yes, I went and layed with my arm in the cage and she stopped crying. My son refers to Bella as his sister too..LOL...anyway thanks again to everyone...if I figure out how to respond individually I will do so. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and input...it was very helpful and made me feel so much better. As for an update it's been about a week and a half and the doctors are very happy with her so far. She can wait to get the ecollar off too. Her mood is great!!

Bitsy · 12-15-2010, 08:28 PM

Sending happy thoughts to you and Bella. Give her a hug from us....hope she feels better soon!

Mom to Hot Rod · 12-15-2010, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoveMyBellaGirl

Hi All....I'm still new to this site and cannot for the life of me figure out how to respond individually to you all. I just want to thank everyone for their input and positive thoughts for Bella. It has helped me feel better about her situation. I'm so glad I joined this forum. It's very helpful and relieves the stress hearing similar stories and ideas on how to make things more comfortable and easy for Bella to deal with her recovery. As you all have experienced with our wonderful little angels it's hard to keep them crated. They are small dogs with big personalities and so much love. They love us and want to be with us. Bella the other night was crying in her cage(which I put in my bedroom at night) she usually sleeps in the bed in my legs everynight so I know it's hard for her to not be able to. Anyway it was funny because my husband who adores her went and layed on the floor next to her crate to make her feel better(I would've but we have a 4yr old boy who has been a permanent guest in our bed too who needs mommy to fall asleep)(I know after Bella's recovery that situation is next) anyway it was so cute because he layed by her and she still cried so I asked my son can mommy go lay with Bella, so he said yes, I went and layed with my arm in the cage and she stopped crying. My son refers to Bella as his sister too..LOL...anyway thanks again to everyone...if I figure out how to respond individually I will do so. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and input...it was very helpful and made me feel so much better. As for an update it's been about a week and a half and the doctors are very happy with her so far. She can wait to get the ecollar off too. Her mood is great!!

That is great news that Bellas is doing so well.

Don't you love how the guys get so attached to these babies.

Hang in there, Bella will good as new in no time.

I have a soft collar as an alternative to the plastic ecollars. You can click on the second half of my siggy to read about them.

ladyjane · 12-15-2010, 09:37 PM

I am so happy to hear that Bella is doing well!

Thanks for updating us!

deeda9999 · 12-17-2010, 08:36 AM

Glad Bella is doing well! How long does she have to be on crate rest?

I have Gilmores's crate placed on bin next to my bed so I can put my hand in there and he is always right next to me. I think it makes him much more at ease to be able to see me at eye level and then no one has to lie one the floor to be next to him.

Today is three weeks for Gilmore. Only 9 to go.

12-09-2010, 11:20 AM	#1
LoveMyBellaGirl YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: holbrook Posts: 6	Bella's Surgery Hi All...this is my very first post. I wish it was under better circumstances. My Bella just had surgery on monday, last week she injured her back right leg. She tore a ligament in her knee and she also has luxating patella. I was hestitant in getting her the surgery for many reasons. I researched online and with that and what the vet told me I decided to do it. I still am not sure if it was the right decision. My heart breaks for Bella now, she has to be resting in a cage for 3 weeks and will not be completely healed for 4-5 months. Even by then who knows if this surgery was done correctly and that she'll be ok. I cried and cried last night wondering all of the what if's. Even though she had the surgery it still amazes me that her mood is still good and she shows so much love to me and my husband and son. And it doesn't seem as though she realizes she's injured and needs to take it easy. Everytime I take her out of the cage to go to the bathroom she tries to go wherever she wants. I did make an exception today, and she is laying in my bed with me while my son is in school. She's not going to be happy when she has to get back in there. I have to admit it is alot of hard work besides how stressful it is emotionally. I just want her to be better and pray her knee heals properly. She had damage to her miniscus and so they repaired that and made a groove in her bone to help with the luxating patella. Has anyone had a similar experience with their yorkie and how did it go? I'd love to hear from anyone that went through this or something similar. Thanks )

12-09-2010, 11:59 AM	#2
JDS YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: the good 'ol South Posts: 683	Sorry to hear about Bella. We are facing a similar situation with our Lulu. She was recently diagnosed with luxating patella & is on crate rest & Metacam for 14 days to see if it helps. If not, we will be referred to a board certified surgeon to proceed with surgery. Did your vet recommend any supplements for Bella? Mine recommended Glucosamine (we are using Dasuquin) & an Omega 3 supplement (we are using a liquid form). Crate rest is very hard on everyone. But we have to keep in mind that it's for the best. We want them to be healthy asap, so the crate rest is a must. FWIW, I do get Lulu out of her crate & allow her to sit with me & watch tv and cuddle. I also carry her around the house a little. Not sure if that will be allowed after surgery or not, though. Good luck & hang in there. BTW, there are several members here who have already gone through LP surgery. I hope they chime in for ya as well. __________________ Jenn & Lulu

12-09-2010, 12:13 PM	#3
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	With a torn ligament, surgery is a must. One of my fosters (Isabella) had this surgery done in September and she was cleared medically in November. I worried the entire time during her recovery because she is a very active pup. She hated being crated, so I opted for a small area for her. Also, when I was home, I allowed her to sit with me. Total crate rest for her would have been more stressful than what I did. Before you know it your Bella will be good as new! The time goes quickly. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

12-09-2010, 01:08 PM	#6
JDS YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: the good 'ol South Posts: 683	Patti, is Pixie not a jumper? I would love to keep Lulu in her pet playpen but when she wants out she will jump up & try to climb out. So I reserve that strictly for nighttime when she doesn't try to get out. Unfortunately, it's the crate during the day. We do snuggle during the day as well. But it's still hard. I know if she has to have surgery & is restricted for a longer period of time I will have a very hard time with it. __________________ Jenn & Lulu

12-09-2010, 09:15 PM	#9
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	hi there, there are quite of few of us who have been thru this. My boy had lp surgery a year and half ago. It was a very long day of the surgery and I don't think I was any good until I got the phone call that he was okay. Then it was a very long night as he had to stay overnight. Now that the surgery is behind you, you can look forward to healing. It is a hard road but just keep thinking of how much better your little one will be in the long run. We had to keep Hot Rod still for 6 weeks and I can say the first 2 weeks were tough. After that he sparked up a bit. But then he was ready to get going and we had to keep him still. I kept him on the table beside me on the sofa with a neck lanyard attached to his harness. Then I pretty much carried him for 5 weeks. lol Not much of anything else got done for awhile. Just keeping thinking of the end result and the time will go by much more easily. Good luck and let us know how she is doing. Hugs, Bo BTW, welcome to YT! __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10

12-09-2010, 12:33 PM	#4
Iluvalldogs Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 207	Hi! I am sorry that you are feeling so sad and upset by Bella's current situation. But she will be good as new before you know it! The surgery is over now, and you need to just focus on loving her and helping her feel as comfortable as possible -- which I know you are doing! ) Its good that you went ahead and went forward with her surgery, who knows what could have happened if you had put it off. It sounds like she is doing wonderfully so far and considering her surgery. I know it is hard seeing them in pain or having to keep them still due to a surgery or health condition -- especially when they like to pretend nothing ever happened, like your Bella wanting to run around everywhere (my little one just had hernia surgery, and she is the same way). Its great news that she is such good spirits! That shows you that her future is bright! I'm glad that Bella has such a great mom who loves her so much! That is what is going to help her heal quickly! Praying for you and Bella!

12-09-2010, 04:36 PM	#8
deeda9999 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: long island, ny, usa Posts: 115	I am sorry to hear about Bella! I can definitely relate to how you are feeling. My Gilmore had surgery for his LP 2 weeks ago Friday. They told me he needs to be restricted- basically on crate rest for 3 months. It has not been easy. I try to move him from one crate to another to the couch to my bed to his pillow ( all while he is on a very tight leash to prevent jumping or running ) to keep him from getting too bored. I notice as he is feeling better he is crying more and more to get out. I see you are from Holbrook- Long Island? I live in Long Island.

12-15-2010, 03:18 PM	#10
LoveMyBellaGirl YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: holbrook Posts: 6	Thank you so much for your input and advice. They did not recommend any supplements as per they were very sure of her injury. A couple of years ago she injured her leg and the vet recommended joint pills, I don't remember the name and she did very well with them and she had recovered just fine. But this time was different she got her nail caught I think and twisted her leg trying to pull it out while running 100 miles an hour(not really but she gets extremely excited over new toys and runs like a maniac). At that time they were only concerned with the luxating patella. But this injury was definitely more than that. I hope you can avoid the surgery for Lulu. It's nice hearing from people who have dealt with similar situations with the same type of dog. Bella has been doing very well recovering but she still wants to get around like she's not injured. It's rough but I have been letting her sit with me now too, I even put her in a laundry basket with a blanket and take her with me around the corner to pick my son up from school. I'm amazed though that she is able to walk already on her leg, monday was one week. Keep me posted on Lulu...I hope she feels better soon and avoids surgery. )

12-15-2010, 03:44 PM	#11
LoveMyBellaGirl YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: holbrook Posts: 6	Hi All....I'm still new to this site and cannot for the life of me figure out how to respond individually to you all. I just want to thank everyone for their input and positive thoughts for Bella. It has helped me feel better about her situation. I'm so glad I joined this forum. It's very helpful and relieves the stress hearing similar stories and ideas on how to make things more comfortable and easy for Bella to deal with her recovery. As you all have experienced with our wonderful little angels it's hard to keep them crated. They are small dogs with big personalities and so much love. They love us and want to be with us. Bella the other night was crying in her cage(which I put in my bedroom at night) she usually sleeps in the bed in my legs everynight so I know it's hard for her to not be able to. Anyway it was funny because my husband who adores her went and layed on the floor next to her crate to make her feel better(I would've but we have a 4yr old boy who has been a permanent guest in our bed too who needs mommy to fall asleep)(I know after Bella's recovery that situation is next) anyway it was so cute because he layed by her and she still cried so I asked my son can mommy go lay with Bella, so he said yes, I went and layed with my arm in the cage and she stopped crying. My son refers to Bella as his sister too..LOL...anyway thanks again to everyone...if I figure out how to respond individually I will do so. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and input...it was very helpful and made me feel so much better. As for an update it's been about a week and a half and the doctors are very happy with her so far. She can wait to get the ecollar off too. Her mood is great!!

12-15-2010, 08:28 PM	#12
Bitsy Ultimate Banner! Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: US Posts: 6,122	Sending happy thoughts to you and Bella. Give her a hug from us....hope she feels better soon! __________________ Bitsy loves Sophia and Peyton

12-15-2010, 09:37 PM	#14
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	I am so happy to hear that Bella is doing well! Thanks for updating us! __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

12-17-2010, 08:36 AM	#15
deeda9999 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: long island, ny, usa Posts: 115	Glad Bella is doing well! How long does she have to be on crate rest? I have Gilmores's crate placed on bin next to my bed so I can put my hand in there and he is always right next to me. I think it makes him much more at ease to be able to see me at eye level and then no one has to lie one the floor to be next to him. Today is three weeks for Gilmore. Only 9 to go.