CCL Tear :(

[ZeusTitan]

The doctor said that Zeus's angle was originally at 33 degrees but he only removed 2 degrees per his discretion... it's so hard to get detailed information from these surgeons, I know that a normal angle is around 25 degrees so I wonder why he would only take 2 degrees off?

 

[suse]

I am sorry we have to welcome you to our club
Try to prepare yourself for a long haul. The first two weeks at home are very difficult, just because they are so labor intensive. You have to help them up and down, support their weight when outside, deal with pain, etc, etc. I wasn't prepared for the fact that they won't eat for a long time afterwards and it was so frustrating trying to find something Seamus would eat. (He's the one dog here who didn't like Satin balls.) Seamus peed on himself a couple of times and it was difficult cleaning him since he couldn't stand, etc.

BUT on the brightside....they do improve and it does get easier...just hang in there. And when you get frustrated come back here and post....all who have been through this are such a tremendous support. When I was ready to cry, they were here for encouragement. I must have driven noblenewf nuts with my millions of pm's, but she always responded and was a tremendous help. I seriously don't know how people get by without NewfNet!

Best wishes coming your way from here. Hang in there and it will be ok.

 

[jill]

I feel for all of you!!! Most of all I feel bad for our Newfies that have to endure the pain of the surgery and rehab.
Both of my dogs(now 4 years old) have had TPLO surgery.
Dixie has had both knees, the last was in October...she was not able to get up and crawled around the house like a seal.
Daisy has had only her left knee done(September 2008).

Today, Daisy is able to run. Dixie is able to gallop.

My family has spent 8200.00 in surgical bills.

Helpful hints:
Follow your surgeon's instructions about restricting weight bearing.
Use only a large sling or beach towel to assist with mobility. (i was told too small a sling or too tight a towel can cause pressure on their bladder).
Expect the dog to be incontinent at least once (mine were during the first 48 hrs at home)
Know that they may refuse even their favorite treat for a day or 2.
Know that they may not want to squat to poop for a day or 2.
Make sure they have no skid flooring everywhere.
Find a friend or place with a pool and start swimming as soon as you can (I was told after stiches came out)!!!

The rehab period of 6 to 8 weeks is long but worth it when you see them galloping again.

Know that this experience will make you love your dog more!!!!

 

[Diana]

Just wondering how Zeus (and you) are doing.

 

[BoundlessNewfs]

No experience with that, but sending prayers his way.

 

[Murphy]

The doctor said that Zeus's angle was originally at 33 degrees but he only removed 2 degrees per his discretion... it's so hard to get detailed information from these surgeons, I know that a normal angle is around 25 degrees so I wonder why he would only take 2 degrees off?

Is it possible you could have another surgeon review the before and after x rays ??? Perhaps that would clarify what was done and why.

How is the big guy doing???

 

[ZeusTitan]

Hey everyone, thank you for your prayers & well wishes!! My mom said Zeus is doing well, he cried when he was in his crate so she laid with him on the mudroom floor - he loves it because its so cold! She said his leg is completely shaved and the stitches are exposed - there's no bandage or brace or anything... is this normal? The surgeon & the vet both said we don't have to keep him contained which I find odd, just to keep his movements limited. Going outside is a whole different battle though... still trying to figure that one out. We built a ramp for him & covered the house in rugs - my mom said he's using the leg when he walks which I find odd. He seems to be really doing ok?

I'll post again with more updates as soon as I get home. I'm leaving immediately after class to spend a long weekend at home with the big guy. I'm having a really hard time being away from him during this time thanks again everyone, I don't know what I'd do without you!

 

[Diana]

Teddy didn't have a bandage or brace either - just a really ugly looking shaved leg. You REALLY should get a sling to support his back end when taking him out to potty - at the very least use an old towel or sheet. Maybe by not keeping him contained, they mean you don't need to crate him but you definitely need to limit him - an x-pen works really well.

 

[ZeusTitan]

We've got a few slings & we just ordered a really supportive one from a site I saw posted on the forum (handicappeddogs.com) so hopefully that will do the trick. Thanks for the input!

 

[Thule's Mom]

They are a sorry sight when they come home aren't they
Thule didn't have bandages or wraps either
Here are a few pics... to keep Zeus company in his misery! These were taken 7 march 09

She was shave right around from heel to heel because she had both cruciates done. The red bandage around the middle covers the pain patch medication; she had that on for I think it was three days after she came home (it might have been five, I've forgotten).

 

[Murphy]

Yup It's not pretty..

 

[Thule's Mom]

Jen - Murphy has his markings on his skin? Thule's white underneath. You think she'd be black .... curious!

they looked so sad didn't they! Bad mommies!

 

[noblenewf]

Yes they look quite pathetic at first. Gabe was so doped up...and very sad looking. He didn't have a bandage either...so that's normal. He also was bearing weight on his leg right away...not full weight but he was putting it to the ground and taking tiny steps with it. So that's really good that Zeus is using his leg already! Good sign! Gabe would not eat post op either...for about 2 weeks he lost his appetite. I think it was a combination of the antibiotics, anesthesia and just plain feeling crummy. Satin balls did the trick so if you have any issues with appetite give them a try. You can search for the recipe on here in prior threads. Our surgeon did not have us crate Gabe post op either...but you ABSOLUTELY DO have to limit his activity...his movement. Keep him gated in a safe area where he cannot escape, jump or slip. This is critical. I would not be lax about it...a lot of damage can be done if this is not followed. I'm very happy to hear that Zeus is doing well! Give him hugs from all of us here in the cruciate club. ;-)

 

[Thule's Mom]

Awww... poor babies....one day, I hope no Newf or any other pup will have to endure this!

 

[ZeusTitan]

Zeus is doing pretty well.....I think!

Hi everyone, my daughter Dana posted prior to his surgery & I just wanted to thank everyone for their expert advice so far! I posted originally last year when he was injured & you guys were amazing. I do have a couple of questions since the surgeon was so few on words with us prior to surgery!
It is now 5 days since Zeus had TPLO and I was reading the post op instructions which indicate Im supposed to do ROM stretching but Im not sure which way to do them!? Should I go in a pedal motion with the leg? Or slowly stretch/straighten? When massaging, I am gently rubbing high on the front of the leg, should I go near the knee? Also alot of the swelling has settled in his ankle area, which I would assume is normal? I ice him when he lets me but its definately not enough.

I consider this forum the experts because the surgeons dont deal with anything outside the operating room!

Thanks for your support!
Darcie

 

[Thule's Mom]

Swelling in the ankle area is normal - it will go away ... I didn't ice ... as for the stretching, we didn't do it because it was too uncomfortable for Thule. My vet didn't have a problem with me not doing them. Thule really did not want me touching her legs. She was stressed enough so I didn't push it.

 

[noblenewf]

Yes, the ankle swelling is totally normal. I did ice Gabe's knee because it seemed pretty swollen- he had a lot of arthritis in the knee that had to be cleaned out (he had traditional repair- not TPLO) so there was a lot of swelling in the knee joint. I would give it a while to heal up some- just for comfort purposes- before starting in with ROM exercises. I'm not a vet...so I'm no expert but I know that he probably is still quite sore after only 5 days out of surgery. Maybe by day 7 or 8 it should be better for him. When I did the ROM I did exactly what you described- the pedal motion (like pedaling a bike) and then I did quite a bit of massage of the thigh muscle and buttocks area. Really the best thing for him is swimming- if you can get him to a hydrotherapy pool that would be best. It helps strengthen the muscles of the leg tremendously without putting unnecessary weight on the knee joint. This has helped my boy a ton- and in the winter when he's not swimming as regularly I can definitely tell a difference in his movement. Hope this helps. Remember not to overdo it. Baby steps.

 

[suse]

The vet showed me to do this with ROM...support the knee with the palm of your hand and SLOWLY pull down on the leg, with your hand around the anke area to straighten (while he is lying on his side with the bad leg on top). Then put your hand under the foot and SLOWLY press up. Repeat maybe 5 times, then increase daily. We did not start this until after the stitches came out (2 weeks). Seamus HATED it and I needed someone to be by his head and tell him what a good boy he was so I could do it. And I also made sure he had a pain reliever about an hour ahead of time.

Don't be conservative with the pain reliever just yet. This is a painful procedure and it makes a big difference in their comfort. I also found out the tranquilizers were for when they started to feel really good and needed to stay settled. Not a lot, just enough to keep them quiet.

We made a ramp, too, and it was a tremendous help. We also used a long beach towel for the sling.

We didn't have to confine to a crate, either. But we were told to keep him in a small room. We blockaded the family room so he could be with us. That also helped to keep him calm.

I am so glad things are going well for you! Sounds like you are doing a great job. Hugs to your boy from me and a paw slap from Seamus.

 

[ZeusTitan]

Well, Zeus is doing well...so far...I think! He is out of morphine now, so I called to get something else for pain but the surgeon told me Zeus doesnt need it!!!?? Im sorry, but I disagree so I insisted on at least an anti-inflammatory. All I got was a 1 week supply of Previcox. Am I asking for something unnecessary?
Also, Ive been supporting Zeus when he walks with the sling, taking the weight off of his hind end which he told me is incorrect. It should only be used to prevent a slip?!? How can he heal if he is forced to aggravate it? Ugghhh. What should I do? Let him walk all on his own? It looks so painful. I must say it is wearing out my shoulder & back but I dont mind if it lessens his pain.
Any thoughts...as Im doubting everything the surgeon said!!
Thanks!!!

 

[Lori]

Please be very careful about Previcox. I know all meds work differently on different dogs, but read the posts on here about Previcox. I myself will not use it as there are other alternatives. I'm sure you will get more advice on it here.

Glad to hear he is home and doing well.