Evening everyone, Cortex got injured this morning (I’ve seen two different vets just to be sure) but it is what it is: a ruptured cruciate ligament in his left knee. The first vet told me it would take 4 to 8 months of rehab, whereas the second says the dog should have recovered well within 3 months. The prices are also worlds apart; one quoted around £850, the other about £350 (money isn’t an issue). In both cases, they told me that no matter what happens, Cortex will develop arthritis and the joint will become painful as he gets older.
I’d like to know if any of you have dealt with this kind of setback before. How did the surgery go? Was the recovery good? Is there anything we can do to make sure he doesn't suffer too much later on?
I’m so worried about Cortex (he’s on anti-inflammatories until the operation, which is scheduled for Monday at 8:45 am). I still don't know which vet to go with, but since both have given me an appointment, I need to cancel one of them...
I’m completely lost 😞
Translated from French
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Cortex is back home (it’s a nasty wound but it’s been stitched up well). The vet spent an hour and a half working on him. I’ve got a whole aftercare routine to follow. Seven days of complete rest, then I start moving the joint very gently; the stitches come out in 10 days.
He has to take two painkillers and two antibiotics a day. The vet also warned me about the risk of rejection (the stitches need to hold for at least three full months), so I haven't finished panicking just yet! 😂
He’s sleeping for now, probably still a bit out of it; I’m going to stay by his side tonight.
Thanks for your messages! I’ve got his crate all set up and comfy so he can settle down, and I’m planning on keeping him mentally stimulated. For the first fortnight, I’m going to be really strict—only out in the garden on the lead. After those two weeks, we’ll start five-minute walks on the lead with some walking support (I’ve bought a support sling and we have an appointment with an orthotist to get a custom knee brace made). We’re going to see a vet osteopath as well. I really want my big lad to make the best recovery possible.
That’s great news, you must be so relieved 😉 Now you’ve just got to wait until 5 pm (the time will definitely drag...) to get your lovely pooch back 🙂. Looking forward to an update this evening!
Great news! Even though it was unlikely anything would go wrong, it’s always a massive relief to get an update after the surgery! Wishing him a nice, gentle wake-up; he'll be back in his own cosy bed soon.
Thanks Tania and Jazz, the operation is over and Cortex is awake in his cage. The vet explained that the next couple of hours will be painful for him as they’ve reduced the pain relief to stop him from thrashing about in his cage (it was gas anaesthesia for a lighter procedure), but he’ll be fine, he’s doing very well. I’m picking him up this evening at 5 pm.
Don't get yourself too worked up! (I know, easier said than done when you're a bit of a worrier anyway). It won't be long before you have some good news to share with us...
