This blog is dedicated to the post-surgery recovery of a Weimaraner who underwent TPLO surgery on June 13th, 2007. After finding a few of these sites, I realized how much it has helped me to understand and desensitize this very scary surgery for the ones we love so much. I truly hope it helps anyone who is faced with the decision to perform surgery on their dear pet.
Everyone loves spring. It is finally nice to get outside and enjoy the world. We had an early spring, an easy melt and things are staring to grow. Visitors appear in the yard, some I don't mind, other are my mortal enemies. Those who feed me, like to see this guy to the right, a spring Robin. He doesn't bother me I see him in the yard all the time. Now there are some other guys who have show up here every year they tell me i just don't like them. There is something inside of me that doesn't like these characters, they call them Mallards. I stalk them, get close, then burst after them. They take off, but I have shown them who is boss. As I say, just something inside I don't like about them. There is a pond that forms in the front of the yard. Some years the duck can swim front the front to the back. Not this year, and I make sure they are not comfortable. So they seem now to have left the yard. The other good part about spring is when we go to the park for a walk there are a lot more buddies to play with. These guys are fun, they are puppies, so sometimes they try my patience. But they listen to me pretty well when I tell them to settle down Beavis. When did I become the grumpy old man that must have rules. Spring also means vet time. I have a couple more bumps. Same thing as the other, Lipomas, not a problem, but just something to be watched. 1cm in length so we have to watch it. The one who feeds me has been looking on the Internet. She was thinking of something she read about, the 'Raw" diet. The Vet said that she wouldn't suggest it. She gets concerned about Salmonella, not for me, apparently I am find, but I can pass it to humans and the preoaration has to be very careful. We do get a lot of visits from my extended pack mates, so it is probably not a good thing in a busy household. I did a bit of a raw diet yesterday. Found a really nice deer leg in the woods and was chomping down on it. They took it away. I have found the same leg about three times so far, so I will find it again. Oh yes of course, I am too fat. Fat, fat water rat. So I am eating calorie reduced rocks. I don't care, I eat anything and it doesn't bother me. Vet says I'm 104, I was 102, she figures 90 would be good. A 90 pound weakling, the other puppies will kick sand in my face. Actually the Vet said I had great muscle tone, so I get enough exercise, just want to lose a layer of fat around my chest. They want those ribs to show on a Weim. Actually no one cares what I look like, they just want a bit less strain on my knees. As I say, I don't care I eat what thy give me.
Those who feed me haven't really been keeping up my Blog entries. But, they don't listen so I have to wait until a quiet Sunday morning. The final weekend of winter has come and gone and spring is right around the corner. That will be nice. Those who feed me took me for a walk along the river. They have a new camera for Christmas so they were not a lot of fun, more of a lens always poking at me. No matter although the sounds of the ice groaning and cracking is not Those who feed me's most favourite sound, we still managed to enjoy the walk. Because of the invisible fence I always wait at the top of the hill to be "invited" down the stairs to the river. I'm no dummy.
As I said, the vracking of the ice grabs your attention. I was particularly interested with the groans and rumbles. They start on the other side and ripple right across, it is a bit of an odd sound, and I think I could also feel the vibration. Walks are good, you can run, sniff and roll. All my favourite activities.
There are other things that I like as well. That includes, going home and then taking a nap. I do those very well, especially when the sun returns and there are actually hot spots on the floor. Mmmmmmmm, hot spots on the floor.
"Those who feed me" haven't been very good about my Blog. I tell them everyday, my fans need me to tell them what is going on in my world.
Sleep, walk, eat, sleep, eat, chew, sleep, then do it all again, everyday, it's a great life for puppy.
What else could anybody want. Sometimes my knee hurts a bit after a walk, usually when the walk become a bound about with a buddy and a bit of ice thrown in for good measure. But generally all is good. "Those who feed me" found, (you would have to be blind not to), a bummp, on my leg. They took me to the vet, of course and they stuck a needle in it to get some fluid. Well from the tests say it a "Lipomas", just a bump. One of those watch it, if it grows, we will get rid of it. Doesn't bother me, but I suspect that "Those who feed me" will get rid of it in the spring.
"Those who feed me", think they are feeding the birds. I know better it's the friggin squirrels they are feeding. I have come to a an uneasy peace with these guys. Chipmonks no, hate those little buggers, chase them anytime. But the squirrels, I have given up on them. Bunnies used to be a problem. They don't seem to be anymore. I am not sure why, I have seen Owls around the yard. In fact one swopped down and grabbed a bunny that i was chasing. Now the Owl tried to get away but I chased him. I would say about 30 yards or so, the Owl had trouble getting any height, I guess because of the weight. Well I kept up, only about six feet behind and he finally dropped it.
It was mine, mmmmm, I don't know what i was going to do with it, but I just beginning to get some good ideas when "Those who feed me started to pull me away. It actually pissed me off, eventually I told him so and put my mouth on his arm and just gave it a little squeeze. You know just kinda saying, "Hey this is a pretty cool bunny, I would like to explore the possibilities". Well I don't know, communication with "Those who feed me" is usually pretty good but this time my gentle reminder was met with a thump and a put down, right there on the drive way. I was on the leash for a bit after that. Geez talk about being a meany.
We had a visitor today as well. Maybe he has something to do with the bunny population disappearing. We figure he is a Coyote, maybe a hybred Coyote/Wolf, we have them in Eastern Canada. I didn't like him in the front yard and told him as much. "Those who feed me" wouldn't let me go out and make speaks with him face to face. Would have told him a thing or two. I am guessing that "Those who feed me" have seen him a few times because they come out with me at night for my final pee before bed and I have been sniffing plenty of tracks that don't belong in the snow.
Oh it's winter. Seems like "Those who feed me" have time on their hands, it's the only time that they update the Blog. "Those who feed me" also got a new camera, actually two for Christmas. I am forever having one pointed at me, what do they want geez, the things I put up with,
"Those who give me food" moved me on to the steroids. Benadryl although effective initally, wears off real quick. They started on the steroids and I have been clear for two days and I have two more days of pills and it should be over.
Just seems that I need to pee a lot. "Those who give me food" don't like to wander around the yard at three o'clock in the moring. I love it, all sorts of beasts to yell at. They tell me, I am barking at my own shadow, but I know they are out there ... you just have to know they are there, laughing at me.
With the amount of snow around I can only get to a few of my favourite spots in the yard. I know the bunnies are under the garage, but I can't get there. The tracks go in, but I can't get at them. Although in the woods behind, "in the land of behind the electric fence", I know for a fact there lives all manner of beasts. I have seen the tracks. Barn cats, a very strange breed of animal seem to run the whole area over there.
The bottom line in all this is I am peeing so much. My water bowl is always being filled fresh.
I wish that "those who give me food" would understand a Weim is pretty particular about where he does his business. How much would they like to climb a hill just to do a dunch in the yard.
Well bottom line is the spots have been gone for a couple of days. No one knows why I got them, although speculation is pretty rampant around here. "Those who give me food", discuss it endlessly. Dust, mold, dust mites and spiders seem to be the leading contenders.
Myself, its a dogs life, and its over. Just seem to be napping a lot, (so where is the problem in that), and won't pass a drug test.
The only lasting impact seems to be a new nickname. Goofy. I don't understand it, they drug me, then make fun of me when I lying on my favourite couch. Well that and now I am not allowed to go into the sun room. Don't be sad, it is called a sun room but it is just really called that. No one knows what it is supposed to be, and it is not really finished into anything that makes sense. Just a storage area and it does get dusty out there, like a basement.
So, "those who give me food" were cleaning out some obscure location in the house, and I was doing my duty. Putting my nose into everything, helping, tasting and sniffing .... well long story short, 1/2 hour later, all done, taking a much deserved nap when bang up come the bumps.
Hives, "those who give me food" say, legs ears, belly and nose. Not real pleasant. Out comes the Benadryl. Well they aren't all that tasty, but I took them anyway. Well let me tell you, things get a bit sleppy then, really sleepy, just rested for a while. They gave me some at bed as well.
Next day, cool all clear, no spots, time for a walk. Getting in the car on the way home and, bam, back with a vengence. Gezzz I hate this stuff. More Benadryl, clears up. But the book "those who give me food" had said, 24 hours and it should be all done . So there we go to the vets, "roady".
Ya, Benadryl is the thing, but its 3 or 4 days before you worry too much. No temperature, and let me tell you that's no fun. If the Benadryl doesn't work ... I got some steriods.
Okay overnight again, boom their back, but this time, "those who give me food" move me on the the steriods. There go my Olympic chances, but I got no bumps.
"Those who give me food" keep poking and checking but there are no bumps. For now. Will keep you posted.
Vet said that "those who give me food" should have taking pictures while it was raging and kept a log of timings and things. They aren't that bright. Interestingly I saw the vet in Sept 2005, apparently with hives, no one remembers.
But as I said, "those who give me food" aren't that bright. Will keep you informed.
Well, the two Bozo's, (who supposedly take care of me), didn't quite know or beleive all that should/could be done for my Arthritis, was being done. They said that I had it in my surgery knee joint, so they took me back to the Physio-person.
She figures, although there is going to be certainly some arthritis in the joint, I defintely did have a pulled muscle in the hip.
Well here we go, an acupunture treatment later, some kind of ultrasonic type stimulation, some stretching exercises, all very strange to me. Well apparently the acupuncture, (as a side result), releases endorphines, now that is fun. After a walk I just slept all day. mmmm, Endorphines good, mmmmmm
Next day, I got up and ran, ran, ran, wrestled and ran some more. Everybody figured I was in a bit of pain, (like most dogs, I never say anything about my problems), and it was gone so I felt pretty good. Had a second treatment, feels good now and I don't have to go back. No limping now really. Don't need to go back unless we see something. I was sitting a bit goofy, kind of on a tilt, now it's qiute a bit better.
We have some streching exercises, but we are not very good about it. Better smartten up I guess.
It is ice season up here, traw, freeze, thaw, freeze. This is when I injured my knee originally. I don't know why, but they hold their breath when I walk around on the ice, its fun to slip around.
Oh yeah I've gone from 103, first vist, (6 weeks on diet), to 98, then, (additional 4 weeks on diet), to 95lbs, looking pretty trim, got a pretty nice tuck going.
There is still much discussion about what I should be ... I am a big guy for the standard, my Mom and Dad were both working hunting dogs, (Champion/Competition stuff), not the liitle cuties I see in the dog shows. For some reason discussions about seeing the outline of my ribs continue. Well I would like to know when the last time any of them saw an outline of their ribs.
Bit of leasons learned, intuition is useful, don't be afraid of it. Self diagnosis and self perscription is not a good thing, let professionals do that, but a healthy dose of skeptisim, and following you intuition is not a bad thing either.
We went to the vet and she said I was too fat .... yikes I was only 103 pounds.
Now my food, treats have all been cut back. As well they started to put glusomine on my breakfast and some fish oil stuff on my dinner.
I heard mumblings about arthritis or some such thing. I limp a bit when I get up from a nap and after a walk when its cold. You know, you should see my Dad get up after watching a hockey game, talk about old man noises. And really "We should see his ribs" --- I say, "Man, when was the last time they saw any of their ribs".
Anyway doesn't really bother me, and it doesn't take too long for doggies to lose weight. We are going to check at the vets at the end of the month.
As well, I heard, (no one ever checks with and and my schedule,I might miss some sunbeamtime), I am going back to the physio lady ... thats cool we always come home with some interesting activites. Maybe Dad will get off his butt and fix the pool so I can go for a swim.
Hi there, Just thought I would wish everyone a Merry Christmas and say how very happy we are with the results of Webber's surgery this summer. It will be 6 months this week, and you would hardly know that all those sad pictures are really our Webber. I can only say that we are glad we did it when we did. I still watch him carefully and we he slips and falls (which they do sometimes), I take a gasp.
Free at last, free at last I thank God I'm free at last Free at last
Could he BE any more goofy looking???
You can just see the slightest difference in hair colour on his back left leg at the end. All that is left of the obvious signs of his surgery.
Webber went in this morning for his 8-week follow-up X-Rays. It was hard leaving him, yet again, but hopefully this is the last time for quite awhile.
The vet just called after reviewing his films, and the news is 100% good! His bone has healed perfectly, nothing out of place and looks exactly the way it should. He is now out of the danger zone of damaging the bone. He is allowed some off leash running, in the yard, but he will be so happy to walk and run with some freedom. We'll need to monitor carefully to ensure that he doesn't damage any soft tissue, and if he does get the 'crazies' to call him off. And then, ta-da, in a couple of weeks, he'll get to see his buddy, Abby (the Golden Retriever) and Bella (the Dobie-puppy) again.
He's been such a great patient. Webber was a very healthy dog going into this, with no other traumas that might have affected his recovery. We were very lucky that I was home with him for the whole time, and thereby ensuring that, especially during the first 4 weeks, he was strictly supervised. Looks like our dedication to his healing has paid off. Not one oops moment!
For the last two weeks we have been walking him 30-40 minutes two times a day, with a swim every second day. While we ice him before bed, he has not shown any signs of favouring the leg or limping. I am sure that the PT exercises that we do with him have helped build up the muscle loss. Which I think was minimal since we did not wait any time at all to perform the surgery.
We'll be videoing his first off leash 'crazy', I'm sure ... and I'll laugh and smile and see my guy enjoy the freedom he deserves.
For all of you out there who are recovering from surgery, try to keep positive. There are some of us who do have happy endings.
Treats, Belly Rubs and Calm Assertive Engery to everyone!
It's now almost 7 full weeks since Webber's surgery, and I can't believe how well he is doing. Obviously, we are following the program and obviously he was a very healthy dog before the surgery. He is getting stronger every day. We still ice (15 minutes of quiet time) at night, especially on his 'long' walk days (2 x 30 minutes).
To change it up a little, instead of a weekly walking video, we decided to show you Webber's newest activity. Controlled swimming in the pool. We bought Webber a life jacket (http://www.seniorpetproducts.com/product/k9-float-coat-lifejacket-p1442.html?&parent=308), which is more so that I can control where he swims and guide him back to the ramp (also purchased from Senior Pet Products). We did 4 gentle figure 8's in the pool and called it a night. Very exciting, especially since after 3 years of us telling him to 'leave it' when he was checking out the pool, we had a bit of a challenge getting him to come in. His favourite ball fixed that, he couldn't resist.
Next week, he goes for his 8 week post-surgery x-rays. We are very hopeful that we will hear that his bone is 100% healed and perhaps at that point we can let him do some controlled short off-leash bursts in the back yard.
Soon Webber, very soon, we'll be back running and playing with our friends in the park. It's amazing how quick the last 7 weeks have passed.
Today is Webber's 3rd Birthday. Last nite we had the whole pack over to celebrate with him. I made him a special carrot cake (not bad even for us humans), and he got a new toy. Best of all, we took him for a little adventure down to the river for a S-W-I-M ... must remember to spell that one. He was so excited, although I think Steve's heart skipped a beat when Webber went into the water. haha. He's fine today, so I'd say it was all good.
We are now through 6 full weeks of recovery. Webber's could be a poster boy for TPLO, or me, I'm not sure. We took him for his second PhysioTherapy (PT) appointment yesterday. Carrie was clearly happy with the progress he is making. Said that he is doing much better than expected at this point in the process. What that means is more exercises, and clearly more freedoms for Webber. The only two left now are the leash (still attached), and no rough-housing with other pups. But soon, very soon ...
He's allowed stairs, in fact we need to encourage him to do stairs, slowly and controlled, to help build his muscles and strength. Oh, and he is not on any pain meds at all, and doing just fine. We still ice him after a long day of exercise, but he likes that now.
That's it for now, he's doing so great, we sometimes forget. Two weeks until X-Rays and hopefully some controlled off-leash play.
Almost forgot, we ordered Webber an Illusion Collar (from Cesar Milan), without much hope that anything would stop Webber from 'pulling' on the leash. In exactly the amount of time it took me to put it on him, he went from crazy, end of the leash pull, let's go ... to an absolutely perfect dog walk at my side. Too amazing. Highly recommend for anyone who is experiencing troubles walking on a leash. http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/products/i-collar.php
NOTE: Do not perform these exercises with your dog unless he has been examined by a qualified professional to ensure his ability to perform them properly without hurting him.
WEEK 5 & 6 PT EXERCISES
Alternate Day Schedule: Even Days - Two 30 minute walks, plus exercises Odd Days - Two 15 minute walks, plus exercises, Plus ... Woo-Hoo ... A controlled swim in the river.
Since we live on a river with a deep slope down (w/stairs), Carrie has decided to incorporate an exercise session. We will walk down controlled on leash, then throw the ball. Swim ... then leash walk back up to the top and do a controlled step over a bar (not jump, but forcing him to go slow and think about lifting the surgery leg). Repeat again ... we will increase the 'reps' of this 1 each time until we reach a max of 10. Course this will depend on Webber and we will watch carefully to ensure he isn't overdoing it.
The new exercises are (and I'll try to post video/pictures soon), 10 repetitions, 3 times per day:
1) Figure 8's - with a treat in your hand, reach around your right leg and coax your dog to walk through your legs. Continue to guide your dog all the way around leg. Repeat on the left side, forming a figure 8.
2) Front legs up - (Webber's favourite, although I think it is a natural Weim pose) - Have your dog place his front paws on a step, stool, chair etc. to increase the load on the operated limb. Keep your dog busy with a treat or a toy for a long as possible.
3) Ramps, hills, and stairs - your dog may now start walking up and down inclines and stairs. We need to get Webber to walk sideways along a hill. Webber on Left with surgery leg on the top part of slope.
4) Dancing - Again, A Webber favourite, as he loves to give Mom a hug ... have your dog put his front paws up on you, and hold them. Walk a couple of steps forward and backward to that your dog starts to fully weight bear on the operated limb. Your dog should not be collapsing or in any discomfort with this exercise.
6) High Step Over - Place a bar between two chairs, high enough that your dog needs to lift his legs to get over. Coax him slowly towards you so that he has to 'walk' over the bar. A 'hop' with the back legs is Cheating!
7) Crawl Under - Using the same bar, a little higher perhaps, have your dog lay down and coax him to 'crawl' under the bar.
It is now 5 full weeks since Webber's surgery, and I continue to be amazed at well he is doing. We have to keep reminding ourselves that he is not fully healed and to keep to the program. But if this is an indication, I can see him back playing in another month.
To major things I've noticed:
He is sleeping better at night. Less moving about. Before the surgery, I think he had trouble getting in a comfortable position and the pain that he may have been in did not allow his to settle in one spot for the night.
He is putting more weight on the surgery leg than before the surgery. There is hardly any toe-touching now. Sometimes it's hard to tell with a Weim, since even before his injury his stance usually had one leg extended back ... great point positioning, natural instinct.
Webber is having no problems getting onto the couch and chairs. Please note: Webber does not 'jump' onto or off the furniture. He is very adept at placing his front legs up and then just stepping up to lay down. If your dog cannot 'step' onto the furniture, I'm sure you would want to wait longer to allow this privilege. For Webb's, this is the ultimate in comfort, and closeness to us. It's hard to get a video of him climbing up, as he is a bit of a 'photo' mooch. Whenever your point a camera at him, he 'poses'.
He's now doing two 15-20 minutes walks everyday. That's on top of his roaming (on lead) around the yard. I don't count that, since it is mostly 'sniff' time. He's too funny, in this video, you can see how good he is walking, and then he decides he'll take a go at dad to see if he can play.
We walk down the road (can't wait to go to a park and walk him, much safer). Last nite the neighbour's garbage was out, and I think he thought it was some monster out to get him. Check out him hiding behind my legs. What a chicken!
Well, things are moving along just great. We are working on Webber's physio exercises everyday, and I can see him getting stronger and stronger. He's always loved routine, and we are starting a new one now. A 10-minute walk in the morning and in the evening. If dogs smile (and I know they do), that is what he does the whole time. We don't go far, but we do go at a good speed. 5 minutes out, 5 minutes back. I'm sure just the mental stimulation of seeing, smelling new things. He's now taking a well-earned nap, cuddled up to me on the couch, as I update his blog.
Speaking of mental stimulation, a little game we are teaching Webb ... the Shell Game. He's getting pretty good at it too:
Webber is doing great. But don't just take my word for it. We went for his first physio appt. today and the physiotherapist was, I am not kidding, amazed at how much range of motion he had in his leg and how little atrophy he had in his muscles. There is only a difference of 4 cm between his right and left (surgery) leg. His incision is looking really good and well, I couldn't be happier. He is officially allowed to do supervised stairs and supervised couches. As you can see here ... he is sooooo happy to have his night-time spot back. Although we have put a couple of steps to make it easier for him to get up and down.
So let's start today's note with his end of week walk video. I'm am always so amazed when I look at this and realize that he just had surgery 4 weeks ago today.
WEEK 3 & 4 PHYSIOTHERAPY EXERCISES Basically Webber has 5 exercises which we need to do 5 repetitions, 3 times a day for a total of 15-20 minutes. And he has been given the OK to increase his walks from 5 minutes (2-3 times/day) to 10 minutes (2-3 times / day). We'll need to monitor that and cut back if he shows that it is bothering him. Always ice after exercise ... and when resting rub scar horizontally across to prevent the 'skin' from binding to the leg.
1. Shake the Bootie. Place a bootie, sock, bandage, hair scrunchie, etc. on the paw of the GOOD hind leg. As he walks, your dog will want to shake it off because it feels funny. This will make him take more weight on the operated leg. Have him walk for a few minutes until he gets used to it and stops shaking his leg.
2. Balancing. Three-leg stand and Two-leg stand. Always keep the operated leg on the ground. Gently life each of the other 3 paws off the ground, one at a time, so your dog has to shift his balance. Once your dog has no problem balancing on 3 legs, progress to lifting the good hind leg and opposite front leg off the ground at the same time to make your dog balance on 2 legs.
3. Twist and Bend. Cookies at the hip. Hold a treat beside your dog's hip and have your dog reach to get it. Repeat 5 times on each side. Switch sides each time.
4. Sit pretty. Your dog will probably be sticking his operated leg out to the side when he sits. Ask your dog to sit, then gently push the operated knee in so it is in a straighter position. Ask you dog to stand up from the straight position and give him a treat when he does.
5. Walk backwards. Hold a treat at about chest height and slowly walk into your dog, forcing him to back up. Works his gluts.
We are very lucky to have such a wonderful yard for both of us as we go through this first 8-week recuperation (not rehab) time. Just had to share my beautiful clematis vines which I actually get to enjoy this year as I sit and read my book while Webber soaks up the sunshine and fresh air.
Every evening after Webber's dinner he gets his short walk up the road to do his potty. Look how great he is doing ... hard to believe it only 3 weeks since the surgery. (Too bad my butt is in the picture, LOL.)
Much better Steve, get the dog not me ...
BUT MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, AS YOU CAN SEE BY THIS SHORT VIDEO, BE CAREFUL NOW ... IF HE WEREN'T SUCH A GOOD DOG, I'M SURE HE WOULD HAVE GONE NUTS ... TOO FUNNY! LESSON LEARNED, NEVER LET GO OF THE LEAD!!!
And, the reason we need to keep a hold onto that lead ... with the apples starting to fall, we have a regular visitor now. Oh, wouldn't Webber love to give her a run ...
Have you ever seen a dog sit like this, he truly thinks he is a person! As we celebrate our country's independence, we sit here in quiet boredom and celebrate our own little achievements ... another successful, peaceful day with Webber recuperating. Routine is being achieved, and even though Webber thinks he would like to run and play, he seems to know that he's not allowed. In the morning he now does his stretch on the ramp off the bed while I put on his collar. So funny, cause he actually waits for me to get up and put on his lead before heading for the door. What a smart guy!
Medications: Antibiotics are finished thank goodness! Tramadol: 6:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 9:30 PM (just before bed).
It's true that they live in the moment. We could certainly learn alot from these wonderful companions. Sometimes I look at him and I feel so bad for doing this, but then he doesn't think that way, does he? He just thinks something hurts and I think I'll lie down now. I do believe that anything that gives them back some of the routine they had before helps them alot.
The only time I really worry right now is after a potty break, he wants to take off and race back to the house, which was what he normally would do pre-surgery. Webber never did like going poop near the house, so we do a short walk to the front of the property. We usually do that twice a day (about 5 minutes or less of walking, and he usually lies down for a rest about half way through, LOL). Otherwise he just goes near the front porch for a pee. We do porch or grass sit for long periods during the day. I have books and chairs all over outside, for whenever he decides it's time to soak up some fresh air. I think this has helped him alot. I let him follow me around the house when I am cooking dinner. Usually he just lies down (not much different than before the surgery) and watches me seeing if there is anything going his way. Poor guy, I can't tell you how many times I have told him to Lay Down Webber. If anything after he will certainly have that command down.
The challenge now as he starts feeling better is to keep him distracted from the fact that he is on a very short tether. Note: He has tested climbing up on the coach (his favourite place), much to his dismay he is not allowed. We've found that a frozen Kong filled with his own version of Rocky Road (fat-free probiotic yogurt with treats ... frozen) is a great distraction at night before we are ready for bed. It's his signal that it's time to settle down and usually konks out right after. Check out Steve's solution to Webber licking at his incision (which he really hasn't done, thank goodness, even after removing the staples).
I have noticed a small 'bump' on his surgery leg ... will need to watch it and if I can get a picture I will try. Just looks weird. Nothing I am sure, but we can't be too careful can we.
What a great day. Hard to believe but two weeks have gone by since we picked Webber up after his surgery. Today we got to bring him in to the vet to get the staples removed. The vet tech said that his incision looked great ... no swelling at all, closed up nicely. The whole thing took less than 10 minutes and we were back on our way back home.
We did give him a Tramadol (the timing worked perfectly) about 1/2 hour before we left, so he was pretty calm through the whole procedure. But then he's a great guy!
Well, here we are a week later, and we are settling into a nice routine. The one big difference in our day post-TPLO is the 1-hour walk/run/play in the park. Webber is even getting used to the 6 ft. umbilical cord that he is attached at all times. Poor guy, he really wants to get at those rabbits. The brazen hussies are going so far as to lounge in Webber's favourite spot in the front yard, where everyone including Webber can see them. Ah, their day will come in about 8 weeks ...
On Thursday Webber will have his staples removed. Everyone is looking forward to that. I just hope it doesn't hurt too much.
You can see how well Webber is doing with putting weight on his surgery leg. Just amazing ...
After a long day, Webber is ready for bed ... Good night all!
With all the beds we have for him, and he chooses to lie like this ... what a crazy guy!
Well, Webber has made it through and is doing just great now! It was a very draining week, on both of us. Back to his goofy self. LOL
Just seeing the swelling and the amount of redness really upsets you. But it does go away and really quickly really. I would worry if you feel it is very warm.
ICING: Getting his leg iced 4 times a day. Well, I don't think I would like it either if someone put a cold pack on a sore, even if I knew it would feel better after the initial shock. What we did, it does take two: a) Got him lying on the mattress on floor on good leg. b) Steve holds his head down and encourages him with some treats c) Raised the TPLO leg a bit a put a small pillow between it and the good leg. d) Put a cold gel-pack (flexible gel) in a pillow-slip (that I sewed to fit). e) Placed a towel on top of the TPLO leg and then another gel-pack on top of that. f) Leave on for 10-12 minutes. g) Remove carefully, as they are probably asleep at this point, :) That way we ensure both sides of his leg were getting iced. Icing did work for us. We noticed a huge difference after the 10 minutes.
APPETITE & FLUIDS: Infection and additional medications may have caused Webber to stop eating and drinking, however in reading the OrthoDog forum, lack of appetite and not drinking seems to be a common problem. Tonight was the first night that he actually was 'excited' to get his dinner and ate it all w/o having to hand feed him. Even better he drank almost a full bowl of water w/o any coaxing. I was really more concerned with the liquids as I did not want him to get dehydrated, especially as he was fighting infection. Eating dinner for the first time on his own.
Here's some things that worked for me, much of it I start feeding him from the bowl in my hand until he gets going and then he seems to get into the spirit of things: a) semi-frozen home-made chicken soup b) yogurt c) hamburger/rice mixture with some broth in it d) tuna with the broth in the can e) we play a game with his kibble ... so he thinks it's a treat f) watermelon, canteloupe, oranges h) gator ade :) he didn't like the pedialyte i) milk
I thought I would like to put some information about Webber's surgery here for informational purposes.
1. The Surgery was performed at the Manotick Veterinary Hospital (in Ottawa) http://www.manotickvet.com/contact_page.htm . The surgeon was, with Dr. Dawn Young assisting:
Denis P. Philibert, DVM , Diplomate ACVS 1994 Organization: Mobile Surgical Specialist E-mail: dphilibert@rogers.com Veterinary School: University of Montreal 1988 Additional Degrees: University of Saskatchewan 1992 Internship: University of Montreal 1989 Residency: University of Saskatchewan 1992
Dr. Philibert was very responsive to my questions from me, and always replied promptly to emails which I sent to him. I had a high confidence level in him even before the surgery, and I was certainly not disappointed. Dr. Philibert did point out to me that the cost will vary from one clinic to another. He charges a fee for surgery, and then the clinic charge for the rest ( anesthesia, meds, radiographs, etc). Price will vary depending on each clinic. Generally it will be around $3000.
Well, Webber has safely passed the Week 1 point. Infection seems to be taken care of, and he is now on Tramadol for pain (1-3x day). He doesn't appear to be in any pain, and while he still doesn't have his full appetite back, he is eating some. Still not drinking on his own w/o coaxing. But we found that the watermelon is a great way to ensure he is getting some liquid into him.
We've been so lucky, that he is not bothering with the incision at all. He sniffs at it every now and then, but generally after I remind him to leave it, he does. No dreaded e-Collar for this guy.
We take a couple of little walks up the laneway now, at Webber's urging. He always did like to do his business as far away from the house as possible. Takes about 5 minutes and we usually do it twice in a day. It's great to see, and he is pretty tired after that little bit of exercise.
The beasts must be sensing that our 'watch' dog is keeping a low profile these days and they are getting bold in the yard. Good thing Webber didn't see this one, as he probably would have gone right through the window.
It certainly explains the reason for the blanket over the fort. Distractions for dogs are dangerous at this point.
Today felt good! We both got out and enjoyed just sitting around. Me, reading a book and Webber, taking in all the sights and smells. It was perfect. You can almost feel the stress fall away as you watch him sit happily and walking slowly putting weight on his legs. Tomorrow will be the the one-week mark, and I will really need to sit back and collect my thoughts and think of all the things that may be helpful to anyone else going through this ... other than having large quantities of alcohol and sedatives on hand ... for you, not the dog.
But as you can see, Webber is really doing well. Me, well, let's just say I need to start dressing for the video moments. Ick! Is that really me?
I must say I had some good laughs on the forum today with 'Heart Attack Moments'. It was great. Just had to share this: From Dana and Shadow:
I took Shadow out in the back yard yesterday evening to do her business. I wanted to go check the rain gauge hanging on the fence, but she had other ideas and planted her feet and pulled her head up and back. Her collar slipped right off her head - OMG!! So here I am holding a leash with nothing but an empty collar on the other end. Shadow was standing there and I had visions of her tearing off through the yard (and never being able to catch her). I panicked and hollered "WAIT" really loud at her and she just looked at me like "HUH??". But fortunately she didn't move and I slipped the leash around her neck - WHEW!!! Honestly, I don't think she fully realized she was free - I think she's been leashed to me for so long now (since mid-Feb) it just didn't register. But if there had been a squirrel or bird on the fence.....well, I don't want to think what would have happened.
Crystal - THIS is why I need that watermelon with the vodka in it!! ;)
Webber and I had our own story last night ... not nearly as funny but worth sharing:
We have about 2-1/2 acres, all wooded on the river. It is lousy with rabbits. Took him out last nite for what I hoped would be a peaceful pee, and there sat Peter Rabbit. It almost looked like the rabbit was giving Webb the finger. It took all my strength to keep Webber from tearing after it. Steve came flying outta the house in bare feet, ooch, ouch across the gravel and chasing after the rabbit throwing sticks at it. Needless to say we did not get a pee, and so had to get up at 2:00 AM to do his business. Grrrrr.
Well, the one good thing, Webber's back giving us our daily laugh. We could always count on him for that, he's such a clown.
Webber with his big brother Derek ... what a lazy guy!
A final note, looking on the bright side. After a little rest, Webber wanted to go out. What he really wanted to do was play a little. He made me laugh as he laid on the grass and proceeded to roll on his back and wave his legs in the air ... all with what I'm sure was a big smile on his face. It was so funny. And our first laugh in a week. Not only that, he actually came in the house and sought out one of his favourite toys and brought it to me. Can I play Mom?
Webber has developed some kind of infection. I think we have caught it early, but it has not started to respond to the new antibiotics. Worst of all, he is firm about not wanting to eat or drink anything.
Just back from the vet, and a bit of good news. (BTW: It's really nice to go to the vet and not have to pay. Guess we paid enough for the procedure.) His temperature is back to normal and the heat in his leg has abated. Pretty sure now that he was starting an infection, but we caught it early. The vet thinks that the ABs are causing him to stop eating and drinking, so we are going to stop the clavamox for tonite and see if he eats/drinks something tomorrow. I sure hope so, it's driving me mad.
We got some watermelon, and with some enticing he got a few good size chunks down before he lost interest. It's something, but I guess with this type of trauma, ya gotta grab onto the little things. Watch for every improvement.
When we were leaving the vet, Steve was walking behind us, as I helped him down the stairs outta the vets, and he noticed that Webber actually was trying the leg out. Not a lot, but again something.
Iced his leg when we got home, and definitely the swelling is going down and certainly it is less angry looking. He's bagged out right now.
Finally a good solid poop! Well, Webber is toughing it out. Probably better than I am. He's not comfortable, that is obvious. But Halleluiah! the Rescue Remedy (thanks Grace and Maeby) seems to be working. From Grace:
I think adding the Rescue Remedy to his water is a great idea. People have had great results mixing that with an additional flower remedy -- Impatiens. It's supposed to help them be less irritable and impatient (hence the name?). I bought mine from Whole Foods. Also, remember that flower remedies work by FREQUENCY, not DOSAGE. So if you feel that he's still irritated or anxious, give him the RR a few times throughout the day. You can even add a few drops to a treat and give it to him that way. And put some on your hands and pet his head and especially his ears, and tell him how much you love him!
I've been putting on his ears and giving him plenty of love, and he's just laying there content to have us curl up beside him.
Webber going down the ramp:
What joy at seeing Webber poop, LOL. I guess necessity is the mother of invention. He got plenty of lovin for this one, just shows you what they can do on 3-legs:
It's a beautiful day here. Too bad we are a little preoccupied with Webber. Ah, who needs it ... the summer that is ... doubt I'll get to see much of it. Too bad I couldn't figure out how to get him down to the river to sit and rest down there. I could catch some zzzzs in the hammock. Oh well, he needs me more than I need the nice weather.
Always "TRUST YOUR INSTINCT, IDIOT!" If you think something is amiss, chances are it is ... you know your dog better than anyone else. Thought something was wrong, and I guess there is. Just home from the vet.
She took his temp and it was high. She feels there could be infection (s) starting. So, she changed his antiobitic from Cepalexin 500mg (2 2x day) to:
Clavamox 250 (3 3x day) and Baytril 150 mg (2 1x day). And she replaced his Fentanyl patch with a new one as she thinks he may be in some pain and it is probably wearing out. She is concerned about oral pain meds since he had blood in his stool the day before surgery which might have been caused by the Deramaxx.
He's resting now, and I'm going to catch up a little myself.
P.S. Thanks for the beautiful flowers Abbey and Lynn (& family). It was so sweet of you! Boy are we going to miss you guys!
This pretty much sums up our day today ... It was tougher on Webber than us, I think. He was pretty uncomfortable. I was feeling that something was not right and called the vet ... bringing him in on Saturday to see what is up.
Symptoms: Leg around incision is hot, swelling in ankle, trouble getting up and down. Mental note to self: Should have a thermometer to take his temperature.
What the vet may not tell you: Swelling, redness and bruising are all normal so unless your pet seems really bothered by things, in fact it will probably get worse in the next day or two. Don't be surprised if he gets a pouch of fluid/swelling around the ankle area in the next few days. It will be there for about 2-4 days, then should go away on its own. This is something that's normal, and definitely can freak you out! Continue icing 5/on, 5/off for 30 minutes to help with the healing.
Also, you may hear some clicking/popping noises when he's walking for a couple of weeks. A lot of people have heard them, but don't know what causes it, but it seems to goes away after a few weeks.
world. We had an early spring, an easy melt and things are staring to grow. Visitors appear in the yard, some I don't mind, other are my mortal enemies. Those who feed me, like to see this guy to the right, a spring Robin. He doesn't bother me I see him in the yard all the time. Now there are some other guys who have show up here every year they tell me i just don't like them. There is something inside of me that doesn't like these characters, they call them Mallards. I stalk them, get close, then burst after them. They take off, but I have shown them who is boss. As I say, just something inside I 
don't like about them. There is a pond that forms in the front of the yard. Some years the duck can swim front the front to the back. Not this year, and I make sure they are not comfortable. So they seem now to have left the yard. The other good part about spring is when we go to 
the park for a walk there are a lot more buddies to play with. These guys are fun, they are puppies, so sometimes they try my patience. But they listen to me pretty well when I tell them to settle down Beavis. When did I become the grumpy old man that must have rules. Spring also means vet time. I have a couple more bumps. Same thing as the other, Lipomas, not a problem, but just something to be watched. 1cm in length so we have to watch it. The one who feeds me has been looking on the Internet. She was thinking of something she read about, the 'Raw" diet. The Vet said that she wouldn't suggest it. She gets concerned about Salmonella, not for me, apparently I am find, but I can pass it to humans and the preoaration has to be very careful. We do get a lot of visits from my extended pack mates, so it is probably not a good thing in a busy household. I did a bit of a raw diet 
yesterday. Found a really nice deer leg in the woods and was chomping down on it. They took it away. I have found the same leg about three times so far, so I will find it again. Oh yes of course, I am too fat. Fat, fat water rat. So I am eating calorie reduced rocks. I don't care, I eat anything and it doesn't bother me. Vet says I'm 104, I was 102, she figures 90 would be good. A 90 pound weakling, the other puppies will kick sand in my face. Actually the Vet said I had great muscle tone, so I get enough exercise, just want to lose a layer of fat around my chest. They want those ribs to show on a Weim. Actually no one cares what I look like, they just want a bit less strain on my knees. As I say, I don't care I eat what thy give me.
