Golden Rules

That is definitely a Flatcoat trait!! Every Flatcoat I have ever met wants to LICK LICK LICK!! And that includes ILFC's Grover!

I have had dogs who have had major operations and there has always been some 'weeping' for a day or two after the surgery, so if your vet was OK with your dog as you left the vet, I'm sure she'll be fine until you go back tomorrow. Anaesthetics do knock our fourlegged friends around a bit and if this is your first dog, no doubt it will seem quite odd and worrying but in another day or two, you will see a huge improvement and be a lot less worried

Rest easy beautiful Fitzy. Hugs to your Mum

Wazzat, that poem is just beautiful! RIP Feral, you cheeky little devil. May you always have sunshine wherever you are.

Your vet has probably said to only feed once a day instead of twice a day, meaning HALVE the amount of food, not feed the same amount only once. Lab? I would try Bonnie Light - I use it when my Goldie needs to lose weight from time to time - great stuff. Also add bulk to the meal without calories - that is cooked pumkin and other veges. More exercise too - but gentle to start with

Glad you are happy with everything so, and that your girl seems happier too She will be different again in a weeks time and so much better within 2 or 3 weeks - but that is when you have to slow them down as they think they are 100% by then!

It can happen so quickly Heartbreaking :D

Absolutely right, I agree. I tried to crate my crate(un)trained dog following the surgery however I found just being confined to the house was sufficient. I also did acupuncture and physio to strengthen the muscles which helps, along with keeping weight down. Gee, there's so many factors when you think about it!

While he's not a heavy Rotti, my (large frame) Goldie was about 34 kilos when he had both his cruciates done (6 months apart) and he had the artificial ligament replacement done each time. All the reading and research I did at the time said large dogs need the TPLO and that the artificial replacement ligament was more suited to smaller dogs - however my vet was confident that what he would do was quite adequate. That was just over 12 months ago. Each op cost about $1200. About 3 months ago he had an arthroscopy and the vet said part of the ligament needed reattaching. Ever since the arthroscopy, my dog has been a different dog. Every single day, someone at the park comments about how well he looks, how fast he runs now, how much energy he has, and just generally how much happier he is. He does get a daily dose of Metacam, and will probably be on it for the rest of his life, but it has made such a huge difference, and the quality of his life is just so much better. In contrast, we have friends with Bernese Mountain Dogs, one of whom did her cruciate. She had the TPLO op 12 months ago, and she is still hobbling around and lacks energy. (She is a bit overweight though ) Needless to say, I'm very pleased with my vet and I'm trying to think of a great Xmas present for him! Best of luck with your Rotti girl Gillbear, I hope whatever treatment you go with is successful.

Thank you for that!!!!! Willow, I'm a lot closer than you so I'll suss it out this weekend and let you know. I can always pop down there and get some for you if they have it

Same here. I would imagine it's fine for puppy food, just need to feed more - check the back of the packet. I'd be careful changing over foods though, it is 'rich' and may cause an upset tummy if switched over too quickly.

Thanks! I'll go have a look on Saturday

I am not that far from Willetton - can you be more specific with where the shop is?

Ooooh, that's good to know! Must look into that, thank you!

I didn't realise Manuka honey was so different from other honeys! I had heard of it, but thought it was just another "fancy variety", if you get my drift....I'll grab some tomorrow when I get into town!!! You'll have to fly to the Eastern States to get it Willow! :D It's not allowed in WA now Why is it not allowed????? WA is relatively disease free compared to other Australian states and honey is made by bees from flowers.......and Manuka Honey is made in NZ..... can't remember the name of the specific disease they are worried about, I did google it once..... I used to buy NZ Clover Honey (absolutely heaven!!!) from the Kiwi Shop but then they had to stop importing it - that was about 10 years ago now

I didn't realise Manuka honey was so different from other honeys! I had heard of it, but thought it was just another "fancy variety", if you get my drift....I'll grab some tomorrow when I get into town!!! You'll have to fly to the Eastern States to get it Willow! It's not allowed in WA now :D

Willow, I use honey a lot for all sorts of things with the dogs because yes, it does sooth their throats the same way it does for humans. Duncan got dosed with a teaspoon 3 or 4 times a day when he had Canine Cough, and Dougs had it every time after having an anaesthetic (he's had a few!). It's also great to put in water to encourage a dog to drink more (they LOVE it!)

If your brother hadn't been there, I'd have likely left with Rafael in my car!

Dougal had the artificial ligament attached each time. I did a lot of reading and research before hand and I wasn't convinced it was the right way as he is a big dog, and thought he'd need something "bigger and better".......however my vet convinced me it was a good procedure and would be suitable for him. And he was right!

Our poor Goldies Mine has been through what Charlotte is about to go through. My boy has had both his knees done (a little over 7 months apart) and then 12 months later (just 3 months ago) he had the right knee repaired again along with an arthroscopy and removal of some floaty bits. I thought he was going to limp for the rest of his days but he has been on Metacam daily ever since - and he appears as fit as a fiddle these days. The right care and attention (as advised by your vet) can make for a very happy and healthy dog again Good luck with Charlotte, hope everythiing goes well, ;)

Can't go past Lupine collars. They are soft, lots of great funky designs and colours, and have a lifetime guarantee, even if your dog chews them! LUPINE COLLARS

Good to know where you are at with your boy now! I would give him some Ester C, can't do any harm at all. I'd also just pop a towel close as possible to him to catch the dribbles and change as required. He's a lucky boy to have you nurse him!

Manuka Honey isn't available in WA Erny ;) Much to my chagrin. However there are healing properties in even ordinary honey, and it is still very soothing to a sore throat so I would still recommend trying some honey. I have met Raf before, he's a gorgeous fellow, and Sofia looks doubly gorgeous in your siggie peigirl!

Healing thoughts from here

Can you hold his back end up by folding a towel lengthwise and holding it under him? That was recommended to me when my boy had cruciate surgery. I know he spends nights outside but are you able to bring him inside tonight so you can keep an eye on him?