Kelly_Louise

Here's a pic of Chloe showing some leg!

Thanks Corine, I sure have had some rest today. It's just a matter of letting go of my worry and thoughts that no one else can look after her a little bit. It's given me enough confidence that I can have a nap without waking at every little sound thinking "Is that Chloe? Has she hurt herself? Maybe she has and no one's told me?" etc etc etc I can only thank goodness that Chloe has lost some of her stubbornness and is willing to listen to me most of the time now - she really seems to understand that she is not well and has to be careful. She came back a most obedient dog (although she doesn't always listen to "stay"). I know the coming weeks will be a challenge though as she starts to feel better and comfortable on her leg.

Thanks for your concern Antoinette... how is Mallee doing, especially coping with his boredom? I can't imagine going through all of this with a young and active dog... I'd have a heart attack from worry!!! Hope you are both doing well!

Hello all! Just thought I should drop in for an update. Chloe is going very well. I have to admit that after she got home and was just so ecstatic to be there it did take her a while to settle down. She cried almost non stop for a while. I can't believe how well she is settling and getting used to her new confined life. She doesn't like it, but accepts it. Even when she needs to go to the toilet, she patiently stands and waits for the collar to go on, then walks (slowly - she has been told so many times), goes to the toilet on cue, and then actually leads US back into her little confinement area, waits for the lead to come off, then goes and lies back in the kennel. It has taken a bit of discipline (that my mum yells at me for) but I told her that it had to be done until Chloe could learn that this is going to be her life for a while. We cut the pen down in size and now she has her kennel, and then a small mat outside the kennel in case it gets too hot in there. That's it. At nite the kennel has the door closed. She didn't like that either, but is getting used to it. This morning the swelling has gone right down and it's returning to normal colour. They didn't leave the bandage/cast on for her to come home. She was putting weight on it almost straight away - but I suppose when your other leg is bung too it doesn't really give you too many other options. She is getting up and down with relative ease. She is still a bit wobbly sometimes though. But she seems to be really good on it. Now she is starting to be a bit more confident though - so the worry never stops. I went to give her the medicine this morning and she was standing on the mat outside her kennel with her old bunny toy in her mouth. Poor thing. Stocking up on new bones today so that will keep her quiet for a while. I gave her one of those bones that should take ages to eat... but she demolished it in seconds Thankfully my mum and dad have started to listen to me and not argue as much. We still have the occasional clash, but I remind them that 2 solid weeks of researching gave me a bit more of an edge!!! My surgeon and the veterinary staff are not really so strict with their requirements - just that she does not run or jump - which with her other leg being bung is not a great chance anyway - but still a worry regardless and something I am taking seriously. I have called them a thousand times with silly questions, but they are always happy to help. Hopefully if this surgery goes okay and she has the other leg done, I will not be as obsessively worried. Even if I'm doing something and am busy, I feel the need to stop at regular 5 or 10 minute intervals to see that she is doing okay... even though someone is sitting with her. Yesterday was my bf's birthday so I left her in mum and dads capable hands. In a 4 hour period I called twice... and seeing that I wouldn't take anyone's word for it, I had to leave the man on his birthday and come home to see for myself. She was soundly asleep in her kennel, but I still had to see that she was okay. So after only 2 broken hours sleep on Thursday night (dad slept outside with her - he's a good boy!!) I was absolutely wrecked yesterday and was asleep before I could take my boyfriend out for dinner. Luckily he is a big animal lover too, and fully understood and let me sleep and didn't complain at all. After 2 weeks of no sleep and worry, I could have slept all day today, but was again up at the crack of dawn to take her to the toilet and open the door of her kennel. I now know what new mothers go through!!! Well anyways, I'm going back to monitoring and company duties. Thanks for the thoughts guys and I will give more updates and hopefully post a pic soon of the girl with the new leg!!!

How long do you generally crate for?

Yes that's what I've been trying to tell him... however he is listening to the surgeon who says it's okay. The laundry is out. It's awkwardly positioned right smack bang in the middle of the house, also in the middle of the main walkway (and it's a very small room). And our garage is all the way down the back of the yard away from the house... it's actually further than where we are currently setting her up. Oh I will have to think about what I can do for a better solution. We have an old house that is just not a good setting for this type of thing...

I have found some on an Australian website, but will also ask the surgery today if they have any I can hire until I can purchase one. My dad keeps arguing with me saying it's too cruel to keep her in there (because the nurse at the surgery told him that she had to use the leg and get up and about on it). I don't know what to do. I would prefer to have her crated as well and keep her in the sunroom. Although it would mean going to the toilet inside because there are stairs out the back. It's all so frustrating...

Hmmmm, maybe you are right. I mentioned the pen to the surgeon and he seemed to think it's okay... but I have noticed that everyone else is crating. Where could I get a suitable crate from (probably to buy?)? I may have to rethink all my plans.... Thanks for the advice!

Yes of course you are right Malleerr. I had to do something. He just comes from a different background and thinks it's just best to put them down. But I don't think I have the right to cut short her life at 7.5 years just because she has some bad legs. My mum and granny have bad legs too, but I don't put them down do i???!!! It's just a lack of sleep and worry that have too many doubts in my head. I'm sure when i get her home and she is settled I will feel differently... I will still worry, but have less doubts. I am wondering what we will do with Chloe at night. She will be in a little pen with her kennel. She won't try to get out, but I'm afraid she might try to get up and trip and hurt herself. We all sleep upstairs. But I'm sure that all of us will take turns geting up to check on her. I hope it's enough... Funny that you mention moving your bed into the lounge with Mallee... I was actually thinking I should take a sleeping bag outside and sleep outside Chloe's kennel for the first few days myself. Oh my goodness... the things we do!!! I don't think they will give Chloe the collar. Apart from the fact that she would hate it, she has a cast on (not sure for how long) so they will not be worried about stitches. Maybe when the cast comes off she may have to have one? Actually I was really surprised to see a cast on her. Many of the pictures I have seen with dogs having this surgery do not have casts on. I think the only one I have seen with a cast is Corine's dog on her thread. But I'm glad regardless cause like everyone else that goes through orthopedic surgery with their little ones, I'm afraid she will hurt herself. I know there is no point worrying, but I do anyways!!!

Thanks Malleerr... I was thinking the same thing. Either dad or I will hold the towel around her belly and I will hold her collar to stop her zooming out the door. The thing is she is such a sook but when her adrenalin kicks in she forgets that she is sick or slow and just powers through. For a dog with bad legs she has some strength. I am a bit worried how she is going to go with her other bad leg. I wanted to wait a bit before having the other one done, but am afraid she will struggle with a plastered leg and a ruptured one. But we'll try and keep her quiet so it doesn't cause too many problems. I guess there have been other dogs with double blown cruciates and they have survived... One of my friends bf's just told me that I was cruel and I should just let Chloe die in peace. It has really upset me. He said that once they have problems like this they only go downhill. I guess it has affected me because I'm so afraid of that happening. But my dad saw how upset I was last night and told me that no matter what, I had done the best for Chloe and we could only see how we go. I think I'm just a basket case cause I haven't had any sleep for a week...

Well little girl is coming home tonight... I went to see her yesterday but wish I hadn't. She was absolutely hysterical. She cried and howled the most mournful sounds. She is really petrified in there and just kept trying to launch herself out of the cage. I was so afraid she would hurt herself. She appears to be putting weight on the leg, although it's hard to tell with a cast on. The girls at the surgery even drew a little christmas tree on the plaster, which i think was nice. So the moral of the story... don't go and see a beloved pet until it's time to take them home. I don't know who was more upset, Chloe or me??? Thanks Corine... I am definitely taking a towel tonight just for support cause I know she is going to be making a beeline for the vet's door to get out tonight. I hope it will help slow her down. I can't wait for her to be home and settled.

OOps missed your post Paula. The calico bag is a good one. Not sure if Chloe would go for that though. She doesn't like anything too intimidating. But it's worth thought and if she is sore, maybe she won't complain. I saw something on a US website called the Bottoms up Leash which hooks under their back legs, but couldn't get it in time and it looked a bit painful to be honest. But I might try the calico bag also.... it would be more stable than a sheet under the belly.... HMmmmmmmm....

Hey that's a great idea Malleerr... I will definitely try that. Chloe is not in the car too much so she's not good with balancing herself around corners... so I will try putting cushions or whatever in behind the back seat. I always sit in the back with her while dad drives so she doesn't roll around. I will pack with towels around her so she doesn't slip as much. Oh boy what a production!!! She has a tendency to also want to give a big lick to anyone in the front seats!!!! So it's just the travel from the surgery to home and getting her settled that I'm worried about. But we should be okay hopefully. Thanks for the great advice!!

Thanks Malleerr, I sure do have sore cheeks. Nothing can dampen my day today... and believe me it seems like everyone at work has tried!!! I'm not sure about whether she is walking with a sling or not. They did not mention it, and from the discussions I do not think they had her is a sling. I thought that she might have to have one because her other legs aren't crash hot either, particularly her other back leg.... but the impression I got from the lady that walked her out this morning Chloe was not assisted with a sling. Maybe not full weight bearing yet (and probably an awkward limp), but she is up and about. I'm so proud of my brave little girl!! When we go to pick her up I will at least have a sheet or towel to put around her belly just in case she needs some support - they have slippery floors there. I am a bit afraid about getting her in the car when we pick her up. I'm not sure what we will do. I don't like my dad picking her up (she is a heavy girl!!). Maybe we can borrow or rent a cage so that we can lift the whole cage without having to touch her. I really don't know but I've been worrying about it constantly. I'm sure we will come up with something though. There is just so much to think about and prepare for!!! I just can't wait to see her!!!

Thanks Paula... I'm so happy, can't get the smile off this face!! I have actually been looking into buying some ramps to ensure that any steps are easier to face, but as she is not used to them (no time to get her trained up using them), it would be a bit tough now. Getting her to use her new little house out the back was tough enough, but after a few days of coaxing we couldn't get her out... especially because when it's hot a cool breeze blows from under the house. When she has started to recover well I will probably look at getting customised ramps put in at the back door... not only for Chloe but also for my 87 year old Grandmother that we can't keep down either!! I'm just so delighted that she's doing well. And I'm glad to hear that the TWO was successful for your dog. I was starting to have doubts that I was doing the right thing, but the reassurance has been great!

Great news! I have spoken to the surgery again and they say my little Chloe is going great guns! I'm so pleased! I am going to see her tonight. She will most likely come home tomorrow, but I can't wait that long to see her. And the best news is that she has been up and walking (to go to the toilet), but it's the best news I've heard... my brave little girl is on the road to recovery.... YAAY!!!

Hi Koza, Gee I hope that Stella's second operation goes well, and thanks for the well wishes. The reason I didn't opt for that type of surgery is because she is a bigger dog and they also warned me there could be problems for her. I would love to have Chloe inside, and apart from the enormous amount of hair she loses (and believe me it never stops, I wonder where she keeps all that hair), but also all entrances to our house has stairs and slippery surfaces which I want to keep her away from. But her little pen outside is under cover and we have been over it with a fine tooth comb to ensure it's all safe... so hopefully she will be okay there. Well I just spoke to the surgeon and he said that all went really well and he was happy with the surgery. The only negative was that he had to remove the meniscus. I have learnt that this will speed up any degenerative joint disease or OA that may occur. Can anyone tell me if their dog has had to have the meniscus removed, and if that dog was greatly affected? If so, how long after the surgery did it become a problem or how quickly does it become a problem? I know i'm panicking and should be grateful that the surgery went well, but I worry particularly about her arthritis. Does anyone think the removal of the meniscus will cause her huge problems (she is now 7 years old keep in mind)? Sorry for all the questions...

Wow, thanks for that. I saw it on some other websites for about $105 a bottle for 120. I'll give vetproductsdirect.com.au a try! Thanks for the info!

Nelly, which website do you buy Cosequin from? I was thinking of giving it a try but it's very expensive (not that it matters), but if I could find it a bit cheaper would help! Thanks, Kelly

Haha, that makes me laugh! Sometimes I think Chloe is taking advantage of all the attention she has been getting. The night before she went to the surgeon she had some dinner that she hadn't eaten. She wouldn't get up to eat it (although her legs were good), but she was quite happy to be handfed mouthfuls by yours truly - and when I stopped she stared longingly at the bowl with whiney noises!!! And then the water got brought to her so she could wash it down!!! Talk about spoilt!!! I could see the cheeky gleam in her eye!!! So I fully understand about the "You unwrap it, I can't be bothered!!" line!!! Thanks for all the helpful advice... it's great!

Thanks Paula... you've made me feel much better about the operation. I worry about bringing her home after only a few days... but keep reminding myself that thousands of other dogs have done the same thing and come out fine. I think it's official... I'm obsessed and totally paranoid. But it's better to be safe than sorry. I guess the good thing is that Chloe isn't really hypo or overly active these days. But I think she would kill for a walk... she's missed out for a while now. She has her moments. I had to laugh on the weekend she grabbed her ball (but she knows she is not allowed to give to anyone to throw) so she trotted off and happily threw it up and down to herself. Poor thing. She misses out on so much. But anyway, she really won't be TOO fussed about lying around and sleeping all day. In fact, apart from the discomfort she will feel... it's probably her dream come true!!! She will miss being inside and always following at whoever's heels are walking out in the yard. I must remember to buy a kong. Bones are no problem... she has a never ending supply and will chew away for hours (but prefers someone to be sitting with her). She will love the kong... actually she loves anything with food!!! Thanks for the reassurance. It's really helpful. I'm a bit nervous today.

Hi Corine... it's funny the surgeon did not specify a time, which I was really disapoointed about.... perhaps he will go into more detail in the coming few days. He did however explain our options very well and drew little pictures for us. Basically 8 weeks is what I have read from various sources. But I guess it differs for all different cases. I read that it takes about 8 weeks for the actual bone to heal, but please believe me when I say that we will be very careful with her until the last xray tells us she is okay. And probably still then, we will be wrapping her in cotton wool. Unfortunately I did alot of research on the TPLO, not the TWO, so I will make sure I find out a bit more about that today. My surgeon does not do TPLO's, but said that TWO's are similar but just done a different way. Here's hoping. I guess everyone that has been through this gets an attack of the guilts? Is that right? I feel bad. Maybe I just miss my little girl. All night I worried about every single thing that could go wrong, second guessed my decision and started to doubt it, and went over the post op procedures a thousand times in my mind. It's driving me insane. But it's better than thinking of my poor little girl all alone and scared witless. She must think we have dumped her and don't love her anymore because she has bung legs. 3 more days to get through..... <sigh>. So does anyone think that having a dog outside (although undercover - 2 walls closed in by the house and the top storey of the house above) is a bad idea for post op? She has a large kennel that can be closed off, and we have wired off a very small portion of the yard for her to go to the toilet. Her pen is abotu 2 x 2 metres. She has a soft bed and the area around her kennel we have put down pieces of carpet so she can't trip over. I have warned the whole family that no one except for those living at home can go out to see her (she gets very excited at seeing guests). We have also discussed not making a big fuss of her when you haven't seen her for a while because she will get revved up. I know I'm probably being overly paranoid, but that's how I am and I just want the best recovery for her. Any other ideas that I can put into practice to make her life easier? Thanks for your thoughts Corine. I only hope that Chloe's surgery will be as successful as Duncan's!!! And then I would gladly post up picks of her running again (or at the very least a fast trot!!!!).

Will do... and let me know how cutie Mallee is doing too. I'm excited but nervous. I hope everything goes okay and we are as prepared as I like to think we are!!!

Hi Malleerr, thanks so much for your thoughts. Chloe will be operated on tomorrow and will hopefully be home some time on Thursday if all goes well. Interestingly, the surgeon did not go into too much about the after care, which I found a little disturbing. Luckily I have done alot of research and had a lot of good advice so I will follow the usual post op recovery procedures of a TPLO surgery. She probably will not be crated, but we have wired off a little pen for her (about 2m x 2m) with her new kennel inside (lovingly handmade by my dad). We also have a little wire door attached to the kennel to keep her inside if it becomes necessary. At her age though she is not really overly active, so just relieving the boredom for her will be the issue - like yourself!! It's a really large kennel, so she has room to move around in there anyway if she needs to. The surgeon said this is fine, but I'm hoping he will confirm alot of details the day we pick her up. I just wonder what would have happened had someone not done any research... they would be running around in a panic the day the dog came home!!! The recovery time is similar to a TPLO and other orthopedic surgery. He said within the first few days she will be tentatively touching it to the ground. But probably not fully healed for around 8 weeks, so kept quiet until then. If anyone has any other tips for post operative care I'd love to hear them! How is your little pup doing? Hopefully on the road to recovery? Thanks again for your thoughts Malleerr, it really means alot.

Hello all! Well I have just come back from the Orthopedic surgeon and left my baby in his hands. There is a new surgery out that they have been performing for the last couple of months, but as there are no long term results at hand I was hesitant to try this method. I opted for the more expensive Tibial Wedge Osteotomy. She definitely has blown both Cruciates, so we'll see how she goes after the first op then think about maybe doing the other leg. I cried leaving her at the surgeons. But I know she will be okay. The best words I ever heard was the surgeon telling me that she has bung legs, but not to worry because she is "salvageable". Doesn't paint a pretty picture, but those words make all the money I am about to spend all worth it. Just keep fingers crossed that it all goes to plan - no complications. I have researched alot over the past few weeks so I think we are ready for the post-op care. So Mission: Save Chloe has just begun. I am so thankful that there is a chance for her. There is a long way to go yet, but my little friend is still with me, and that's all that matters...