Otter's Journey....

Beanwood

Beanwood

Administrator
HAH said:
But Kate, just IMAGINE how bored you’d be without her! :happy: How did you fill those long days BO (before Otter)?!
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I would have a life! :rofl::rofl:


M.F. said:
She is lovely!

Why trepidation?
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@MF whilst Otter is completely happy with tractors, other dogs - even strange dogs, gunshot, hot air balloons, we do have a problem with people. Otter is naturally cautious of humans, and we have some idea why that may be. Certainly this inherent anxiety been exacerbated by our vet, leading to us switching to a practice which is committed to providing a fear free environment. Cyclists, cars ...no problem. So, by seeing @Mr Beanwood and the gang in the distance is helping to shape her emotional state. We haven't taken Otter out into the big wide world much because of her injury, when we do it's a very controlled manner. We need to manage outside scenarios to ensure Otter gets a positive vibe from the outing. At six months old, we have a small window of opportunity to help build her confidence and resilience when out and about. :)
 
Emily_Babbelhund

Emily_Babbelhund

Mama Red HOT Pepper
Location
Regensburg, Germany
Those eyes - she is just so 'on' all the time. :D

I shudder to think where she'd be in someone else's hands who wasn't so cued into her needs. She may be driving you batty (my hats off to you - I would be crying in a ball on the floor by now), but there's no better place for her than Beanwood for her to develop her full potential.

Happy half birthday, "little" Otter :giggl: , and many many half returns!
 
Beanwood

Beanwood

Administrator
7 weeks Post Op

We are now into Otter's 8th week, which means for the first time she is allowed 5 mins off lead at the end of 15 min on lead walk. Her first follow up appointment is next Tuesday.

Overall she is doing really well. Her affected leg has a slight tendency to turn out slightly but this doesn't seem to affect her gait, which when I look at her trotting she holds a nice, straight top line from head to tail. It is still early days, Otter is not yet fully grown, I think she has one last growth spurt in her. It will be very interesting to see what the X-rays look like, at least we will get some idea of where we go from here.

Until we start her official physio we have a range of exercises we work on at least twice a day. Mostly these are to develop rear end awareness and flexibility. We also work on her back and core strength. The problem with just lead walking is it is unnatural for dogs to walk in one direction, and at a humans pace, they are continually adjusting their gait to ours so are not moving in a nice fluid motion. Walking super slow though is good, especially in the early days post op, insuring all fours paws connect with the ground, weight bearing with a good range of movement.

Otters current rehab regime - tools needed - wobble disc, plastic box,( a rubber garden trug would be better! )

1. Walk backwards and sit on bed, then stand--- repeat
2. Front paws on a box - using a treat side to side to activate core and hind muscles as well as gentle pressure backwards
3. Three legged stand - 4th paw on a wobble disc
4. Pivot round on box
5. Middle - Otters favourite game! Any excuse and she is diving through your legs with a very wiggly bottom!

Otters first time going "naked" since the op....I can't recall her, because she is toooo quick...everything is slo mo with her...she is a serious pocket rocket...:inlove:


 
kateincornwall

kateincornwall

Location
Cornwall , UK
Otter is looking really good, Kate . It would be hard to tell , if not impossible were it not for the shaved area , which leg has been operated on, she is moving so well, nice and fluid . Her coat is gleaming , and what a grand job you have done in her recovery , much luck for Tuesday x
 
Lab_adore

Lab_adore

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Sydney, Australia
HAH said:
How did you fill those long days BO (before Otter)?!
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I say and/or think this almost daily. What on earth did we do with ourselves PM (pre Maxx). He impacts every single thing we do and we spend most of our spare time doing something with him - be it grooming, training, playing, walking. I'm not complaining though, I wouldn't have it an other way now :heart:

Happy half birthday gorgeous Otter
 
Beanwood

Beanwood

Administrator
8 weeks post op - appointment with the orthodog

Sort of OK..but still some ways to go possibly another op on the horizon.

The good news is that the tibial plateau has levelled, but not quite enough - from 25° degrees down to 10° . Ideally this would be down to 4° , so currently the stifle is still a little unstable - which is not so good. Otter still has a little more growing to do, so we are hoping it is enough to level that plateau out completely. The next appointment to evaluate this will be in 6 -8 weeks. The "not so good but very solvable" issue is the slight external rotation due to growth deformity of the tibia, It is not really a functional problem right now but as this is a direct result of the screw implant the more growth, the more deviation and the greater the rotation. It's a pain...but ultimately better than a TPLO. It could mean the tibia has to be fixed later down the line, but bones heal really quickly, especially on such a straightforward op. Trying to think positively on this. The bad news is we are back on lead walks, although there is no limitation on how long we walk for.

We can still go ahead with rehab now (swimming and water treadmill) as long as Otter's anxiety allow for this.

Basically the screw is doing it's job, but we are still further off where we would like to be with the complication of the tibial shift, so a bit disappointing. Otter you need to GROW now!!!

Anyhow, I am going to be brave, and take her out to one of my favourite places for a walk...wish me luck!!!:sun:
 
Emily_Babbelhund

Emily_Babbelhund

Mama Red HOT Pepper
Location
Regensburg, Germany
That news was a shock as I'm sure you were hoping that this visit would mean a lot more freedom and a confirmation that this whole thing is nearly over. I know you'll handle it well once it all sinks in and you've formed an updated plan/strategy, but it would be totally understandable if you're feeling down right now.

In the long term, I like the sound that IF she needs another op (hopefully not - c'mon Otter, GROW!) it is a "straightforward op".

Someday in the not too distant future this will all be part of the memories of Otter's crazy puppyhood and she'll be buzzing around like a loon with you wondering how you ever managed all that restricted exercise.

Sending big hugs :hug:
 
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