Bella's MPL (luxating patella) surgery

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel

When I picked Jezebel up after her surgery (she had MPL and TPLO), I asked the surgeon when she would begin to bear weight. He said that larger dogs bear weight much sooner than the little ones because they don't have much choice. The smaller ones have a much easier time getting around on three legs so they are not as quick to use the leg.

So don't read much into it that she isn't bearing weight yet and let her go at her own pace.

Thanks for the info!

[pstinard]

I just got back from Petsmart and traded out Bella's hard plastic E-collar for an inflatable E-collar. Bella seems a little happier with it. Photo below (check out the cat photobombing the picture):

[MauiGirl]

That does look more comfortable. It looks like the neck pillows people use on airplanes, so she can relax and sleep with it.

When do they take out stitches?

[OwnedByJezebel]

Cute! I ended up making an emergency trip to Petco to buy one of those myself. I hope neither of us have to use it again.

[matese]

poor lil Bella, this one is better then that BIG clumsy plastic one. I got rid of the one my Matese had to use and got a soft one, it was easier for her to get around, didn't bump into everything. Had I seen the one Bella has I would have gotten that. When no longer needed, deflate, store in drawer takes no space. Good she had a nice sleep, hope you did as well. We are like moms with infants, sleeping with ears wide open for a unusual sound coming from sick baby. I'm just happy she is home as I am sure you are. These dogs are amazing at how quickly they heal. Calling the vet on Mon. is a good idea, this way you can expect when using all 4 should be expected. Hope she has a better day today, and you as well. Been there, done that, baby not well, I am just as sick as they are.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

That does look more comfortable. It looks like the neck pillows people use on airplanes, so she can relax and sleep with it.

When do they take out stitches?

The stitches come out a week from next Friday. Bella has already slept next to me using the neck pillow. Definitely more comfortable!

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel

Cute! I ended up making an emergency trip to Petco to buy one of those myself. I hope neither of us have to use it again.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by matese

poor lil Bella, this one is better then that BIG clumsy plastic one. I got rid of the one my Matese had to use and got a soft one, it was easier for her to get around, didn't bump into everything. Had I seen the one Bella has I would have gotten that. When no longer needed, deflate, store in drawer takes no space. Good she had a nice sleep, hope you did as well. We are like moms with infants, sleeping with ears wide open for a unusual sound coming from sick baby. I'm just happy she is home as I am sure you are. These dogs are amazing at how quickly they heal. Calling the vet on Mon. is a good idea, this way you can expect when using all 4 should be expected. Hope she has a better day today, and you as well. Been there, done that, baby not well, I am just as sick as they are.

Bella put a *little* weight on her leg when she was eating earlier this afternoon. She can eat and drink more easily with the new inflatable collar. It's deflated a little already, but if I only have to refill it once or twice a day, that's not too bad. It's much easier to put on and take off as well.

[matese]

Originally Posted by pstinard

Bella put a *little* weight on her leg when she was eating earlier this afternoon. She can eat and drink more easily with the new inflatable collar. It's deflated a little already, but if I only have to refill it once or twice a day, that's not too bad. It's much easier to put on and take off as well.

ABSOLUTELY amazing that she put some weight on that foot, it just baffles my mind how quickly they recover over humans. I am guessing before this week is up she will be walking on that leg. They just bounce back so quickly. That collar is just perfect for her needs.

[107barney]

How is she doing this evening?

[chestermama]

glad all is going well

[yorkietalkjilly]

Been off the site for a couple of days but I did remember Bella was having her surgery Friday and prayed for her every day. I'm just thrilled she's got it behind her and is on the mend! She looks fantastic in the picture and I'm so happy for you that the worry of anesthesia is over. Now just post-op and rehab and hopefully this beautiful little girl will one day be darting around just as she'd like. Love the photobomber, too!

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Been off the site for a couple of days but I did remember Bella was having her surgery Friday and prayed for her every day. I'm just thrilled she's got it behind her and is on the mend! She looks fantastic in the picture and I'm so happy for you that the worry of anesthesia is over. Now just post-op and rehab and hopefully this beautiful little girl will one day be darting around just as she'd like. Love the photobomber, too!

Bella had a good night. She seemed a little uncomfortable sleeping in her regular small sleeping crate that we keep on the nightstand due to the size of her inflatable E-collar, so we put her larger x-pen on the floor next to the bed, and she slept more comfortably. She's back to her normal potty habits, though I cringe watching her balance on three legs to do it. She doesn't seem to mind, though. I tend to be a worrywart. Bella is perking up more and wants to do some of the things she used to, like chase the cat and jump up on our legs as we walk around the house. I've had to chase the playful cat off a few times, and continue to discourage her jumping. She's been eying the couch and the stairs, so we have to keep a careful eye on her when she's not in her crate so she does jump up on things. She continues to improve, but I don't want her to injure herself. I haven't needed to use the Acepromazine.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by 107barney

How is she doing this evening?

She had a great evening. She whined every time I put her in her crate, even though she was right next to us, so I took her out often, and she curled up next to me under a blanket to watch TV a few times. I was a little concerned she wasn't drinking enough water, but she drank a half cup of water just before bedtime. Needless to say, we had to take her to the potty pad in the middle of the night to pee.

[MauiGirl]

It sounds like she is recovering nicely, and you are going to have a hard time holding her back while she completely heals.

It is surprising that she is even testing putting a little weight on her leg. They actually can get around very well on 3 legs.

My Tiki had a slight sprain on one back leg when she was very young, and she hopped around on 3 legs for 2 weeks before putting it down.