I knew something was wrong Friday evening when I got home from work. I took Gracie to the backyard to potty and she was no longer putting weight on her injured leg. I chalked it up to being tired and, possibly, a bit too much walking. Saturday was no better, so I called the vet's office in Beaverton for an appointment on Monday. By Sunday I knew this was serious. Her knee was swollen and I was out of pain meds.
Today I got the news: her patella was dislocated with a probable tear of the ligament that holds it in place.
And the rest of the news: additional surgery, scheduled for Wednesday, to straighten her femur and correct the patellar luxation.
Prior to the TPLO, the vet surgeon explained to me about Gracie's anatomy. Her femurs are bowed, making her look bow-legged from behind. The curvature of the femur was problematic. In some instances, not only is a TPLO done, but also an osteotomy of the femur to reduce the curve. He could do it in Gracie's case, but he felt the angle was not too bad, so we opted to just do the TPLO. That was the wrong decision in hind-sight.
So Gracie is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday. The vet surgeon will perform the osteotomy of her femur to reduce the curve and deepen the patellar groove so that the patella doesn't slip out of place.
I'm struggling with this one. Did I push her too hard, too soon? Did I let her get away with being zany Gracie too soon? Did my desire to have her close to me in the evenings put her at greater risk of injury? It's hard to know. Maybe this could have been prevented, or maybe not. I do know that I'll be more strict this go around. She will be spending time in her "garage apartment" and not in the house. Walks will be to the potty area and back, only. And because she is such a strong and energetic dog, I may have to opt for the mild sedatives to keep her calm.
And we are back to square one.
to bee -- or not to bee
1 year ago
6 comments:
My best to Gracie. And you stop worrying about what you may have done. Too much self-blame going on here.
Beth - We're sorry to hear the news about Gracie. Hope all goes well!
Steve - it was a momentary pity party. What's done is done and now we move forward, one day at a time. Much like you and Jiggs are doing now. I haven't slept on the floor with Gracie (yet), but do spend the evenings with her, sitting in her kennel working on a puzzle book or reading, while she works on her latest bone or treat toy.
Cynthia & Mike - thank you for the good wishes. Be sure to hug Sitka every day!
There is never any way to know if something could be done differently. But you are a wonderful and caring mother so, while difficult, forward is the only way. I was devastated to hear the news but know that the vet you chose seems to be the best for Gracie. I will keep you and Gracie in my prayers and know that she will finally gain a full recovery. Hang tough.
One suggestion, from having to do six weeks of bed rest for a pooch for a different knee surgery: is it possible to put a crate (not the solid plastic ones, but one like this http://www.midwestpetproducts.com/product/LIFESTAGES ) in the living area, or where you spend most of your time when home? We put ours in the living room for Darwin (chow/lab mix), draping a blanket over the top. Hey, if it's in the living room for six weeks, it becomes DECOR!
That kept the emotional and social connection and made the recovery period less stressful--for all of us!
Lavachickie - I tried that with the last surgery but she would only whine and cry in the crate, especially if I got out of eye sight. I almost think she is more able to relax if I'm not around. I'll give the kennel a go and be more strict with the rules this time.
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