Tru Borders Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 So a few of you have probably read my thread on Asher's diagnosis of a Cruciate Ligament Injury. I have had many people along the way offer me some amazing advice regarding the lead up to surgery and post op. So I decided I would make a Post Op thread that I will hopefully post in every day, so that one day it may help someone else in my situation with the experience we had. Our diagnosis was approximately 3 weeks ago. We were given 3 options for surgery and chose to go for the highly successful Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO). It is performed only by specialists in the field and it will cost us approximately $3000. Since then we have kept him as settled as we could. No Exercise. Limited back yard access (on lead mainly) and less food. We have bought a 1.8 diameter crate made from thick hardy steel to ensure he stays safe from zoomies, Nooki and himself. We have also bought 2 jumbo size dog cushions for maximum comfort while healing. One for Nooki of course. I picked up some Sasha's Blend from Vet & Pet Direct (online, way cheaper than pet shops) and some Rescue Remedy from the chemist to calm us all down when Asher comes home. I have also picked up a few floor rugs and mats as we have floor boards and any slipping may ruin any work done. Its imperative that his post op care is strict and comfortable. Any activity other than toileting in the first 2 weeks may increase the chances of failure. Asher goes in to the Vets in the Morning. He has had his dinner tonight but no more food whatsoever before surgery. His water will be taken away as soon as I get up in the morning, at the Vets request. He will stay in tomorrow night at the Vet (thankfully I don't have to see him come out of the anesthetic) and we will pick him up on Wednesday. We have to keep him as quiet as possible for 4 to 6 weeks. Full recovery is expected to be anywhere from 4 to 6 months. We have another Husky Nooki who adores her brother and wants to play all the time so this will prove the hardest part I think. That is all I will ramble on about for now. I really hope that this thread will be of some help to someone in the future who has to go through the same thing. This is my reason for the thread. I have been offered so much valuable advice and support already, this is my way of paying it back. Here is the link to my first thread regarding his injury for anyone who might need pre-op advice. http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=172009 Thanks for reading everyone and thanks for all the support. Fingers crossed for tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss B Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 I don't know how on earth I missed your original thread, HH!!! Our diagnosis was approximately 3 weeks ago.We were given 3 options for surgery and chose to go for the highly successful Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy (TPLO). It is performed only by specialists in the field and it will cost us approximately $3000. Since then we have kept him as settled as we could. No Exercise. Limited back yard access (on lead mainly) and less food. We have bought a 1.8 diameter crate made from thick hardy steel to ensure he stays safe from zoomies, Nooki and himself. We have also bought 2 jumbo size dog cushions for maximum comfort while healing. One for Nooki of course. I picked up some Sasha's Blend from Vet & Pet Direct (online, way cheaper than pet shops) and some Rescue Remedy from the chemist to calm us all down when Asher comes home. I have also picked up a few floor rugs and mats as we have floor boards and any slipping may ruin any work done. Its imperative that his post op care is strict and comfortable. Any activity other than toileting in the first 2 weeks may increase the chances of failure. Sounds like you have done an amazing job in preparing for his surgery, well done!! BIG hugs to beautiful Asher. I wish him all the very best for surgery tomorrow and look forward to reading your updates :p ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 3, 2009 Author Share Posted August 3, 2009 I don't know how on earth I missed your original thread, HH!!!Sounds like you have done an amazing job in preparing for his surgery, well done!! BIG hugs to beautiful Asher. I wish him all the very best for surgery tomorrow and look forward to reading your updates :p ;) Love your new signature Miss B Super Cute Pack you have! Thanks for you thoughts lovie. Will need pics of Kyza each day to get me through please Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bjelkier Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 Hope everything goes well for lovely Asher Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 3, 2009 Author Share Posted August 3, 2009 You have a new Sig aswell WS!! Gorgeous!! Thanks for your thoughts Love. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 3, 2009 Share Posted August 3, 2009 (edited) Best of luck HH will have all fingers, paws and bionic paws crossed, hope Asher pulls through like a star. Strap yourself in for the roller coaster!! You won't be able to think of anything else today until you hear that it's all gone well - and still, then you'll just miss him Don't be surprised if they ask to keep him in for longer than a day... some places do. Chloe stayed in at the vets about 3 days (2 nights) after each op. Will be thinking of you both, and sending lots of good vibes for a good result - which I'm sure you will get. Very much looking forward to the updates and the progress Asher makes. Edited August 3, 2009 by Kelly_Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 3, 2009 Author Share Posted August 3, 2009 Have dropped Asher off this morning and damn it I shed a few tears (yep, I am the biggest sook ever) at least the Vet didnt see me cry. Went through the procedure and were told the op would be this morning and it would take approximately 2 hours. They are going to give me a call when its finished to let me know how he went. We can pick him up tomorrow as long as all goes well. Got home and had a cuddle with Nook, then we went on our first walk in weeks!! Feeling it a little now but I know we both needed it to let out some energy. She's buggered now Going to spend the day making sure I have everything ready for the fat boy when he gets home, including low fat veggie smush!! Kelly, thank you. I wouldn't be feeling this prepared without you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 My pleasure HH - here for the long haul with you Don't feel bad - I shed many tears when I left Chloe for her ops (and the vet and everyone else did see it )... and many tears throughout the days when she was in recovery at the vet too - damn I missed her and worried so much. Lucky my dad was with me to keep reminding me that she would be okay, and that she'd be racing like a greyhound one day (or at the very least racing like a fat old cattle dog ). They are much more resilient than we give them credit for - and I will tell you too, that he will be fine. Don't feel too sorry for him, when he gets home he'll try to milk it every inch I'm sure But big hugs coming your way, I know how emotionally tough it is and how daunting it seems right now... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 4, 2009 Author Share Posted August 4, 2009 My pleasure HH - here for the long haul with you Don't feel bad - I shed many tears when I left Chloe for her ops (and the vet and everyone else did see it )... and many tears throughout the days when she was in recovery at the vet too - damn I missed her and worried so much. Lucky my dad was with me to keep reminding me that she would be okay, and that she'd be racing like a greyhound one day (or at the very least racing like a fat old cattle dog ). They are much more resilient than we give them credit for - and I will tell you too, that he will be fine. Don't feel too sorry for him, when he gets home he'll try to milk it every inch I'm sure But big hugs coming your way, I know how emotionally tough it is and how daunting it seems right now... I have to stop reading your posts girl they are making me all emo again!! I bet he's gonna be milking it the little bugger!! He is such an attention whore and its gonna be the best time of his life getting everything he wants! Im trying not to let Nooki know anything is wrong. Dont want her to think he is not coming back.... she's walking around a bit aimlessly so im trying to keep her company without over comforting. Might go and brush her for a few hours She loves being groomed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 4, 2009 Author Share Posted August 4, 2009 just got a call from our Specialist. She said the surgery all went very well and that Asher was coming out of the anesthetic as we spoke (poor baby). She said that only 10% of the Ligament had been torn was is a relief for me as it gives me some belief that he was not in too much pain during the past 5 months. She told me that she removed the whole ligament as leaving it could cause pain, lameness and discomfort in the future. She also said that the patella/knee joint looked good and that there was little to no arthritis in the joint. The meniscus was all intact. What a relief its over. Now comes that hard part! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Yaay Go Asher! Well it's a good sign that there hasn't been too much degeneration of the joint, and that the meniscus is still intact - here's hoping for a successful recovery that will see him zooming like any other dog again. Chloe had both her meniscus removed and it can cause arthritis to set in faster . The meniscus can still be damaged after surgery though (and sometimes requires another op to remove later on down the track) - but seeing that Asher's is not damaged at all due to there being a small tear only, hopefully this will hold him in good stead of avoiding future meniscus problems. First step conquered, now you're at the top of the roller coaster peak, looking down at all the ups and down, twists and turns... waiting for the descent... But seriously, yes it is a huge relief that the surgery went well, and he's coming out of it okay. What a brave little lad Asher is, he will be sore and sorry for himself for a while. It will be interesting to see if/how he uses the leg initially. Well done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 4, 2009 Author Share Posted August 4, 2009 Thanks Kelly ..... actually, I dont know why im saying thanks ..... I didnt go through the bloody Op!! Just got another call from Vet Tony (initial consult Vet from that Clinic) who gave me a little more info, said as he's coming out of the anesthetic he's howling!! Poor Baby. I told the Vet he's not usually a vocal Sibe, but he said its normal when coming out of the sedative. He is going to prescribe a liquid form of Rimaldyn, I think .... he said one then changed to another, actually, i think its a different one. Anyway, Asher is on Morphine at the moment and they are going to keep him in till tomorrow late arvo, just to be thorough and safe. But all good. I miss him. Dr Phil and Oprah were especially over emotional for me today. Asher is a brave little Lad. I just wanna be there to cuddle him tonight though. Dammit!! It will be interesting to see how long before he uses his leg Kelly. Quite a few cases I read about said that post op leg use was in the first 2 days. Shall wait and see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 My little girl just had both cruciate ligaments repaired at once. She's recovered very nicely, although keeping her quiet was easy in comparison to a Sibe. The specialist felt her recovery was so successful was due to the fact that she really was crated for 3 weeks straight with only wee breaks. She stayed in for 3-4 days when the surgery was done. Hope your recovery is as good as mine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 Chloe used hers straight away - however I'm assuming it would have been tentatively. But it's exactly what I'd expect of that tough little girl. I think maybe her condition at any given time was worded 'fluffily' so that I wouldn't turn into a bumbling mess Chloe had Rimadyl post op for a week (from memory) and then we were given Previcox (which is much better and safer long term) to use if she was having a bad day after that or if she was particularly sore. It does kinda make my heart melt to hear that he is howling. Poor baby boy. I remember going to visit Chloe at the vet when she was in recovery (but we couldn't take her home just yet)... I'd never do it again and it scarred me. She was frantic and just wanted out to come home with us. Chloe is a real trooper, very brave - so to see her like this was devastating. So try not to think about it, he's out of it anyway - just groggy, feels some pain, and in a strange place - but it's not forever, he'll be home and spoilt soon enough and it will be a long distant memory. And you should take credit... you play a massive part in all this so it is your triumph too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 4, 2009 Share Posted August 4, 2009 What's the latest news today? Is he coming home? Is he doing okay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 5, 2009 Author Share Posted August 5, 2009 My little girl just had both cruciate ligaments repaired at once. She's recovered very nicely, although keeping her quiet was easy in comparison to a Sibe. The specialist felt her recovery was so successful was due to the fact that she really was crated for 3 weeks straight with only wee breaks. She stayed in for 3-4 days when the surgery was done.Hope your recovery is as good as mine What great recovery news Clyde!!!! I stoked for you all! I think I will use your 3 weeks as my benchmark I hope she continues to get better and better every day. Please keep us all updated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 5, 2009 Author Share Posted August 5, 2009 What's the latest news today? Is he coming home? Is he doing okay? Im still waiting on the Vet to call Or should I just call them? The Vet that is looking after us isnt in till lunchtime so maybe I will just wait til then.....or should I call? aahhhhhhhhhhhh!! Hey Kelly and Clyde, during recovery, did you have your Dogs kennel in the crate/secured area? Im worried getting in and out of the kennel might be a hazard but I want to have it in there because he loves it. In or out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 5, 2009 Author Share Posted August 5, 2009 Ok Vet just called. Asher is going great! He's having a bite to eat and putting some pressure on his leg!! They said he seems like his normal self and they are really happy with him :rofl: ;) ;) YAY!!!!! Picking him up at 5pm tonight. Cant wait for snuggles. YAY!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 Fantastic news, I'm really thrilled that he's doing so well so soon!! I probably made a nuisance of myself calling the vet at regular intervals, and her 'carers' usually answered my questions - but hey if it makes you feel better to know how they are doing, then it can't hurt to give a quick call to check on him. My dad made Chloe a little 'apartment' (I say this because it was bigger and more luxurious than any kennel ever LOL) for when she came home, and yes we did have it in her little confined area. I feel that they need something to make them feel safe and secure with all this confusion happening. So if you feel it will make him feel better, then put it in but initially you will need to watch him. While Chloe was in a cast still, she did trip and sometimes get stuck at the doorway (which was massive) but because she had a bed and blankets in there for comfort, she couldn't bend her leg due to the cast and couldn't step into it properly. Didn't hurt her I don't think, but it was a hinderance. I do think that the first time she came home without the cast she might have had some trouble managing the raised entrance as well... So something to consider, especially if he comes home in a cast or when he first gets home and is hesitant to bend and move the leg. I think you are best to judge how he handles it... if you don't think he can, leave it out for a week and then when he's more mobile and using the leg a bit more you can put it in? I guess it would be frustrating even for us to have hinderances in the way when you've got a sore leg - but Chloe did seem to manage. She had a 'babysitter' almost 24/7 so someone was always there to assist her if she got stuck. Once they figure out how to manage it best, he should be fine. Bet he'll be pleased as punch to be back home again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 5, 2009 Author Share Posted August 5, 2009 Can your Dad make Asher a little apartment please?? Will definitely just see how he goes. After I ask the question and you answer it I feel like I should have just known that!! But that's why I have you all for support huh No Cast for him just a bandage. I think I might feel better with a cast but only because it feels more secure in my head!! Cant wait to get him home. 5pm Cant come fast enough Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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