AdventuresWithOliver
New member
Hi there -
Our year-and-a-half old Oliver has torn his ACL and will be having surgery on May 21st. Our first bulldog never had surgery of any kind, aside from spaying, so I'm a little nervous. I'm a worrier by nature and I know I will receive instructions from the surgeon, but I'd like to be prepared AS POSSIBLE!
Looking up stuff such as "aftercare for dog's ACL surgery" is providing lots of information, but so much of it is conflicting. Does anyone have any advice? I see some people who say crating afterwards is essential and others saying to not crate. The good thing is that I am home with Oliver so he will be watched at all times. When my husband or I aren't at home, we have two options: crate him or use a baby-gate to block off our bedroom, which is carpeted AND is where his big, soft comfy bed is. We've also elected to start him in physical therapy to aid in his recovery.
I feel we are lucky in the sense that Oliver is a very low-key kind of guy. Our first bulldog was a high-strung lunatic. (and we loved her for it) Oliver isn't a "runner" and is super lazy - but we do know his leash will become his best friend for the next few months when going out in the backyard to the bathroom.
I guess I'm just nervous and looking for as much info as possible from people who have gone through this. Some specific questions:
Our year-and-a-half old Oliver has torn his ACL and will be having surgery on May 21st. Our first bulldog never had surgery of any kind, aside from spaying, so I'm a little nervous. I'm a worrier by nature and I know I will receive instructions from the surgeon, but I'd like to be prepared AS POSSIBLE!
Looking up stuff such as "aftercare for dog's ACL surgery" is providing lots of information, but so much of it is conflicting. Does anyone have any advice? I see some people who say crating afterwards is essential and others saying to not crate. The good thing is that I am home with Oliver so he will be watched at all times. When my husband or I aren't at home, we have two options: crate him or use a baby-gate to block off our bedroom, which is carpeted AND is where his big, soft comfy bed is. We've also elected to start him in physical therapy to aid in his recovery.
I feel we are lucky in the sense that Oliver is a very low-key kind of guy. Our first bulldog was a high-strung lunatic. (and we loved her for it) Oliver isn't a "runner" and is super lazy - but we do know his leash will become his best friend for the next few months when going out in the backyard to the bathroom.
I guess I'm just nervous and looking for as much info as possible from people who have gone through this. Some specific questions:
- Did anyone use a sling/harness to lift their dog when going out to the bathroom?
- Does anyone have any ideas for distraction toys to keep Oliver busy, yet with little movement required? (A Kong will definitely be one item)
- Oliver will be staying overnight at the hospital. What can we expect when he comes home pain-wise - will be still be in a lot of pain?