LP surgery question - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Shelby&Seymour · 02-17-2008, 05:42 AM

I am hoping that some of you that have experienced a Luxating patella surgery with their furkids can answer this one for me.
I know that it may vary with different individual dogs, but what IS the recovery time for this surgery. I mean FULL recovery. Shelby is having BOTH of her back legs done on Thursday. Vet said 12-16 weeks. (sometimes longer, depending on the dog)
I am hoping that she will be able to resume normal activities by Memorial Day. (that is about 13 weeks). Do ya think that this "goal" will be asking too much?? We don't have any plans, but I would like to start making some. So, what do ya think???

Shelby&Seymour · 02-17-2008, 07:22 AM

thought I would bump this up .... I am sure there is someone out there who has fully recovered from this surgery...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shelby&Seymour

I am hoping that some of you that have experienced a Luxating patella surgery with their furkids can answer this one for me.
I know that it may vary with different individual dogs, but what IS the recovery time for this surgery. I mean FULL recovery. Shelby is having BOTH of her back legs done on Thursday. Vet said 12-16 weeks. (sometimes longer, depending on the dog)
I am hoping that she will be able to resume normal activities by Memorial Day. (that is about 13 weeks). Do ya think that this "goal" will be asking too much?? We don't have any plans, but I would like to start making some. So, what do ya think???

Gracie2006 · 02-17-2008, 08:27 AM

Sorry I missed this thread. My discharge instructions were VERY SPECIFIC. NO running, jumping or stairs and strict confinement for the first 4 weeks. Then begin leash walking with activity to tolerance over the next 4 weeks. In short, 8 weeks is what I am anticipating. Keep this in mind. If your baby has any complications, like an infection, that could delay the recovery. Much depends on what kind of procedure Shelby is having. Gracie had three procedures on each knee. I think you should be safe planning on 12 weeks. I just would not make any plans that you cannot get out of until you are sure Shelby is in the clear.

Shelby&Seymour · 02-17-2008, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gracie2006

Sorry I missed this thread. My discharge instructions were VERY SPECIFIC. NO running, jumping or stairs and strict confinement for the first 4 weeks. Then begin leash walking with activity to tolerance over the next 4 weeks. In short, 8 weeks is what I am anticipating. Keep this in mind. If your baby has any complications, like an infection, that could delay the recovery. Much depends on what kind of procedure Shelby is having. Gracie had three procedures on each knee. I think you should be safe planning on 12 weeks. I just would not make any plans that you cannot get out of until you are sure Shelby is in the clear.

Thanks...again!!!.... Shelby is such a nut, and is always looking for an adventure..... I KNOW that the first 4 weeks will be SO TOUGH for her (and me) BUT I plan on doing everything that I can to keep her confined and NOT bored. I plan on getting some new blankets, stuffed animals, small chewies, etc........ anything to keep her content in a playpen or stroller. I guess she will want to be on my lap, so maybe some new bows, haircare items, grooming items ..... she does like to be combed & brushed (it relaxes her and sometimes puts her to sleep

)

kalina82 · 02-17-2008, 09:06 AM

Different orthopedic surgeons give different discharge information. The surgeon i work for has way different directions from what Gracie's mom was sent home with. Her vet says to start walking after 4 weeks. My vet says walks can begin the day of discharge. Its an important recovery tool. There are also passive range of motion exercises that can be done. No running, jumping, playing for 90 days. no beds or furniture, anything they can jump on or off of. no stairs for 1 month. if you would like more detailed information i'd be more then happy to help you out. You can PM me. Good luck with the surgery!

Gracie2006 · 02-17-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kalina82

Different orthopedic surgeons give different discharge information. The surgeon i work for has way different directions from what Gracie's mom was sent home with. Her vet says to start walking after 4 weeks. My vet says walks can begin the day of discharge. Its an important recovery tool. There are also passive range of motion exercises that can be done. No running, jumping, playing for 90 days. no beds or furniture, anything they can jump on or off of. no stairs for 1 month. if you would like more detailed information i'd be more then happy to help you out. You can PM me. Good luck with the surgery!

I just feel the need to note that different procedures may have different rehab requirements/activity restrictions. I don't think we can compare apples to apples for sure unless we know both are apples! In other words, I would suggest that Shelby follow HER doctor's orders.

Shelby&Seymour · 02-17-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gracie2006

I just feel the need to note that different procedures may have different rehab requirements/activity restrictions. I don't think we can compare apples to apples for sure unless we know both are apples! In other words, I would suggest that Shelby follow HER doctor's orders.

That is very true.... BUT .... the more I know about all the procedures and recovery agendas, the more I can ask the vet about. Knowledge is a wonderful tool........... and having YT with so much experience (many different ones) is, too!!!
Thank-you so much!!! ............. by the way... How IS Gracie doing??
Any more??? Love all the great info.

kalina82 · 02-17-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gracie2006

I just feel the need to note that different procedures may have different rehab requirements/activity restrictions. I don't think we can compare apples to apples for sure unless we know both are apples! In other words, I would suggest that Shelby follow HER doctor's orders.

your right, there are different procedures. The one that is done on these little guys is either a CCL, MPL, or both. instructions for these are all the same at my place. And, your right about following what your own vet says. She just asked to learn as much as possible, so i told her.

Gracie2006 · 02-17-2008, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kalina82

your right, there are different procedures. The one that is done on these little guys is either a CCL, MPL, or both. instructions for these are all the same at my place. And, your right about following what your own vet says. She just asked to learn as much as possible, so i told her.

Gracie actually had 3 procedures done on each knee, maybe that is why the stricter restrictions.

Gracie2006 · 02-17-2008, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shelby&Seymour

That is very true.... BUT .... the more I know about all the procedures and recovery agendas, the more I can ask the vet about. Knowledge is a wonderful tool........... and having YT with so much experience (many different ones) is, too!!!
Thank-you so much!!! ............. by the way... How IS Gracie doing??
Any more??? Love all the great info.

Gracie is doing great, bouncing off the walls wanting to go outside and go to the park, and run and play with Holly. The sun is shining for a change. I thought I would get out the pet stroller I bought a year ago and take her to the park in that. Of course, I opened the box and no hardware for the darn thing, so Gracie gets to stay home yet again. Bummer.

kalina82 · 02-17-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gracie2006

Gracie actually had 3 procedures done on each knee, maybe that is why the stricter restrictions.

can you tell me what exactly she had done?

kalina82 · 02-17-2008, 03:20 PM

i went back to your past threads about gracie because i remember you writing it down somewhere. She had her groove deepened, the ligaments tightened, and a fibular head transposition. MPL stands for medial patellar luxation. The fix for this is to make the groove that the patella sits in deeper so it can't slip out anymore. The fibular head transposition and the tightening of the ligaments are really part of the same surgery. the fibular head is cut and moved so that the lateral collateral ligament is moved towards the front of the knee along the same lines as the cranial cruciate ligament. it is secured with pins and wire.

i am not saying one recovery way is better then the other. I am simply saying that there are different ways it is done. our way is the total opposite of your way. If a dog had the procedure that gracie had done at the hospital i work at the dog would go home with no bandages on the legs. They will be told that walks begin the day of discharge (24-48 hours after surgery). 3 walks a day, 10 minutes long, very slow. passive range of motion exercises should be done a week after surgery and continued throughout the restriction period. the restriction period usually ranges from 60-90 days for this type of surgery, depending on what was done. no running, jumping, or playing for the restriction period. no beds or furniture. no stairs. the dog either needs to be on a leash at your side or in a crate/ex-pen. no wandering around by itself because it only takes one second to jump on the couch and ruin the repair.

these are the rules that i personally would stick with. morgan will most likely have to have LP surgery done in the future at the referral center i currently work for.

yorkiemalt · 02-17-2008, 05:46 PM

Hi!

My maltese had his first knee done in April 2006, his second in June 2006 and my yorkie had her one knee done in January 2007.

Our Orthopaedic Surgeon is the same one that Kalina works with. I did my research first and found him to be the most qualified (by far) in our area. I think choosing the best surgeon is the beginning step to a successful surgery.

Our rehab directions were also very specific and very different than some I've read about. Both Chandler & Phoebi had the mpl surgery. Groove deepened, ligaments tightened and fibular head cut and pinned.

Chan never had a bandage and Phoebi was bandaged (lightly) as she opened a few sutures when I went to pick her up.

Both came home with an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory and a morhine patch on their leg. Before discharging we met with a Tech who went through all 5 pages of rehab instructions.

Phoebi & Chan were kept in an ex-pen with only enough room to stand and lay down for 8 weeks. The only time they were allowed out was for their 3 walks a day.

I'm not even going to say this was easy. Neither are crate trained and have never been confined for any reason. We would sit with them to keep them company and I found keeping the ex-pen within site of us helped tremendously. Some days I would just cry because I didn't think I could do it. They weren't always happy but in the back of my mind I kept remembering our surgeon saying.....it just takes a second Kim for something to happen. Please listen to the post-op directions or else your dog will be back here and I will have to fix the repair and it'll start all over again.

From their first day home the surgeon wanted them up and moving. I supported their backside with a belly strap which I switched for a scarf (it was way easier for us). In the beginning I was supporting most of their weight and just allowed the leg to move. Moving is the key!

Walks were 5 minutes 3X a day for a few days. Then we would increase it to 6 minutes, 7 minutes and so on until at the end of 8 weeks they were walking 1 hour combined in all 3 walks. I actually kept a daily chart to keep track.

Along with the walks we would do range of motion exercises that began within a day or two of the surgery. Obviously we were very gentle in the beginning and moving the joint helps to reduce the swelling and the pain. We would ice every 4 hours. Eventually I would heat the leg gently, do range of motion and then ice. Exactly how it would be done at a human physical therapy facility.

At the end of 8 weeks and it was a full 8 weeks we would go back for our final check up. If everything was good at that point we were then told to take the next month or so and slowly wean them back into their normal routine.

It was explained to me that I couldn't just go home and let them start running and jumping as muscles had weakened over their confinement. So we would take that 1st week and say give them the kitchen and dining room area. Then maybe increase it to the kitchen, dining room and hallway...making sure there was still no crazy running or jumping.

Finally at 12 weeks they were free to be dogs again. Easier said than done! lol I was a nervous wreck and to be honest neither one was nuts for quite awhile. It's kind of like they knew what to do.

Chan's will be 2 years post-op this April and Phoebi was just 1 year post-op. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to watch them run and play without any limping.

I do supplement both daily with Cosequin, a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement but other than that...they're as good as new.

I have recommended by Surgeon and his facility to many people since then. Some have gone there, some have shopped for a better price and subsequently have not had the successful outcome we've had.

I wish the best for you and Shelby. If there's anything I could possibly do or any questions I'd be happy to help.

02-17-2008, 05:42 AM	#1
Shelby&Seymour "& Seeger, too" Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 5,169	LP surgery question I am hoping that some of you that have experienced a Luxating patella surgery with their furkids can answer this one for me. I know that it may vary with different individual dogs, but what IS the recovery time for this surgery. I mean FULL recovery. Shelby is having BOTH of her back legs done on Thursday. Vet said 12-16 weeks. (sometimes longer, depending on the dog) I am hoping that she will be able to resume normal activities by Memorial Day. (that is about 13 weeks). Do ya think that this "goal" will be asking too much?? We don't have any plans, but I would like to start making some. So, what do ya think??? __________________ Happy Fall Y'all! 🎃

02-17-2008, 08:27 AM	#3
Gracie2006 Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sequim, Wa Posts: 4,541	Sorry I missed this thread. My discharge instructions were VERY SPECIFIC. NO running, jumping or stairs and strict confinement for the first 4 weeks. Then begin leash walking with activity to tolerance over the next 4 weeks. In short, 8 weeks is what I am anticipating. Keep this in mind. If your baby has any complications, like an infection, that could delay the recovery. Much depends on what kind of procedure Shelby is having. Gracie had three procedures on each knee. I think you should be safe planning on 12 weeks. I just would not make any plans that you cannot get out of until you are sure Shelby is in the clear. __________________ Gracie loves Bailey. Holly loves Tucker. Proud member of the YT Gracie Girls. Last edited by Gracie2006; 02-17-2008 at 08:29 AM.

02-17-2008, 09:06 AM	#5
kalina82 Phantom Queen Morrigan Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: with my yorkie baby Posts: 10,141 Blog Entries: 1	Different orthopedic surgeons give different discharge information. The surgeon i work for has way different directions from what Gracie's mom was sent home with. Her vet says to start walking after 4 weeks. My vet says walks can begin the day of discharge. Its an important recovery tool. There are also passive range of motion exercises that can be done. No running, jumping, playing for 90 days. no beds or furniture, anything they can jump on or off of. no stairs for 1 month. if you would like more detailed information i'd be more then happy to help you out. You can PM me. Good luck with the surgery! __________________ Kellie and Morgan

02-17-2008, 03:20 PM	#12
kalina82 Phantom Queen Morrigan Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: with my yorkie baby Posts: 10,141 Blog Entries: 1	i went back to your past threads about gracie because i remember you writing it down somewhere. She had her groove deepened, the ligaments tightened, and a fibular head transposition. MPL stands for medial patellar luxation. The fix for this is to make the groove that the patella sits in deeper so it can't slip out anymore. The fibular head transposition and the tightening of the ligaments are really part of the same surgery. the fibular head is cut and moved so that the lateral collateral ligament is moved towards the front of the knee along the same lines as the cranial cruciate ligament. it is secured with pins and wire. i am not saying one recovery way is better then the other. I am simply saying that there are different ways it is done. our way is the total opposite of your way. If a dog had the procedure that gracie had done at the hospital i work at the dog would go home with no bandages on the legs. They will be told that walks begin the day of discharge (24-48 hours after surgery). 3 walks a day, 10 minutes long, very slow. passive range of motion exercises should be done a week after surgery and continued throughout the restriction period. the restriction period usually ranges from 60-90 days for this type of surgery, depending on what was done. no running, jumping, or playing for the restriction period. no beds or furniture. no stairs. the dog either needs to be on a leash at your side or in a crate/ex-pen. no wandering around by itself because it only takes one second to jump on the couch and ruin the repair. these are the rules that i personally would stick with. morgan will most likely have to have LP surgery done in the future at the referral center i currently work for. __________________ Kellie and Morgan

02-17-2008, 05:46 PM	#13
yorkiemalt Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 3,468	Hi! My maltese had his first knee done in April 2006, his second in June 2006 and my yorkie had her one knee done in January 2007. Our Orthopaedic Surgeon is the same one that Kalina works with. I did my research first and found him to be the most qualified (by far) in our area. I think choosing the best surgeon is the beginning step to a successful surgery. Our rehab directions were also very specific and very different than some I've read about. Both Chandler & Phoebi had the mpl surgery. Groove deepened, ligaments tightened and fibular head cut and pinned. Chan never had a bandage and Phoebi was bandaged (lightly) as she opened a few sutures when I went to pick her up. Both came home with an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory and a morhine patch on their leg. Before discharging we met with a Tech who went through all 5 pages of rehab instructions. Phoebi & Chan were kept in an ex-pen with only enough room to stand and lay down for 8 weeks. The only time they were allowed out was for their 3 walks a day. I'm not even going to say this was easy. Neither are crate trained and have never been confined for any reason. We would sit with them to keep them company and I found keeping the ex-pen within site of us helped tremendously. Some days I would just cry because I didn't think I could do it. They weren't always happy but in the back of my mind I kept remembering our surgeon saying.....it just takes a second Kim for something to happen. Please listen to the post-op directions or else your dog will be back here and I will have to fix the repair and it'll start all over again. From their first day home the surgeon wanted them up and moving. I supported their backside with a belly strap which I switched for a scarf (it was way easier for us). In the beginning I was supporting most of their weight and just allowed the leg to move. Moving is the key! Walks were 5 minutes 3X a day for a few days. Then we would increase it to 6 minutes, 7 minutes and so on until at the end of 8 weeks they were walking 1 hour combined in all 3 walks. I actually kept a daily chart to keep track. Along with the walks we would do range of motion exercises that began within a day or two of the surgery. Obviously we were very gentle in the beginning and moving the joint helps to reduce the swelling and the pain. We would ice every 4 hours. Eventually I would heat the leg gently, do range of motion and then ice. Exactly how it would be done at a human physical therapy facility. At the end of 8 weeks and it was a full 8 weeks we would go back for our final check up. If everything was good at that point we were then told to take the next month or so and slowly wean them back into their normal routine. It was explained to me that I couldn't just go home and let them start running and jumping as muscles had weakened over their confinement. So we would take that 1st week and say give them the kitchen and dining room area. Then maybe increase it to the kitchen, dining room and hallway...making sure there was still no crazy running or jumping. Finally at 12 weeks they were free to be dogs again. Easier said than done! lol I was a nervous wreck and to be honest neither one was nuts for quite awhile. It's kind of like they knew what to do. Chan's will be 2 years post-op this April and Phoebi was just 1 year post-op. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to watch them run and play without any limping. I do supplement both daily with Cosequin, a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement but other than that...they're as good as new. I have recommended by Surgeon and his facility to many people since then. Some have gone there, some have shopped for a better price and subsequently have not had the successful outcome we've had. I wish the best for you and Shelby. If there's anything I could possibly do or any questions I'd be happy to help.