[MalteseJane]

QUOTE (3Maltmom @ Feb 8 2010, 11:39 PM)

You know, I've been through a few patella surgeries, and all have gone in the morning, and picked up the same afternoon.

All done by a specialist, with directions for home therapy. I have not had a problem. I just worry, that some may not
be able to take on the cost, when it may not be needed. Thus, the dog, not getting his leg/legs fixed.

My home therapy, with LBB, was really nothing other than making sure he was confined, with limited leg movement.
Although limited, it was very important he did have enough room to use the leg (somewhat). No cast, as they do want
some movement, which in and of itself, is therapy.

LBB thrived. So did the others.

I also have, a very dear friend, on this forum, who had doubles done, with the same care, and advice, I've followed.

I really don't want people to think the cost, and care, is soooo much. Of course, always follow your heart, and instincts.
If the money is too steep, then please get a second opinion from another specialist.

Edit to say: My Opinion is through my experiences only, and some may be worse off than others. But, yep, I've been thru
a few high grades, which are now awesome. If there is something I am missing, then feel free to let me know, as I do not understand
why the expensive therapy/vet stay, on a high-grade patella, yet we've been through high-grade patella surgery, and years have gone by.
Is there a chance, without the therapy, their will be a problem years from now? Just curious, as I'm only looking out for the best of my dogs,
the rescues, and owners, who are facing this. It is soooo common.[/B]

I am with you on this one. Alex had a torn cruciate ligament. They fixed that and the patella. I got him in in the morning and took him home in the afternoon, done by a specialist who came to our vet clinic to do the surgery. I had a kind of gel to rub on the inside of his ear for the pain, had to wear a glove on my finger to do it as not to be affected myself by the medicine. At night we put him between us in the bed. We didn't do anything special during the day, just made sure he was not going to jump on anything. His leg was bandaged. The next year we had to do his other leg and this time the leg was not bandaged. This is far better. I think they get over it quicker that way. After surgery they have to get used to the bandage and then when they take it off, it's getting used to the leg all over again. I almost cried when they took off the bandage and he tried to put his leg down. This did not happen the second time. We never did therapy. I don't think confining them completely is a good thing. They want them to start using and putting the leg down as early as possible. All in all it takes about 6 weeks to complete recovery. Alex is now 13-1/2 years old, you would not think he had surgery on his back legs. There was no therapy and I gave supplements only for a short while. Stopped because I didn't believe they were really helping.