7.08.2025

pupdate: surgery was a success, now for the long haul

 





Here's Cookie post-TPLO surgery, day one. 

It was rough getting her home -- pain, disorientation, incontinence, and a three-hour drive. One bad night, to be expected. This morning she was back to herself, although quiet and drugged. We have a lot of meds and a long rehab plan. 

The vet who performed the surgery has done more than 400 of these procedures, on dogs of all ages and sizes -- from one year to 14 years, from 8 pounds to 150 pounds. He confirmed a complete ACL tear, and also said that everything else is strong and healthy.

They gave us this velcro sling, pictured above, a lot easier than using a towel, which is the default. They also gave us this bootie, fashioned from a repurposed IV bag. Very clever -- and since we live in a rainforest, very important.


The bandage comes off -- and the cone goes on -- in three days. Meds, massage, ice, graduated walking. At day 45, we get more x-rays and will know how she's progressing. Full recovery? Four months if we're lucky.

I'm glad the surgery is behind us.

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