Torn ACL *3/6/10 8wk Check Up*

[Seravieve]

We're actually doing pretty well at it so far... Of course, he just finished his 'major' pain pills Sunday, so he's been a little drugged so far. He just hangs out in the living room on a pile of dog beds, blankets and pillows. He's always been a good sleeper and a major cuddler so he's been pretty good. We keep a leash on him at all times and crate him (w/ an E collar) if we leave. He's started to want to play with his leash though.. he'll paw at it and carry it around in his mouth. Like he's walking himself. J is home most of the time, as she was laid of in Dec... so that actually works out well. He has left the incisions alone since day one, so we are comfortable with keeping him out of the E collar while he's supervised. Hardest part really is keeping Treo from jumping on him. She's such a wild child.. always running around like a nut.

Here's some pictures of his Xrays from after the surgery. Kind of interesting to see how they do the surgery. New Xrays will be done on Feb 4th (4 weeks Post OP). I'll have to work on a new picture of him, as I took some the other night, they looked ok on the camera's little screen, and then I opened them on the computer and they looked AWFUL! Staples came out fine yesterday, Vet says he looks good. Minor swelling, but its not an issue. Says he's doing good, as he's 'toe touching' while just standing around, which is good for this early.

[Grace]

I'm glad the recuperation is going so well.

Just had to say those X-rays are so cool!! (spoken as a retired RN)

[chocolatepuppy]

Interesting X-rays! Good to hear you're not having too much trouble keeping him calm.

[chocolatepuppy]

How's Eli doing?

[MonicanHonda]

Gosh, that stuff is just so cool to see.

But it is definitely good to hear that doggy is doing alright.

[Seravieve]

Eli's doing good... thinks he should be running around jumping like he's 100% healed.. lol. I have to physically hold him still when I get home from work, he just gets so excited and wiggly. He walks on the leg a lot more than he was a week ago... he still has a noticeable limp, but is doing good. The only time he holds it up off the ground is when he's outside, eating a meal or when he's just woken up. Some of his hair is growing back in.. pretty soon he wont be naked butt dog. Yay! 4 week check up is on Thurs, but will probably move it to Saturday, so J can go too. She and Treo are in Colorado this week... road trip to visit her brother and go snowshoeing.

I thought the Xrays were pretty cool too. Kind of weird to think all of that's in his leg.. It makes his knee noticeably wider I think. I'm looking forward to the 8week check up with new Xrays.. Will be interested to see the changes along the bone line. Eventually it should all fuse back together, to where the 'hardware' isn't needed.. and we could take it out if we wanted to, but we probably wont unless there are any problems that arise from it.

[Seravieve]

All is well as of today. Vet said he looks good.. using it well. Incision looks great. Still a little swollen, so back to using the warm compress every day for 10 min or so. Other than that, looks good. If you asked Eli, he'd tell you he feels great! Of course, that's because he thinks he needs to run around like a crazy dog... getting stir crazy I think.

No stairs until 8 week Xrays come back ok unfortunately.. so 4 more weeks of sleeping on the couch for me! =)