Doug has surgery tomorrow to repair/replace/fix (all of those I guess) his kneecap issue. All I know is that the kneecap is unable to get back over and they have to carve out some notches in his bones to allow it to get back into place and they will also move around some tissue to accommodate that and hold the kneecap in place. I’m the 101 of medical speak. The surgery worries me less than the recovery. Well the anesthesia worries me the most, followed by recovery, then surgery.
Doug has to be chill/still for four-weeks. I’m not even sure it’s four, it might be six, the surgeon said a number and my mind went to the absolute longest time I thought I could possibly survive with a pent-up Doug. That is four weeks. Give or take 3 weeks.
He will spend at least the first night in the hospital. Despite having almost every medical issue known to (wo)man and dog, Melvin never spent a night in a hospital and Jake only spent one, when his eye tried to explode. I know that once he is home, the first few days and nights will be the worst, but in terms of caring for him, I have been training for this since I had Max.
We will figure it all out.
I have a dog pen, I have various sized crates. I have tie down plans so he can be outside but not moving around. I have cones, bed covers and plans to feed him mini meals throughout the day via Kong to keep him busy. I have bones, and bully sticks and new toys. I have a plan to try to keep his weight in check.
I also have tranquilizers. For him, but if they fail, I may take them.
This is what Doug looks like when he’s on tranquilizers. He is awake. Wide awake. But somewhat still, for like ten minutes. 
I’m excited to get this issue fixed although I am a bit worried about one other thing. What if this leg issue has been holding the real Doug back. What if he is even more energetic, more zoomerific, more cray? Since he has been on pain medication, I have noticed that crazy Doug has reemerged. He is still only using 3 legs but the pain medication is definitely making him feel more, him. I’m scared people. I mean really, what if…
Yippppeeeeee, I can’t wait to fly through the air again like I was born to do! 
I will keep you posted via Facebook and Instagram. If you have any advice for post surgical care or keeping exuberant dogs calm, PLEASE share that with me! Please!
Have a great week!
Best of luck tomorrow Doug! Our 5 year old pibble is probably looking at CCL surgery soon and I’m right there with you with the recovery concerns. The thought of keeping her from her usual antics for weeks on end has me petrified. You seem to have thought of everything though. I’ll be following closely to get ideas from you!
I’ll keep good notes for you!
Wish I had some great, magical advice for you. Teddy had this same surgery in September and we were told 6 to 8 weeks for recovery. Even with laid back Ted we were struggling a few weeks into it. Other than Kongs have you looked into any of the puzzle feeders or slow feeder options?
Ugh! I’m afraid! I do have puzzles for him and lots of chew toys. I guess we will just have to persevere. How are you guys doing on the latest surgery?
I’m glad this time was ‘just ‘ a partial tear because he’s feeling a lot better a lot sooner 🙄 Going out of town for a week with the kids watching the dogs, they’ll keep him in lock down and be able to ignore his whining better than I do!
Will he be allowed to swim? It’s low impact and would get some energy out.
We have a rebhab planning appt on Thursday before pick up so I will know that then!
When Ray had his surgery I used an x-pen outside for him rather than a tie down. He was able to lie on his mat and soak up some sunshine but still stay confined and not tempted to run around.
I’m sure you also thought of this but I tried to take a bit more weight off of him pre-op so that he could gain a bit back as he tends toward the chunky side.
I know you’ve got this figured out and both you and Doug will rock this.
Much love and hugs.
The pen i got can easily go outside, that is a good idea. I just have visions of him trying to jump out so the tie down was back up! hahahahahaha.
Yes, Ray has considerably less energy and a healthy respect for gates. 😘
Good luck! Lots of positive thoughts for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. I second the slow feeder idea. I actually pack and freeze them, though thats a little harder for him, if he has to eat laying down.
Hmmmm that is a good idea for when he is more mobile though, and he will be bored of Kongs by then!
Sending good thoughts and prayers for an easy, successful surgery and a speedy, smooth, uneventful recovery!!
I love uneventful! Thank you!
Here ‘s to a great surgery experience! Sending positive thoughts! I was nervous as well about keeping Noel calm for the 6 months they requested, in the end I found these dogs know what they can do and can’t. She walked on 3 legs for a long time, then touch toe, then occasionally stepping on the leg. I did keep her off the stairs, and we did okay! Hope Doug and you have a speedy and noneventful recovery!!!! Remember give that pain medicine!!! 🙂
Six months?????? Wait, what???? WOW!!! I am def really good about medication schedules.
Yes…her recovery was really for 6 months, but honestly by month 4-5 she was doing much better, and because I cut out her treats she managed to lose 3 pounds during recovery!! The vet was very happy, so was I. I was soooooo glad when she was finally off restriction. She did develop water on the knee and required many weekly visits, which I was not charged for, an additional bonus. Eventually all was well, but her injury was extensive, and surgery was involved and expensive, she is at about 90% now and that is great according to he vet.
Team Doug!
Yes!!!
Doug looks like such a toughie in the first pic! So handsome. <3
Best wishes for the surgery and recovery, if anyone can handle this, it's you! 🙂
Right! Mean muggin!
We’re sending great big healing thoughts your way. I second the wishes for a calm and uneventful surgery and recovery.
Just a couple of thoughts:
Sedatives are your friend; when mad-man Obi tore his Achilles tendon (2015) they allowed us to sleep. That is – because he was sedated, we were able to sleep. After the first week he/we didn’t need them, having all gotten into the new routine.
Use his meals and treats for training time – a bazillion 1 minute sessions a day. They’ll wear out his brain nicely. As you know, mental exercise can be more tiring than physical activity – especially for a dog with unlimited physical stamina. (Habi learned to accept a Dremel tool for her nails when she was laid up after CCL surgery (2016). It took a month of those micro-sessions, which allowed us to split the behavior into tiny, tiny pieces, which is how we ended up with a dog happy to have her nails done).
Keep us posted!
Love, love, love these ideas! Thank you so much! xoxo
Doug couldn’t have found himself a better mom. I’m hoping that the recovery goes well!