Lucy's Patella Surgery Tomorrow

[Dublin]

Im starting to worry about Lucy's impending surgery tomorrow.

One question I woul have for anyone who's gone through it before is will she be home tomorrow or is it an overnight stay usualy?
Ive taken a few days off so I'll be at home 24/7 to look after/keep an eye on her.

I know she'll be fine but she's my little girlie!

[Tania]

If you have a look in the Cavalier Health Library (here) there is some very useful information and links regarding this problem. I do not have personal experience of surgery so I can't answer your question. I am sure someone here will know. I am sure everything will be fine and taking time of work to take care of her will make all the difference. Sending Lucy and you lots of hugs

[Jasperxxgabby]

Sorry no advice, but I will certainly be thinking of Lucy (and you) tomorrow, sending my best wishes and loads of

[Nicki]

When my Peaches had this op, she actually stopped in for 4 days as we lived a long way from the orthopaedic surgeon.

I would be surprised to have them home the same day - did the vet not discuss this with you?

You need to have a pen or similar ready - Lucy will not be allowed to jump and needs to be confined. Potty breaks on lead only for a few weeks - NO walks, no playing. You really need to give the knee time to heal, otherwise there is no point in doing the surgery.

Stuffed Kongs, nylabones, chewies - anything to keep her occupied without her moving about will really help. I guess those intelligence games by Nina Ottosson from the Company of Animals would actually be quite helpful!

[Dublin]

Hi Nikki,

It's not my vet doing the surgery as we're having to go to the external vet Dogs Trust uses as we have no orthopedic equiptment at DT. They havent really told me much to be honest, I only know what ive read from people on here & other sites.

I have her crate up as well as baby gates as she's too quick to run up stares etc & ive bought her new 'special' chew toys that she'll get a new one each day to keep her interested as well as the usual kongs & raw hide chews.

I know its going to be a fairly long recovery & she will have to be confined which is going to be hard on her & the rest of us as she just wants to be with us all the time.

[Karlin]

Wow that's a bit frustrating not to know! I would guess she probably won't be home the same day. Quite a few people have had the surgery so hopefully you will get some more responses. There are some good threads in the health and diet forum -- I know Cathy T for example posted a lot on managing a dog post-surgery. Searching for patella surgery or similar should bring up lots of discussions.

[mellie]

My sweet Bella had both knees done last July. I bought an Xpen to keep her in so that she wouldn't have to be crated the whole time. I also found it difficult to get her out of the crate the first 4-5 days when she had such trouble getting up on her own. I used a long towel under her hips when I took her out to potty to help keep pressure off her knees. I would lift up on the towel as she walked, it made a world of difference for her. Otherwise she would just sit down due to the pain. I have heard of some surgeons not giving post op pain med. I would DEMAND that they give you some. It is a painfull recovery the first week. But Bella was wanting to run and jump after that! Of course they cant do either! My surgeon also recommended a E collar to keep her from licking her incisions, but she never messed with them, so we didnt need it! He also put her on a supplement for arthritis, and Glucosomine and Omega.
I wish you the best of luck with your baby! Its hard seeing our little ones in pain, but its so worth it in the long run. Please let us know how it goes!