- Location
- Argyll & Bute, Scotland
We talk quite a bit about limps on the forum, so I thought I would document Charlie’s issues just in case it helps anyone in the future.
Charlie started limping in April 2020 after a walk in the forest, we got home and he wouldn’t weight bear on his right back leg, hopping around. A vet visit was booked for the next day. The vet diagnosed a Hock problem saying no off lead and reduced walks, Metacam and return in a few weeks. We returned and she changed her mind saying it could be his knee, so same as before, watch and wait more Metacam. He started to put weight on the foot but still limping, this went on for rather a long time and I was worried the Metacam was masking the real issue, so she suggested taking him off Metacam just in case, sure enough back to hopping. X-rays organised and sent to Stirling Specialist Referral Orthopaedic Surgeon. An appointment was made for one month (September). We made the 6 hour round trip with a starving Charlie. He had several more x-rays where the Specialist diagnosed Cruciate Ligament Disease, thankfully no rupture but it was a matter of time. We discussed the surgical options but he recommended a TPLO procedure. I had worries about a GA but he assured me that Charlie is in such great shape, weight spot on and strong as an Ox there was nothing to worry about, although there is always a tiny risk, so that’s what we decided and Charlie was booked in for October for his surgery. Again, we made the 6 hour round trip, Charlie was not keen to go with the Vet, looking at me with his sad anxious eyes, trying to get to me which set me off
He had his surgery at midday and all was well. We drove back the next day and brought our boy home. The Specialist said he had to be kept in a room (not a crate) and NOT allowed to have free access to the house or stairs for 6 weeks until we next saw him. Luckily that was achieved using David’s office and a baby gate, so Charlie got to be with David all day. He was only allowed out for toileting for 7 days then gradually building up adding 10 minutes exercise per week until we were at 1 hour over 3 walks per day for our follow up appointment. Made the journey on December 16th to Stirling for more x-rays to make sure all was healing. All was good and Luke, our rather dishy Orthopaedic Specialist, always a bonus 
he said we could build Charlie up to as much walking as he likes. NO off lead until the end of January and then only 5 minutes or so in the garden as we don’t want any sharp turning that could hamper his recovery. Must admit to feeling very nervous about letting him off lead as he hasn’t had any since last April, poor boy, hoping he doesn't go nuts! On the downside he has got the start of Arthritis in that knee, also to be aware that over 50% of CLD will very likely occur in the other leg. He said there was no sign of it so we are hoping that he will get through the rest of his life without further surgery.
As Charlie is 10 years old Luke said it really could be up to 6 months before he is back to normal. I explained that Charlie isn’t your typical ‘velcro’ dog and that he runs for a living, he said that’s fine, he has performed TPLO on working sheepdogs, Police, Military dogs and gun dogs and they return to normal life. Hopefully with everything crossed Charlie will too return to enjoying life again. It’s been a long road but it will be worth it to see him back to normal
xxx
Charlie started limping in April 2020 after a walk in the forest, we got home and he wouldn’t weight bear on his right back leg, hopping around. A vet visit was booked for the next day. The vet diagnosed a Hock problem saying no off lead and reduced walks, Metacam and return in a few weeks. We returned and she changed her mind saying it could be his knee, so same as before, watch and wait more Metacam. He started to put weight on the foot but still limping, this went on for rather a long time and I was worried the Metacam was masking the real issue, so she suggested taking him off Metacam just in case, sure enough back to hopping. X-rays organised and sent to Stirling Specialist Referral Orthopaedic Surgeon. An appointment was made for one month (September). We made the 6 hour round trip with a starving Charlie. He had several more x-rays where the Specialist diagnosed Cruciate Ligament Disease, thankfully no rupture but it was a matter of time. We discussed the surgical options but he recommended a TPLO procedure. I had worries about a GA but he assured me that Charlie is in such great shape, weight spot on and strong as an Ox there was nothing to worry about, although there is always a tiny risk, so that’s what we decided and Charlie was booked in for October for his surgery. Again, we made the 6 hour round trip, Charlie was not keen to go with the Vet, looking at me with his sad anxious eyes, trying to get to me which set me off
He had his surgery at midday and all was well. We drove back the next day and brought our boy home. The Specialist said he had to be kept in a room (not a crate) and NOT allowed to have free access to the house or stairs for 6 weeks until we next saw him. Luckily that was achieved using David’s office and a baby gate, so Charlie got to be with David all day. He was only allowed out for toileting for 7 days then gradually building up adding 10 minutes exercise per week until we were at 1 hour over 3 walks per day for our follow up appointment. Made the journey on December 16th to Stirling for more x-rays to make sure all was healing. All was good and Luke, our rather dishy Orthopaedic Specialist, always a bonus he said we could build Charlie up to as much walking as he likes. NO off lead until the end of January and then only 5 minutes or so in the garden as we don’t want any sharp turning that could hamper his recovery. Must admit to feeling very nervous about letting him off lead as he hasn’t had any since last April, poor boy, hoping he doesn't go nuts! On the downside he has got the start of Arthritis in that knee, also to be aware that over 50% of CLD will very likely occur in the other leg. He said there was no sign of it so we are hoping that he will get through the rest of his life without further surgery.As Charlie is 10 years old Luke said it really could be up to 6 months before he is back to normal. I explained that Charlie isn’t your typical ‘velcro’ dog and that he runs for a living, he said that’s fine, he has performed TPLO on working sheepdogs, Police, Military dogs and gun dogs and they return to normal life. Hopefully with everything crossed Charlie will too return to enjoying life again. It’s been a long road but it will be worth it to see him back to normal
xxx
xx
He has been taken out on a long line for a few weeks, today we dropped the line let him mooch then removed it. Surprisingly he didn't go crazy like we thought he would. He sniffed around, ate a little deer poo and had a few runs but nothing mad, he had a little play with Hattie too which was wonderful to watch. It was so lovely to see him being himself stretching his long legs with a smile on his face after what seems like an eternity. He really enjoyed himself. So happy for him, he deserves it as he's been a model patient throughout his ordeal 