I have a tiny Australian Shepherd! He only weighs 13 lbs. He was the runt of a Miniature litter, and no I did not buy him to get a tiny dog. I actually wanted a dog that was on the larger side of what is called the mini. However, his personality was absolutely perfect for our family and our home, besides runts need love too!
He is about to have trocheoplasty surgery this week. I am very nervous about this surgery and the recovery time. We adore our vet and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that our dog is in great hands, it is simply the recovery time that I am concerned about. Nero is a very high energy dog that I spend hours exercising to keep him healthy and happy. What I have read suggests between 8 and 12 weeks of rest, meaning no jumping, running or playing with other dogs.
Has anyone had this surgery? If so can you tell me about recovery time and your experience? This is breaking my heart to have this done on a dog under 2 years old but I can't imagine the pain he is in, having had knee surgery myself.
Hi, Cody my 7 year old bichon had cruciate knee surgery 3 weeks ago. The recovery is very tough. The first week I kept him in medical boarding and I think that is the worst time after surgery. The day of and after he was totally out of it. The second day on they got him up to walk slightly and used a sling to hold him up. He had a narcotic patch on his back which really controls the pain.When I picked him up the Dr. and discharge instructions were very strong and specific. NO running, jumping, rough play for 2-3 months. I had to put away all the doggie steps cody had been using. The first week home, no steps, so I carried him up at night and down in the morning. I could carry him to a small plot outside to do his business but no walking around outside. Must be kept on lease outside. Also, he wore one of those big collars for 2 weeks in order to let the incision heal. We saw the dr. last Friday. Cody is doing well. He is allowed to use the steps once in the morning and night so at least I don't have to carry him. He also goes down 3 steps to get outside and he can walk to the plot, come back and up 3 steps to inside the house. Sometimes he squats to pee and sometimes he lifts the leg, which he wasn't able to do before.Each week he can walk further. I can see he still doesn't have stamina because he will start to limp. The dr. told me he will limp off and on for the first few months. He is very sensitive and won't let me touch his knee but he definitely is out of pain. It rained the past few days and I could tell that bothered the leg a little. Also, I put 2 sided large plastic tablecloths all over my house - flannel on 1 side and plastic side down on the other. Even though I am taking cody out 2-3 times, there are times he doesn't want to go out and uses the cloths. They are washable with the flannel backing. I was also told that it was very important when I carry him to place both anms under the stomach/chest and lift him close to you. That way both legs are free and you are not touching the hips and legs. The first few days at home I thought I would go out of my mind. I didn't think I could handle all this but each day gets easier. I just followed Cody's lead. If I need to go out I put in the crate. I think the secret to caring for him is to think of myself having hadthe surgery and how I would feel during recovery. That has helped me and eased the strain because I can project how he is feeling and how to care for him. In 3 months he will be like new so for his sake whatever I need to do is worth it. I also need to take him for water therapy which I am starting next week. It is very important to the healing process. I'll let you know how that goes. Good luck and just believe that you can get through this especially when the alternative is not acceptable. Ask me any questions, any time. Bunny (sorry this is so long)
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