Torn ACL

[Redwood Corgi]

Hi everyone, seems that Timmy has decided to present me with my next challenge. I barely have gotten through clearing out my mom's house and getting it ready to sell and then on Sunday he stepped in a gopher hole and now has a torn acl. We went to the vet yesterday and they did x-rays and the "anterior drawer test" and my vet feels sure he's completely torn the ligament. I've already done lots and lots of looking on the internet but I'm looking for corgi specific recommendations on the type of surgery (if necessary) or course of treatment to pursue. It seems that most of the orthopedic surgeons want everyone to get a TPLO (total plateau leveling osteotomy??) Some even specialize in it or do it exclusively. Well I don't believe in ONE cure and especially since our breed has such special little drumsticks!:BIGGRIN"

Can anyone refer me to some corgi source or group for some additional references so I can feel better about my choice. Right now I've joined the yahoo "orthodogs" group and am monitoring results/outcomes of the different types of surgeries. Most of the dogs discussed are large breeds. I am going to post regarding my question on the forum there but was hoping that someone on here has had experience.

I've never had insurance on a dog, but Timmy has made me a believer and I'm thankful every year!

Sylvia and Timmy (now jailed in his x-pen)

[Betsie]

I know at least one person on the yahoo group pembroke-L has had a Corgi with the acl surgery.

Good luck

Betsie

[Redwood Corgi]

Betsie,
Thanks for your quick response. I'll try and see if I can get some information. I'm considering trying UC Davis since they are a premier vet teaching hospital and people I know do go to them and are happy with the services they offer and of course the expertise!

Sylvia

[Jespah]

Try posting on Corgi-L as well - the more places you reach out to, the better the selection of info you will have.

Poor Timmy!!! Whatever choice you make - I hope he will fully recover and give you and your insurance company a break!

Deb

[Redwood Corgi]

Thanks Deb,
I'll post on Corgi-L as well. I thought maybe they had some archives I could look through, but can't figure out if they even have archives. So far surgery estimates vary between $2K and $4K depending on the type!!!!

I've dropped UCDavis they are booked out until Sept. and I don't want to wait that long.

Off to post on Corgi-L

Sylvia

[Bobbie]

I have been through four surgeries with my dogs, and Moms dog has had two. TPLO is not Proven to be better even for Labradors. Merlin consulted a specialist who said it is not his first choice for corgis. what it IS is a licensed and commercialized procedure that is very expensive, so look at the other alternatives. There is a fishing line surgery that works well if you follow the restrictions during recovery and then build the muscles back up. Merlin did agility after his surgeries, well,much later, and did fine.

[Redwood Corgi]

Bobbi,

That was my thinking. Traditional, do you remember which type, intracapsular or extra capsular? (I think that's the right terminology?) Did you have your's done at a specialist's office? Was the ACL tear complete? So many questions and so little objective information. Everyone is pushing their kind of surgery.

Sylvia

[dcole]

Poor Timmy! Vibes going out to both of you!
Re. UC Davis; I assume you were looking to go to the campus itself? Do they have any affiliate specialty hospitals in your area? We have one (plus a satellite office) down here, and I know they have ortho specialists, so I'm assuming they have access to all the latest research done on campus.

[taflar]

I recommend Corgi-L over the others. Many knowlegeable breeders and owners there.

I've had one corgi with an ACL tear. She had the conventional surgery not the TPLO and she did fine. I think I'd have to be convinced to go the TPLO route and they'd have to have a good reason why it would be better than the conventional surgery.

JMO.
Peggy

[corgimom109]

Thanks Deb,
I'll post on Corgi-L as well. I thought maybe they had some archives I could look through, but can't figure out if they even have archives.
Sylvia

CorgiL does have archives, you go to their home page http://corgi-l.org/ and you can access them from there. I know there was a recent discussion about ACL surgery on corgi-L because I am email friends with the woman whose dog tore her ACL. Her dog did just have the surgery.

[Bobbie]

I don't know the name of the surgery...it involved fishing line strung from one bone to the other and kind of wrapped around the joint. According to my vet it eventually loosens up but by then the muscles have stabilized the joint. It cost Mom about $1200 for Sammy in December.

[Redwood Corgi]

Barbara, I checked the archives (small brains take a little longer to figure things out!) All I could find was stuff from 1998. I know there has to be something more current. Will check back later this evening. Getting several responses and they seem to support the many different types of surgeries and conservative management too. Will wait a couple more days to decide. I've ruled out UC Davis Vet School, they're scheduling for Sept now.

Sylvia and Timmy

[Jespah]

Sylvia - I posted your question on my Facebook page as I have a lot of Corgi friends who are breeders and/or have been around Corgis for years. I'll let you know - if you are on Facebook, let me know and you can follow the post - of there are any responses. I'll send you any info I get - or ask if you can email anyone directly if they can be of help.

[Jespah]

Rhys - the Birthday boy's Mom answered me on Facebook.

Here is Kathy's reply:

Yes, Rhys had his ACL repaired last year in April. Since he is not a "performance dog" (just a crazy nut!!!) we did NOT go with the TPLO surgery (much more involved surgery and $$$$$) - just the "fishing line" to replace the ligament that had ruptured (he never even limped, so we didn't even know!) It was a very careful 4 month rehab, including ... See moreunderwater treadmill sessions 2x week, which REALLY helped speed his recovery of motion and even gait. I was able to show him in conformation after his shaved thigh grew back in. My surgeon did say, however, that 80% of dogs will end up having the other leg repaired within 1-2 years.....so we're waiting for the other shoe to drop :(

The "fishing line" procedure is called the extracapsular procedure.

[corgimom109]

Barbara, I checked the archives (small brains take a little longer to figure things out!) All I could find was stuff from 1998. I know there has to be something more current.
Sylvia and Timmy

I did a search and had luck with subject containing "Susie needs surgery" (Susie is my friend's dog so I knew to look for this) and also subject containing "ACL". Also you can put the date in at the bottom to get more current responses (I used from June 2010 to today but you might want to go back a little further than that).

Oh, and I don't think you have a small brain -- I was a computer programmer for 30 years so I know the tricks to searching:SMILE:

[ZdogZ]

No advice, just want to say I hate to hear that. Poor Timmy!

[Redwood Corgi]

Thanks everyone. Barbara, I'm off to check out your suggestion on Corgi-L now. Deb, I am on Facebook, but hardly ever go there, too much to keep up with and still have time for Timmy and I. I got the information you sent from Rhys' mom and I'm still leaning for the traditional (which includes the extracapsular procedure). But I'm trying to keep an open mind. Timmy is very active, but not an agility or flyball type dog that trains every day, but he is a ball fanatic and I'm sure that his frequent stops and turns would stress whatever repair we do. I think in addition to the repair I'm also going to start having him stay until I release him on the retrieving, that should cut down on the turns and attempts to catch the ball in the air.

I really appreciate all the input. I want to gather all the information I can to help make the right decision for Timmy and avoid unnecessary pain and hope for an almost "normal" return. Right now money is the last thing on my mind, especially since he does have insurance. Also, I'm planning on staying in the geographic area where the surgery will be done and make sure he gets the water therapy. I've heard and Rhys' experience shows that it can speed healing. I've also heard that it can improve and strengthen gait to help prevent that other leg ligament from tearing loose.

Thanks again for all the responses, I can't believe how wonderful it is to have all of the support and well wishes from this site. By the way, my sweatshirt and tshirt (camp corgi) have gotten lots of comments. Maybe next year some of you will get to meet both of us.

Sylvia (off to check Corgi-L archives again)

[corgiland]

So sorry to hear about, Timmy........

Lots of healing vibes going his way.....

[Jespah]

Glad to hear that all of the information is helping Sylvia. I'll let you know if there is anything new posted on my Facebook page - I don't have access to it at work, so it won't be until later this afternoon, if there is anything.

I think that this site - the people are great for support and info - we all know that for the grace of God, there goes any of us. +WUBCLUB+

Glad that you are having fun with your Camp Corgi shirts - thanks for buying them! It helps support the site. :BIGGRIN"

Hugs to Timmy, hope that he will be okay and that he isn't in too much pain.

Deb

[Redwood Corgi]

On Tues of this week we met with a wonderful Vet, Dr. Sue Buxton, she was a referral from a group of corgis (Wine Country Corgis) whom we socially meet with once or twice a year. Dr. Buxton does do the traditional repair which involves using something like fishing line to stabilize the knee joint. However, after examining Timmy and his x-rays she said if he was hers she would take him to an orthopedic surgeon and have a more sturdy fix done. On Wed we met with Dr. Wells, a newly board certified surgeon and after evaluating his particular physical structure, activity level, lifestyle, x-rays and the instability in his knee, recommended a variation of the traditional surgery called "tightrope". This will require some additional physical therapy and I plan on moving down into the Santa Rosa area for approximately 4-6 weeks at the beginning of Sept to begin his therapy there.

On Thursday he had his surgery, and Dr. Wells stated he did really well and that everyone there loved him. "He is such a wonderful dog and despite everything responded to everyone with a smile and nub wag." He said I could pick him up late Friday morning if all goes well during the night. Well, you can bet that I didn't sleep well Thursday night, up at the crack of dawn, called the hospital (they're a 24 hour emergency care center). Whew, he was fine, ashamed that he had peed on himself a little, but in good corgi fashion ate his breakfast with gusto. I met with Dr. Wells (very good looking by the way):BIGGRIN" He gave me a long list of post op instructions and I will be able to go to my local vet to have the stitches removed and do some cold laser therapy and accupuncture until I see him again at 8 weeks, post op. Then he will do x-rays to determine if the healing is going well.

Four hour anxious drive home. He took care of business, I loaded him up with various narcotic drugs and he went to sleep until dinner. This morning, anxious to go out, and he is very happy to have his routine back, I can tell. I'm very relieved that the surgery is done, that he is resting comfortably (drugs are definitely helping) and that we are on the road to recovery. I sure wouldn't want to be doing all this during winter with cold and rain!!

I'm keeping a daily log regarding his medication, eating, range of motion exercises, and of course his personality and demeanor. Thanks again for all the input, support, and knowledge. Without it I know I would really be a basket case, and continually questioning myself and decision.

Sylvia and the very very looopy Timmy:ROLLEYES

[CorgiMum]

I don't know how I missed this thread Sylvia, sorry. But I'm so glad to hear that Timmy's surgery went well and is over with.

Dylan had the Traditional done for a partial tear and his leg healed back to being 100%. But, after his recovery, he over compensated and hurt, but didn't tear his opposite rear leg. At almost 13 now the non surgery leg still bothers him but he takes a Deramaxx every morning and that keeps him comfortable. The surgery leg is just fine. I too had read everything on the Ortho dog board. I would also have suggested the Performance Corgis board to read.

And I know what you been by a ball crazy corgi, that's Dylan. The only sports he was really active in were obedience and freestyle, so nothing that caused his ACL tear other than regular playing.

Good luck with Timmy's recovery program. We have a wonderful Vet too, and we worked though 4 months of a detailed recovery program for Dylan. And saw him once a week for many months, and gives his legs special attention any time we come in how.

During that time I had sinus surgery, I was given one sheet of recovery information, and info of what to expect the first few week. A good Vet is worth his/her weight in gold in my books.

Again, best wishes for a speeding and easy recovery for Timmy.

[Kassie]

Glad to hear the surgery went well for Timmy and that he is recovering well. Wonderful that you got the heads up on a good vet (and good looks never hurt!) I've considered insurance for the girls, maybe I should consider it more! Good luck with the rehab portion of his recovery.

[corgimom109]

Glad to hear the surgery went well and that you have a good set of plans for his recovery. I hope he continues to recover well. Good for you for doing all the research and doing the right thing for your dog.

[Jaxerspal]

Bestest vibes for a speedy recovery for our pal Timmy! +WUBCLUB+

[corgiland]

Glad to hear that Timmy's surgery is over and sending lots of healing vibes his way...........

[Redwood Corgi]

Just thought I'd give everyone an update on Timmy. It's now 6 days after surgery and the incision site looks wonderful, but the dog looks pitiful!+SAD+
Timmy is being such a good boy about the Ruffwear harness (which he hates), the confinement and the continual watching by me. He's starting to get antsy with all the "down time". +DULL+I'm going to have to come up with some games to play inside the x-pen or in a small area of my room. Poor guy!!

We get the stitches out on the 12th and hopefully before the end of the month Timmy will start with physical rehabilitation.

Another corgi "Rowdy" on Corgi-L also joined the orthodogs group and he will have surgery on the 17th of this month. So the "disabled corgi" list is growing.

Thanks for your input Barbara regarding Dylan's experience. I know that the recovery and rehabilitation will be a long process, but now that I'm retired, what else have I got to do:ARG:

Sylvia

[CasaCorgis]

Hi Sylvia,

So glad Timmy's surgery went well. I know you will be very diligent about his post-op rehab. Yes, these things do keep us retirees on our toes, and mentally and physically alert.

Best wishes for continued healing. +FUZZHUG+ +TUP+

[thebeach.corgi]

Healing vibes going out to Timmy. Glad to hear all went well and recovery is progressing. <<<<T>>>>

Yep, hard to keep a corgi on down time for long. :SMILE:

[Dillydoodle]

I hope Timmy will recouperate quickly so you don't have to see that sad bored face too much longer. it is so hard to keep them quiet when all they want to do is play... Sending out good recouperation vibes!

[CorgiMum]

Continued good recovery vibes for Timmy.:SMILE:

[ZdogZ]

I'm glad he's doing well and I hope he continues to recover nicely from his surgery.

[corgiland]

Continued healing vibes going Timmy's way............

[dcole]

Glad to hear that Timmy's surgery went well. Lots of healing vibes going your way...

[CorgiMum]

How is Timmy's recovery going? I've been thinking about him.

[Redwood Corgi]

Barbara,

Timmy's incision site looks beautiful. No oozing, inflammation, healing very nicely. My only concern is that he isn't doing any weight bearing on that side yet. He's just hopping. I'm applying warm compresses and then doing range of motion exercises, but he still prefers to use only three legs. When I have him out for potty breaks, I'm gently stretching out his leg until it touches the ground, but then back up it goes.

I reduced the dosage of Tramadol today and he does seem to be having some twitching, so this evening I went back to the regular dose.

Did Dylan have a problem using all four legs after his surgery? Just a question from a worried and nervous mom.

We're scheduling the physical therapy to begin right after the Labor Day holiday, (first weekend in Sept). I haven't heard back yet how often and how long they recommend. Did you do PT with Dylan post surgery?

Sylvia

[CorgiMum]

Did Dylan have a problem using all four legs after his surgery? Just a question from a worried and nervous mom.
Yes he did, I'm sure he felt pain, so didn't want to aggravate it by putting weight on his leg. Timmy's feeling the same way right now I would imagine.

Here are 2 pics of Dylan the day after his surgery when we brought him home.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e254/CorgiMum/PICT1085-2.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e254/CorgiMum/PICT1086-2.jpg

His wound was dry and clean and healed very nicely too.

[Redwood Corgi]

Barbara,

Thanks for the words of experience and even better, visuals! I sure hope that he starts using it again soon (just for me). This has been the longest week, ever!!! I always thought that getting older meant that time began to fly, well these 4 months will certainly drag by, it seems.

I've been keeping a journal, with pics that I can refer to with the doctor and the physical therapist if needed. It's also helping me see how the wound is healing etc.

Sylvia

[CorgiMum]

You are welcome, it is a scary situation as the recovery is so important, and a longish one. Four month for Dyl Bob.

I kept a journal as well, and did the therapy for him myself. Although I admit was so worried that I would hurt him with the stretching exercises. He is avery stoic boys and never complains.

But Dylan did Not like the icing! How is Timmy about it?

[Dillydoodle]

The keeping of a journal with photos is a great idea. I di something similar with Gus when he was going through his issues with his dermatomyositis. It makes it easier to look back and see progress ...

Poor Dillon with his little shaved leg and big scar! glad he is doing well now.

Continued healing vibes for Timmy!

[CorgiMum]

Gary & I thought that poor Dylan looked like he had a leg like a chicken in that picture. It certainly healed well though. :SMILE:

[Redwood Corgi]

You're right, Timmy didn't like the icing for the first couple of days. He's not crazy about the warm compresses either, but does tolerate them.

Another thing that is disconcerting is the muscle mass decreasing. I noticed today that his giant turkey drumsticks will now only feed a family of two. A running funny threat I always say with a smile when Timmy is misbehaving is that I'm going to sell his "drumsticks on ebay to the highest bidder" because they could feed a family of four easily. That's when I usually grab him for a hug and ask for forgiveness! It is distressing to see in such a short period of time how much of the mass is already gone. By the time we're done he'll have pencil legs!:SHOCKED:

One of these days I'll figure out how to put pictures on here without getting lost and showing my lack of computer skills.

A promising sign though about the weight bearing, this morning he took a couple of steps before he remembered :TWITCHY: and then lifted! Oh well, it's a step!

Sylvia

[CorgiMum]

One of these days I'll figure out how to put pictures on here without getting lost and showing my lack of computer skills.

Sylvia, I would be happy to help you post pictures. I'll PM you.:SMILE:


A promising sign though about the weight bearing, this morning he took a couple of steps before he remembered :TWITCHY: and then lifted! Oh well, it's a step!

YAY for small corgi steps! I won't tell you not to worry because I'm a corgi-mum-worry-wort too, but I'm very sure Timmy will be fine.+YES+

And don't forget, if he feels you worring about him, he will too.:WINK:

[Redwood Corgi]

You're absolutely right about them sensing anxiety or stress. I'll take some pics today and see if I can post them here.

Got your pmail and am off to try.

Sylvia

[Redwood Corgi]

http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz125/redwoodcorgi/ACL%20Surgery/IMG_0572.jpg

Day Three

http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz125/redwoodcorgi/ACL%20Surgery/IMG_0577.jpg

Day Six

http://i820.photobucket.com/albums/zz125/redwoodcorgi/ACL%20Surgery/IMG_0582.jpg

Day nine in his new Ruffwear harness, under my desk and watchful eye.

Sylvia

[CorgiMum]

Timmy's recovery procedure is very different from what Dylan's was. He was first confined to an oversized crate, and then a graduating sized indoor x-pen.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e254/CorgiMum/PICT1090-1.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e254/CorgiMum/PICT1355-1.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e254/CorgiMum/PICT1103-2.jpg

[taflar]

Just thought I'd give everyone an update on Timmy. It's now 6 days after surgery and the incision site looks wonderful, but the dog looks pitiful!+SAD+

The site looks wonderful!! Although the shaved leg takes some getting used to doesn't it?

I'm going to have to come up with some games to play inside the x-pen or in a small area of my room. Poor guy!!

A Buster Cube or treat ball, kong w/biscuit in it (or other goodies), Hide-A toys (bird, squirrel, bees). A shell game where he finds the treat under something?

I had a corgi have the ACL surgery years ago. Diamond did very well and recovered quite quickly. I don't recall having to do anything special with her but it was a long time ago! (She's since gone to the rainbow bridge.)

Peggy

[taflar]

Did Dylan have a problem using all four legs after his surgery? Just a question from a worried and nervous mom.

Just a bit of personal experience. I've not had ACL surgery, but did break a finger about 18 mos. ago.

While his leg isn't broken, he may be having some stiffness. My finger was splinted to another finger and both were VERY stiff after the splint came off. I had to work to get them to bend and work normally for quite some time.

So, even though the leg wasn't broken, it's sore from the surgery and stiff from not being used for awhile. I think that the streaching is a great way to get it working again. And work on him bending it each day. You might have to do that for him right now.

If he resists don't push him too hard. But do try for a little more motion each day. And yes, there was a some pain in my fingers and hand from just trying to bend or streach my fingers. Just watch his reaction for signs of too much pain.

Peggy

[Dillydoodle]

Poor Timmy... it looks owie but the site is so clean.. it does take getting used to seeing that completely naked leg! The wound will heal and hair will grow back... I hope that he feels better and stronger each and every day!

[Redwood Corgi]

Timmy is jealous of the accommodations that Dylan had. That looks like the luxury suite at the Marriot! Timmy had his x-pen set up in a corner of my living room and except for potty breaks he was in there. Now since his mom is retired as much as she needs to be, he is free to roam the rooms I live in, since he can't hide and I watch him like a hawk. If I ever have to leave, he is coned and put into his "prison". After Thursday (staples come out), he won't have to wear the cone at night, he'll still have to go in the pen since I can't trust him to not try and get up on the chairs or sofa, even though I have them loaded up with stuff.

Today, there's more and more walking and using the leg, I believe that starting the NSAIDs (Metacam) has helped.

I've been using the time to do some writing and learning, especially all I can about taking my life on the road!

Sylvia

[CorgiMum]

Today, there's more and more walking and using the leg, I believe that starting the NSAIDs (Metacam) has helped.

That's great news! Sounds like Timmy is making real progress every day. Dylan didn't have staples though, only stitches. Hope their removal goes well for him.

[CasaCorgis]

Sylvia,

When my late Brandy (a beautiful mutt, part beagle and part corgi) developed a herniated disk at age 6 in 2000, she had a back operation by the vet neurosurgeon. The doctor closed the incision with metal staples. When we took Brandy back to get them removed, it was like magic: done in almost an instant. I did not see the instrument they used (I couldn't look since I thought she might have some pain with the removal, and that I might faint in response (read: wimp), but she had none). I've always had visions of their using a staple remover like you do on stapled documents. LOL!

In any event, I hope Timmy gets his staples removed as easily and as painlessly as Brandy had. Good luck and best wishes. Please let us know how it goes.

[ZdogZ]

Glad to hear that Timmy is healing ok.

[taflar]

I did not see the instrument they used (I couldn't look since I thought she might have some pain with the removal, and that I might faint in response (read: wimp), but she had none). I've always had visions of their using a staple remover like you do on stapled documents. LOL!


They use a staple remover very similar to what you thought. This one is for surgical staples. It pops them right out and it's fast and as you noticed pretty painless. At least as painless as suture removal.

Peggy

[Corgifan]

They use a staple remover very similar to what you thought. This one is for surgical staples. It pops them right out and it's fast and as you noticed pretty painless. At least as painless as suture removal.

Peggy

Back in '86 I had my gallbladder removed and they closed up the large incision with staples. When the doc came in to removed them, I kid you not, he whipped out a pair of Snap-on automotive brand needle nose pliers and popped the staples out in a flash. To my surprise it didn't hurt a bit.

Nice to hear they've gotten more professional with the tools, at least the vets have!

Doug

[taflar]

Back in '86 I had my gallbladder removed and they closed up the large incision with staples. When the doc came in to removed them, I kid you not, he whipped out a pair of Snap-on automotive brand needle nose pliers and popped the staples out in a flash. To my surprise it didn't hurt a bit.

Nice to hear they've gotten more professional with the tools, at least the vets have!

LOL!! Well, I might just try your needle nose pliers next time I have a dog with staples in!! When they have stitches I just take them out myself. (I mean I did it when I worked for the vet, why waste their time and my gas?) I've gone back to have staples out since I don't have a staple remover and didn't think about pliers.

Peggy (whose dogs want to know if I have a vet license...)

[carlycorgi]

Hi Everyone, I thought I'd let everyone know that Carly is doing excellent at day 7 post surgery. I just finished writing a update of her surgery, but was logged out before I could post it! That has happened twice! Anyway, if I knew how to upload photos, I'd do it, but suffice to say that corgis are such brave little dogs. This was a major surgery and she's doing awesome. I have hope that we'll be able to hike and do agility again!

[CorgiMum]

So glad to hear that Carly is doing well after her surgery. +TUP+

(I did a long post earlier today, and forgot to click after the Preview.:EEK:)

[Jespah]

So glad to hear that Carly is doing so well - I hope she keeps recovering at a good rate and will be good to go very soon! :SMILE:

[Redwood Corgi]

I'm so glad to hear that Carly is doing well. Timmy is now three weeks post op and is getting used to the inactivity. Not that he likes it, but he is a wonderful patient. I'm hoping the same for Carly.

The next few weeks are critical in the recovery process as you know. Did end up going with the tightrope?, or with the more invasive TPLO, TTA? Which ever, it really looks bad the first few days because of the bruising, but that does fade and a journal with pics can really help you see the difference. (I know it did me) The recovery in the traditional surgeries takes a little longer, but should have the same outcomes.

Here's wishing YOU moments of sanity as well. I know that there were times, I was so anxious, about possible complications and/or total failure due to something I should have controlled. On the plus side, I think that this down time has strengthened the bond between us. He's now more of a velcro dog, aka (mama's boy)! The challenge for me is being constantly vigilant, yet upbeat in his presence. It only hurts when I see him watch his housemate (Shelby the Aussie) playing and then he looks at me.

Some of the corgi owners I've had contact with (via emails) say their dogs returned to full competition and were faster than before, especially those that completed a good rehab program (home or at a clinic). The goal is to have both legs evenly bear weight, and have a correct gait. Apparently the rehab and training can help with some structure issues as well.

Timmy is starting rehab on the 1st of Sept. and we plan on completing about 8 weeks, visiting twice a week with the PT tech.

Lots of good gentle vibes going out to both of you. Here's hoping that Carly will continue with her career and feel better than she has. Please keep me posted and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me and we can compare notes.

Sylvia and Timmy

[ZdogZ]

Glad to hear that Timmy and Carly, both, are doing good.

[carlycorgi]

Yes, I know what you mean about the extra bonding. We are pretty close, because it's just her and I (the cats don't count) so we are used to being emotionally there for each other. Now, she's the one needing the extra support! I miss our hikes, garden time and agility, but know with patience now, we'll be good to go in no time. We are going to do pool rehab. I've been told that once I know how to massage, I can do it on my own and save some bucks. My regular vet recommeded a lady who does rehab in a pool where I compete in agility. Small world. I may be looking forward to the swimming more than Carly! Best wishes to Timmy on his continued recovery.

Carly had the traditional surgery, no tightrope. My surgeon wasn't as experienced with it. He said there are 39 variations on the suture method. He uses two strands instead of one, wrapping outside of the knee. Her incision is about 3 inches and all the swelling is gone. She's pretty quick on three legs, so her time in the x-pen is increasing as she heals.

Thanks everyone for the good vibes!

[carlycorgi]

Some of the corgi owners I've had contact with (via emails) say their dogs returned to full competition and were faster than before, especially those that completed a good rehab program (home or at a clinic). The goal is to have both legs evenly bear weight, and have a correct gait. Apparently the rehab and training can help with some structure issues as well.

Timmy is starting rehab on the 1st of Sept. and we plan on completing about 8 weeks, visiting twice a week with the PT tech.

Sylvia and Timmy[/QUOTE]

Hi Sylvia, Wanted to check in and see how Timmy's rehab is going? Carly is at 5 weeks post op (my how time flies) and she seems to be hoping more than walking. I'm worried about putting too much weight on one leg. We are starting water therapy on Tuesday so I hope that will help her to move that leg. I think maybe she finds it easier to move fast if she just hops? How do you get them to slow down and put even weight on both legs? Did you have this setback? She's been great about limiting activity, but I really want to see improvement!

[Redwood Corgi]

Timmy is now doing quite well! The doctor was impressed and told me that he probably won't need the two months of rehab, perhaps only a month or 6 weeks at most.:BIGGRIN"

I got him to using the leg well by being very strict on our leash walks. Tight leash, no more than 1-2 feet of loose lead. The hardest part was trying to walk that slow myself. I've increased the length of the walks to 10minutes each and he is starting to "trot" now. So we walk very slowly for 5-7 minutes and then pick up the pace for a couple of minutes. I'm allowing absolutely no funny corgi antics, but making a game out of it. Since we're been in a motel since the 31st, I've been having him "walk it" along curbs that are everywhere in this business area. By walking on the curbs he can't put too much weight on the "good" leg, because he'd fall off! Of course treats help a lot.

Physical therapy is going great. He is doing a 10 minute walk on the underwater treadmill, squat exercises, leg stretches (ROM) and "round the world". That's where I pick up one leg at a time and hold it for 5 seconds. This makes him transfer weight to the other legs including the "new and improved" leg. She also advised to elevate his food bowl. By doing that, he will also transfer weight to the rear.

Overall I'm very happy with his progress. I only screwed up once about 2 weeks ago when he escaped from the room and did two serious laps about 30 feet each. My heart literally stopped. Thank God there were no repercussions that I could tell, no soreness or limping. It is becoming more and more difficult to control the "demon" corgi though. We're six weeks in and I need to become more vigilant as time and his gait improve. In other wards, it's not getting easier!

In a couple of weeks we see the doctor for our eight week follow up and then we can really increase the length of the walks. With the "traditional" repairs it takes so much longer in the rehab because the scar tissue needs to become strong enough to stabilize the joint.

Good luck in getting Carly to use and bear weight on the leg. It was a good 8 days befor Timmy stopped hopping on one leg. Timmy sends good vibes to
Carly and I to you. If I find out any other tricks to have them switch weight bearing I'll let you know.

Sylvia and Timmy

[Jespah]

Thanks for the update Sylvia. So glad to hear that he is doing so well. It really is a test of our ability to be diligent and ensure that the exercise and limitation is all followed to a T. Good for you, I'm sure he'll be back in form in no time and you two will be able to start your big roadtrip adventure. :BIGGRIN"

Deb

[Dillydoodle]

Great news for Timmy! Sounds like he is doing really well and I am sure that is due to your great care.. It really is so important to follow the doctor's after surgery care to the letter and you clearly have taken that seriously, and it is paying off with a very healthy and happy corgi who will be running and playing in no time. I am sure it is hard to keep Timmy from running all around... i mean, he is feeling better so of course he wants to test out that newly fixed leg! Keep up the good work with him!

[Jespah]

Was just thinking of how Timmy is now after reading Bobbie's and your posts about getting together.

Has he fully recovered now? Does he limp after a particularly rowdy play session?