Post-TPLO Issues

[takemebacktotulsa]

Good news - culture came back and it's not MRSA. Bad news - his limp is worse, even after 3 days of antibiotics. They want him back to see the surgeon tomorrow. They said be prepared to have surgery if it's determined that's what he needs. I feel horrible that he has had to go through this, angry that he may have an even tougher road ahead, and incredibly sad. Trying to stay positive for him, but this really, really sucks. I thought I was doing the right thing for him and now question the decision.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

Awh Paige, sorry you guys are having a rough time, it will work out, pawsitive thinking only. Thank goodness no MRSA! So sad that your having a rough go at it Keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers!

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

What a bummer. I'm so sorry you and poor Willis are going through this. Hopefully the surgeon can offer some relief and comfort. They may have to go in and clean out the infection, but hopefully that will make a world of difference! I've had (human) patients have to go back in for a "clean out" and they come back feeling better than ever sometimes.

 

[Murphy]

You can't second guess yourself Paige.. I know I did after finding that my Murphy's first surgery had been botched but we can only do what we think is right at the time. Just keep moving forward and it will eventually get better. :hugs:

 

[pecanpiepatti]

Sorry - just seeing this - sending Texas-sized prayers your way.

 

[Milliejb]

Jessica did Millie have TTA or TPLO?

QUOTE]
Mary, she had TTA... I guess this could be a difference if recovery process??

Paige, I am so sorry poor Willis is going through this!! Sending lots of hugs and prayers your way. Please keep us updated!!

 

[newflizzie]

Sending big hugs to you and Willis. Don't second guess yourself, you can only make the best decisions with the information you have, and knees are so tricky.

 

[NewfieMama]

Jessica did Millie have TTA or TPLO?

QUOTE]
Mary, she had TTA... I guess this could be a difference if recovery process??

Paige, I am so sorry poor Willis is going through this!! Sending lots of hugs and prayers your way. Please keep us updated!!

Yes, as far as I know there is a big difference in recovery process as the TTA is far less invasive than TPLO. So maybe that helps OP a little as well...

 

[Jager's Mom]

Prayers and good thoughts headed your way...

 

[takemebacktotulsa]

Willis thoroughly enjoyed the car ride, visiting with people and dogs and licking the surgeon clean today They want to add another antibiotic to the mix that they hope will prevent the infection from getting to the bone. We just need to make sure the bone heals now and if he's still having trouble we'll have go back in to remove the hardware. They said if he's not doing better in a couple of weeks they want to tap the joint, but I want to avoid that if we can. He's already been under twice this year and with a possible removal in the future, that's already more times than I'm comfortable with.

On the bright side, I feel like I could earn a degree in vet sciences with the medical knowledge I've gained in the past few months. If I could just get over the sight of blood, I may have a new career in front of me ;-)

Thank you all so much for the continued thoughts and prayers. Willis would give each and every one of you the sweetest possible sloppy licks if he could just reach you!

 

[Murphy]

Willis thoroughly enjoyed the car ride, visiting with people and dogs and licking the surgeon clean today They want to add another antibiotic to the mix that they hope will prevent the infection from getting to the bone. We just need to make sure the bone heals now and if he's still having trouble we'll have go back in to remove the hardware. They said if he's not doing better in a couple of weeks they want to tap the joint, but I want to avoid that if we can. He's already been under twice this year and with a possible removal in the future, that's already more times than I'm comfortable with.

On the bright side, I feel like I could earn a degree in vet sciences with the medical knowledge I've gained in the past few months. If I could just get over the sight of blood, I may have a new career in front of me ;-)

Thank you all so much for the continued thoughts and prayers. Willis would give each and every one of you the sweetest possible sloppy licks if he could just reach you!

I'll take one of those kisses please.... :sunflower:

 

[NewfieMama]

Yay Willis! What antibiotics is he on now? When Zuzu had her infections we had some craaazy drug cocktails and wound washes...IKWYM about feeling ready to be a vet tech after all this.

Hope he is on the mend and that the pins can stay in his leg!

 

[takemebacktotulsa]

Yay Willis! What antibiotics is he on now? When Zuzu had her infections we had some craaazy drug cocktails and wound washes...IKWYM about feeling ready to be a vet tech after all this.

Hope he is on the mend and that the pins can stay in his leg!

Thanks, Mary. He's on Cephalexin to fight what was found in the culture and Clindamycin was added yesterday. Along with the Rimadyl, joint supplement, heart meds, probiotics and salmon oil it seems like he gets more pills and supplements than food.

 

[Codes]

Coming into this very late. I'm so sorry there were such setbacks. I hope he does well from here on out. Lots of good thougths coming your way,.

 

[lacey9875]

Just seeing this, glad it wasn't MSRA! Just remember, Willis has no idea what is really going on-all he knows is he gets car rides to the place where he can smooch people.

 

[takemebacktotulsa]

We could use a few more prayers if you have any to spare.

I took Willis to a vet specializing in rehab to be evaluated today. Because of the infection and the fact he's still limping (even though they say this is normal) I guess my intuition is telling me something may not be right, and I didn't want to wait 2 more weeks until we are scheduled to go in for 8 week x-rays.

So she's taking measurements, telling me he looks really good, until she gets to the stifle extension. He's at 115 when normal is 125-140. Even though recently he's been lifting his good leg to pee, bearing weight on the bad leg, apparently he's only bearing weight at 7% when he should be at 12%. She called the surgeon to discuss and he wants to see Willis this week.

She maintains hardware can come out now and should, even if the bone hasn't healed. I thought the bone had to heal before they would consider removing the plate? I guess the worry is infection is keeping him from healing and could be in the bone, in which case they would need to amputate. She doesn't want to worry me by saying that (um, OK?) but she hopes they have caught it in time.

Please say a prayer for us. It sounds like we're going to need all the positive thoughts and energy we can get.

 

[Milliejb]

Ugh.... You guys have been through way too much already... Sending lots of prayers and healing thoughts!

 

[Murphy]

:grouphug: I am sorry you are going through such terrible anxiety.. Sadly I remember it all too well... so will just say I am sorry.... and pray for the best possible outcome... I know you are already doing this but just be with him as much as you can... and he will know and love you for it.. as my Murphy did..

 

[Ginny]

Good grief - what a series of events. Focus on the positive, not on the words of the rehab vet. I swear that worrying becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. It's easier said than done, I know.

Give Willis a big hug and kiss. Positive thoughts coming from here.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

Many prayers for you both. I think that is a worst case scenario, I have heard of some dogs rejecting the materials. I met a vet student at friends party and I saw the implant on his keychain and we spent hours talking. He told me a story about a German Shepherd, his body fought the implant and he watched/helped in the surgery and the surgeon ended up removing the implant and gave him the plate from his first surgery...so I know it can be done and as for amputate, I don't think that should have even enter into the conversation at this point. Don't panic Paige!!! Stick with your gut, sounds like you've got great motherly instincts.