Thanks all. I am very happy with him. His wound looks great, he is weight bearing on his leg just fine for week one, and is bright and happy. He is also starving (as his food has been cut down because he is doing almost no exercise - 5 x 5min slow controlled lead walks only) but he'll just have to live with that. So good. All is well. We start a rather complex routine of juggling working hours from tomorrow, but we have a plan. So we just settle down now and get through it... All the support is very much appreciated.
I'm sure he's not really starving, because with the limited movement, his body obviously doesn't need the extra calories, so he shouldn't be feeling any more hungry than normal. However, I'm sure this won't stop him from telling you he's becoming emaciated and he's going to be calling DogsLine to report you Good luck with your juggling. I'm sure you've got it all planned out
Yes, thanks for asking. He's bored, of course. But there isn't a lot I can do about that but eek out his kongs and allowed 5 minute walks and keep him company. I can't really think of any safe clicker training to do right now (I think if I even put an object down for him to touch he'd explode with excitement ) although am just about to pack up a big "pass the kibble parcel" game.... Off to the vet later today for the end of week one check up. If we're lucky we might get to do a 6 minute walk tomorrow. Wild.
Yes, end of week 1 (not quite sure I can say "already" - it's felt like a long one!). Vet says he is doing well, so we can start upping his walks by the maximum possible that's allowed - which is one whole minute extra per walk per day. Which sounds like peanuts, but it's a big deal. Because that means in 2 weeks time he'll be on 10 minute walks. The differences to a dog between 5 x 5 (25 minutes) and 5 x 10 (50 minutes) is huge... So, we'll have a little ceremony moving the walk stop watch count down on by a minute tonight...
That's really good news on Charlie's progress and I've got everything crossed that progress continues. Slow but steady, day by day and before you know it you'll get the all clear
Glad he got a good report from the vet. Excruciatingly small steps but its all progress, and as you well know it's the only way.
Sounds great and lovely to hear his progress is going so well x Not forgetting how blummin' hard on you all this will be,I looked at Dex trotting along this morning on an hour walk,he's off to daycare now and he will still be gagging for his walk tonight ....I was trying to imagine how it would be to be dealing with your regime,I think about you getting through the day a lot x
That's so kind, Angela. On the whole, Charlie is being very good. It's much, much, easier with an older dog. It was a complete nightmare with a 9 month old last time. He is though, as last time, showing the effects of complete isolation from other dogs, and he is desperate to get to them - I think I am going to have an awful lot of work to do with him there again. Which I am not looking forward to doing, I spent a whole summer sorting this out last time. Maybe it'll be easier this time... I used his "settle" routines a lot and he does settle. He is a little desperate for activity though and I don't have a lot I can do with him this early after surgery - just quiet play, really. I can't even really do things like trick training because I'm unsure about the pressures the movements might put on his leg, and he is so excitable just about anything would make him jump around a bit. Physio will start in a week or so (we are still on just basic PROMs) so that'll give us a few more things to do.
It sounds as if it's all going brilliantly and you've got a really good system in place. For anyone facing the same problem, it's well worth taking such care. A few years ago our collie cross had the op when she was eleven, after rupturing her cruciate when dashing round the garden and twisting her leg in a hole she'd dug. She made an excellent recovery, with crate rest, restricted walks and hydrotherapy, and enjoyed three more years of normal walks and play. A couple of weeks after our dog's op, a friend's dog had the same op by the same vet. When I visited the house a couple of days later, the dog bounded down the steps to greet me. There were no restrictions on her movement at all, but I'm not sure why. She had to have her leg amputated a few weeks later, but then continued to be a very lively three-legged dog!
Thanks for telling me about your Collie, Granca - it helps to hear success stories. Yes, the after care is critical for a good recovery. I think if you have a good surgeon, the results are really very good for most dogs that have a careful regime post op.
A good plan is always the way to go and makes you feel secure in what you are doing. I forgot to say that Sid the Boxer in our village had to have two further surgeries after his cruciate operation as he got bad infections and they still didn't stick to the advice that must have been given to them by their vet. I just hope they don't face any consequences with his health in the future. That poor dog really has had a terrible year Keep going Julie you know it will be worth it for all of you. xx
Glad it went well at the vets and you've got the extra minute. Every little helps and you must be pleased with Charlie's progress. Is there anyone you know with a quiet, sensible dog that you could maybe walk with once he's started physio and can do a bit more then at least he is getting some exposure to other dogs.
Glad to hear our favorite hooligan is doing so well! With your epic planning ability, I'm sure things will go just fine!
