Welp, it’s been a little over 6 months since Jack had his bilateral TPLO knee surgeries, better known as a result of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture of the knee. Doctors often reference this rupture similar to that of when human tears their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

The poor guy had to have the procedure done on both knees ( a very serious surgery many dogs surcome to as a result of poor genetics ). However today,  I can’t emphasize enough how beyond impressed I am with the progress he’s made.

Man, he never ceases to amaze me. Anyone who has ever had TPLO on their dog knows how difficult it can be for them to get around. Now imagine if your dog had it on both legs at the same time. Thankfully I had some friends in the community who’s dogs have had the same surgery, and yes, some had it done on both knees at the same time – their support, advice and kind words was what helped Jack and I get through the situation. . community support makes all the difference in a time like that …

In the beginning the vet said he expected Jack to be virtually immobile for at least a week or two. Well, not my Jack -“attack”. He was walking around the apartment on the first day with the assistance of the sling the vet provided us.

Today his gate is already almost, almost, normal (almost no bow-leggedness, phew). I can’t believe it. To top it all off, he hasn’t whined or whimppered since. He is such a tough nut! In fact, in the first few weeks post surgery he tried to run in the mornings when I took him out to go potty, but I nipped that in the butt REAL FAST. ( It has been highly encouraged, that even though they appear to be capable, it’s our responsibility as the parents to limit the activity use the first 2- 4weeks )

It’s been 6 months post surgery and he remains be the ultimate All Star Athlete. During the surgery many dog owners who’s dogs also had to have the TPLO bilateral told me to prepare myself that Jack would never run and swim the same again; well, they were wrong, not my Jacky. He’s still holds his title as the fastest runner at his daycare and strongest swimmer at the dog beach. People constantly tell me how fast of a both a runner and swimmer Jack is, they can’t even believe he’s had surgery on both knees at only one and a half years old. So for those of you who worry your dog will never be that same after a significant surgery, Jack is the perfect example that YES they can, and they will!

Here are some tips that can help your dog when in recovery: As Mom I made sure to follow Dr.’s orders: oral medication, massaging his legs, icing his knees, as well placing hot patches on them too. In order for Jack to avoid follicle infection they had to shave his all his hair off from his hips down. He was walking around town with his bottom half in his birthday suite – I was always sure to provide him blankets to keep his tush warm as well blocking him from licking his wounds. ( one of the most essential steps in a successful recovery is not letting the pups lick their wounds or stitches, as this leads to infection. A big reason why Dr.’s always provide dogs with buster “Elizabeth” collars post surgeries )

The biggest problem I had was keeping him down during recovery. I arranged an entire play pin for him downstairs as stairs can be a challenge for him. So far with the minimal walking we do, Jack has been putting pressure on both legs which is just amazing. He constantly tried to chase and play with our bunny and his best friend Cali ( a blue nose Pitbull ) who lived with us at the time. For the most part we continued to relax at home the first few weeks. He loves being around people wether it be the beach or park so for stimulationI let him people watch rom our balcony, something he always enjoyed to do pre surgery.

Anyway, just wanted to brag and update you on Jacks successful recovery… his bottom coat is completely grown back and he’s happy and healthy again! Bark on Jack!