|
|
|
|
|
The Following is an excerpt from Dog Owners Speak Out on Knees:
China - TTA - Tibial
Tuberosity Advancement
Symptoms:
China ruptured her ACL in the middle of an agility trial in April,
2008. She is a very fit and athletic dog who’d been training and
competing in the sport since she was 3 years old. China had just
cleared the peak of the 5’ high obstacle known as the A-Frame when she
squealed in pain and collapsed at the base, unable to weight bear on
her right rear leg. In hindsight, the ligament had probably been
tearing over a period of time due to the activity level, and just
happened to rupture that day on that piece of equipment.
.
There was a canine massage therapist on site at the time, so China
received some immediate attention in the form of icing and muscle
massage. Some of the other handlers rushed over with some homeopathic
pain and anti-inflammatory treatments, specifically Arnica and
Traumeel. It all seemed to have made a difference – there was very
little swelling, although China was only able to get around by hopping
on three legs. She absolutely refused to bear weight on the right side.
Treatment Option
Selected and Why
A veterinary examination the next day confirmed a positive drawer test,
and by the following day, a surgeon was chosen. While my regular vet
could easily have done a Traditional repair on such a small dog, I
chose to speak with an orthopedic surgeon about TPLO since I wanted to
give China every opportunity to return to playing the game she loved so
much. Within a week we were in the surgeon’s office, and he explained
both the TPLO and the newer TTA procedures. I preferred the TTA option
because although a new procedure, the implant is made of titanium,
which I have heard is much less likely to cause reactions and side
effects than stainless steel. The price was exactly the same,
regardless of the procedure performed.
Preparing for Surgery
I bought some carpet runners for around the house and a very large
crate to keep China confined in the kitchen – the hub of activity. I
had previously joined the Yahoo Group Orthodogs to learn as much as I
could about the condition. Someone there suggested I cover the entire
ceramic tile floor of the kitchen with interlocking rubber squares
about 2’ X 2’ – the kind you might use in a children’s play area. This
ensured that anytime China stepped out of the crate to eat or to go
outside, there was no possibility of her slipping.
Details of Recovery
China was toe-touching the next morning and weight bearing on the leg a
couple of days later. No sling was required, but I carried her up and
down all stairs for several weeks, including the two steps to the back
yard. I had installed a baby gate at the kitchen doorway, just in case.
With the slip proof floor and other precautions, we never had a single
“OOPS” moment.
My Mom came to stay and help keep China calm for about a week after
surgery, since there was another much younger dog in the house, as
well. I was prepared to take time off of work, but it was not
necessary. Between the two of us, we managed to get the leg iced
regularly and the PROM exercises done. China was very calm and
cooperative throughout recovery, which helped a great deal.
Around the time of the 8 week X-rays, we began to do physiotherapy and
underwater treadmill at a canine rehab centre about 45 minutes away
from home. China had always had regular chiropractic care, and we were
able to continue that treatment as well in the same location. I was
very concerned about the possibility of her tearing the other ACL, so
we worked very hard to build her muscles back gradually with longer and
longer daily walks. She also began taking two joint supplements daily,
which she will take for the rest of her life – Recovery SA and Sasha’s
Blend. The Orthopedic surgeon recommends them.
Sometime around month 3 or 4 post-op, she returned to normal gait. I
never even noticed at the time.
Six months later, China went back into agility training and
competition, although at an easier level than previously. She already
has both Canadian agility Championships, so there is no need to overdo
it. Her love of the sport is obvious. She is happy and painfree.
Current Age of Dog:
13-1/2 years old.
If faced with the
same choice today, would you make the same decision?
YES! I had a wonderful and understanding surgeon and a dog in great
physical shape who did not mind being confined to a crate – she was
used to it, even though we had only used it at competitions for the
past few years. Having been crate trained as a puppy, it was no big
deal and I believe she understood that it was for her own good this
time. She still got to lie on the couch beside me and watch television
in the evenings (I carried her there) and she still got to sleep on the
bed beside me at night (I carried her there, too!), so she was content.
Other Comments:
The runners remain in place in certain areas of the house to this day,
since China has only two speeds: ‘sound asleep” and “I’m out of here”.
She goes flying around corners to get to the back door, and I’m afraid
she will re-injure herself one day. At her age, I guess the rugs will
remain as long as I am blessed to have China with me.
This story is an except from the E-Book entitled "Dog Owners Speak Out
on Knees". To purchase the E-Book, please visit our
home page. GO TO HOME PAGE NOW
or see below:
|
|
|
|
OR
Purchase Below.........
Hear directly from
other dog owners who have walked in your
shoes.......
- What is the breed & size of their dog?
- How old was their dog?
- What symptoms did their dog have?
- What treatment option did they chose for their
dog ?
- What was
recovery like? What did they wish they had known before the
surgery?
- What Ideas and Tips do they have to help you
during recovery?
- Were there complications?
- If faced with the same choice today, would they
make the same decision?
Comments from others who have read
the book.........
We were discouraged and did not know where to turn. Our dog was barely
able to
walk and needed help up stairs. Clearly he was in pain. When
researching
our options we found your book "Dog Owners Speak Out About Knees" on
the
Internet. What a wonderful and easy to understand source of excellent
advice. Thank you so much for putting this together. -PE
Thank you for writing the book. I brought it with me along with
my notes when I consulted with the veterinary surgeon. I found
your book very helpful. -TM
I had no trouble downloading the book and have begun reading. I
found the aftercare instructions very helpful. No vet I talked to even
mentioned these very important details!
Thank you for your publication - it has helped me to be more informed
and organized. Now I feel better equipped to take care of my dog after
her procedure. -DS
Your book has inspired us to start really planning for his
surgery. Thank you for that. As you see from my ruminations, it's
working already! Thanks again! Your book is spectacular! -PK
We are very pleased with the purchase of your e-book and the useful
information it contained. -MM
Thank you for the book -
I will make it known to my vet. -CS
Thank goodness for your
publication, I agonized over which surgery was appropriate for my
dog. The aftercare instructions were helpful as well as
necessary!
-DS
Thank you! I am
sure you have helped thousands of people in their decision! -MR
Just wanted to let you know how very much the book has helped me to
understand my pet's condition, ask the right questions and know exactly what to expect. Thanks
again for making this kind of website and
information available to pet parents! - SW
Thank you for all the information. I feel as though I'm becoming
somewhat educated on the topic.-BH
As I read your e-book, I am glad I purchased it. The owners'
stories are very informative. - JE
Many thanks for helping us with our difficult decision. - RB
I was able to download the book with no problem. I wish I had
found it sooner. - VS
This is a great example of the
good side of the Internet. Thanks for putting together such a great resource for
people like us! - JV, Australia
|
|
Order Downloadable
e-Book Now!
170 Pages of
Information & Stories - Satisfaction Guaranteed !
Can you get this
information somewhere else on the web for less? Maybe, if you're
willing to spend hundreds of hours looking for it, but even after
you've done that, I still don't think so. These are complete
stories from diagnosis....through recovery! Exactly what the dog
owners who share their stories wish they had known!!
Immediate Delivery - Anytime Day or Night
Are
You Still Not Sure??
The
following links are excerpts from the book:
Table of
Contents to "Dog Owners Speak Out on Knees"
Treatments
for Torn ACL or CCL Ligaments
If you and your dog are facing
surgery for a torn ligament or luxating patella, this is an
absolute must read. Twenty eight dog owners share their story
with you!
Excerpts from the book...
Even though he was on
sedatives, I don't think any of us slept much that night.
It was very
stressful. My biggest fear was that he was so energetic that he
would get out of hand and hurt his leg before the surgery was
completely healed........
......I finally saw a
glimpse of the dog that I had sent to the vet's four days earlier.
The morning
after she came home, I did not like the looks of her leg.......
Unfortunately, she hasn't read the post op
literature................
|
|
Order Downloadable
e-Book Now!
Immediate Delivery - Anytime Day or Night
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
About Us
|| Other
Useful Websites
Legal Information
Legal
Information
|| Privacy
Policy
---------------------------------------
PMO Associates, Inc.
Attn: Sally Doyle
8458 US Hwy 421 South, Erwin, NC 28339
(910) 897-2021 (9pm to 10pm Eastern time)
support@mypoordog.com
© 2005-2010 PMO Associates, Inc |
|
