Luxating Patella Surgery
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Luxating Patella Surgery
Submitted by Anonymous on April 20, 2010 - 6:04pmMaya (almost 1 yr old) goes into the orthopedic specialist next Monday for a consultation on her knee. Our vet diagnosed as Luxating Patella (we don't know the grade) and referred us there. We were told to prepare for surgery as it can often be done the same day if deemed necessary. We're pretty sure its necessary as a day doesn't go by when she doesn't have problems with it.
Has anyone else had experience with the surgery? I know there are different ways the surgery is done but I'm mostly concerned with the aftercare. Will Maya be 'bedridden'? How long? We have lots of stairs, will she be able to go up and down? Is there any physical therapy involved? How long does it take to heal? Any info provided is appreciated.
I know a lot of these questions will be answered next week but I'm just anxious.
Thanks!
Adminane
Visit Maya & Bubba on the Web: http://mypets.home.mindspring.com/
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Luxating patella surgery in February
My bulldog is six months old and had the surgery February 5th. While I was expecting the worst, it wasn't too bad, for me or him. The day after the surgery he was still groggy from the gas; I had to carry him up and down the stairs to go potty; he had a splint on his leg which gave him support and he was able to hobble around pretty good and put a little weight on the leg. The splint came off his leg one week after the surgery and he couldn't put any weight on the leg for about 2 weeks. The hardest part was not playing with him - no running, jumping, fetching ball, etc for about 1 month. It has been a little over a month now and he is better than ever. I am so glad we had it done and he is doing great. If you have any questions email me at the above address.
we had the surgery a year ago...
my experiences differed a little from the above post.
please email me if you'd like.
We had surgery almost a year ago.......
The first week is very intense. The first three or four days Madison needed help to be held up during her potty trips. The first week we had to carry her outside. Also, absolutely no tile, wood , slick floors for a while. No stairs, either. The recovery time is about 8-12 weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery. Madison had to have her tibia fractured and then pinned, so she was down for close to 12 weeks. There is daily rehab involved. The first week is just heat therapy. The following weeks are excercises you will do on the leg to to help it heal. Absolutely no off leash activity for about one month.
They should be toe-touch hobbling by the end of the first week.
The best thing to do if you are not going to be home is crate confinement or confinement to only one room if you don't use a crate anymore. We confined Madison to the living room. Her food and water was brought into the living room as no slick floors are allowed due to damage they may do to the leg in not being able to stand on it. No playing or rough housing for 2 weeks at least.
If you need more deatils, I'll happily fill you in. Please feel free to email me. Good luck to you and your baby.