Bad news is that the surgeon believes her other knee is at a 50% cruciate (ligament) tear, based on what he sees in the x-rays. He wants to do a TPLO surgery (same surgery) on her right leg within two months. He says it's very common for dogs with non-injury-related knee ligament problems to have both ligaments go.
NOT what I wanted to hear.
I've decided to wait on this decision for another few weeks, and watch what happens with her right leg. Right now, there's some shaking in that leg -- could be all the extra use due to overcompensating for her left leg's recovery, in my opinion -- but overall, she seems to be using it well.
I have noticed she has not yet returned to using her back legs to push herself up from laying down. She tends to pull herself up with her front legs. So I'm watching that to see if the strengthening exercises I'm doing with her back legs make a difference in that.
Meanwhile, we are really enjoying our summertime walks and hikes and car ride adventures. She seems really healthy and happy in all other ways, so we're going with that for now. Let her -- and me -- enjoy some fun times before going through all the stress of a second surgery (if needed).
That's the scoop on Moxie the Wonder Dog for now! We'll just keep up her excellent recovery progress (and hope the doc is wrong about the other knee) ;>.
She looks like she belongs there in the mountains. So wonderful to see Moxie in her element. And you too . . . .
ReplyDelete