Savannah's story

Owner: Nancy E-mail: glorygrlz@aol.com Date posted: October 24, 2000 Savannah, our 4-1/2 year old Chocolate Lab, developed her cruciate problem over time through her overzealous approach (and our desire to do what she enjoyed) to playing frisbee, retrieving balls, and romping at the beach. After consultations with several doctors, such as All Care in Fountain Valley and Adams Pet Clinic in Huntington Beach (at Adams we were hoping to find a holistic approach), we felt most comfortable and confident with the opinion of her own vet, Dr. Andrea Glasser at VCA Rossmoor in Los Alamitos, CA. Dr. Glasser recommended TPLO and that we use surgeon Dr. Paul Cechner. We met with Dr. Cechner and did research on the Web (including this site) and decided that was the way to go. Savannah had TPLO surgery on her right leg on October 13, 2000. Together Dr. Glasser and Dr. Cechner phoned us the evening after her surgery was completed to let us know how things went. We really appreciated that call! We were able to bring her home the next day. She had a Retinol pain patch on her left leg and we were given antibiotics to give her twice per day. Her leg was extremely swollen and red. The incision, however, was remarkably clean. We are now one week post-op and are having difficulty keeping Savannah still. She is extremely unhappy in the crate while we are at work. We keep her on the leash with us while we are at home. She's more accommodating of that because she just likes to be where we are anyway! UPDATE: October 27, 2000: Savannah had her two week check up. Dr. Casale at VCA Rossmoor removed her staples. The doctor said she was using her leg too well! During the day, Savannah is in a crate while we are at work. She is having a hard time with this. We tried to give her a natural herb for relaxation, but that didn't work. We asked Dr. Casale if we could just leave Savannah in a room and she said no. I also asked Savannah's other doctor, Dr. Glasser, and she said no. Therefore, we had to get a real sedative for Savannah. She is on a low dose, however. I am amazed when reading other stories on this website that others have been able to put their dog in a room when alone and not have to crate. I guess it's like stairs -- some doctors say absolutely not and other say a few stairs are OK. UPDATE: November 3, 2000: We are now three weeks post op. We went to take a picture of Savannah's scar, but could hardly see it. She is walking really well. Most of the time she does not favor the leg at all. Of course, she is not doing much walking -- only to the bathroom outside and around the house a bit. She is finally okay in her crate. She no longer pants or scruntches up her blankets. It took 3 weeks though! We are really amazed at her rate of recovery. She is even now her usual lovable, playful self. She is playing with her babies (stuffed), moving in for cuddles and requesting treats. She is missing her best friend, Dixie, a Jack Russell Terrier. However, Dixie comes to the front door some evenings to say hello. We are looking forward to her x-ray in 3 weeks!