The REHAB back

Okay so I increased distance over time, since time is hard to gauge with sniff-time included.

Using the runner principle:

Monday, Wednesday and Saturday - increasing distance (now up to four miles - about 90 minutes with sniff time) in a reasonably straight line at brisk walk. He uses a harness (collars and gentle leaders give him hot-spots right now - I told you this dog has serious anxiety issues), so we move on out!

Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday - "speedwork" - took to small park  with some undulations, and let him 'wander' around up and down the slopes - trotted with him, first in a straight line, and then quartering (he is from hunting stock) out in front of me. Time-wise, his speed sessions are 50% of his distance sessions.  I then put him on a VERY long rope and gradually extended his range and allowed him to RUN short distances in straight lines - alternated with trotting and serious sniffing. Today (2/10/2015) is exactly THREE months from his surgery and I took a poor-quality video at the park with my phone and hopefully figured out a way to post it here. Please ignore his hip hot-spot - it's healed...oh that poor dog!

He also 'charges' short distances in the yard after birds. He swims about 100 yards at a time, three or four times a week (I taught him to swim laps led by a rope, so he swims leisurely). The first time he went in, he acted like he had forgotten how to swim!!! Thrashed around desperately upright in a panic for at least 45 seconds. Where is the video when you need it!?

You can see he still favors the leg weight-wise, and hops a bit, but considering it is just three months, he is doing incredibly well. Every once in a while he will 'tweak' it and hop on three legs for two or three steps, then the foot goes down and the gait is totally normal.

Soon we will start on-leash hiking. Eventually I will hike him out for a few miles on leash, and then release him off leash for the return trip (partial fatigue is my friend!).  I now allow him to play with toys (batting them with his front paws and jumping around in the house) for 2-3 minutes at a time, and will extend that gradually also.

Days 13-DONE

Day 13, Wednesday: Almost to SINGLE DIGITS! Sits very lopsided, but walks pretty normally. Permanently gave him dining room and kitchen.

Day 12, Thursday: Extended walks a bit just a few minutes at a time. Still several times a day.

Day 11, Friday: Outside for awhile! Allowed to walk around room free, though under direct supervision. He was very very very pleased, sniffing all his toys, all the areas he has been away from.

Day 10, Saturday: At park grass today, tried "kicking" back after peeing - but then SORE afterwards. One of the three walks is now a bit longer.

Day 9, Sunday: Added distance today. Still wants to get too rambunctious if not sedated with 1/4 Ace. Added three-legged stands - but not long!!!

Day 8, Monday: Twice around the block first thing! Added one more walk - now up to four. Nothing longer than 15 minutes. Did leg stands - escaped into house while working outside - guilty dog!

Day 7, Tuesday: Extended all walks to 15 minutes - sore when first gets up from sleeping, but very temporary.

Day 6, Wednesday: Just the usual routine. Leash means a short respite from boredom.

Day 5, Thursday: Bounced around this morning - clearly considers self well. Sedated for safety! Obsessive scratch reflex. Poor doggie.

Day 4, Friday: RECHECK!!!!!! Bone healed; there is small movement but within tolerances and nothing that will affect stability, good range of motion. Increase walks to 60 minutes and then consider off leash. Can add swimming and whole house.

Came home. Took down fences with ceremony as Tiko watched carefully. Then Tiko JOYFUL!!!!! Amen and Amen.

Days 19 - 13

Day 19, Wednesday: IN THE TEENS! Up with no limp, but a bit less playful in the morning; clearly the walks are taking an edge off his energy! At last! Seemed sore from workout and grumpy, so put to bed early with 1/4 sedative; limped some. Nighty-night, Tiko!

Day 18, Thursday: Up with no limp. Walked around block at 4:00 am. Police cruiser drove by slowly, but did not stop. Probably afraid of the goofy old broad in her robe and hat and gloves...being dragged along by the huge dark dog...fun times, I tell you!

Day 17, Friday: Short day at school, re-restricted to shorter walks - JUMPED into car while taking too long with ramp....grrrr....taken home, sedated and put to bed!!!!

Day 16, Saturday: We do a dance between small cage and agitation and larger area and too much jumping around; my poor husband expects to help me with moving the ex-pen walls at least four times a day. Walked outside today next to pool deck (on leash) and before I could stop him, had JUMPED onto pool deck. Oy vey!

Day 15, Sunday: Noticed not itchy when first wakes up...it's all anxiety, poor dog. Overall a good day, had the dining and kitchen area all day, with just a few "too-much-nesses". Did LOTS of sit-stands during the day along with his three walks.

Day 14, Monday: Up and ready to play! Stretches leg completely in both directions! MUCH better overall though still favors a little. Wanted to jump sideways off ramp...um...no.

Day 13, Tuesday: Took all the way around the extended block today, doing very well, then got stuck under the dining room table and tweaked, went three-legged briefly, but seems okay, just favoring. Ordered more sedative. Got into crouch play briefly before got him distracted.

Days 26-20

Day 26, Wednesday: Very stable today! His sit is much better, and so he is back to having to sit for things. He is starting to want to be with me again, instead of just one bed or another. Poor dog though - yawning, shaking, itching, trembling, all anxiety, and all JUST below the surface. Anything and anyone pushes it over the edge. Sometimes he can barely walk from trying to randomly itch the air...

Day 25, Thursday: Today is better again! Got around his bed ex-pen and followed me down the hall and pushed the bathroom door open to say hello - VERY proud of himself. Walking well, hops on three legs the moment he speeds up. Finally allowed to walk around the streets a bit more. Seems suddenly stronger!?!

Day 24, Friday: Sore today from PT (day changed)! Poor doggie. Gave him aspirin and his Ace. He was even grumpy - did not want to be petted, rubbed, massaged...okay, Tiko! Nighty-night!

Day 23, Saturday: Feeling great today. No limp at all. Began increasing his walks up and down the street several times a day. I would be the crazy old lady in a fleece robe at 4:30 in the morning. Yep, that would be me.. Gave him the dining area again, although really having to add/subtract space depending on mood. Grabbed toy and tried to play until resident witch (me again!) stopped the fun. Again. BUT he has definitely turned a corner!

Day 22, Sunday: Adding more exercises and short walks. Sit-to-stands, walking on uneven surfaces, big figure eights...INSULTED at small caged areas now, settles down with more space. Coming along! Notice he now keeps an eye out for small chinks in the ex-pen...and escapes!

Day 21, Monday: THREE WEEKS LEFT!!!Up early and ready to play! Walked around the block at 3:30 am...of course we did! Went to school and did about 1/4 mile at lunch and another lap at dark...doing really well!

Day 20, Tuesday: Has whole dining room area, three walks a day and sits often! Still very lopsided sits! Extending walks to 12 minutes at a time. On walk sat almost completely square, but then a little sore right after. No sedative at school, and a little noisy!

Days 33-27

Day 33, Wednesday: He was up and ready to go this morning! Has anyone mentioned to him that he is still crippled? Took him to school and let the kids feel sorry for him. Gave him a bit more kitchen, and for the most part, he did not abuse it. Any jumping around and he gets re-restricted to his bed. Walks are confined to up and down the street after peeing.

Day 32, Thursday: PT today - he worked hard in the water treadmill. Came home exhausted but still strained to walk walk walk...and no limp to speak of!

Day 31, Friday: He still does a terrible job of turning and pivoting, which didn't keep him from startling twice, unfortunately. Overall, doing pretty well with routine. ONE MONTH from today we go back to check his leg.

Day 30, Saturday: Took Tiko outside, where he was grumpy because he couldn't run around. Still really favoring leg weight-wise. Moving around a bit more constantly....a mixed blessing.

Day 29, Sunday: We are all looking for a harmony to find our way...leg is warm to the touch today, and massage seems to feel good. Wants to go...anywhere, probably! Had to re-restrict kitchen - sorry Tiko!

Day 28, Monday: Doing better with more restriction - have to give him treats seemingly constantly, and he had some digestive issues today...now his diet his limited too. Very active today and making himself SORE so gave him a bit more sedative (I have been giving him 1/4 Ace with each meal - he can have as much as 1 1/2, but he is very sensitive to it! The students say he looks completely stoned...)

Day 27, Tuesday: The grandkids (7, 5, and 2) came over today and Tiko, normally happy to see them, was very uneasy and agitated. Luckily he was very tired from PT, so he ate, took his 1/4 Ace and crashed. Nighty night, Tiko!

Days 40-34

Day 40, Wednesday: To school, well behaved. Expanded his living area by a few more square feet. Still only walks to go pee, but walking much better when foot on ground. Still lifts it up and hops a lot. He is patient with the routine now.  Littlest kitty has decided it's her job to keep him company! Lucky Tiko!

Day 39, Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving Day! Tiko was outside for awhile. Let him walk around yard on leash more than previously - nothing dramatic, but he was barely limping when we started.

Day 38, Friday: Up and ready to go this morning! Ummmm - not quite! Very sore after PT, but has great range of motion!

Day 37, Saturday: Now adding sit-stands, short walks, uneven standing and passive range of motion. Still sore, but warm cloths tied around leg seems to help though they embarrass him. Noticed his back is sore about half-way down his spine. He does not want me to rub it! Seriously!

Day 36, Sunday: Put foot down to eat breakfast today! Had to give a sedative today since he began randomly playing with toys. Walked up and down the street today, and did sit-stands twice, about 8 times each. Tired after, but back a little less sore.

Day 35, Monday: Three weeks down! Five to go! Had to restrict his living area again, which has offended him, but otherwise he wants to play. His back seemed better; he allowed a full massage today. He was bored at school, but well-behaved.

Day 34, Tuesday: Up early and restless! No good spots in whole house, Tiko says. Back is better, very little limp. PT tough, gave him the dining room to roam in, but picked up all toys. Came home from PT, ate and crashed.

Days 48-41

Day 48, Tuesday: Who would put slippery floors at a Physical Therapy place????? Tiko needs support to be dropped off and picked up. And when he is picked up, he goes crazy, exactly like he is NOT supposed to do. Frustration. Comes home from PT, eats dinner, heads for our bed. Good night, Tiko!

Day 47, Wednesday: At school today. 1/2 Ace and surrounded by high school kids, Tiko slept all day. Will toe touch very inconsistently.

Day 46, Thursday: PT today. He is goofy afterwards - bolting from our bed and crashing into the ex-pen in the middle of the night...BUT we had ONE small step with the bad leg today!

Day 45, Friday: He is now standing to eat, tho he gets tired. He will take a few steps but nothing close to normal. He is moving around more on his bed, on three legs only - seemingly resigned to his fate of confinement.

Day 44, Saturday: Started using leg today quite a bit - limping a LOT, but using the leg. He now picks the bed he wants and though starts eating standing up, still finishes lying down.

Day 43, Sunday: Took him outside in the back yard for the first time and let him lie on his bed outside and watch the birds. Has his foot down a LOT.

Day 42, Monday: Off to school, just a slow, gimpy day...it's a grind, that's for sure. Thank goodness for the great ramp I bought for my Subaru Forester - good thing it's nice, since I lift it 12 times a day...

Day 41, Tuesday: To PT today - they removed the stitches!!!! He went into the water treadmill today. Got home tired and sore. Left him on our bed, all the lights and TV on and snuck out to dinner. Don't tell. We needed it.

Counting down - days 54-49

Day 54, Wednesday: Very little swelling or bruising looks very good. So far shows no interest in incision. Feels very sorry for himself. Tried to go toward our bed and outside - though he won't touch his toe down at all yet and needs support to go pee still. We put our king-size mattress on the floor and totally surrounded it with ex-pens so Tiko could be on the bed when he wanted a change from the dining area bed, and go back to sleeping with us. This means my husband gets a medal for marriage-above-and-beyond- the-call, and provided good humor watching him get up from the floor each morning! Up at 3 am again. Both of us.

Day 53, Thursday: More difficult day. He went to Physical Therapy today (signed up for twice a week, for 5 weeks) and was in pain and restless afterwards. They did electrical stimulation and cold laser before passive range of motion.

Stopped briefly to take something in to my elderly mom and found he had licked his incision. No real damage, but a bit inflamed. DARNIT. Toe touched briefly. Very restless so gave him 1/2 Ace(acepromazine) and once it worked he could barely walk. Woke in the middle of the night with a nightmare and had to be stroked back to sleep. Just like a baby. Refused dinner. Just an unhappy dog, all in all.

Day 52, Friday: A better day. Began stretching leg out when rolling around, though no toe touching yet. Gave 1/4 Ace at bedtime and morning.

Day 51, Saturday: Reduced pain med to 1. Eating and eliminating finally! Got off his bed and marched to front door on three legs - I was too slow apparently.

Day 50, Sunday: Reduced pain meds again, made him more restless. Will not eat anything with a pill in it and absolutely furious when I put them down his throat. Outrageous! Insult to injury, says Tiko.

Day 49: Monday: Stopped pain meds. Tiko has a new routine: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays he lives in a crate in the back of my classroom in a large public high school. Tuesdays and Thursdays he is dropped off at physical therapy where he is kept in a cage and taken out for PT.  Still will barely touch his toe. (I teach with the lights off, since it keeps the students (and me) calmer; and not that I have a lot of students or anything, but the administration came in my room and observed four separate times, and not once noticed Tiko in his crate. Tiko comes to school when I teach learning and conditioning, so his crate is not unexpected....but still!....I operate under the principle of "it's easier to get forgiveness than permission" half HOPING they'd make me go home with him... - and he became the Class Dog...pretty cute, really)

The journey begins....counting down days 56-55

We have decided to count down from the number of weeks that Tiko must be in a crate/ex-pen. Today is day 56 - his surgery day.

The surgery went well - the ACL was not ruptured, the meniscus had no damage, and arthritis was evident, but not particularly bad.

On Tuesday, day 55, we picked Tiko up. He was very weak and sore, keeping leg hitched up high at all times. He needed support walking and peeing, and ate only lying down. I iced his knee for 10 minutes, and it seemed to make going outside a bit easier. I took his cone of shame off - and it never went back on. I was to be at his side for the next 8 weeks anyway - except for when he was at Physical Therapy.  I put Bitter Orange on his knee, and slept on the couch next to his sickbed suite. (A fantastic Big Barker Bed surrounded by ex pen). He got up at 2 to pee, painfully, and could not settle down - awake for good at 3 - groaning a bit...poor little boy!

He is on antibiotics, Tramadol for pain, and Ace for sedation. Have I mentioned that any sort of pill, medicine or small procedure causes him massive anxiety? Well. It does. We are in for 10 fun days of pills.

A little history

Tiko is a tall, lanky, long-legged 3 year old, 80#, slender, active chocolate labrador who partially tore his ACL in February of 2014, probably playing tennis ball catch with my husband, a man with a good baseball arm. We tried conservative management, and it worked for a while, but then in October 2014, he reinjured his knee once and for all. He became a three-legged dog.  If he were older, he may just have been the dog in the backyard with a sore leg, but because of his age, and the fact that I will be retiring this year after a career teaching high school and need a hiking companion again, I decided on surgical repair.

While I was trying to make the decision, I spent a LOT of time reading other people's experiences. So, having gone through the fairly new procedure of Tightrope, I thought I would add our very good experience to the mix - in case it helps anyone else.

During our try at conservative management, which included Physical Therapy, Tiko was put on two supplements, for life: Standard Process Ligaplex I, and Dusequin. I am not hyping those products, but Tiko did well for a long while under conservative management (which bought 9 months of maturity - not a small thing in a huge, young dog that will be confined).  I kept him on those products, and perhaps they contributed to his successful progress so far!

After considering TPLO and TR surgery, I decided on the tightrope repair, mostly because  - well - if Tiko were a car, he could legitimately be recalled under the lemon law. In his three short years he has acquired a pharmacy of meds and problems. I decided that the least invasive the better. In my own mind, I decided that keeping both knees as similar as possible would be a good thing since his original problem was a traumatic injury. I did a lot of research on the pros and cons of all the types of surgery. TPLO woke me up at night. Tightrope did not. I decided on Tightrope.

Living near UC Davis, there are lots of Davis trained veterinary surgeons around, and I selected Vista Vet in Sacramento, CA. They have lots of experience and very good reviews. Our surgeon discussed all the options and agreed to do the TR on Tiko. The cost was right around $4000.00 with everything.

So on Monday, November 10, 2014 I left a sad, frightened, three-legged dog at the hospital to begin his journey back to health.