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Phoebe's ACL Surgery

7K views 72 replies 15 participants last post by  Karen519 
#1 ·
Today's the big day for her ACL Suture surgery - they elected to keep away from TPLO or TTA surgeries and stick with the simpler Suture technique.

We have an X-Pen for her and are getting the house set up - smooth floors covered, stairs blocked etc.

It's stressful but hoping for the best! I will use this thread to post some status reports etc. and have really appreciated reading the posts from others regarding these surgeries and the recovery progress.
 
#53 ·
I am glad Phoebe is doing so great. You should set up a play date with Emma and Lucky once when she is ok to go out and play.
 
#56 ·
8 week check in - or is it 9? She continues to do very well - but we're keeping her in her pen other than for on leash yard breaks.

Today she gave me a scare going down the steps from our deck to our yard she got too fast and far ahead, and her bottom gave out as she hit the grass. She has graduated to the long leash but got too much of it I think. She has a tendency to want to jump off the last 2 stairs and not walk down them. She seems fine however...

Keep that leash short and tight on stairs!

Her fur is starting to look a little better - and she needs it - 27 degrees here this AM. Within a month's time however we will be relocating to Florida! My husband is already down there working in his new position - leaving us to pack and do dog duties - like her Adequan injections - D&MN! She's hard to hold still for these without help.

Anyway - here's a couple of pics -

Long Leash


Fur growing out


~GOOFY!~
 
#57 ·
So happy to see that Phoebe is doing so well! I think all of us have had *that* scare - and it makes your heart drop. I remember Penny's Mom found that Penny had gone down the stairs and with my girl's first TPLO she jumped up in the kitchen for her food and immediately fell to the ground. With her second one, she started running laps around the couch while I was getting a poop bag ready for a trip outside. :doh:

I'm not sure if Phoebe's Adequan injections are SQ or IM, but wanted to share what we do. Hannah's "wait" is very strong (especially when food is involved), so I lay a treat out within view and tell her to "wait" - she'll lay or sit there (drooling) while I give the injection. She's always pleased with herself when she's released and gets that treat plus another :)
 
#59 ·
I'm not sure if Phoebe's Adequan injections are SQ or IM, but wanted to share what we do. Hannah's "wait" is very strong (especially when food is involved), so I lay a treat out within view and tell her to "wait" - she'll lay or sit there (drooling) while I give the injection. She's always pleased with herself when she's released and gets that treat plus another :)
Thanks! Phoebe gets her shot under the skin on her back/hind quarters - problem with the treat and waiting is - she will sit down and wait for it - so I can't get to the spot. Last time I did it while she was standing, eating her dinner - and she was still wiggling so I went fast but I'm sure it hurt because I couldn't be gentle. I hate doing this.
 
#58 ·
Phoebe looks great. Thanks for the update.
 
#61 ·
Adequan shots were a great help for Robbie recoverying from knee surgery. Try filling a kong or bone with some peanut butter or yogurt and while she is laying down licking it do the shot then.
 
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#62 ·
We just finished the loading doses for her Adequan - I finally figured out a system after the first week or so - put her dinner bowl up against the couch and then get her in between me and the couch when she gets dinner, and hold her in next to the couch with my knees so I have two free hands - one to prepare the injection site (lift a small skin fold on her back/hind) and one to shoot. It went pretty smoothly all but for one time when I was trying too hard to be gentle and extended the issue.... it's better to just get in there and go fast!
 
#65 ·
IGirl

IGirl

Phoebe looks wonderful and I'm glad she is doing so great.
My Hubby, Ken, used to give Smooch adequan injections.
The vet showed him how to do it using an orange for practice.
Smooch would just go up to Ken and wait for her shot!
 
#68 ·
Thanks everyone!

I am concerned that her Adequan injections have her feeling better than she really is - and might cause herself more injury by overdoing it. She doesn't seem to know anything other than going 100% full speed. ha ha

These doses of freedom are going to have to be limited for a while I think still. I'm just not sure - 12 weeks is fully recovered yet or not?

We are supposed to be moving in another 2-3 weeks - that will slow her down and the new place has no fenced yard in alligator country - so she will go back on leash until we figure that out.
 
#69 ·
My Golden had TPLO October a year ago and after 8 weeks, he already got the go ahead to run from the surgeon. Bone healing was complete according to the x-rays.

At week 12, I personally would not worry too much when she is running. She needs to built that muscle mass up. But, that is my personal opinion.
If she gets sore from all the running, let her rest a couple of days and give her some pain meds. She will bounce right back. My Toby did.

Great to see her run and be happy again.
 
#71 ·
I've just read your thread about Phoebe's surgery. Can I tell you I Love the last video of her in her jingle collar running free! It is very encouraging. Our own Phoebe just had total hip replacement (THR) at 7 months. Your pictures and journey rang very true and familiar! Today she is almost six weeks post surgery. Tomorrow she will have her second rehab on the underwater treadmill. Really hope and pray she will do as well as your pretty girl. Thank you for all the info. Best wishes on your upcoming move. I look forward to following you & your Phoebe in Florida.
Dale
 
#73 ·
Phoebe

I am so glad that Phoebe is doing so well. My Smooch recovered very nicely from ACL surgery, too. I think you have a point that you have to watch that she doesn't overdo the exercise!
 
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