bilby Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 (edited) That is one slinky dame, Antoinette !! I think Bouf's fallen in love. Thanks again for all your help .. I'll be asking, be sure of that Edited August 3, 2006 by bilby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berly Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 Hi all, Wow thanks for the advice! Bilby, it seems you and I are in the same boat so hopefully we can help each out esp with the advice given by Kelly Louise and Malleerr and others. Thanks again, you have no idea how much this has made me feel better about Jordan. He comes home tomorrow because i was at work all day and then went out as i figured i will be home for a long long time hanging out with Jordan. I'm 22 so try explaining to your friends and boyfriend that you don't want to go out because you have to look after your dog...so i let him stay at the vet one more night so i can bring him home tomorrow morning and monitor him all day, that way if need be i can call the vet without waking him at 2 in the morning. I'm really worried about his reaction to being confined. But at least with the crate his movements are limited so he won't be able to do too much damage. The neighbours have been warned that there could be a lot of whining for the next couple of weeks, but they are animal lovers too and have offered to keep an eye on him with me so that's great. I will definately bring a towel for him to walk on when we get to the vet as I am sure he will be overly excited to see me and he's a bit clumsy because of his size; imagine a cartoon image of a dog running so fast that he has to come to skid a few metres in order to stop, sound effects and all...that's Jordan... Malleerr, I'm glad mallee is doing well, i read (well most of it, this thread is 25 pages after all) about all the problems you've had but its good to see she's on the road to recovery well and truly. Ditto Chloe, you seemed to have so many worries and concerns but its all worked out for the best Kelly Louise, I only hope Jordan will be back to his usual goofy self soon. Anyways I'm going to go have another check of Jordan's new living arrangements and make sure it's all ready to go. I think I need more blankets to make sure the floor of his cage isn't too slippery. Oh and here are some photos of Jordan in his hey day. I'm sure I will be back tomorrow to post thousands of questions that I will no doubt have when he gets home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berly Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 Photos of Jordan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berly Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 Photos of Jordan (Hope this actually works, if not sorry I will try next time) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malleerr Posted August 3, 2006 Share Posted August 3, 2006 (edited) Hey Berly, When Mallee was in her crate we put that non-slip stuff down then a towel then just her blanket. The non slip and the towel really helped things not to move around too much, making it easier for her to get up and change sides....i found that when i had too many blankets in there Mallee just found it too hard to get up, and things did seem to move around more. We stuck to just a thick woollen blanket folded up and a fluffy on top of that. The fluffys are good cos in case they have a little accident in the cage it draws that moisture to the bottom of the fluffy, yet the top stays dry. Good luck with it - hope Jordon is home soon and that you guys are ok. Catch you all later Antoinette and Mallee Moo Edited August 4, 2006 by malleerr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berly Posted August 4, 2006 Share Posted August 4, 2006 Hey Berly,When Mallee was in her crate we put that non-slip stuff down then a towel then just her blanket. The non slip and the towel really helped things not to move around too much, making it easier for her to get up and change sides....i found that when i had too many blankets in there Mallee just found it too hard to get up, and things did seem to move around more. We stuck to just a thick woollen blanket folded up and a fluffy on top of that. The fluffys are good cos in case they have a little accident in the cage it draws that moisture to the bottom of the fluffy, yet the top stays dry. Good luck with it - hope Jordon is home soon and that you guys are ok. Catch you all later Antoinette and Mallee Moo Antoinette, i just read your post after coming back from the shops to stock up on treats etc and i went past some non slip mats that would be perfect for his crate because i was thinking it was too slippery with the blanket straight on top of the plastic tray, so there you go! Thanks anyway!! Jordan is at home now, been here for about 15 minutes and is whining and whimpering in his crate wanting out but hopefully he will calm down soon. The vet said he was really good and only got taken to go the the toilet twice a day and had no accidents so maybe my original plan every 4 hours is a little extreme so i might make it 3-4 times a day instead....apart from that everything seems to be ok for now but we'll see. Thanks again, Kim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 4, 2006 Author Share Posted August 4, 2006 Okay... firstly to set things straight... Antoinette, you can not fool us no matter how hard you try... we ALL know who the new lounge REALLY belongs to, so give it up!!! She is divine Antoinette, quite the princess!!! And Jordan... another cutie. Thanks for the pics, he looks like a lovely old boy. Glad to hear that he's home. I'm sure he will settle down. Chloe was like that too and it took her quite a few hours both times to settle. I think toileting 3 - 4 times sounds much better. When they are at the surgery they only ever get taken out 2 times a day and the poor buggers have to hold on... no one wants to toilet where they are lying!!! But you will discover when Jordan does or doesn't want to go and he will tell you when he's had enough. It sounds like you guys are doing a great job, and I'm hoping things go smoothly. Yes I do understand the strange looks of not understanding that you get from others when you say you have to stay at home and look after the dog. I've had it many times and I've had to take holidays just for Chloe as well. And when you tell people you've spent $10k plus on an 8yo dog.... you can almost see them thinking that you are crazy. But my girl means the world to me, so I'd do anything to make her comfy. Actually I took some time off work just to go out and buy her a new toy just now... I'm obsessed. Let us know how Jordan is going and the progress he makes. I'm not sure if you guys are already doing this or not, but you may want to start Jordan on diet or light food to keep his weight down during his inactive period. The less weight he can carry the better, and at 8 they usually carry a bit more weight than is necessary... but I'm not sure of your situation and what you are currently feeding. Best of luck, but sounds like he's in good hands!!! Bilby, how is Bouf going? Is he bearing anymore weight yet? Is he using it fully when walking or is he skipping on it? Hope he's continuing to improve anyway and we'd love another update. Everyday is another battle to get them through, and for you to get through sanely!!! Hugs to all the wounded and the dedicated carers.... and hugs to Mallee cause she is the cheekiest cutie and cause hell, she's been through the wars and soldiered on. Love to all, Kel and the Red Girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 4, 2006 Author Share Posted August 4, 2006 Oh and to answer your questions Antoinette, yes ChloBo will be going back for her next check up in the next couple of weeks. I've actually lost count so I will have to check the exact date. She's going great guns with her new bed and her inside status. She also thinks she's the ants pants cause she can climb the stairs all on her own... She struggles a little on the slick floor inside, especially sitting down and then getting up. I think she needs more strength but she certainly doesn't look like she's hurting anymore. So I'm off this weekend to buy a large mat for her little room so that she doesn't have to deal with the slippery floor and slide her legs when she's sitting and standing. And another good sign is that she has a WAIST now.... so the diet is still working. She goes for short walks and also goes to visit the puppy up the street on a daily basis (no playing though... just to say hello and goodbye from opposite sides of fence). Just so great though!!! Fingers will be crossed for the next check up but my little survivor is doing well. Better go, I've been talking dogs for way too long... Love to you, Kel and ChloBo (who sends you a big kiss cause she knows you love her!!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berly Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 Hello all, Just an update on Jordan. He came home Friday and whimpered for about 30mins, and then settled right down and has been very well behaved. It's still early days (day 3 today) but I'm so relieved by his behaviour. I was anticipating breakouts from the crate and all sorts of worse case scenarios. but he has been such a good sport - amazingly he has learnt to go to the toilet on command which is quite astounding considering I never taught him, but he has no issues getting taken out of the crate to go to the toilet on leash and back in the crate. Thanks for the tip on food KL, I'm still trying to find the right balance when adjusting his food but so far going well - he did have diarrhea the first night but i figured it was due to the change of food from the vet and home and also as I had bought so many different treats for him, i gave him a sample of each one throughout the day..oops. Apart from that things are going swimmingly...He's bearing some weight on his leg - its about the same amount pre-op, i just hope he takes to the ligament well... Can i ask why is Chloe on a diet? Did she put a lot of wieght on whilst recuperating?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noele Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Hello all, I have been reading all the past posts on this thread. great to read that all the patients are doing well, I have a 9 mth old blue heeler (Katy) she had the cruciate ligament op about 12 wks ago, she has had a weekly course of cartrophen and now has had 2 injections cartrophen 4 wks apart, to be followed by another in 4 wks. She is weight bearing on the leg most of the time but she still limps from time to time, also the knee that was operated on is much fatter than the other. Vet doesn't seem concerned said that she probably limps as the muscle is still weak. How long before the limp stops? does it ever stop. the knee is not hot just bigger than the other is this normal part of recovery. I hope this all makes sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 7, 2006 Author Share Posted August 7, 2006 Hi Berly... great news that Jordan is adjusting so well... what a good boy. It's always hard on the ones that have been used to a certain way of life for so long, but the resilience and adaptability amazes me. It will make life a bit easier for you too!!! To answer your question, Chloe was a bit overweight before the op so that's when the diet began. With these problems, it's best that they are kept as lean as possible to take pressure off the leg. But with the restricted activity and the length of recovery, you may find that Jordan will put on weight as he is not burning his food off with exercise... which will not be good for the leg. Also at their age they tend to put on weight more easily than others. So during this inactive period I would maybe try to either cut down his portions or put him on a diet food. Chloe is on Hills Prescription R/D diet food mixed with fresh boiled chicken breast and also the cooking juices drizzled on to soften the Hills dry food as I don't know if she likes the taste too much... but so far it's the only way we have been able to get her to shift weight and continuously keep her as lean as possible. Chloe also suffered diarrohea at first as well, due to some diet changes etc. Maybe speak to your vet about whether Jordan will require any special dietary changes whilst he is on restricted activity. And try to keep any treats etc as low fat as possible. Thanks for the update Berly, and really proud of your boy Jordan for holding up so well. It's good to hear that he's also bearing some weight and not in too much discomfort. Go Jordan!!! Give him a big hug from all of us for being such a brave boy!!! Keep us updated! Love, Kel and Chloe (who is has her cheerleader outfit and doing a cheer dance for Jordan!! - a sight for sore eyes!!!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 7, 2006 Author Share Posted August 7, 2006 Hi Noele ;) Sorry I didn't reply in the above post we must have posted at the same time. Chloe does not limp at all now and only limped for the first couple of weeks after her op. May I ask what method of operation Katy had on her leg? It doesn't sound normal for her to be having Cartrophen injections so soon after the operation if it was successful. Even Chloe (who lived on Cartrophen) has not had a shot for over a year and our surgeon thinks she will not need them until she is much older with arthritis. Has she damaged her other cruciate maybe? Maybe her meniscus is giving her problems if it was not removed and this can cause a limp? Chloe actually lost muscle tone before and just after her op and slowly built up muscle mass from there, but I'm not sure why your girls leg would appear swollen so long after surgery. Is the limp pronounced or just a slight on/off thing? If your vet is not giving you the assurance you need I would perhaps go for a second opinion elsewhere or with a specialist. Sorry for all the questions. I would be very worried if I was in your position as well. Hopefully all is well with your little Katy, however it sounds very different to the expectations we were given with Chloe's recovery. But it may be a different method etc and I'm certainly no expert!! Please let us know how you go and if Katy improves any... and of course if you've read the thread you know I'm a heeler fan... soooooo, pics please!!! I had a blue heeler previous to Chloe who I adored. Sending healing thoughts Katy's way, Kel and Chlo the Red Heeler!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noele Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Hi Kelly, thank you for replying, its interesting to know that Chloe has not been on cartrophen as post op medication, and did not limp 12 wks after her op, the procedure was to replace the torn ligaments with sinthetic one by way of suture I think, she doesn't limp all the time its mainly on rising after a nap/relaxing or if she has been naughty and engaged in rough play with Jack (whippet). Every time she starts to limp I panic thinking she has damaged her knee, I am taking her to the vet on the 10th for yet another cartrophen injection and I will ask lots of questions regarding the swelling, limp and why so many injections in a dog so young, I was initially told she needed the course to avoid arthritus. I did think that the limping was because she was stiff, the swelling does not appear to be painfull and she is fully weight bearing after she has loosened up. I don't think she has damaged other cruciate as i am pretty sure vet said he had replaced them all. Does that sound right? I will have answers after we have seen vet and will let you know. Katy doesn't sit straight anymore either she kind of looks like she is reclining to the side with her weak leg sticking out, does that make sense?. I would love to post pictures of both Katy and Jack just haven't figured out how to shrink them to 40k, I am working on it, I am sure its not that hard just need to put in some time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 7, 2006 Author Share Posted August 7, 2006 Yes Chloe also sits with one of her legs stuck straight out... it's quite common with cruciate injuries and one of the symptoms that a dog has a cruciate problem (wish I'd known that a year ago!!!). I'm not very knowledgable on the suture method - not sure what the recovery expectations are but I believe they take longer to heal than other methods. That's what Chloe was supposed to have but it was thought that the osteotomy was safer for her, especially at her age/weight. I have heard there are many things that can go wrong with the suture method like a reaction to the materials used etc. Could this maybe causing the swelling? I hope not, but if the surgery was unsuccessful in anyway I would assume that she would be limping pretty constantly. Chloe was only on medication for the first 4 weeks or so (on the second leg but the surgeon didn't even want it to go on for that long), but it really wasn't necessary for that long, so not sure why they are still using Cartrophen as a pain killer/arthritis prevention. Yes I would definitely ask lots of questions as to the methods they are treating Katy with, and also the longer term plan for her... eg when you should see an improvement in the limp, when you can expect her to be off medication and what is needed to help her in the future (if you haven't already that is!!!). Do you also give her Glucosamine or joint supplements to help her? It may also help to avoid arthritis longer term. If she is weight bearing though that's a good sign. The meniscus that I mentioned can cause painful problems if it is damaged and lolling around between the bones. Chloe had both of hers removed, but I'm not sure if it is necessary with the suture method. If this was a problem though you would probably hear a clicking sound coming from her knee and it would cause lameness. It may just be that Katy hasn't built up the required strength to fully rely on her leg yet. But it sounds like you are keeping a close watch on her and I'm sure the vet will be able to put your mind at ease when you visit. Can't wait to see the pics... If you have problems putting them on PM me and I will try to help (yes it always takes me a while as well!!) Best wishes to you and Katy... and Jack from Kel and Chloe PS. CHLOE IS BOOKED IN FOR NEXT TUESDAY THE 15TH FOR HER XRAYS!!!! YAAY & FINGERS CROSSED!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malleerr Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 The 15th *mmm.........makes mental note* mental note will probably not work so its off to the diary to make a proper note that will be remembered!!! Good luck Kel!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 7, 2006 Author Share Posted August 7, 2006 Thanks Antoinette... hope you saw my post above that was regarding possession of the new lounge!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malleerr Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Yeah i did Kel ............... just chose to ignore it ..................... cheeky cheeky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 7, 2006 Author Share Posted August 7, 2006 She DOES look rather regal though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malleerr Posted August 7, 2006 Share Posted August 7, 2006 Yeah and doesn't she know it.................................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 7, 2006 Author Share Posted August 7, 2006 (edited) Speaking of spoilt rotten... guess who claimed my toothbrush - YES TOOTHBRUSH (she lurves toothpaste) - when I left my bag unattended??? Yes the Red Devil... wouldn't give it back either and promptly plopped herself on top of my bag so that I couldn't get it either and gave a warning bark to anyone who dared come too close to take it away. Now once something is touched by the ChloBo, it's never returned... So don't feel so bad... I know the feeling. She really should have been a sniffer dog the way she fully inspects all bags that enter or leave our premises... nothing gets past her, not even my poor toothbrush. Edited August 7, 2006 by Kelly_Louise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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