TPLO Surgery

[Nancy]

I was wondering if anyone here has a dog who had to have TPLO Surgery, which is treatment for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease.  Oliver had an appointment with an Orthopedic Specialist yesterday for ongoing lameness in his rear right leg and it has been determined that surgery would be his best option.  I was looking for feedback from someone who has been through it.  I was told that the recovery period is 16 weeks total, 4 weeks of nothing more than going out to potty and after that short leash walking with increase in weeks following.  I am feeling so bad for him and not looking forward to this, especially since I also have Ivy and Oliver will not understand her freedom and not his.  I have tried to search and for this topic and for some reason, whenever I try to search for anything, it doesn't seem to work for me.  Photo  for cuteness.

[Nancy]

Thank you Adina for that information.  Oliver weighs 40 lbs and he is 8 years old.  The first Ortho did not name any other options other than the TPLO.  It will be interesting to hear what the second Ortho recommends.  Just curious about Boca having to have the second knee done.  I have read that happens but I am wondering what you situation was.  I'm feeling that if Oliver has to have surgery, once he has fully recovered, I am going to scale back on his ball playing and be a more careful that he does not over run.  I'm assuming that is how this happened.  Sending healing thoughts and speedy recovery wishes to Boca.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It may not have been caused by running too much, or anything that he did. Knee problems are usually genetic, and a known issue in Poodles. It helps when the parents' knees and elbows have been tested, but it's not always a guarantee. 

Cranial cruciate ligament disease is also a known genetic issue in Labrador Retrievers. 
https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/cranial-cruciate-ligament-disease

[Adina P]

It was probably genetic susceptibility plus the way she runs.  We quit throwing balls for Boca and she's only free to run in our yard.  But she runs HARD.  3 YEARS ago I vaguely noticed Boca would limp slightly after playing fetch.  But figured it was because she was out of shape.  And she'd snap out of it later.  Then we had a local doodle romp and it got worse and she quit putting weight on that leg.  More recently I think it may have been aggravated by climbing a long steep flight of stairs at my Mom's house over and over.  But one day, after a walk, I unleashed her into our yard while I scooped poop.  After chasing two squirrels, she hopped over to me and couldn't put weight on her other side.  

[Adina P]

It's interesting that they don't offer the lateral suture more widely.  Seems like it would be a good option for a 40lb dog.  

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

While some of these occur by an accident, I think the thought process may be that their knees are what my Vet called "a little wonky" to begin with.  That is what he said about Lucy's other knee when they did the first one.  I think a lot of them have to have the second one done because it gets so much extra pressure and use while the first one is heeling.  If it is wonky to begin with, then it just can't handle it.  Fortunately that wasn't the case for Lucy, but then Lucy is sort of a lazy dog.  She is a ball chaser or doesn't feel the need to run every where.  She would rather just stroll.

[Nancy]

Oliver had his surgery on Wednesday and he came home today.  He is resting very comfortably.  I decided to go with the 2nd opinion surgeon and he strongly recommended the TPLO surgery so that is what he had.  Oliver will have to stay pretty inactive for the next 5 weeks and after that, short leash walking for the next 5 to 7 weeks.  He is pretty "drugged" and will be for the next few days, but I'm sure once he sees how naked he is, he is not going to be happy.   I may have to put some boxers on him to avoid embarrassment...LOL!  I wonder what Ivy is thinking??

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Poor guy, I hope he has an easy recovery. For what it's worth, I think you did the right thing. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Sending wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Nancy]

Day 3 post op.  Oliver is doing well.  He is on Carprofin, Gabapentin and Trazadone so he is pretty quiet.  I am icing 3 times a day and he is putting a little weight on his leg when I take him outside to go to the bathroom.  Today he is a bit restless, I'm hoping it is because he is feeling better and not worse.  He has not really been trying to lick or pull at his staples but just in case, I have a pair of "lady shorts" for him, size not available in mens....LOL!  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hang in there, sweetie! You'll feel lots better soon!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

So glad that he seems to be recovering nicely.  Our Springer could not tolerate the 'pain' patch meds so he was also miserable from the pain for a while.