Ivy is hiking

We have started taking Ivy for abbreviated hikes as part of her rehab and for a change of scenery. She just loves riding in her "truck." I cannot believe that this is the same dog we brought back from Dr Stallings in October, just over 2 months ago. She is doing great.

6 Weeks Post Op and doing great! (TPLO #2)

Ivy received good news from Dr Stallings today. She has complete bone healing and has the go ahead to begin rehab. She did need to be sedated for the x rays but bounced back from that much better this time. We are letting her snooze away today and then start rehab walks tomorrow. She has been having just 4 potty breaks a day but we are going to move that to 5 with 3 of them to include a 5 minute lap around the condominium perimeter. Then gradually increase the walking time. I am going to continue with passive range of motion, since she actually seems to enjoy that. We hope she will be swimming after tennis balls in Florida by springtime!

A Dubious Anniversary

One year ago today...Halloween...Ivy suffered her first CCL rupture. We were on vacation in the mountains of southwest VA for what was supposed to be a hiking vacation on the New River Trail. About five minutes after we arrived, Ivy came back to us on three legs. This has been a challenging year for her but one thing is certain: Ivy is on the way back!!

Staples Out!

Ivy took a road trip to VA Beach to have her staples removed. It is now 18 days post op. She was so excited to be getting out and going for a ride!! The bottom suture line is a bit inflamed. Dr Stallings thinks maybe she can reach it and licking it a bit with the BiteNot collar, but we are skeptical. In any event, she has about 5 more days of wearing the collar, we hope. He says she is where she should be at this point in the recovery. He wants us to continue using the sling for control when we are walking her outside. She is so exuberant!!Her next visit with him is in 4 more weeks for 6 week x-rays and evaluation. Good girl, Ivy!!!

On the Road to Recovery

Twelve days post op and Ivy is on the road to recovery. She takes 4 potty breaks a day and it usually takes two of us to maneuver as she uses a sling for her back legs. The weather in Virginia has been delightful; cool crisp mornings and evenings and mild afternoons. Ivy loves her time outside, as always, and tolerates the sling well. We still have her wearing the E Collar when she is unsupervised, but she does well with that also. What a good dog!!!