Dog Community

Almost 3 weeks out of TTA surgery- some concerns?

Posted : 3/29/2010 11:46:17 AM

Hello everyone! Our dog Bailey is a 8 yr. lab/mix & he is about 3 weeks out of his TTA surgery. We have followed ALL the post operation rules, etc. He is only going outside to use the bathroom & is on his leash while he's doing so. When he comes back inside he goes into his room which we've sectioned off to be even smaller than it normally is. We've been keeping the collar on him so he won't lick at the staple area. We've also been trying to do the physical therapy with his knee- just the bending of the knee a few times a day. The first two weeks after surgery he was letting us do the physcial therapy without any major issues. This past week he won't even let us touch the leg/knee to try to do therapy- if we try he yelps- so we just back off. The surgery was EXPENSIVE & we don't want to mess anything up:(

We've also noticed that he's putting weight on it but not all the time- he's been picking/bending the knee up so it won't have weight on it- almost like he was BEFORE he had the surgery? Is this normal? He goes back to the specialist on Thursday to have the staples removed but we're just concerned something could be wrong? Especially since he's not letting us do the pyscial therapy on his knee anymore.

Any thoughts/suggestions, etc.?

Thank you in advance:)

kpwlee

Posted : 3/29/2010 12:55:58 PM

My dog had a TPLO back in November so a similar type of surgery. I just sent you a private message with a link to a group dedicated to orthopedic surgeries that you may find very helpful

If I were you I would just leave the knee bending for now - ask when you see the specialist. It just might be too soon for him.

As for the intermittent lameness/ non-weight bearing - I hate to say that from my experience that comes and goes.

I know how incredibly difficult it is to go through this - remember that each dog will heal at their own pace. He made just need more time.

Write down any questions you have prior to going to see the specialist and be detailed about what you are seeing and doing.

Your dog may also have all the meds out of his system so he is feeling things a bit more

hang in there it is a LONG road - we are 5 months out and we still have ups and downs

bailey'smommy

Posted : 3/29/2010 12:59:33 PM

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I'm so sorry for going back & posting the same message again in a few other spots:( I just read my e-mail- so sorry about that. I'll check out the other place you mentioned as well.

It's just hard- especially all the $$$ put into the surgery- just makes us nervous!

calliecritturs

Posted : 3/30/2010 12:17:18 AM

I would make sure that you let the vet know (and the surgeon if it's a different vet).

However -- the best suggestion I can give you is to add a consult with a TCVM vet -- acpuncture can do a LOT to help healing take place and a few consults could truly augment what you've done and help make it heal better.

http://www.tcvm.com -- i'm not saying leave your vet but rather ADD the TCVM. No testing -- it's just a whole different type of pain relief and help to heal.

babelfish

Posted : 4/3/2010 12:48:54 AM

Hi. Jasmine had bi-lateral ACL surgery, so we have plenty of experience. Not TTA, but many things are similar. I also did a thorough research of all ACL treatment options before we made the decision, so I have a good idea what each of them are etc.

I wouldn't be worried about the favoring of the leg too much at this point. There is a lot to be healed there. The bone, the trauma to the muscles ... this kind of stuff does take time, though with the TTA weight bearing should be seen sooner than with the other types of surgeries. Three weeks isn't all that long yet.

I would however be worried about the yelping when trying to do the PROM and when you touch the knee. That would be a concern to me. What does he have for pain management? I would call the surgeon and talk to him about that. Either there isn't enough medication to deal with the pain and needs to be adjusted, or something might be going on in the knee that shouldn't. Please talk to your surgeon about this issue.