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Deuce · Dooney & Bourke

Doggie Knee Surgery

brazilian · Dooney & Bourke

Hi! My dog had this surgery around Thanksgiving. His full recovery time was 3-4 months (if I remember correctly, so I'm not sure why your vet said it would be so short). It was 8-10 weeks for them to be able to take the bandage wrap off and then I think another 8 weeks for him to be fully recovered and be able to go back to his usual activities. I thought it was going to be horrible for him, but he's not that active, so it worked out. Since youre dog is so active I'm not sure what you could do.

One thing we had to do for our dog during the first half of his recovery was take him out to the bathroom. He was not able to go out by himself, since he was not allowed to run. We also had to put a plastic bag and sock over his bandage wrap so it wouldnt get wet.

We were told to keep him in a small space so he could not run around. Also, he was not allowed to get up on the couch or bed like he usually does. We arranged our family room so he could only stay in about half the space. I would ask your vet how much space she can have. Then try to create that space for her in a spot he's comfortable in.

I'm sure you dont want to have her drugged all the time, but if she really cannot stay calm, then its something that might have to be done. I've given my dog sedetives before (we used to for parties so he wasnt in his crate barking the whole time). They are totally harmless for the dog. They just make them very drowsy.

Do you have any friends or family that could check up on your dog while your at work? I think just having someone to sit next to her and keep her company would help. (Or she may get excited and want to play...)

It might be difficult for your dog for a while, but it really is to her benefit. I'm sure things will go better than you expect. :)

-- Edited by brazilian at 12:14, 2007-06-15

brazilian · Dooney & Bourke

Sorry, double post.

-- Edited by brazilian at 12:14, 2007-06-15

halleybird · Hermes

Poor puppy! Halley had surgery about a year and a half ago, and she had to be kept calm for about 2 weeks afterward. She is terrified of the crate, too, so that wasn't even an option. Brazilian has some great suggestions. Also, chances are (for a little while anyway) he won't want to do much, and you'll probably have to give him pain pills that will make him a little sleepy. Do you have other dogs? That was our biggest problem, because Sully wouldn't leave her alone, and that got her going. Good luck!

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

My puppy had knee surgery at about 3 years old. It was her patella, not ccl, but still knee. She is also part pit!

She was given a cone, and sedatives and a bandage. The sedatives didn't work well, and she pinned the cone on her leg and ate the bandage and pulled the stitches.

Then, after the second vet visit to get her restitched, they gave her stronger sedatives and a bigger cone. The sedatives worked better, but when they wore off she again bent the cone, stretched and ate the bandage and pulled her stitiches.

The vet had never seen anything like this.

So, on the third trip, she got super sedatives, plus some stronger ones to take home, the biggest cone they had, and a cast.

This time it worked, the stitches healed, and she is fully active and hasn't had any problems. It was a successful surgury once it had a little time to heal!

So, the moral of the story is to take extra precautions.

But, do try to crate your dog, the less space she has to hurt herself, the better.

Good luck! Hopefully your puppy rests and is less determined to unstitch herself.

-gd

Deuce · Dooney & Bourke

Thanks everyone. I feel better knowing that it is a fairly common surgery.

After the surgery did your dogs fully recover after time? Do you notice any difference. I am afraid that even after surgery she will never be able to be fully active. Not that she is a spaz but being a pit she is a huge muscle and needs to exercise.
I think what me vet ment with that time frame is the crucial cannot do anything time.
We do have lots of friends who love Deuce and have already voulenteered to help. Fortunately we do not have other dogs to distract her.

brazilian · Dooney & Bourke

I'm sure she will fully recover and be able to be as active as she has been. Her muscles might not be as strong and prominent, but once she starts getting exercise again they should go back to normal.

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

My dog fully recovered, although I do cringe when hubby rough-houses with her. I am afraid for her leg, but it is more than fine. She is very active and rough, so I'm sure your puppy will be fine too.

For what it's worth. Nutro (and probably other brands) make a dog food with glucosimin condriton (I totally spelled that all wrong) which is proven to be good for human joints, so we buy that food (and, mix it with their dental formula) as an extra precaution for our dog, (and the investment that was a $1000 surgury).

-gd