Kelly_Louise Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 (edited) Cast is not always better - imagine having to cut off remnants of it at 4am in the morning with blunt scissors.... not fun Other than that on the second time (and the cast lasted not even one night, Chloe didn't come home with anything. Depends how they handle it I guess - Chloe did not... she could handle the op, but not the damn cast HH, there are alot of things that might seem perfectly obvious in hindsight, but that we learnt along the way (the hard way), and Chloe catching her leg on the kennel entrance was one of them... So don't feel like you should know everything, all you can do is cover the things you can obviously think of to ensure his safety and comfort - the rest of it you'll find out together along the way He will push his boundaries, your plans for his recovery might change a million times, you might find the containment you had might not contain him the way you thought and need adjustment - so many things that might not flow smoothly... but you will manage and make those adjustments as you go, and as you see how he reacts. ETA at 7.30pm - sooo he must be home? Edited August 5, 2009 by Kelly_Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 5, 2009 Author Share Posted August 5, 2009 So Asher is home and sleeping soundly. Arrived at the Vet and started with the Xrays. They showed the first Xray of the leg before the op, so the Specialist could mark out the Plateau/angle that she wanted as the end result and where the bone cutting would be made. Then we went over the after op Xray showing the plate that had been inserted and screwed in, also the new angle/placement of the stifle. All very cool. We then talked about medication. Asher had been on antibiotics before, during and after the op to eliminate infection. He was on an intravenous morphine drip after surgery and an anti-inflammatory. He has been prescribed Relixine Tablets for his antibiotics and Metacam Oral for pain relief and anti-inflam. The relixine is a twice daily tablet and the Metacam is simply syringed from the bottle and squirted onto his food at night. Easy! He came home with no bandage on and his stitches are internal. We go back for a check up next wednesday and we also begin physiotherapy next week (7 days after surgery) at Veterinary Specialist Services (where our Specialist works). His leg has been shaved all the way to the top and it looks like a massive turkey leg!! It has some hardcore bruising around the knee and lower inner leg. The internal stitches are on the inside of the leg. No Elizabethan collar needed as he had been pretty good while at the Vet regarding licking the area. His Post-Op instructions include being in crated or confined to a small room for 6 weeks. Any flooring must be non slip. No Running, jumping or stairs allowed and no playing with other dogs. Toileting allowed on lead only to avoid any Zoomies! We will go back in 7 days for a check up, the again a week after that. Xrays will be done at the 6 week mark to check on Bone healing and overall progress and to also discuss exercise instructions. Ok, all the formal stuff done..... I was so antsy to see my baby that I was waiting down the road for Hubby to pick me up! Got there and spoke to our Vet who went over everything with us. I had a list of about 10 things I wanted to ask him, regarding food and healing, exercise and infection etc. We talked for about 30 minutes then we paid up and they brought Asher out to us. He was so happy to see us and all waggy!!! Using his leg but only just. I was so happy to see him. He was a little bit whiney but generally good. The Vet then went over using the towel as a sling for when he takes toilet breaks, just to ease the weight on his leg. We then got him into the car and off we went. Got hm into the house and let Nooki in. She was so excited to see him. Barking at him and licking his face ..... was so cute. Then he had a drink and sat down on his jumbo cushion! His leg was obviously a little bit sore. Then he layed down and had a little shut eye for about 20 minutes before I moved him into his crate. I sat in with him for a little bit while he got comfy. Then it was dinner time, I didnt want to wake him but I thought he might need his medication so he had some food, then got a little bit sad ..... but not for long and he has been asleep since! Im camping out in the back room with him tonight. Im so happy to have him home Overall, everything good so far Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 5, 2009 Share Posted August 5, 2009 Well, so far so good. I hope you both had a good night. Sounds like the specialist was very good with giving you instructions on after care, which is great. Looks like you've got everything under control. I'm surprised that they are starting physio so quickly - but they sound like very thorough specialists who know exactly what they are doing... it will probably help minimise his muscle loss. Chloe lost quite a bit during her recovery and his muscles will help enormously in his recovery and keeping the leg stable. His leg will look funny for some time (especially being a longer haired breed) - this was Chloe's leg about a month or so after her op... I did have some photos of it post surgery, and she was also very bruised and 'turkey like' Poor bugger, give him a big hug from us here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 6, 2009 Author Share Posted August 6, 2009 Morning all Had a pretty good night last night. We slept in the back room, me on the ground Asher on a cushion and he didnt really move too much during the night. Didnt have to get up for pee break but did have to get up for a position change. I got bugger all sleep between keeping my eye on him, laying on a very very hand surface and having a fridge beside me that made a shitload of noise!!! Got up this morning full of beans and had a pee. Ate his antibiotic tablet, which took some work surprisingly, and have gone back and forth a few times from the crate outside to my Asher proof room inside. Licking at his big ole turkey leg a bit but its not incessant so all good. Just gave him a kong, never had one before, he's not that interested dammit!! But off to sleep now hopefully. Will post a few pics soon. OH had Asher Shaved about 3 years ago ...... I was in Baltimore at the time ..... I cried when I saw the photos. He looked like a fox. Hair on his tail, feet and head. Poor boy. OH didnt realise shaving was a bad thing (we didnt have DOL back then) but his hair grew back beautifully so paws crossed same happens again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 6, 2009 Author Share Posted August 6, 2009 Good Pics of Chloe Kelly. She looks like such a sweetheart of a doggie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 6, 2009 Author Share Posted August 6, 2009 Got a couple of piccies for yall. Havent been able to get one from underneath yet as I dont want to move his leg too high just to take a pic of his sewn skin, but will hopefully get one in a few days when he is moving a little more free. Asher's shaved Leg Bruising So much hair gone ..... His home for the next 6 weeks Big Ouchies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 6, 2009 Share Posted August 6, 2009 Awwwwww, can't see it... I get blocked from FB at work Will have to have a look when I get home. PS. Yes Chloe is a sweetheart (albeit a temperamental one ) - and remember she went through this twice consecutively, so no wonder she's a bit cranky sometimes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 7, 2009 Author Share Posted August 7, 2009 So we are on day 3 after the Op and everything is going great. I was a little worried about the leg yesterday as it was weeping a little bit and bleeding just a tiny bit. Asher of course wanted to lick it clean so it was a battle all day to stop him from licking it, but we never got to the point of Elizabethan Collar No Return thankfully. He is also licking and nibbling at his leg but it is just because of the shaved area ..... it must be itchy ..... especially the shaved area near his doodle poor bugger!! The bruising is turning a nice pinky colour and there seems to be no excessive swelling or fluid retention that I can see. Also no hot heat coming from the area which is good. Asher is in fine spirits today and I kinda wish he was still a little sedated!! Only so I knew he was resting more than tossing and turning. So yay everything good so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bjelkier Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 Glad Asher is doing well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 (edited) Well done HH!!! Yes it would be nice to have a miracle cure to keep them quiet - that's the HARDEST part of it all!! Well done also to Asher, must be hard on him too - but sounds like he is trying his best to behave and do what he's told Sounds like the wound is healing well... Chloe also showed attention to her leg (but not the wound site) - I think it's because it's a different sensation to have no hair there anymore, must be very strange for them - and hell yeah it would be itchy!!! Let him toss and turn a bit - he is probably trying to get comfortable and tired of lying in the same spot all the time. As long as he's not overdoing it or doing anything risky. Keep up the good work HH - you and Asher are doing brilliantly. ETA - also wanted to add, when he goes in to have xrays/checkups/consults/physio basically anywhere you have to take him by car - ensure to take a mat of some sort with you. Most vet floors are VERY slippery, so it's safer to have something for him to grip so he can get up and down easier. I say this because on Chloe's first check up, she went to get up, scrabbled (in a bit of a panic because she doesn't like the vet very much) and fell flat on her face - spread eagled on her belly. And if you think a dog can't be spread eagled on it's belly, trust me I've seen the proof. I nearly passed out in fright of what damage it might have caused (it didn't seem to affect her too much) but you never know, better to be safe than sorry. Edited August 7, 2009 by Kelly_Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 7, 2009 Author Share Posted August 7, 2009 Thanks for all the support everyone, especially you Kelly!! Helps to come in here and chat about how things are going and means loads to have you all here with me on this journey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 7, 2009 Author Share Posted August 7, 2009 All has been going so well..... Asher's leg is starting to irritate him a lot. To the point that whenever he gets up he kicks it out and goes abit balmy and is biting at it a fair bit. Kelly, did you have anything like this happen to Chloe? Am going to go to the Vet tomorrow if it isnt better. I think (being the Vet I am ) that its either painful for him or something inside his leg is grabbing or tickling etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 No hun, I didn't have anything like that happen (that I can remember) - Chloe was quite accepting of it (except the cast). I did have trouble getting her to sit still though - it was a constant battle and I could tell that yes the leg did annoy her sometimes. She would reposition herself alot, sometimes kick it out, then pull it back in - but it didn't get excessive and she wasn't too focussed on it. I'd say being young, he's starting to feel a bit better now (sedation has fully come off, he's back home etc) and he wants to do things as he normally would... but the damn leg is hurting him and he can't figure out why. He's had lots of sleep and rest and probably is already sick of being confined with a painful leg. Don't panic, just try to keep him calm as you can. Has he had his pain meds? Sit with him and discourage him paying the leg attention, keep him occupied, try to soothe him and settle him down... and give him some rescue remedy. If he gets worse, give the vet a call if they have emergency - just to talk to them and see if it sounds okay or if there is anything you can or should do. If he hasn't done anything excessive to endanger the leg, I wouldn't worry too much. Just keep an eye on him if he gets worse. It might be a long night for you though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 7, 2009 Author Share Posted August 7, 2009 Thanks for the reassurance Kelly. Gave him his pain meds with his dinner (about 6pm) and he seems to be a little bit sleepy now, took his out of his crate and have him in the lounge with me now, he kicked his leg out once but has been fine since, although i put him on his cushion and havent let him move! Will be monitoring him carefully overnight. I should be buggered cos I've had about 7 hours sleep since he came home, but im sweet! Thanks Kelly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 Pleased your boy is back home with you. I think Gertie has torn it again She is back on strict crate rest so hopefully that will be enough otherwise I will need to take her back to the vet over the weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 7, 2009 Author Share Posted August 7, 2009 Pleased your boy is back home with you.I think Gertie has torn it again She is back on strict crate rest so hopefully that will be enough otherwise I will need to take her back to the vet over the weekend. Oh no Clyde that's awful news, I am so sorry. What makes you think she has torn it again? Please let me know how you go after you see the Vet. I hope you are ok. I hope Gertie doesnt hurt herself anymore. Actually, I hope she has done nothing at all (maybe just a little sore) and fingers crossed she will be ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss B Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 Glad to hear Asher is doing well after his op, keep the updates coming! :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 8, 2009 Share Posted August 8, 2009 Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahhahahah - sorry I can't help but laugh... I just saw the pics of Ashers leg and it is kinda funny!!! I thought Chloe's looked bad - but he looks much more ridiculous Seriously, looks pretty much exactly what Chloe's wound, bruising etc looked like (but cleaner - Chloe went in to surgery so quickly there was no time for a bath and her leg was dirty ) Poor mite, look at him like a nigel-no-friends in his little pen... awwwwww How's he doing today HH? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tru Borders Posted August 8, 2009 Author Share Posted August 8, 2009 Hi Miss B and Kelly! Stop laughing at my baby Kelly!!!! Ya big meanie It is really funny to look at in the flesh .... its so big and bald :D He's not a nigel no friends!!! He's had his mummy at his beck and call all this time damn cute adorable doggie :D The crate we got is awesome. We take one of the stakes out and it opens up under our verandah really nicely into a 4-ish by 2-ish metre area and i've got it set up so he can walk into the back room where I am, if he wants to, but luckily he has been pretty cruisy with only minor bursts of zoomie! He is still doing the leg kicking a little bit but not as irritating for him today which is good .... i was getting a little worried something inside his leg might have been pinching ..... or another thing I dont know about. Last night was a little bit of sleepless one as it was bugging him somewhat. Hopefully tonight he will be ok and I can sleep in my bed instead of camping out! Had trouble with the Antibiotics. Normally Asher will eat anything within reason. Not this though. My tip for people who dont like to stick a tablet in their dogs mouth and rub it down their neck ..... crush it up between 2 spoons and mix in a little peanut butter works a treat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 8, 2009 Share Posted August 8, 2009 Well that's good news that he's not as irritated by it today... maybe he's accepting that he's gotta live with it. Maybe just give the vet a call on Monday to check that it's okay and nothing could be wrong - although I doubt it very much. Interesting way to get his tablets down.... can't say I've ever had too much trouble - Chloe will eat anything if it's wrapped in cheese (thank goodness cause she takes ALOT of tablets), and Sasha will let you shove anything down her throat if there's cheese at the end. When she picks up some random food at the park I end up shoving my hand down her neck to retrieve it and it's like a routine now, no biggie at all ;) I bet he's had you at his beck and call - spoilt bugger. Just like Chloe though, I was like one of those people who follows behind the master cleaning after her, picking up anything, assisting her with sitting, getting up, delivering her food/water right to her, fluffing her pillows... the things we do But hopefully now you are both getting used to the new deal, you can get a bit of rest - otherwise you will worry yourself sick. His set up actually looks quite cosy - and he is still part of all the action. I'd feel alot less sorry for him if his leg wasn't so very funny looking- - good thing he's confined for so long, the dogs at the park would have a field day with him, laughing their bums off :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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