|
|
knee surgery
by Debby
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
My little baby just had knee surgery and I am wondering if any one can tell me about the recovery process. Taya has luxating patella in both legs, she is slowly recovering from surgery on her left leg. I am concerned about her potting. She seems to be drinking and she eats a lot if I feed her by hand, but she goes pee very little and she has not had a bowel movement for five days.
DISCUSSION:
Debby, my previous Maltese had knee surgery when he was 9 yrs old. I did not experience any "potty" problems other than the logistics of him getting positioned with a cast on. Have you spoken to your vet about this? Augie was uncomfortable for a while and limped a little but was completely recovered in a month or 2 (can't remember exactly). I hope things take a turn for the better soon. It's probably nothing, but I would call the vet to be sure.
Sue
Fancy had both knees done at the same time. I knew if we went through it once, I wouldn't be able to do it the second time. He was very sleepy the first couple of days and then I returned to work and gave him a tranquilizer and a pain pill in the morning so he slept all day. I don't think he "pottied" until the third or fourth day. He would pee-pee when I took him to his pad, but no #2. Eventually, when he started eating more normally, the #2 happened. I also used Nutra-Cal (comes in a tube) to supplement him and also peanut butter. He was a trooper and came out of it just fine. He runs and plays now and has no problems with his knees. Also, the vet who did the operation is used by his breeder so I had the confidence in her that she knew what she was doing because a lot of this breeder's dogs are brought to this vet. Hang in there, but call the vet anyway and see what he/she says about it.
Sherry & Fancy Boy
Debby--Don't know if dogs are the same as people following surgery, but the anesthesia can result in constipation. My personal solution is to drink about a bottle of wine. Clearly this won't work for a fluffball, so I would call the vet and see what's available to help your little one through this. It is probaby NOT GOOD that is has been 5 days, so call now.
cathy brown
Debby--Cathy brought up an interesting thought regarding if dogs were like people after surgery. I have had major surgery, 1 minor surgery, and 2 children. It seems to me that I always had trouble with the bowel movements for a few days, so maybe it's the same with dogs. I bet your little baby will be just fine and even as I type this to you, Taya is probably doing #2 again!
Felicia & Cubbie
Visit the Largest and Most complete Maltese dog website in the World
Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advise.