bilby Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 (edited) Hullo, berly - good news about Jordan ! . ( I would have replied earlier but have had a filthy cold since last Friday .. hmmm .. could this be connected to multiple trips outside standing in the freezing cold waiting for the on-leash wee to happen ?) Don't want to put a downer on it, but Bouf was very docile for the first 10 days till the medication stopped... then started to step up the whining activity against being confined. Thereagain, he's in a small room inside (my "office") where the dogs always lie with me when I'm home, so for him, the frustration may have been hearing the other dogs outside rather than the confinement. For Jordan at least he's able to become used to his new quarters during this time. Great to hear he's already bearing weight on that leg. Bouf hopped for a week & our progress there was slower than expected when we went at 14 days. .. maybe again just cause of his size. Since then though, I've worked on the passive physio & he is weight bearing 99% of the time. Getting quite sparky too .. tried to do a twizzle ( spinning on the spot) today which just about gave me heart failure. Noele, I didn't pay that much attention to my surgeon when he was explaining the different results for the suture / prosthesis methods, because it wasn't appropriate for a dog of Bouf's size... he was explaining all the options. BUT I do remember him saying that 1 method did have a "cosmetic" drawback as the knee operated on would have be chunkier than the other .. but I'm sorry I don't remember the exact procedure. With regards to the weak muscle I have a pretty strict rehab prgram to follow for Bouf in order to build up the hamstring muscle for the 6-12 weeks post-ip period. His left hand muscle was wasted pre-op due to sustained lameness ( why did I listen to that 1st vet ) & the stronger his hamstring muscle is the less work for the plate/bone to do. Like Kelly I wish I'd known that that leg stuck out was a typical cruciate signal. Also like Cleo, Bouf isn't having Cartrophen any more .. I would be worried that its usage would disguise the symptoms. I love the stuff - it's brilliant when used appropriately .. my 9 year old GSD is like a puppy since getting it. But what it did for Bouf ( I now believe) was mask his pain & cause further damage. I wasted 2 years & 4 months with the wrong vets before getting poor old Bouf diagnosed & treated properly. I truly would be thinking of getting a 2nd opinion. Maybe your vet is right .. but it'd save you a heap of money long term if he's wrong. Do you have a University or teaching vet school anywhere near you ? Love to see the pictures of Jack & Katy. It took me ages to work out how to get mine in here! KL & Chloe ... 14TH AUGUST posted on my board for those extra special goodwishes to start flowing ( have to set off a bit early to get them across from WA in time for the 15th) Edited August 8, 2006 by bilby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 8, 2006 Author Share Posted August 8, 2006 Hi Bilby, great to hear from you. I'm very glad to hear that Bouf (and yourself) is slowly improving!! It's very disappointing when their recovery doesn't follow the 'norm', but never get disheartened. Chloe's first leg was probably 2 months slower than normal but she healed eventually. You also have to remember that Bouf's other leg (from memory) isn't that crash hot either, so he's doing remarkably well. Actually your story sounds very similar to Chloe's and mine. A sort of incorrect diagnosis and Cartrophen disguising the symptoms for some time and in the mean time doing even more damage. I also found that after the painkillers, Chloe started to become more active of her own accord and feel the restriction more. This is the danger period, and I can fully understand how you feel everytime they move too quick or jerk in some way... your stomach just wants to heave and your mind thinks of all the disasters that can happen. That's why in my previous posts I spoke alot about feeling like I was going insane with worry. But it's only natural and does get easier... so hang in there!!! It's now that the boredom sets in also so you have to monitor/supervise/entertain/discipline... while all the while feeling so sorry for the poor buggers!!! So when do you go back for your first follow up xray with Bouf? It sounds like your boy had specialist surgery with an ortho surgeon right? They cost a bomb but don't they just make you feel so confident that all will be well? Thanks heaps for the well wishes and kind thoughts Bilby. We have learnt to deal with the disappointment and not take news too badly, as long as she is always improving since the last xrays is the very best I hope for. And then when the news comes through that it's healed.... well it makes it all even sweeter!!! Lotsa love, Kel and ChloBo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 8, 2006 Author Share Posted August 8, 2006 Some breaking news: Chloe's appointment will now be on the 22nd of August due to the surgeon being on holidays next week... Oh another week to wait!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malleerr Posted August 8, 2006 Share Posted August 8, 2006 Righto changing the diary note now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artechim Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 Hi. My beautiful Lab/Staffie X had her cruciate ligament replaced when she was 9 years old. We were told that they replaced the ligament with a muscle taken from her leg. After the initial crating after the op, she wouldn't walk on it for quite a while but eventually she started using her leg again. She limped slightly and would not use the leg if she was running. I gave her glucosamine which did seem to help, both with the ligament and her arthritis. She still limped until she passed away at age 13. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 9, 2006 Author Share Posted August 9, 2006 Hi Artechim! That seems to be a very common thing for dogs that have undergone the suture method and similar. Even Koza said that Stella still limps sometimes and holds it off the ground and when running etc. Perhaps it has something to do with the surgery type perhaps? Not sure, but it would worry the life out of me if Chloe did not use it properly or limped... I'd live at the surgeons!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berly Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 Hi Artechim, Thanks for your post and the info. Jordan my 8year old GSD just had his cruciate ligament replaced last week so it's always good to hear the experiences of people who've gone through it before. Even though he is recovering well and not putting any undue strain on his leg whilst he is in the crate, I'm preparing myself for the worse. He is after all a huge dog (50kg) but as a uni student the replacement ligament procedue was the only way to go due to finances (or rather lack of). He's limping on it atm (same as pre op) and he does bear weight on it which I wish he wouldn't - it just seems to early to try to use his leg too much, but try telling that to a dog who weighs more than you do. Bilby, thanks for pointing out that after the drugs ran out Bouf got more restless- I didn't even think of that! At least I am somewhat prepared. However now I stressing out because Jordan loves to "twizzle?" ie spin around on the spot before lying down - I can't stop him from doing it!! If i try to get him to stops and twists to face me and gets up etc all way too quickly for my liking. We are going to the vet today for a check up (all post op appointments are free - thank god) to take the stiches off his face (he had a lump removed from there 3 days before he ruptured his ligament) and I am really worried about his excitement level - I've done the best I can in terms of preparing the car for the quick journey but getting out of car is what is giving me a nervous breakdown, but we'll see what happens today. I'm keen to get him off his drugs because I can really see the difference in his movements first thing in the morning ie when his painkillers have worn off and his movements are much slower and he knows to take it easy. Will report back after vet. PS on my questions list - diet, painkillers, what else should i ask?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malleerr Posted August 9, 2006 Share Posted August 9, 2006 Hey Berly, When we were taking Mallee out in the car - it was a hugh stress so i know what you are going through - you have probably already left for the vets but i still keep on typing this out.......lol...... I was really worried about Mallee slipped and sliding all over the place in the car so we piled up heaps of cushions and blankets between the back seat and the front seats so that it was an even level and wider all the way across, so i then did not have to worry about her falling off the seat. Not sure about getting her in and out of the car by myself though, that would be a nightmare. Hope it all goes well for you two. Surely if you are there by yourself someone would give you a hand. Hugs to Jordon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 9, 2006 Author Share Posted August 9, 2006 Best of luck Berly and Jordan!!! I would enquire about diet in particular (he's a big boy!!) as he needs to be carrying as less weight as possible on his leg. Maybe also his expected activity levels and the changing nature of his post op care in the coming few weeks. Ummmm, mind isn't working at the moment but I'm sure that the vet will let you know if you guys are heading in the right direction. Definitely let us know how you go and we are all hoping that it's good news for Jordan. Sending lots of healing hugs Jordan's way... Kel and Chloe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 14, 2006 Author Share Posted August 14, 2006 Any updates on the patients? We'd love to hear how they are going!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berly Posted August 16, 2006 Share Posted August 16, 2006 Any updates on the patients? We'd love to hear how they are going!! It's official - i hate going to the vet! It is so stressful because I'm trying to keep Jordan calm but after a week in a cage he is just too excited for his own damn good, I can just foresee him hurting himself getting in and out of the car. Antoinette - I used milk crates and towels over them to leseen the gap between front seat and back seat, works quite well, and as for him charging out of the car like a maniac, all i can do is give him as much room as possible and move the seatbelt etc well out of the way and hope for the best - at least my car is quite low to the ground so it could be a lot worse... Anyway, his stiches came off today - nice clean wound, barely a scar so thats good AND the vet had a good feel of it and he was really pleased with the results!!! He didnt think Jordan would be at this stage so early, apparently it's very stable and weight bearing is ideal so fingers crossed it wont be 1 step forward 2 steps back! When Jordan came off his meds I thought he was going to be quite restless but he was fine, no change actually. So all I can do is keep doing what I'm doing and hope for the best and that he keeps recovering at this rate. It all just seems to good to be true, so I am super paranoid that something will go horribly wrong. I don't have to see the vet for another 3 weeks - phew, no more stressful trips for a little while and I'm just going to concentrate on getting his wieght down. He's 49 kg atm - big dog I know but he's quite tall (he used to be 60kg when he was a chubba wubba) but he has a waist and you can feel his ribs no problem, so he's not overwieght atm but I would like to see him slim down as much as possible. Been feeding him lots of veggies whilst lessening his dry food intake. Bilby? How's Bouf going? Thanks for listening, -Kim- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilby Posted August 16, 2006 Share Posted August 16, 2006 Hullo Everyone .. I seem to be hurtling from minor crisis to crisis here so please excuse the lack of response from time to time. It's not because of lack of interest I promise ! Since getting back from my 1st ever 4-week holiday 2 months ago: - I've hit a huge roo in my itsy-bitsy Daewoo Matiz. He just rolled off the (very concave) bonnet, gave me the evilest eye & bounded off .. but I missed 5 days at work because of no transport - Bouf's diagnosis a week after I got back .. have missed at least 9 days since then re procedures, recovery etc. - the filthy cold... missed 1 day + (the latest drama tooth abscess: 1 day for 1st visit to dentist for "treatment" ($106) : 2nd day for emergency extraction on same tooth 5 days later. What a rip-off ! I'm not whinging .. everythings turns out OK eventually but just explaining why I'm not on-line as much. My employer & colleagues (all non-pet owning city types) are wonderful .. very tolerant. ..specially as I now come in at least an hour later on the odd days that I do turn up.. & leave early if for some reason, my son Nathan won't be home by 4.30 as usual. There again, I have gone in on weekends & at 4am to try & catch up if Richard's here to take over the nursing. I think that when they heard the cost they just decided I'm obviously completely nuts and it's best to humour me. I'm taking tomorrow off as the much beloved dog-wash man comes & I think Bouf would go crazy if he heard Ian with the other dogs & couldn't get out to slurp on him. .. even that was acceptable ! So .. now to actually replying ... Kim So pleased to hear that Jordan's doing so well I fully understand the financial decision. Luckily I had refinanced the house for my trip, & borrowed some more to renovate the worst bathroom in Australia which I've put up with for the last 16 years when I got back. Bathroom ? Bouf ? Bathroom ? Bouf? Hey .. what's a hole in the roof & the grottiest concrete shower stall etc etc ? Not a hard decision but being a lot older than you & with some equity, I was able to borrow the money. Bouf weighs 51.5 kg now so similar to Jordan's weight. BUT Bouf is so so lean. He weighed 55 kg at 10 months old. His hamstring on the bad leg is non existent. He could never be any lighter and still be healthy & as we build up that muscle. he will add weight. Also Mastiffs don't stop growing till 4 (apparently!) & he turned 3 yesterday. I doubt he'll get any taller (surely !!) but he may bulk out a bit in the next year. ie long term he will be carrying more weight on those legs, not less. Also, it is assumed that Bouf's conformation was what caused the deterioration, so fixing the ligament without fixing the mechanics of the leg wouldn't work. Since Jordan is 5 years older, his is maybe a one-off injury ? Or a much lower rate of stress so the implant is probably quite appropriate for him. Hey listen to me !! Expert I didn't even know what a cruciate ligament really was 2 months ago JMHO It's storming outside .. so I mught just post in instalments before I lose this ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 16, 2006 Author Share Posted August 16, 2006 I think that when they heard the cost they just decided I'm obviously completely nuts and it's best to humour me. Boy don't we all know that feeling!!! Yes my colleagues (barr one doggy person) have also surmised that I am, in fact, absolutely insane for paying $10k to save my old girl. They think I am really generous, but as they walk away I see them rolling their eyes!!! I am glad to hear that both patients are doing well!!! That's fantastic news. Berly you must be so pleased to hear the positive news from the vet!! I agree that you must be doing something right!! Keep up the great work!!! Bilby, I hear you. If it doesn't rain, it just pours. It seems just when feel that things are on the right track, something else happens that requires even more of your attention. Heheehehe, been there!!! So we understand why you haven't been on much, but thanks for dropping in with your very limited spare time to update us. Hope the lovely Bouf is well and happy. Like you, I didn't even know cruciate injuries could occur, but it is amazing how quickly we become experts when we are thrown into that world!!! Great to hear from you guys anyway!! Can't wait for Chloe's appt next week, although I almost heaved my dinner the other night when I saw Chloe strangely jerking her leg off the ground everytime she put it down. I was imagining re-broken leg, snapped plates, unhinged screws etc etc etc, so I nervously followed her around asking her what was wrong in a panicky high pitched voice (yeah like she will just turn around and explain her issues), when I realised that she just had something tickling the pad of her foot!!! For a moment there I thought I was going to pass out Oh the things we do!!! Hugs to the patients!!! Love Kel and ChloBo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bilby Posted August 21, 2006 Share Posted August 21, 2006 Fingers crossed for a great outcome today, Kel & Chloe Loads of good wishes from Bouf & his mates & me of course Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malleerr Posted August 21, 2006 Share Posted August 21, 2006 Good Luck today Kel and Chloe, am thinking of you both. Don't start biting those nails Kelly.................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 22, 2006 Author Share Posted August 22, 2006 Awwwwwwww, thank guys... It means alot!!! Well not off to a good start... Chloe has put on 1 kilo I know that's not TOO much, but she is still not at her goal weight yet so it's a bit of a set back, especially since she has been a bit more active of late. Oh well, have to cut back even further!!! Poor girl. And boy did she put on a turn today. She tensed all legs and just wouldn't move once we got through the surgery doors. Eventually once she started going though no one let her stop and she went reluctantly with the vet nurse. So I should hopefully have a verdict by 3 - 4ish this afternoon, so I will let you guys know as soon as possible. Don't get hopes up, I haven't... but know that she's doing well regardless for an old chook And back to normal vet for vaccinations next week... She's gonna hate me!!! With all the well wishes being sent, I'm sure Chloe will be fine. Thanks again! Lotsa love, Kel and Chloe - now in her favourite (NOT) day spa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly_Louise Posted August 22, 2006 Author Share Posted August 22, 2006 She is HEALED!!!! HOORAY!!! The surgeon was very pleased and said that it was 99% healed and that the rest to go would not cause her any problems at all... and... NO MORE XRAYS!!! I can't tell you how good this feels... OMG... only negative was her weight, but apart from that.... WE ARE DONE!!! My little girl finally has her new legs... WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fungles Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 WOOOHOOOO indeed. I've been reading this thread from way back when you first had the ops on Chloe. My boy had cruciate surgery around the same time, and he is finally almost healed too. God it is such a good feeling! Enjoy (and hugs for Chloe too) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavNrott Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 (edited) . Edited May 9, 2009 by cavNrott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fido666 Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Hi ya Kel , That fabulous news about Chloe, isn't it great to get the all clear at last :D . Cheers, Corine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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