Our first baby had ACL reconstruction surgery on Wednesday. We have been dreading this process since March, back when she tore it but knew we had to bite the bullet and have it fixed. We were told to "rest her" for a few months and see if it would heal. However, she is a German short-haired pointer… they are super active dogs full of energy and we knew she would never be able to run in fields or on the beach again if we didn't have the surgery. Now that beach weekends are over, we went ahead with the surgery because we will be home bound for a few months while she recovers.
Her surgery was performed at a specialty surgical practice two hours from our house. The orthopedic PA in me was so fascinated with the whole procedure but it was not fun having it done to your own dog! She had to spend the night there Wednesday night and we were so sad without her! We were asking ourselves what we talked about before we had her haha (and I'm sure it will only get worse with children). I took yesterday off work to go get her and spend the day with her at home. She cannot do anything for 8 weeks. No jumping on the couch, no going up and down stairs, no going outside without a leash, no playing, and in her crate if we aren't home. Do you guys know how impossible that is going to be with a GSP?? So for the next 3ish months we will be nursing our princess back to health. Carrying her outside to go pee pee, lots of snuggles, extra treats and TLC. Hurts my heart seeing her in pain but I know it will be worth it in the long run! I can't wait to see her running in fields next spring!
2016… the year of endless medical and vet bills. 2017, please be nicer to our wallets ;)
Poor Puppy! I am sure you are taking the best care of her!
ReplyDeleteOne thing you might be able to do once she can walk around the house on her own is hide her treats throughout the house (she might sprint around a bit though so be careful). Sometimes we even hide them in easter eggs - but you have to be you can get to them before they eat the plastic! I have a very active dog and this is a good exercise for his brain. Something else a dog trainer told me was to throw shredded cheese in the grass (just not a ton of it) - sniffing around releases dopamine and exercises their brain too. Maybe you can do that in grass sometimes with a leash on. Get Well Soon Bella!
Poor Bella!! I don't even know how you are going to keep her calm for three months. Good luck! So glad Bella is going to be okay though!
ReplyDeleteAww that is some intense surgery for her but I hope she recovers quickly!!
ReplyDeletexo, Kristina
Medicine & Manicures
Awww bless poor Bella and you and G! Y'all hang in there! Grady says that he hopes Bella gets well very soon because he wants a play date ASAP! Praying for a very quick recovery. XOXO
ReplyDeletePoor girl!!! I'm so sad that she's going through this (and sad for you that you're watching her go through it). Medicine and science are crazy, though and it's awesome that this surgery was available.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope the rest of 2016 AND 2017 are more friendly to the wallet! You'll spend less money if you're staying at home watching her for the next 3 months thats for sure!
oh my goodness poor girl! my brother and sis in law have the same dog and you're right - they are always on the go! sending good vibes for a fast recovery!
ReplyDeletexoxo cheshire kat
Oh goodness! Sending positive vibes for a fast recovery and a less expensive 2017!!! Xo
ReplyDeletePoor babe!! Hope she mends quickly!!
ReplyDeleteThat sweet baby! Y'all are such good parents :) Was she given a sedative? Eloise is super energetic and ripped her sutures when she had her spay surgery. We were given the same instructions - keep her as calm and still as possible for about a month. That was impossible until the vet gave us a sedative drug. She slept a lot and wasn't herself, but it made the healing process a lot healthier and easier :) Praying for all to go well!
ReplyDeletePoor Bella!! I hope she heals quickly and isn't wanting to be active - praying :)
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