Asher's Post Op Diary

[Tru Borders]

Looking back now, although surgery seemed so scary - if you are prepared etc it's not all that bad, and the dogs don't really 'suffer' as such do they? They cope amazingly well, kind of like a human going through surgery...

I could do with a bl00dy massage...

Kelly, that is so so true!! The surgery was such a daunting thing, yep, it pulled at my heart and made my eyes all wet and my tissues all soggy It was such a monumental part of MY healing to bring him home when he was obviously doing so well. Then to be so prepared thanks to you my dear has made our recovery to date successful.

I was in the backyard this morning on Asher's first 5 minute walkies for the day and I thought about how bad I felt for him because he wouldn't get his roomy backyard for a few months. Then I kicked myself and came to the realization that he doesnt miss it that much, what we are doing is for his own good and that he has a pretty good life .... I was just humanising way too much!! He's coping just fine

Kelly, please go and get a massage. Chloe would want you to. Go on. Book in for tomorrow or thursday. You need it. You DESERVE it!!

[Tru Borders]

Love the pics HH!!

So glad to hear it went well and recovery is going well to

Thanks Huski!

Asher is such a shy boy isn't he

[Kelly_Louise]

Shy is not the word - shameless is more like it. Just like Chloe, likes to flash his bits around.

We do tend to humanise these situations - my mum did especially, but realistically it's kind of like a human child having surgery. Yeah, you feel bad that they will feel pain and not understand why - but it's for the best, so we do things to ensure they are comfortable and know their limitations. It's a few weeks of confinement, but the end result should be back to a fairly normal life... and once that day arrives, the last few weeks are forgotten to the pooch - they don't hold a grudge or feel sad about the 'time' they have lost... they just get back out there and resume as if nothing had happened. Although the post operative care seems long and scary, the reality is that it's not as bad as it seems... and it's not cruel etc as some people think that it might be.

Ohhh, I wish I had time for a massage... one of these days!! If OH loved me as much as my puppy dogs did maybe he'd give me one!!! LOL. I'm sure if they had opposable thumbs they'd do it themselves Thinking of taking some much needed holidays soon... start some work on Sasha and some of her issues and generally spend quality time with my babies.

[Tru Borders]

Kelly, stop thinking about taking some time off and do it!! You deserve a holiday suga!

So here's our update on Ashers progress on Day 18 of Post Op.

Physio has been going well although there are 2 exercises we dont do due to it being too uncomfortable and maybe a little bit hurties for Asher. That exercise is with Asher standing, I put my arm under his belly towards the back and lift one of his front paws off the ground to effectively have him put weight on his back legs. The physio said that if there were any exercises that he was not up to doing, then to leave them and attempt them again the next day.

She said that about everything which was cool because if I feel like im overdoing it with him or if he is not up to it, then I dont do them. We take it at his pace.

That being said, his pace is great!! He is doing so well. Today he was almost fully weight bearing on his leg which was impressive, but it did not last the whole day, but still, some smooth progress going on

No incidents over the past few days due to Me being more vigilant! I have actually slept in my own bed the last 2 nights in a row although lying in bed trying to listen out for any noise makes sleeping a bit hard!! Yeah, im a worrier and I have no idea why because we havent really had any issues. Guess im just a little bit OCD

So all in all, a good week

[Tru Borders]

Its been a few weeks so its time to update you all on Ashers Progress.

So we hit the 5 week mark on Tuesday and everything is still going great. Asher is putting weight on his leg really well and he is not putting it out to the side as much as he did.

He is still on Lead everywhere in the back yard, but in our small yard which has been his home for the past 5 weeks, he is generally left to do what he wants. I only allow him to have so much freedom as I know he is sleeping most of the day, I know how able he is to get around and I am always within 5 metres of him so I can hear and see him.

When going anywhere out of the house, he is crated as I cant be there to watch him. He is also still crated at night to avoid any zoomies and accidents. He loves his crate

On trips out to the backyard he always wants to run around with Nooki and go nuts like he used to, so it is hard to not let him, but I am so worried he will slip over and do worse damage so I put my sorry feelings aside for his well being.

We were supposed to go to Physio last week but hubby snapped his big toe in half so we havent got around to it. We have xrays on Monday and I'm so excited to see how his bones have healed!! Of course even if its healing really well, he still needs some looking after as its a long recovery (6 months) but it will be a great sign

So all is great and I couldn't be happier with his recovery.

Will update after Xrays

[Miss B]

Great news HH

[Tru Borders]

It is great news isnt it Miss B

So what a day it has been our household today.

Asher off to the Vet at 8.30 for Xrays and Vacs, back home with Nooki

Pick up Asher at 10am

Back with Nooki at 4.10 for Vacs and to discuss Asher's Xrays.

Off to work!

So the Xrays showed that Asher's TPLO Post Op is going really well.

We looked at the Xrays from the day it was done and then todays and there is an obvious difference between the two as far as bone goes.

When perorming the TPLO, the bones are basically cut in 2 areas to get the Steel plate inside the bone. When reviewing the bone growth on the Xray, we could see it was healing well.

The Vet was a little concerned about the muscles though. When he was manipulating the leg Asher was in some pain or discomfort so he said we need to stay on top of our Physio and get back to see the Physio specialist soon to re-evaluate his exercises.

But at the 6 week mark all is as it should be and he was happy thus far. Phew

To add to this though, before discussing the Xrays, he was doing a checkup on Nooki and I mentioned she had bad breath over the past week but it may have been due to the Bat poo I saw her eat.

He had a look and found Nooki's premolar was cracked. Insert naughty word here.

So back on Thursday to have it removed.

At least we know what to expect..... Asher had his removed at the start of the year

You know when you talk about getting Pet Insurance and you put it off and put it off and put it off. DONT!!

we have spent over $5000 this year on our 2. Pet Insurance for the 2 would have cost me about $500.

Hindsight .... slap me.

Anyway thats the 6 weeks Post Op Update .... Thanks for reading

[Tru Borders]

Today marks the nine week mark and its time for an update.

Asher has been going well but is still quite obviously favouring his other leg.

Had a visit with our Physio last week and she thinks his Range of movement is great, but she is a little concerned (not bad concern, just concerned) that he is still showing the signs of lameness.

She worked on him for 45 minutes and gave him a thorough working over, finding spots that I had never even worked on. Asher was in a little bit of discomfort at times, due to the stiffness in his muscles and muscle degeneration over the past 2 months.

She gave me the all clear to start swimming which starts this Saturday. If after 2 weeks of swimming (4 lessons) and longer walks Asher is not using his leg more, then we have to go back and see our specialist.

Not the best news as Asher was doing so well, but these things happen I guess.

We have had some incidents of 'all foot off ground' lameness since the physio appointment, which is a little bit of a worry, but hopefully its just tenderness and incorrect stepping.

[Kelly_Louise]

Today marks the nine week mark and its time for an update.

Asher has been going well but is still quite obviously favouring his other leg.

Had a visit with our Physio last week and she thinks his Range of movement is great, but she is a little concerned (not bad concern, just concerned) that he is still showing the signs of lameness.

She worked on him for 45 minutes and gave him a thorough working over, finding spots that I had never even worked on. Asher was in a little bit of discomfort at times, due to the stiffness in his muscles and muscle degeneration over the past 2 months.

She gave me the all clear to start swimming which starts this Saturday. If after 2 weeks of swimming (4 lessons) and longer walks Asher is not using his leg more, then we have to go back and see our specialist.

Not the best news as Asher was doing so well, but these things happen I guess.

We have had some incidents of 'all foot off ground' lameness since the physio appointment, which is a little bit of a worry, but hopefully its just tenderness and incorrect stepping.

Hmmm, that's not good buddy. I'm no expert but I would expect most signs of lameness to have completely gone by now. Actually after the first month I would expect that.

Let's hope it's nothing to worry about... he may just be a sooky pants Or there may be something that is rubbing or similar inside?

Just take it a day at a time... he may come good once he has built the muscle back up and feels confident to use it again. He may just be 'afraid' of using it seeing it was so sore before.

HOping for better news, but not totally bad just yet either. Hang in there.

[Tru Borders]

Thanks Kelly I do think it is just muscle deterioration and after we build it up we should be ok ..... but I'm so friggin overprotective of him, poor bugger might take double time to recover!

Swim on Thursday night so hopefully its the beginning of our rebuild.

How are your two doing love?

[Kelly_Louise]

Thanks Kelly I do think it is just muscle deterioration and after we build it up we should be ok ..... but I'm so friggin overprotective of him, poor bugger might take double time to recover!

Swim on Thursday night so hopefully its the beginning of our rebuild.

How are your two doing love?

Yep fingers crossed that he's just a big sook... and the pain of the surgery has just left him a little tentative. Let us know how the swim goes tonight! Does he like water usually?

I totally understand the 'overprotectiveness'. I'm still like that over Chloe big time, and now if I see Sasha jumping too high or landing awkwardly I panic and rush to stop her. I guess once you've been through this drama you take all precautions so as not to repeat it again

My two are doing okay thanks. ChloBo had a bit of a stack on the slippery mud a couple days ago and was a bit tender on one of her legs. But in true Chloe style she shakes it off and marches on. Her meds are going well too, she goes for another check up probably next week I'll book her in. She seems to be quite well at the moment (fingers crossed) - but it's always a roller coaster with Chlo

Sash is going well after her brush with fame. I think it's gone to her head, she's been a bit naughty lately. Very... vocal. I think it's all this weird weather... first the bad winds and then the constant storms we've had lately. She's become a bit of a sook so I'm trying to get it out of her now. But she's due for her vaccinations, and I'm trying to decide whether to have her vaccinated again, or not for the 3 years. Other than that, she's fine too thanks.

[Tru Borders]

Asher loves the water thankfully ..... Nooki on the other hand is a little princess!!

Poor Chloe and her mud stack Glad shes ok. I think if she were a super hero she would be The Invincible Doggie!!

So glad her meds are working well. I bet she feels like a youngen again right now Good Luck with your check up next week.

Yay for Sash being a celebrity doggie. I voted as much as I could ..... hate that stoopid captcha thing every 2 pics ..... but when I hit it I was in for as many votes as possible!!!

The Vaccination thing is a little bit of a head scratch huh. I have decided to continue my Vacs every year until I feel there is no need to. I would never forgive myself if one of em got sick and it could have been avoided. Talked to my Vet and feel the yearly is a good routine.

Asher was a bit funny when we had some good winds and strange weather too. Poor baby

[Tru Borders]

So here's our update for the week.

After figuring out that Asher is not even using his leg for swimming (after 4 sessions) I booked to see the Physio.

after seeing her she has told me to book in to see the specialist who performed the surgery. There is obviously something wrong and it needs to be looked at asap. So im booked to see my Vet tomorrow and perhaps the specialist soon after that.

The Physio thinks it could be a problem with the Meniscus. I cannot remember for the life of me if it was removed or not.

She said it might have a tear that was not picked up when the op was being performed and this is constantly being aggravated as Asher moves around.

But in saying that, she is not a Vet and she said until further xrays etc are done we wont know.

arrghhhhhhh!!! Just frustrating. I just want my bouncy boisterous boy back.

Will update after visit tomorrow.

[Kelly_Louise]

So here's our update for the week.

After figuring out that Asher is not even using his leg for swimming (after 4 sessions) I booked to see the Physio.

after seeing her she has told me to book in to see the specialist who performed the surgery. There is obviously something wrong and it needs to be looked at asap. So im booked to see my Vet tomorrow and perhaps the specialist soon after that.

The Physio thinks it could be a problem with the Meniscus. I cannot remember for the life of me if it was removed or not.

She said it might have a tear that was not picked up when the op was being performed and this is constantly being aggravated as Asher moves around.

But in saying that, she is not a Vet and she said until further xrays etc are done we wont know.

arrghhhhhhh!!! Just frustrating. I just want my bouncy boisterous boy back.

Will update after visit tomorrow.

Oh HH, how disappointing... but hang in there. No point getting frustrated, just take it a day as it comes.

Asher only had minor damage... so they would not have removed the meniscus. From my knowledge, they don't remove it unless it is already damaged. And seeing that the actual ligament damage was caught early and wasn't too bad I wouldn't think they would have removed it.

The meniscus frequently does get damaged after these surgeries - but I was under the impression is was some time after (as in with due wear and tear after surgery and normal life). I have been told though, the a damaged meniscus (esp if it is flopping around and getting caught up etc) can be MUCH more painful than a blown cruciate ligament. So it is possible what is causing it. Not sure what they need to go through to remove it though, both of Chlo's were done during surgery.

I think it's best that you go back and see the specialist so they can identify exactly what is going on. It is not normal for him to be not using it this long after surgery... I would be suspect if he wasn't using it after a couple of days (in hindsight now after all we've been through LOL).

I hope it's nothing too serious. I was hoping he was just a big sook... but looks like he may have genuine reason to be Poor boy. Don't worry, you will figure it out and it WILL be over one day. He's young and got plenty of time to make up for this lost time later.

Best of luck and let us know how he goes. But I feel your disappointment, truly. We had setbacks with Chloe's first op - nothing big, the bone break was just slow to heal and couldn't be declared a success until it did. It was very frustrating, so I can only imagine how you must be feeling.

You'll get there, trust me.

[Tru Borders]

You're the best Kel thankyou

[Tru Borders]

Vet visit today, but nothing to report as we are seeing the specialist on Tuesday.

Will update then.

[Kelly_Louise]

Vet visit today, but nothing to report as we are seeing the specialist on Tuesday.

Will update then.

Will keep fingers crossed for a miracle until then.. but you're old hat at all this now, could do it again with your eyes closed couldn't you?

[Tru Borders]

Vet visit today, but nothing to report as we are seeing the specialist on Tuesday.

Will update then.

Will keep fingers crossed for a miracle until then.. but you're old hat at all this now, could do it again with your eyes closed couldn't you?

So true Kelly Not even worried if we have to have more surgery, just want my baby boy better!!

Fingers crossed

[Tru Borders]

So we are booked in for Surgery next Tuesday to have cartilage removed.

Our specialist said that only around 4% of TPLO recipients have this problem during recovery. She felt so bad, but of course it was not her fault.

Approx a 2 week recovery and she hopes that after this is done he should be almost back to normal within 4 weeks.

Im not getting too hopeful, shall take it a day at a time.

[Kelly_Louise]

So we are booked in for Surgery next Tuesday to have cartilage removed.

Our specialist said that only around 4% of TPLO recipients have this problem during recovery. She felt so bad, but of course it was not her fault.

Approx a 2 week recovery and she hopes that after this is done he should be almost back to normal within 4 weeks.

Im not getting too hopeful, shall take it a day at a time.

Is that the meniscus?

Well I guess it can't be helped... still to have to have you go through it all again is a nightmare. Is the post op routine the same (ie, confinement, on lead movement/toileting only)?

Not good news, but hopefully this time he will be good as new again

If she felt so bad she should do the op for free LOL!!!

Best of luck, will check in for updates.