Author Topic: Tucker is Having Surgery (Another Update 12/2)  (Read 11393 times)

Offline The Brindle Pack

  • Paw-meister
  • **
  • Posts: 582
    • View Profile
Tucker is Having Surgery (Another Update 12/2)
« on: November 17, 2006, 06:13:13 am »
As I type this Tuc is getting ready for surgery.  Because Tuc is not a touchy feely pup Dr. Eich was unable check his knee so he will do that first and if it's OK he will be doing the FHO on his right hip.  This is so freaking me out but I know once we get thru the recovery he will have little to no pain on the right side.  We will most likely have to do the left side in the future. 
 
We already have the gorilla crate set up in our room with a nice clean bed and new toys.  As long as everything goes well we will be able to pick him up in the morning.
 
I will be updating in this thread for those that are interested.  I will warn you now that pictures posted may not be suitable for the squeamish.
« Last Edit: December 01, 2006, 09:07:47 pm by The Brindle Pack »

Offline newflvr

  • Tail Wagging Champ
  • *****
  • Posts: 3390
  • Cowboy is four years old and Chester is almost two
    • View Profile
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #1 on: November 17, 2006, 06:56:39 am »
Oh, Cindy....I think I'm glad the decision has been made and the process started!  My only hesitation is for you!!  I know how awful the waiting is!  Please know I'm thinking of you and holding good thoughts for Tucker and for you!!!

Please keep us posted through every stage!!!

Offline horsepoor21

  • BPO Fanatic
  • ***
  • Posts: 893
    • View Profile
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #2 on: November 17, 2006, 08:09:25 am »
Awww , saying prayers for poor Tucker right now ! :-*
-Amy
Moose-Border Collie/Newfoundland rescue
Allie-Newfoundland
Spook-Newfoundland
Whiskey-Arabian
Wolverine-Cockatiel
Polly&Rainbow-Lovebirds (with 3 babies!)
Crush-Painted Turtle

       "Every boy should have two things:
 A dog, and a mother willing to let him have one"

Offline Kermit

  • Supreme Drooler
  • ****
  • Posts: 1784
    • View Profile
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #3 on: November 17, 2006, 09:00:11 am »
Wow, hoping the best for Tucker's surgery. Hang in there big boy!! You too, Cindy!!! :-* :-*

Do you have a sling for him? I borrowed one from a friend and it has been a lifesaver for me since Turkey's orthopedic surgery about 3 weeks ago. I highly recommend one!!! I think it has helped me and her. ;)

mjjensen

  • Guest
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #4 on: November 17, 2006, 10:00:32 am »
  I hope everything went well with Tucker's surgery. I know how hard it is when you have to leave them at the vet's overnight. Hopefully you'll have him home with you in the morning.

Offline shangrila

  • Moderator
  • Golden Paws
  • *****
  • Posts: 2819
    • View Profile
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2006, 10:21:22 am »
How did Tuckers surgery go? Well I hope!
RIP former BPO

Offline MagicM3

  • Paw-meister
  • **
  • Posts: 559
  • *Sir William
    • View Profile
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #6 on: November 17, 2006, 11:34:16 am »
OH Cindy I'm sure that Tuc will be fine once he sees your smiling face again.

It's too bad that at times like this we can't explain so that they can understand.

Magic will be having surgery on Monday,and lucky for my I get to take him home that day.

He has another lump this one on his breast bone,but I'm sure he will be fine.

I'll start my real stressing waiting for the lab results.

You are in our prayers

Tricia and the fur kids

Offline The Brindle Pack

  • Paw-meister
  • **
  • Posts: 582
    • View Profile
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #7 on: November 17, 2006, 08:50:01 pm »
Tucker had his surgery and everything went well.  We will leave in a little while to pick him up.

I thought I would talk a bit about what we had done and why.  Tucker was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia when he was about six months old.  Hip dysplasia is an abnormal development and growth of the hip joint.  Hip dysplasia is manifested by varying degrees of laxity of the muscles, ligaments, and joint capsule of the hip joint. This abnormal laxity allows the femoral head (ball) to slide in and out of the acetabulum (socket) excessively, resulting in malformation of the joint components. Arthritis is the long-term consequence of undetected or untreated hip dysplasia.  Our large and giant breed dogs are at the greatest risk for hip dysplasia.

Because of his size, rate of growth, and damage Tucker was not a candidate for a TPO (Triple Pelvic Osteotomy).  A TPO is performed on young dogs to stabilize the hip joint so it will develop more normally.

Shortly after we found out about Tucker’s HD he had his first seizure and we began the long process of trying to get control.  The first couple of months were the toughest.  Because of the severity, number, and frequency of his seizures we even considered having him PTS.  Well we added KBr (Potassium Bromide) to his Phenobarbital and that was the magic combination.  For that matter KBr was really the magic as he has now been off the Pheno for over five months…. I’ll have to save that story for another blog.
Anyway, we began researching our options for his HD and found that either a THR (Total Hip Replacement) or FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy) would be necessary.  We consulted with three orthopedic specialists; two suggested an FHO and one suggested the THR.  All thought it would be a good idea to wait until we had dealt with Tuc’s epilepsy.
 
Much of the information about FHO you will find on the internet is out dated.  Some call it a “salvage” procedure for failed THR; however, in the last few years many orthopedics are doing the FHO as a first choice.  In our case because of Tuc’s epilepsy be were concerned that if his seized that he would dislocate the new hip.  Tucker also has severe allergies and we really didn’t know how he would react to the foreign matter that comes with a THR.  Although money was not a deciding factor for us it is for many.  A THR cost $4000 - $6000 and a FHO is about half that…. per hip.

An FHO is performed by cutting off and removing the femoral head and allowing the joint to heal as a “false joint” (a capsule connecting the two bones but no actual bone to bone contact).  With most active dogs a false joint will form quickly.  With larger dogs a muscle “sling” (bicep muscle of the thigh) is used for added support and to cushion the femoral shaft.

Well that is all I have time for now, we are off to pick Tucker up.  I will post more later about our journey.

Offline schelmischekitty

  • Chief "All Knowing"
  • *****
  • Posts: 2321
    • View Profile
    • myspace
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #8 on: November 17, 2006, 09:29:48 pm »
i don't know how i missed this!  i'm so sorry you're having to go through this.  i can't imagine, because i know how upset i get if i just have to leave my dogs for half a day.  i'm glad all went well, and i hope with all my heart it's an uphill journey forever now.  you're an inspiration!
steffanie in atlanta

aiden (4), tristan (2), & maya (born sept. 17th)
axle-140ish-lb akita (4)
peanut-5lb, 11 months chihuahua
[img width= height= alt=Image Hosted by ImageShack.us]http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3339/alltogethernowme6.jpg[/img]

Offline The Brindle Pack

  • Paw-meister
  • **
  • Posts: 582
    • View Profile
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #9 on: November 18, 2006, 04:09:50 am »
Just a brief update before I get back to the patient.  Tucker is doing and looking great.  He's already doing toe touches and trying to put weight on his right leg... this is a good thing.  For the next week or two just walks to the potty area on lead and with the sling for support.  After the staples come out we can start doing short walks and he can swim. 

Tuc is doing great and true to his character Dr. Eich almost called us last night to come get him.  Tucker hates to be away from his people and sometimes it is just better to send them home than to let them stress.  Most meds that would knock out a small horse can't keep our guy down.  Tuc will be crated most of the time for at least the next 30 days.

Here are a few pictures.  The first taken at the hospital the next two in the truck, and the last one resting in his crate at home.

I'll update everyone again later today or tomorrow morning.

Thank you all for your being here for us and for your kind words and thoughts.   

Offline schelmischekitty

  • Chief "All Knowing"
  • *****
  • Posts: 2321
    • View Profile
    • myspace
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #10 on: November 18, 2006, 04:12:57 am »
i'm so glad that he's doing so well!  that's too cute that he wants to be with you so badly, he absolutely MUST love you so much!
steffanie in atlanta

aiden (4), tristan (2), & maya (born sept. 17th)
axle-140ish-lb akita (4)
peanut-5lb, 11 months chihuahua
[img width= height= alt=Image Hosted by ImageShack.us]http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3339/alltogethernowme6.jpg[/img]

Offline sarnewfie

  • Leader of the Pack
  • **
  • Posts: 484
    • View Profile
    • HarborWinds Newfoundlands and Stain Glass
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #11 on: November 18, 2006, 07:11:58 am »
AWWWWw
poor tuck, hope he feels better and better each day!
Photography by Christine
http://harborwinds.fototime.com/PHOTOS FOR ORDERS

HarborWinds Newfoundlands&Search and Rescue
http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Haven/4505

Offline MagicM3

  • Paw-meister
  • **
  • Posts: 559
  • *Sir William
    • View Profile
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #12 on: November 18, 2006, 07:43:34 am »
Sounds like great news and he looks marvelous!!
I'm sure with Mom and Dad there and at home he will be well on the road to recovery.

Keep us all posted. I know you will.

Breathe now,and take things a step at a time.

tricia and the fur kids

Offline Kermit

  • Supreme Drooler
  • ****
  • Posts: 1784
    • View Profile
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #13 on: November 18, 2006, 01:42:01 pm »
Tucker is such a sweetie laying in his crate!!! I hope he heals up with no trouble. He is so lucky to have a mommy who cares about him so much!!!!

We are all rootin' for ya big boy!!!!! :D :D :D

Offline The Brindle Pack

  • Paw-meister
  • **
  • Posts: 582
    • View Profile
Re: Tucker is Having Surgery
« Reply #14 on: November 18, 2006, 06:47:57 pm »
Well we made it through the night without complications and I can tell you now, keeping him crated for the next month is going to be difficult.  It's 3:45am and he is not due for his pain med until 4am.  We just went out for a potty break and he is putting considerable weight on his leg.

Thank you all for your well wishes.  I'll update more in later.  Right now I need to go do grub and spend some time with the rest of the pack.