Boca didn't get a very good gift for her Gotchaversary

[Adina P]

Today marks 6 years since baby Boca came home

Boca has been a wonderful family dog!  The unfortunate gift she got today finding out she has a torn CCL.  I've been looking at old DK discussions from others who have been through this and our experience with Boca seems similar to Jarka's with Monty insofar that at first we thought the minor limping was just over exertion after the occasional fetch (because we didn't run her hard often, we figured the consequent temporarily limping was just from not being used to the effort).  Then after the first day of the Walla Walla Romp it got much worse. This morning she got an xray and the vet gave us the results of a torn CCL. 

Sounds like no matter what procedure we choose for repair, the after care is critical and the chances of the other knee needing surgery later are fairly high.  I'd love to hear from those of you who have been through it and how things are going now and any recommendations you have. 

[Adina P]

Do you have a recommendation for a certain brace?  Or would the vet know and have those available for purchase?

[Stella]

There may be someone the surgeon can recommend - canine orthotist / prosthetist. Also very popular is the Hero brace, which your regular vet could do the cast for.

www.goherogo.com/

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Gosh, this has to be the worst Gotchaversary gift ever! :( So sorry for all of you! 

[Debbie and Toby]

 Aww, I am so sorry about this. Hope Boca still has a happy birthday! We used the Gingerlead sling, although sometimes it was easier to use a large towel or sheet, because Toby simply wouldn't potty with the sling on. We also bought the Advantek Pet Gazebo (5' model), since Toby would have a cone on the first few weeks and it made it difficult for him to be in the crate with a cone on. It is more heavy duty than an exercise pen. Very easy to set up and use.  We set it up in the living room.  Our vet started his therapy at about 3 weeks. Jarka was very helpful in providing support and suggestions. . We were also fearful of Toby jumping on furniture after surgery so we covered all the furniture with plastic tubs. Once he was able to be out of the pen during the day, supervised,  we made sure the only place he could be was the floor. And made sure he only had access to the living room (aka baby gates.) We also made sure we had lots of chew toys available to occupy his time. I hope everything goes well with the surgery and rehab.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Happy Gotcha Day, Boca.

You looked great at the romp, even though you didn't feel your best. Having been through this twice, we know what is involved in the surgery an recovery.  It is scarier before you make all the decisions.

[Adina P]

She hid it so well. I was keeping an eye on her because hard running had made her limp slightly before. But no sign. Was having way too much fun I guess. Really makes me feel guilty thinking back. I could have delayed deterioration of the ligaments :(

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Gordie's first one was from stepping in a gopher hole while chasing Ned at a dog park. I watched it happen.   I feel guilty because I encouraged the chase game. Gordie's second one - suddenly he couldn't put weight on it - we never saw anything - not a limp not a causal event.  I feel guilty for not noticing that also.  In other words, one feels guilty no matter which way it happens.  :-(

[Wendy and Myla]

Was Gordie's second one the same leg or his other leg?

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Other leg about 2 years later.

[Adina P]

Lucy and Annabella's mom and anyone else who has been through this.  How long was the span between diagnosis and surgery?  I'm wondering how limited (or not) to keep Boca's activity.  I mean I'm not going on walks with her or taking her places where she'll go wild.  But do I need to take her out on leash and keep her from chasing squirrels?  Or only let her outside for potty strictly?  What kind of pre-surgery precautions, if any, do I need to take?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

We had a couple weeks after diagnosis because we wanted to think about what all we were told and then do a little research and since he couldn't do it that day, he was leaving on vacation so we had to wait a couple weeks.  There were no precautions we were given.

[Adina P]

That's good I guess. I just wince whenever she jumps or moved fast. I don't want her to tax her other knee.