Five Weeks Out

 

I have spent endless hours online since I found out about Noelle's CCL tear. There is a plethora of information out there, but very little on how to approach this operation with a dog who has her issues (anxiety and early onset hip dysplasia). I will share what I discover here in the hopes that it will benefit someone down the road. I have found some great support and good answers to questions in my head on two different Facebook groups which I will link to below. 

We are just over five weeks out from surgery, which seems like a long time and I worry about her hurting, but there is also so much we need to do first I think it is a good amount of time. Over the past few days I set up our first session with a behaviourist, which will be this coming Tuesday. I also spoke to two different physiotherapists and decided on which centre to take Noelle to. We decided on doing three sessions pre-op and then saving the rest for her recovery time. Both she and the surgeon advised me to support Noelle's "good" knee when we are walking so I got that. The first few attempts to put it on were met with some drama, but I am slowly perfecting my technique at getting it on her and she is adapting well to wearing it on walks.

 

Looking cute in her new knee support by OrthoCanis.

The next, and possibly most important, task to handle now is making dietary changes. She needs to lose some weight and I need to maximise her nutritional intake while controlling calories. The best way to do this is to make her food myself. I did this previously for both her and Theo (my cat) but stopped when I started my Master's as it was so time consuming. I'm hoping this time through I can develop a system that is easier as it's vital we do this. 

I am starting her on a diet of mostly boiled chicken, quinoa, liver (or other organ meats), green beans and pumpkin. I've also got some carrots and apples I'll make into a puree and spread on lick mats to keep her mentally occupied. A final addition to her diet will be Greek yogurt to help boost her healthy intestinal bacteria. A few times a week I'll give her beef or fish for variety. She's on kibble now which I'll gradually wean out. My plan is to make the transition over the course of ten days, gradually changing the percentages until the change is complete (i.e 90/10 - 80/20, 70/30 etc......). 

Supplements that I am adding to her diet to calm her nerves and help reduce inflammation/promote healing are: magnesium, L-Theanine,  tryptophan, a joint supplement and a complex vitamin/mineral mix to sprinkle on her food. I already give her golden paste (turmeric with black pepper and olive oil), CBD oil and salmon oil. I'm very lucky in that she eats everything. If she refuses a pill I slather it in peanut butter or crush it and mix it in with food. Two final additions are ground eggshells and chia seeds. These are great for both dogs and cats (introduce them gradually). I consulted with a holistic vet two years ago to set up their diet plan and follow her exact instructions as to quantities. 

Food Prep Galore. 

That's where we are for now. We have a long road ahead of us but are making progress. We've also made some progress on fundraising to help cover the cost which I am extremely grateful for. Thank you to our wonderful tribe of friends and family - especially since most of you have never met this special girl. We appreciate you. 

If you can help, or spread the word, here is the link again: Go Fund Me - Noelle

Xo

Jessica & Noelle 

Facebook Groups

TPLO, CBLO, MMP, TTA, Lateral Suture: CCL Recovery & Support

Canine Cruciate Recovery (TPLO, CM, etc.)