hi everyone help with post ccl surgery

Im new to this site and would be very grateful for some advice on cruciate ligament surgery for dogs!
My beagle had surgery 11 days ago on her leg intrascapsular and is still holding leg up,I am very worried
she should be at least toe touching I thought. Her hock seems very floppy with no strength is this normal?
There has been no weight bearing on leg at all..Very worried and concerned that her leg is damaged even more
after surgery than before.
any advice and help will be greatly appreciated.

[Jaybay]

Some dogs just take longer than others to begin using an injured leg.  What I don't like is your statement that the leg appears "floppy".  That makes me think there is some nerve damage that can take quite a long time to improve.  Have you had your followup appointment with the surgeon yet, and did he order any post-op physical therapy?  When our dog had TPLO surgery, swimming turned out to be the best PT to get her back on all fours.  Definitely take your pup back to the surgeon for a reassessment.  And don't forget to let us know what happens!  :-)

[ne55]

thanks jaybay for your advice,
I did take her back to the vets last night he did some tests
on her. He said that she doesnt have nerve problems,otherwise she would not flinch when he pinched her foot but there looks to be a bit of muscle weakness happening but this is due to the fact she hasnt been using her leg and not to worry. He also said  that she is just one of those dogs that is alot slower at recovery.
He said that she has probably worked out that as long as she doesnt use it she will not feel pain. He advised that on the third week they will up her pain medication and we will then have to try and force her onto the leg.  I will also take her to hydrotherapy first  and hopefully that will work I think that would be the gentler approach.
Anyway I will keep you all posted on her progress
cheers :-)

[Jaybay]

That is some great news!  I'm so glad you have the option of doing hydrotherapy.  It's so much less painful when the gravity load is considerably lessened.  Hope she likes water though!  :-)

[ne55]

she hates water!  but hopefully she will grow to like it :-)  .
I might have to bribe her with treats!
I wont be doing the session though,I will only be watching on the sidelines while the therapist works with her!  
I am to much of a softie and she knows it !

How long before your dog was back on all fours?

[Jaybay]

It wasn't long at all.  Matter of fact, she pushed it too much.  That was just her personality though.  Nothing but NOTHING ever slowed her down, which was one of the reasons she got injured in the first place (running the fence line with the dog on the other side).  It's been a while, but even within 3 days post op with bandages still on, she was trying to use the leg.  In less than a month she was using the leg for walking and trotting but no major running or fast turns.  Again, this was a very athletic dog to start with who also had the strongest will I've ever seen in a dog - or a human for that matter!

[ne55]

She did use her leg fast!  this is now the third week! and my dog  is just toe touching in the last day or so! But she has a very docile lazy personality and her one and only love is food and sleep! :)
thankyou again for your helpful and friendly advice!

cheers

[ne55]

Just a quick note to give  you an update on my beagle that had ccl surgery, it has now been 4wks post op and the last 3/4 days she has been using her leg more and more I take her for walks two times aday and is now on all fours but limps but i was advised this will get better and stronger each day!  She has become a bundle of energy and looks forward to her daily walks.........

:-) ne55

[Misfits4Me]

Yippee!!!!  I'm so glad to hear she's doing better...Let the process continue!  Take care...Karla