I need some encouragement..post op knee surgery

[lincolnsluv]

My boy had his surgery on Friday afternoon. Brought him home today. He had bilateral acl tears and patella luxation grade3-4. All this was repaired. He did fine when we first got home but now he is whining, cant get comfortable, and my heart is breaking. He would not stay in his kennel so I sectioned a room off with pillows and blankets. I am on the floor with him. He doesnt want me out of his sight. His medicine are Tramadol, simplicef,and rimadyl. I just need some encouragement right now. I am wondering if I did the right thing by having this surgery done since he is so much pain now. I just want my happy little boy back. I know several of you have been through this and made it through ok. Please let me know we are going to be ok.

[Rusty-Buck]

Poor buddy Sorry the two of you have to go through it, I believe Angie, the poodle we had when I was a kid, had to have surgery on her knees. I don't remember it, but it ended well with her. I can just offer my encouragement, I'm sure he'll start to feel better than ever soon!

[lincolnsluv]

Thanks, I am on the verge of tears. I am going to need some nerve pills for sure before this is over with. The tramadol doesnt seem to work very well for his pain. I know the first 2 weeks are the hardest. I thought I was prepared but I am definatly not. He just cant seem to get comfortable. He will not bend his back legs. They are like stick straight. The vet told me they would be stiff for quit awhile and he would need physical therapy. He has eaten, drank water and used the bathroom both ways so all is good with that. My main concern is the terrible pain he is having.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

My dog, Bogey, had the same surgery this past July on both knees. The first two weeks are the worst. However, we came home with a fentanyl patch PLUS Tramadol. The fentanyl patch lasted 3-4 days but was really helpful in the beginning. It's imperative that your dog stay completely qiet for the first 2-3 weeks. Nothing except for going out to potty. We used a sling to hold him up so he wouldn't put any weight on his knees at all. It was a bitch - I know what you're going through. We had to keep Bogey crated or right next to us all the time until two weeks ago - 4 months!!. Excess activity can unravel the whole thing. I would definately call the vet about additional pain meds.

Also, you may want to inquire in your area about hydrotherapy for down the road and also ask about range of motion excercises starting at about 4 weeks. They really helped Bogey. Also, keep your dog's weight down. We had to cut down Bogey's portions because he was just laying in his crate every day. Excess weight is very bad for the knees. All stuff your vet has probably told you already.

Hang in there - it gets markedly better after just the first week. Having both knees done at the same time is something I'd have to think twice about if I had to go through this again.

p.s. Bogey had a lot of scrapes and niks after surgery. I bought some Calendula gel at the natural health store and rubbed in on those scrapes and it cleared them right up. Not on the staples though. I don't know why he had so may scrapes and tiny cuts all on the stomach and butt.

[Moo]

Originally Posted by Deb's Tiny Dogs

p.s. Bogey had a lot of scrapes and niks after surgery. I bought some Calendula gel at the natural health store and rubbed in on those scrapes and it cleared them right up. Not on the staples though. I don't know why he had so may scrapes and tiny cuts all on the stomach and butt.

Razor burn.


A lot of vets aren't the most proficient at shaving- especially any surface that is not completely taut or straight. Kirby had razor burn all around the base of his tail the last time he had something done. It wasn't noticable the first couple days, but later his skin turned bright red with tiny scabs everywhere. It sucked because then he licked it, and it was just another thing to control before it got infected and made him go more nuts than he already was.

[alimel]

Poor little guy, I hope you have received information to set your mind at ease as you help your baby through this time.

[Cearbhaill]

Originally Posted by lincolnsluv

He would not stay in his kennel so I sectioned a room off with pillows and blankets. I am on the floor with him. He doesnt want me out of his sight.

I would try again with the crate. It will limit his movement, and that means he has fewer choices and will be forced to lie down and rest. With too many options they take longer to settle down IMO.

[borzoimom]

Using blankets etc is a good idea but make sure the blankets can not slip out from under the paws when trying to stand. The first few days are the worse as the pain medications from the vet wear off, and new pills are not working yet in the body. As far as getting around, would a harness help? They make them for dogs recovering from surgery to help hold the rear up.
I agree with the advice of the patch. It does seem to keep the pain medicine at a steady level. Ask your vet about it.

[saluki-sue]

The crying is more from your boy coming out of the meds used to put him under for the surgery. He'll be over that in 24 to 48 hours, he's just out of it and confused a bit. You so did the right thing, better for him to have a few weeks of discomfort then a life time of pain.

Hang in there things do get better, just keep your pup as still as you humanly can or you risk him blowing out everything that was just fixed.

[groominglady]

While I haven't gone through this myself, I'll add in a "hang in there!" for encouragement.

The results of the surgery create a happy dog that can play and move much more freely - that I have seen. I've seen dogs that were quiet and reserved - shy, even - become confident and outgoing. It was really quite surprising. I had no idea how well it could work.

So hang in there, ask the vet about perhaps a different/more medication, and try to reward Buddy for resting quietly and not fussing. You'll have your dog back soon.