Knee Surgery

Not at all uncommon -- but first of all be *very* cautious about your own reaction to the dog.  If you are very upset and "ohhhh poor baby!" over the dog that dog will think it is WORSE off than it is and it can make it much harder for the dog to heal.

 Also -- we may want the dog to not be in ANY pain, but a dog is a dog and sometimes the ONLY thing that will keep them at all sedentary is if it HURTS.  so giving them a ton of pain medication isn't a good thing to do.

 Honestly the whole name of this is **protection**.  Protecting him from himself if it comes to that -- crate rest.  If you can be 100% giving him your undivided attention while in your lap then put him in a crate. 

 Make it a good place tho -- feed him in there (use a toy like a Kong or an interactive toy to dispense kibbles so it keeps him busy rolling it over and over to get them out. 

Using things like Hylands Calms and even herbals like valerian root or passion flower to help KEEP the dog sedentary can be very helpful.  None of those things are habit-forming and they can save your sanity and the dog's in order to help keep the dog CALM for the duration. 

They absolutely HAVE to stay calm and sedentary -- it is essential to good healing.  When you let them out have the dog ON LEASH (yes, even in the house) so the dog doesn't bolt out of the crate and tear across the room.  You honestly have to be IN CONTROL 100%of the time in order to *prevent* problems from happening.

The vet said absolutely no holding him in our lap.  He may try to jump etc... and that can do more damage.  Also, no walking on leash really.  Pick him up, carry him outside, sit him down while on a very short leash, allow him to do his business and then pick him back up to carry inside and return to crate.

 He loves his crate so that is not a big deal, and I haven't been reinforcing by cooing all over him.  Yes, I have opened the crate door and stuck my hand in to pet him but not the "OMG its ok etc..."

The calming herbs I may need to get my hands on.  That would make me and him feel better.  And I am not overdoing the pain meds either.

 Thanks for the advice / info / encouragement.  I just never expected it to be as bad as it was.  After 2 or 3 weeks we will get to do physical therapy so that will be something.

I had a dog who required surgery to the knee.  She had a very long recovery time that required crate confinement.  I know how hard it can be but it's something you just have to get through.  I set up an ex pen so my dog could move around more comfortably without injuring her knee, in addition to her crate.  Some interactive toys and good chew objects will help her boredom.  It's tough when we can't explain to the dogs why they must be crated/confined. :(  That was the longest I ever had to confine a dog to recover from an injury,etc.  Keep reminding yourself that "this too shall pass" and it will. Many here have been through the same thing and we've all made it out to the other side.  Best of luck and please keep us posted.

calliecritturs

If you can be 100% giving him your undivided attention while in your lap then put him in a crate. 

I think that should be "can't". 

 Get him a stroller! My dogs LOVE their stroller, and it's GREAT for when they don't feel good or are hurt. It's a Best Pet one, inexpensive on Amazon, and roughly the size of a small crate. They can go from room to room, zipped up or tethered in the stroller.

janet_rose

calliecritturs

If you can be 100% giving him your undivided attention while in your lap then put him in a crate. 

I think that should be "can't". 

Thanks Janet -- you're right!  my bad

Well I stopped by last night to see my dog and he was doing much better.  I was doing much better LOL.  My mom is watching him while he recovers.  I have other dogs at home and will be at work all day.  Moms is much quieter and she is home all day so I figured that was better.  I will probably go stay over there starting this weekend just couldn't do it this week.

 Thanks for all the advice, I will have to look at that stroller and xpen to see what I think and if I can find one quickly.

Which surgery did you have done? Extracapsular? TPLO? Tightrope? TTA?

Yes, the leg looks quite horrible after surgery. All shaved, bruised, large incision ... it will heal before you get used to the sight.

I got lots of information on knee injuries, surgeries and post-op on my blog.
Check it out and shoot me an email if you want to.

We got lots of experience.

http://dawgbusiness.blogspot.com/2010/04/surviving-post-op-after-your-dogs-acl.html