LP

[OwnedByJezebel]

I understand your dilemma and not wanting to put your pup through a long drive post-op. It's difficult enough on Cella AND you going through these surgeries without having additional worries. My Jezebel had TPLO and patella stabilization at a board certified surgeon, but the surgeon was 15 - 20 miles away. Do you have someone that could go with you to pick her up and to the first follow-up? That would be helpful no matter which surgeon you choose, but much more needed if you choose the one that is farther away.

[KSH]

Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel

I understand your dilemma and not wanting to put your pup through a long drive post-op. It's difficult enough on Cella AND you going through these surgeries without having additional worries. My Jezebel had TPLO and patella stabilization at a board certified surgeon, but the surgeon was 15 - 20 miles away. Do you have someone that could go with you to pick her up and to the first follow-up? That would be helpful no matter which surgeon you choose, but much more needed if you choose the one that is farther away.

Thank you! It is disconcerting to have to drive 70+ miles back and forth. I felt embarrassed that I was making any ado over that travel to the board certified vet, but I've decided I have to. I'll manage alone, everyone I know is working and can't take time off. I'm hoping the vet will take this into consideration when setting up surgical times which they usually ask you to go at the crack of dawn (she said, exaggerating ) and post-op appointments. We shall see.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by KSH

Thank you! It is disconcerting to have to drive 70+ miles back and forth. I felt embarrassed that I was making any ado over that travel to the board certified vet, but I've decided I have to. I'll manage alone, everyone I know is working and can't take time off. I'm hoping the vet will take this into consideration when setting up surgical times which they usually ask you to go at the crack of dawn (she said, exaggerating ) and post-op appointments. We shall see.

70 miles is definitely a trek. Where I go, it is a 45 minute drive and some days it is taxing because it is in Houston and the traffic can be a bear and that 45 minutes is often much longer. They work with me on appointments so that I can avoid rush hour ...and sometimes, when a pup needs surgery, I drop the day before so I can avoid that early morning drive. I really hate doing it but the pups are fine.

Hopefully, if you speak with the vet he/she will work with you.

[Kohare]

I have a 3 year old Yorkie and he needs LP surgery. I have an appt with the Ortho doc tomorrow morning and possibly leave my Sammy for Surgery. I just dont know what to do? I dont know if I am equipped to help him afterwards. How will I know what to do if he is in pain? How they go to the bathroom. I was actually thinking of cancelling the appt . My dog does not do crate but I do work at home. I am so confused. I have had such anxiety for the past two weeks that Ive lost weight. He can go for walks but I do notice he does not put full weight on it sometimes and he sits with the leg out.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Kohare

I have a 3 year old Yorkie and he needs LP surgery. I have an appt with the Ortho doc tomorrow morning and possibly leave my Sammy for Surgery. I just dont know what to do? I dont know if I am equipped to help him afterwards. How will I know what to do if he is in pain? How they go to the bathroom. I was actually thinking of cancelling the appt . My dog does not do crate but I do work at home. I am so confused. I have had such anxiety for the past two weeks that Ive lost weight. He can go for walks but I do notice he does not put full weight on it sometimes and he sits with the leg out.

It sounds like it could possibly be a torn cruciate ligament. If this is a specialist, they will rule that out.
After care is not all that bad, but you must restrict activity for up to 8 weeks after.

[KSH]

Originally Posted by Kohare

I have a 3 year old Yorkie and he needs LP surgery. I have an appt with the Ortho doc tomorrow morning and possibly leave my Sammy for Surgery. I just dont know what to do? I dont know if I am equipped to help him afterwards. How will I know what to do if he is in pain? How they go to the bathroom. I was actually thinking of cancelling the appt . My dog does not do crate but I do work at home. I am so confused. I have had such anxiety for the past two weeks that Ive lost weight. He can go for walks but I do notice he does not put full weight on it sometimes and he sits with the leg out.

Oh dear! You sound full of anxiety about this as I was and my Yorkie did the same thing for about 2 weeks -- she lifted her leg when walking, or seemed to favor the leg after running around the house. I finally decided to take her to my regular Vet and she manipulated her knees and confirmed she was in stage 3 LP for both knees. It is this LP that probably caused her to only walk a short distance, about a quarter of a mile, before lying down and not wanting to move, so I would have to pick her up to walk the rest of the way home. I thought it odd because she's been doing this since she was about 6 mos. old. She's an early LP.

Let me just tell you that I had both back legs surgically repaired at the same time for Cella, last Friday. My Vet kept Cella (pron. Chella) from Thursday afternoon (pre-op) so she could be sedated in the night and calm and ready for surgery, Friday the next morning. The Vet asked that they keep her through the weekend until Monday afternoon when I could pick her up, because he believes it better for the dog to have constant monitoring for a few days and get the dog ready to go home, walking on both legs. She was very happy to see me, sleepy and weak, but already walking very gingerly on her back legs and able to potty. She is not to leave her crate except to walk outside to potty, always on a leash, for very, very short periods of time. No running or jumping around, just better to carry her outside, sit her on the ground, and let her walk until she potties. If she doesn't seem to want to go, take her back inside to the crate. The Vet's assistants had already taken her out each day to potty by the time I was able to bring her home.

It will be 6-10 weeks before she can leave the crate, unless my Vet decides she can leave the crate earlier, or needs to remain longer. I have actually moved to another room to put her crate on the bed with me (I know, silly me), and she doesn't seem to mind since I'm in bed near her, but many dogs learn to crate quickly and your Vet will crate your dog anyway while at the clinic, so they become accustomed to being there.

It's only been a week since her surgery and she's already perked up and wanting to move around more in her crate, and walking better each day. Her back left leg had been held up ever so often when she walked, but my Vet said this is not abnormal, and I noted today she is now putting both legs down. The Vet kept reiterating to me that the most important part of this LP fix for the knees goes beyond the surgery, and keeping her off her legs as much as possible is important so they can mend, so I'm thinking the crate makes sense. He said he's had pet owners disregard this post-op crating and had to reconstruct surgically because the pet owner didn't listen to him and allowed the dog to walk around.

She is eating her usual food well. She has had one night of vomiting because of one of the meds, but Cella has always had a sensitive stomach, and the Vet is switching to another med. Your Vet will explain medications to you.

Just follow the instructions of your vet. He/she will give you a post-op list of instructions and should tell you everything you need to be aware of to make sure your Yorkie is healing properly (sutures, any swelling, etc.). I, too, was very anxious about the whole procedure, but I am lucky that my Vet is very informative, has spent much time showing me pre-op x-rays and post-op x-rays, with time to ask questions and he told me to call any time I am concerned about anything.

I was quite worried about putting Cella through this operation on both legs, but now I understand why doing both legs at the same time makes sense. It is a longer process if each leg is done, one at a time. Now she is over the surgery and already getting stronger after a week. Vet told me by New Year's it will be as if she never had any surgery at all, she will be able to run around like she did before the knee problems started showing up, and since animals have short memories, will have forgotten the trauma of being at the Vet, through surgery, and the mending time.

If your doggy has LP, it is better to fix now than later, because they can end up with pain and arthritis.

I hope my general comments have helped. You can always get a second opinion. I got 2 Vets to diagnose and advise.

If you work at home you can put the crate near your work space and keep him company while he is on the mend. Yes, I wish it didn't take as long as it does to fully mend, but better than having a lame dog in pain.

I am very happy that my Vet used internal stitches, rather than the staples. It looks like a seamstress did the sutures. Very neat and healing nicely, already. She did not come home with wrappings on her legs either. My Vet didn't believe in bandaging the dog any longer than necessary, and he didn't insist she wear a cone on her head. She has only tried to lick one knee suture a couple of times, because I think it itched, but hasn't continued licking, and she doesn't seem at all bothered by her stitches.

Best of luck with your decision, and best wishes for your little dog! I'm sorry I didn't get your message until tonight.

I have truly appreciated all the posts here at Yorkie Talk about LP experiences other pet owners have gone through. It's a relief to share with others. My thanks to everyone who responded to my concerns!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by KSH

Oh dear! You sound full of anxiety about this as I was and my Yorkie did the same thing for about 2 weeks -- she lifted her leg when walking, or seemed to favor the leg after running around the house. I finally decided to take her to my regular Vet and she manipulated her knees and confirmed she was in stage 3 LP for both knees. It is this LP that probably caused her to only walk a short distance, about a quarter of a mile, before lying down and not wanting to move, so I would have to pick her up to walk the rest of the way home. I thought it odd because she's been doing this since she was about 6 mos. old. She's an early LP.

Let me just tell you that I had both back legs surgically repaired at the same time for Cella, last Friday. My Vet kept Cella (pron. Chella) from Thursday afternoon (pre-op) so she could be sedated in the night and calm and ready for surgery, Friday the next morning. The Vet asked that they keep her through the weekend until Monday afternoon when I could pick her up, because he believes it better for the dog to have constant monitoring for a few days and get the dog ready to go home, walking on both legs. She was very happy to see me, sleepy and weak, but already walking very gingerly on her back legs and able to potty. She is not to leave her crate except to walk outside to potty, always on a leash, for very, very short periods of time. No running or jumping around, just better to carry her outside, sit her on the ground, and let her walk until she potties. If she doesn't seem to want to go, take her back inside to the crate. The Vet's assistants had already taken her out each day to potty by the time I was able to bring her home.

It will be 6-10 weeks before she can leave the crate, unless my Vet decides she can leave the crate earlier, or needs to remain longer. I have actually moved to another room to put her crate on the bed with me (I know, silly me), and she doesn't seem to mind since I'm in bed near her, but many dogs learn to crate quickly and your Vet will crate your dog anyway while at the clinic, so they become accustomed to being there.

It's only been a week since her surgery and she's already perked up and wanting to move around more in her crate, and walking better each day. Her back left leg had been held up ever so often when she walked, but my Vet said this is not abnormal, and I noted today she is now putting both legs down. The Vet kept reiterating to me that the most important part of this LP fix for the knees goes beyond the surgery, and keeping her off her legs as much as possible is important so they can mend, so I'm thinking the crate makes sense. He said he's had pet owners disregard this post-op crating and had to reconstruct surgically because the pet owner didn't listen to him and allowed the dog to walk around.

She is eating her usual food well. She has had one night of vomiting because of one of the meds, but Cella has always had a sensitive stomach, and the Vet is switching to another med. Your Vet will explain medications to you.

Just follow the instructions of your vet. He/she will give you a post-op list of instructions and should tell you everything you need to be aware of to make sure your Yorkie is healing properly (sutures, any swelling, etc.). I, too, was very anxious about the whole procedure, but I am lucky that my Vet is very informative, has spent much time showing me pre-op x-rays and post-op x-rays, with time to ask questions and he told me to call any time I am concerned about anything.

I was quite worried about putting Cella through this operation on both legs, but now I understand why doing both legs at the same time makes sense. It is a longer process if each leg is done, one at a time. Now she is over the surgery and already getting stronger after a week. Vet told me by New Year's it will be as if she never had any surgery at all, she will be able to run around like she did before the knee problems started showing up, and since animals have short memories, will have forgotten the trauma of being at the Vet, through surgery, and the mending time.

If your doggy has LP, it is better to fix now than later, because they can end up with pain and arthritis.

I hope my general comments have helped. You can always get a second opinion. I got 2 Vets to diagnose and advise.

If you work at home you can put the crate near your work space and keep him company while he is on the mend. Yes, I wish it didn't take as long as it does to fully mend, but better than having a lame dog in pain.

I am very happy that my Vet used internal stitches, rather than the staples. It looks like a seamstress did the sutures. Very neat and healing nicely, already. She did not come home with wrappings on her legs either. My Vet didn't believe in bandaging the dog any longer than necessary, and he didn't insist she wear a cone on her head. She has only tried to lick one knee suture a couple of times, because I think it itched, but hasn't continued licking, and she doesn't seem at all bothered by her stitches.

Best of luck with your decision, and best wishes for your little dog! I'm sorry I didn't get your message until tonight.

I have truly appreciated all the posts here at Yorkie Talk about LP experiences other pet owners have gone through. It's a relief to share with others. My thanks to everyone who responded to my concerns!

Very nice and helpful post.

So happy to hear that all has gone well with Cella's surgery! Her time in the crate will go faster than you think and all be worth it for her in the end.

[KSH]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Very nice and helpful post.

So happy to hear that all has gone well with Cella's surgery! Her time in the crate will go faster than you think and all be worth it for her in the end.

Thank you! It is sad these critters are born with LP problems, but thankfully we have orthopedic surgeon vets there to provide help and healing.

She is still weaker on her left back leg and still holding it up ever so often, but the orthopedic vet reiterated that the legs don't always heal the same, so to give it time. I'm watching her closely. She is very antsy about being in the crate. She's perky and happy, but becoming frustrated with the crate, so I take her out to hold her often to make her feel things are normal. It's a process and everyone has to be patient.

[ladyjane]

If you have a pet stroller you might want to try that. Just make sure she cannot jump out of it.
It makes it so much easier when you can just push them from room to room.

[joyce evans]

Yes, Yes, Yes a stroller is the way to go! Keeping them still for so long is very difficult and poor babies they get so bored. Hannah continues to enjoy her stroller 2 yrs. after her LCPD surgery. Wishing you and your baby the best and a very speedy recovery!

[KSH]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

If you have a pet stroller you might want to try that. Just make sure she cannot jump out of it.
It makes it so much easier when you can just push them from room to room.

I like that idea. I guess I should look for a pet stroller online. I have been keeping her in the crate while I walk to and fro around the house, or holding her in my arms.

Thanks for the tip.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by KSH

I like that idea. I guess I should look for a pet stroller online. I have been keeping her in the crate while I walk to and fro around the house, or holding her in my arms.

Thanks for the tip.

The one I use (I have been using the same one for years....same design that is. I have different colors.) is on Ebay. They are usually around $50 and that includes shipping, but I have seen higher prices lately.

Here is a link to one......

New BestPet Large Pink Plaid 4 Wheels Pet Dog Cat Stroller Cage w Rain Cover | eBay


It is roomy inside...and I much prefer the four wheeled one. If you want to find others like it in different colors search for:
pet stroller rain

Rain singles that one out because there is a rain cover.

[KSH]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

The one I use (I have been using the same one for years....same design that is. I have different colors.) is on Ebay. They are usually around $50 and that includes shipping, but I have seen higher prices lately.

Here is a link to one......

New BestPet Large Pink Plaid 4 Wheels Pet Dog Cat Stroller Cage w Rain Cover | eBay


It is roomy inside...and I much prefer the four wheeled one. If you want to find others like it in different colors search for:
pet stroller rain

Rain singles that one out because there is a rain cover.

LOL! That is some pet stroller! Thanks!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by KSH

LOL! That is some pet stroller! Thanks!

I like it because I can put 3 or 4 pups in it. For recovery purposes it is super roomy for them to lie down and be comfortable. As you can see, my Cookie loved it! This was after her surgery for a torn cruciate ligament. It looks like she has not so much room, but she was all stretched out and there are blankets in there. Plus she is 11 pounds. She is a wild child and I never thought I would be able to keep her calm and happy after surgery...this thing was perfect. Even after she was set free, she still would stand by the stroller waiting for me to put her in it.

cookie_july28-2013.jpg

[Kohare]

Sammy had his surgery yesterday and is coming home today. I am very nervous. Sammy is not crate trained and has never been in a crate for very long but I have two and I got a stroller (thanks Ladyjane). He sleeps with me... on the floor since injury so I hope we can still do that but I am really hoping he just wants to stay in the crate. The vet said I can secure him in a room or playpen. I am super nervous. If anything I will move my computer to the floor to keep him in crate while i am working. I hope he surprises me and just lays down in crate. So much anxiety. I find these threads so helpful and everyone advice is super appreciated. Thank you.