Day After Surgery My husband and I modified our work schedules somewhat so that someone could be home with Beau at all times for the first week. Today was my turn. In the morning, I took the bandage off as instructed and was very happy to find that the vet technician had done a great…
Tag: Recovery
Beau’s Day and Night of CCL Surgery
The Day and Night of Surgery I dropped Beau off at the vet’s at 7:30 am and went on to work, warning all my co-workers to expect a basket case in the office that day. By 8:30, I had a call from the vet’s office. I started panicking, but it turned out that they just…
Tightrope CCL Surgery Recovery
The standard rehabilitation procedure for Tightrope repair is a bit different than TTA and TPLO, due to the less invasive nature of the procedure. When dogs return home from Tightrope repair, owners are instructed to allow their dog to utilize the leg as they wish. For some dogs this means they will start putting weight…
Tightrope CCL Procedure
The Tightrope CCL repair surgery is the newest surgical option available for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injury. Unlike in humans, canine CCL tears and damage generally takes place over a period of months or years, rather than being associated with a single traumatic event. Because of the nature of these injuries, and their degenerative…
My Dog Swallowed a Staple
Accidents happen, and this is certainly the case in post operative dogs. Sometimes, despite our best efforts and watchful eye, dogs can remove their surgical staples. Unless your dog has done this within a few days of returning home from surgery, or you notice pus, excessive bleeding, or a large, open wound where the staple…
Physical Therapy in Post CCL Repair Dogs
More and more veterinarians are starting to recommend post operative physical therapy for cranial cruciate ligament repair patients. While opinions differ from one veterinary surgeon to another, proponents of canine PT believe that physical therapy in the post-op CCL repair dog can help bring a dog back to full function in a shorter amount of…
Alternatives to an E-Collar
Many dogs can not tolerate the large, plastic, conical, Elizabethan Collars that most veterinary offices provide following canine surgery. If you are dealing with a dog that is able to get their e-collar off, refuses to lay down with the e collar on, is marking up the furniture with the collar, unable to eat, sleep,…
Best Toys and Treats for a Post Operative Dog
The first few months following a CCL repair surgery can be trying for both you and your dog. It is important during this time to provide your dog with adequate stimulation to prevent them from falling into some of the naughty behaviors exhibited by bored dogs. So instead of feeling guilty that you have to…
CCL Injury in Both Back Legs
It is not unusual for dogs who have a cranial cruciate ligament rupture in one leg to develop one in the other leg. It is a little unusual to have two severe ruptures at the same time, but it does occur, especially in large breed dogs or overweight canines. Generally the signs of this type…
Preparing Your Home for a Post Operative Dog
Before bringing your dog home from CCL repair surgery, you will want to make sure everything is set before their arrival. If you have already been practicing CM (conservative management) prior to surgery, odds are your home is already adequately prepared for the return of your canine patient, but it is always better to be…