Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Hello,
I haven't posted to the board in a long time. I have missed reading about all our extra large loves. My Chumley is a seven year old 155 pound mixed Malamute/Dane. In fall of 2006 he underwent TPLO surgery. It was a dreadful experience. The surgeon though very skilled had zero bedside manner. Neither did any of the staff members of this highly acclaimed clinic. Chumley's recovery was a nightmare. He became a different dog, he was aggresive and distrustful. After nine months he was back to normal and his leg was good as new. Now he has torn his other knee. He is perfectly healthy though it was suggested when weighing my options that his life span would only be a couple more years. I couldn't fathum ending his life for a bum knee. I am willing to take on more debt but am so worried about him. I don't want to use the same surgeon but he is the best according to my vet. I dread Chumley going through this again. I could use some advice. I live in Ohio but would be willing to travel to find the right surgeon. Also has anyone ever encountered alternative therapies since this seems to be so common?

I started off by reading the last posts and then moved to the first. I am SO happy to hear that Turkey is doing better. What a heartbreaking story. She sounds like a fighter. Chumley and I will keep you in our prayers.

This is really a continuance of a previous post. I wasn't sure if I should have just kept adding or started over again so I chose the new start. Chumley is recovering well from his ACL surgery he's still a bit grumpy but I guess I would be too. It's only been two days. He is sniffing at his incision but so far not licking. The vet has me terrified to leave him alone without an ecollar. I had a friend pick up a cervical collar to try instead of the dreaded ecollar (thanks to a suggestion from a BP member). The problem, Chumley can escape from it in about 15 seconds. It was the largest size they had but it's not quite big enough. The straps barely make it across to catch a bit of velcro. Apparently the company that makes the no lick spray that is sold through vet clinics no longer makes it. I'm open to any other suggestions. I can't be with Chumley 24/7 for the next 8 days. I honestly don't think he is going to pull the staples out but it's a chance I can't take. Is there anything more humane then the ecollar?

WOW thanks for all the great suggestions! Peanut butter didn't work but so far small pieces of meat are going down. Just four more pills tonight. I am so grateful that I found this site. I just hope that I can be as helpful to all of you sometime. Chumley and I appreciate all the good wishes.

I know that few people can relate to my ordeal as much as you who are reading this can. I posted my first message yesterday asking for help to get Chumley home from his ACL surgery. I bought a ramp, brought a big blanket and even had a custom set of carpeted stairs with me! Chumley is in SO much pain. He somehow managed to climb up those three carpeted stairs to get into my SUV. Getting him out was a different story. I sat in my driveway in tears for over an hour. He wouldn't go down the ramp, he wouldn't go down the stairs and he certainly wouldn't let me try a towel underneath his belly. I called a friend. She said just sit with him in the car when he is ready he will be ready. Well two and a half hours later I knew that advice wouldn't work either. Finally I got four of my neighbors and we wrapped a very forlorned looking Chumley in the blanket and gently lifted him onto the floor. He is now home but hurting. He won't take his medicine. I have tried cream cheese, hamburger and hotdogs. He needs 12 pills a day so now I have a new hurdle. Any ideas?

How exciting!!! You may want to consider a flying from Montreal or Toronto to BC. It is typically less expensive depending on how strong the dollar is. That way you could drive into the US with you new pup. It would be easier as far as paperwork and vaccines as well. Just a thought. BC is beautiful this time a year.

THANK-YOU so much!! I had no idea that there was such a thing. I am heading to the pet supply store this afternoon! It's good to hear that you have never had to deal with knee problems. I guess they are a common issue with big dogs. Thanks again.