A BETTY UPDATE..
Sometimes life is very unfair... and this is one such time. You may recall me writing about Betty's tplo surgery for a cruciate ligament rupture back in May. Well, at the time I was full of hope that after all the lameness and an anxious recovery and rehabilitation period, Betty was at last progressing back to full fitness. We had started hydrotherapy to rebuild muscle wastage and by about four months post op, were back out walking with my other golden retriever Polly, enjoying the Summer together...
Sadly, by the time we reached mid August, Betty's other hind leg began to fail, which is apparently a common problem after tplo surgery and one our vet mentioned as a possibility after her first surgery. Of course, we were super careful with her rehab and convinced that our previously fit, healthy pup would be fine ... but we were proven wrong when by month four post op, Betty began to limp again but this time on her 'good' leg. A visit to the vet soon confirmed my fears and we were referred, once more, to the orthopaedic specialist vet.
Specialist vets are very busy at the moment so we have had to wait several weeks for our appointment. During that time, Betty's mobility has deteroriated significantly. A couple of days ago I made the decision to keep her home on bed rest until our appointment, as she is clearly in pain and struggling to walk even the shortest walk now. Although she is bored without her little sniff walks, she seems relieved that she can spend time on the living room rug, rolling on to her back, waving her legs in the air instead ... walking may be a problem, but upside-downing is still very much operational it seems!
Surgery is the only option for Betty and although I am extremely anxious for her, I am also relieved she is in the hands of an excellent vet and will be given this opportunity to walk and run again... albeit with a leg full of metalwork.
My goodness this year has been a rollercoaster for our poor girl. She has the sweetest nature and is the most gentle, loyal dog. She really does deserve the very best in life. Praying that soon life will be much happier and pain free for my sweet girl.
Sadly, by the time we reached mid August, Betty's other hind leg began to fail, which is apparently a common problem after tplo surgery and one our vet mentioned as a possibility after her first surgery. Of course, we were super careful with her rehab and convinced that our previously fit, healthy pup would be fine ... but we were proven wrong when by month four post op, Betty began to limp again but this time on her 'good' leg. A visit to the vet soon confirmed my fears and we were referred, once more, to the orthopaedic specialist vet.
Specialist vets are very busy at the moment so we have had to wait several weeks for our appointment. During that time, Betty's mobility has deteroriated significantly. A couple of days ago I made the decision to keep her home on bed rest until our appointment, as she is clearly in pain and struggling to walk even the shortest walk now. Although she is bored without her little sniff walks, she seems relieved that she can spend time on the living room rug, rolling on to her back, waving her legs in the air instead ... walking may be a problem, but upside-downing is still very much operational it seems!
Surgery is the only option for Betty and although I am extremely anxious for her, I am also relieved she is in the hands of an excellent vet and will be given this opportunity to walk and run again... albeit with a leg full of metalwork.
My goodness this year has been a rollercoaster for our poor girl. She has the sweetest nature and is the most gentle, loyal dog. She really does deserve the very best in life. Praying that soon life will be much happier and pain free for my sweet girl.
