1 week after TTA surgery

It's now a week since the dog's TTA surgery for a partially ruptured cruciate ligament. 

We are still on 10 minute slow walks three times a day. He is coping well with them, with hardly any limp. When standing he is putting a very little more weight on his hind leg but he is already much more steady in his pen or turning on his bed to make himself comfortable. 

The stitches still look good. There has never been any discharge from them or excessive redness or swelling around his knee. They don't seem to bother him much but he will try to lick them occasionally if his cone isn't on, so he wears it whenever he is unsupervised and at night. 

We are booked in at our local vets to have the stitches taken out on Monday, and also booked in at the Referral Centre to have follow up X-Rays in 3 weeks time. 

The dog doesn't like the confinement of his pen much, even though it keeps him to the area where his bed has always been positioned during the day. Of course that's probably because he used to spend all day on the sofa, ignoring his bed!

Happily, some time off work has meant we can now spend a while sat in the garden, with him tied to a short lead on my leg. It's nice (for us both) to be outside though having been stuck inside for so long. 

Nighttime is now fine. He has slept all through the last two nights thankfully!

4 days after TTA surgery

There's a trend developing if you hadn't noticed - nighttime blogging!  

Another good day of post TTA operation recovery. All three walks were excellent. The hardest thing now is that he is becoming a bit more confident and wants to go further than allowed in the time we have. My aim is to get to 'the' big tuft of grass where our local cycle track meets the road, a favourite spot for the dog unsurprisingly.  His aim is now to get to the concrete settings of the crash barrier a little further down the road, also a favourite dog spot!  Needless to say, I win, but only after gentle but firm persuasion to turn him round and head back. 

He looks more steady in his pen now. He often doesn't put much weight on his leg when making himself comfortable turn on his bed, but, when his cone is off, has used it to gently scratch his neck. I take this as a good sign that movement is getting easier and not painful. I thinks it's incredible given the inside of his leg looks something like this (not his X-ray)

No poo today, but I'm sure that will happen again. 

The comfy cone was delivered, and looks the part. It seems to be sturdy enough for him not to be able to get to his stitches (he isn't really bothered in them anyway) and must be so much more comfortable than the plastic cone. Sadly though he still cries after an hour or two with it on, so after an early night he woke me up at 12.00 where I spent 20 minutes or so calming him, then briefly at 2.00am and 4am. By 4am I figured I've had a good 4 hours sleep so (relatively) not bad. Sure I'll get another few hours in later!

3 days after TTA surgery

Today (can I say that at 4am?) was the dog's second day home, the third since his cruciate operation. I'm getting used to this view!

Our three very short walks went amazingly well, having left the confines of the garden each time and venturing a short way down the road. We haven't actually crossed a road though, so all entirely on the flat. His gait is good and if it were not for his shaved leg others would have not noticed anything wrong with him. 

The biggest issue so far is that he hasn't slept much with his cone on. He cries and ends up pretty distressed after a while. The upshot of that is that most of the time either me or my better half have sat with him, only using the cone when we are distracted, or when I've been asleep. 

Thursday night was the worst, with about 45 minutes sleep. Friday was 2.5 hours or so and having gone to sleep at midnight I was woken by loud wimpering at 3am. After an hour or so of cuddles and licks he has now just fallen asleep, minus cone, so I'll be sat here for an hour or two before I might stick it back on an try to get some sleep myself. Happily, no work for a few days so I can catch 40 winks "whenever".

A "comfy cone" is being delivered today so maybe tomorrow nights sleep will be better. It really is important though that he can't get to those stitches until they come out!

His knee still looks good. No major swelling or redness. No discharge. Couldn't imagine it could be any better. 

The 'pen' we made is serving it's purpose well. He is confined to a small area even when we are in, so no problem with him leaping up if someone's at the door, trying to get on furniture or racing across our tiled kitchen floor. At night I've moved a bed from his crate so he doesn't bang around in it with his cone. He is such a soft dog though that he still taps the bars from time to time to tell us he is fed up in it and wants human contact. We are such soft owners that we hop over the low fence for a cuddle in his pen!  Character wise he is back to normal though, very affectionate and "needy". 

Oh, I nearly forgot, you may have read that your dog might not have a bowel movement for some time after surgery. His first was this afternoon. Lots of it but reasonably firm. Dog owners will understand the significance of this momentous occasion 😊.

Let's hope this good progress continues!

2 days after TTA surgery

The first night was harder than expected. I slept for 45 minutes or so. Every time I tried to sleep the poor dog cried so I sat and watched whilst he eventually settled. 

Although booked off work I had wondered whether I'd get some things done at home. It wasn't to be given my zombie-like state for most of the day. 

But enough of me. The dog is doing ok. He happily ate breakfast this morning and has been drinking as normal. We had a walk around the garden for 5 to 10 minutes this morning and again this afternoon. This evening we ventured a few minutes down the road. From previous posts you'll have seen that our surgeons advice is 10 minutes walk three times a day, for the first four weeks. He is putting some weight on his leg and already limps less than he did pre op. 

This afternoon he allowed me to sleep for nearly two and a half hours without crying. Very welcome! Sadly tonight he has had me awake after just an hour or so of sleep, so it's now 1.15am and I am very tired. Now I'm awake the dog is sleeping like a baby!

I think the cause of today's crying isn't the pain in his leg, it's the cone of shame. He tollerates it well when it first goes on but after an hour he clearly finds it uncomfortable, hence the crying which ends the second it's off. When he woke me tonight he was clearly distressed, panting heavily and needing affection. I wish I had bought a comfy-cone, although I have heard that not all dogs take to them either and they are not always as effective as the plastic e-collar. I would like to try though as sleep is becoming a priority and I dare not risk shutting my eyes to sleep when he has no collar on. 

The knee itself looks pretty good at the moment. The light dressing came off today, so I can now see the stitches. Of course it looks very sore but not nearly as bad as I had feared, having seen Google photos of dogs with bright red extensive bruising and swelling. His looks pretty neat and tidy. 

The yellow is iodine of course, not bruising. 

So, all in all, a good day apart from sleep deprivation!

1 day after TTA surgery - the middle of the night

So, the time is now 2.42am.  Tonight's learning (so far) s:

- it clearly hurts after a major operation. It is very likely your dog will cry, at least until 2.42am

- the cone of shame may stop your dog from getting comfy, but unless you want to risk seeing metalwork when you wake up, put it on

- don't assume you will sleep. Why should you if your dog can't 

- by 2.46am, if you've given up on sleeping and taken the cone off, your dog might be a bit more comfortable and sleep for a while

- start a blog, it will give you something to do and stop you falling asleep yourself whilst the dog has respite from the cone of shame

- don't be sad if your dog still hasn't looked you in the eye

TTA Surgery - Discharge day

So, the TTA operation took place for his cruciate yesterday. The surgery said they would update between 5 and 7pm. Happily, at 5.02pm they called to say he was in recovery and would soon be back on the ward, so last night was a good night. 

Today they said they'd call soon after 10am for an update and to confirm discharge arrangements. At about 10.15am I was given the OK to pick him up tonight. 

After some helpful words from the surgeon and a look at the impressive metalwork on X-Ray the nurse brought him in. Poor dog was shaking and looked most unhappy. He was walking though, without any support, and already putting more weight on his leg than he has for which was great to see. No sign of a wag though, and I'm not convinced he's looked me in the eye yet!

Having cried in the car all the way home he seemed pleased to be back and after a big drink has been flat out on his bed for the past hour, with just the occasional whine. 

In terms of post operative advice it was simple can clear.

- use common sense

- confine to a small area or crate overnight or when unsupervised 

- follow advice on pain killers and antibiotics 

- use the cone of shame when unsupervised or first sign he's interested in stiches

- he has a light dressing which comes off tomorrow 

- 10 minute lead walks 3 times a day (which can start tomorrow - I was happily surprised!)

- no stairs for a month

- stiches out by our own vet in 10 to 14 days

- back to the surgeon for a review in 4 weeks

- call if there are any problems (we have the surgeon's mobile number - not just the surgery

- I don't need (or advised to use) the support harness I bought from eBay - might come in useful one day I suppose

So, at this point all seems as good as it could be. As I write he's had a little bit of food, which is reassuring. Fingers crossed for a good nights sleep (for me) on the sofa!

Preparing for TTA surgery

Funny how this blog has shifted from walks to 'life events'. I wasn't really sure whether I wanted to blog today, but it seemed right. 

This afternoon I checked the dog in to veterinary hospital for a cruciate operation. Since January he has been increasingly struggling and despite 6 weeks or so of rest, with just 5 minute walks, his limp has got progressively worse to the extent that I can see it is putting massive strain on his 'good' hind leg. It's taken a while to get a firm diagnosis as its a partial tear rather than a complete tear. Seems to be degenerative rather than as a result of a mad moment, so also a 50% chance the other will go at some point in the next 18 months or so. 

Anyway, after considering options I decided that if I were limited to 5 minute walks, having been active just 3 months ago, and things were getting worse rather than better, I'd want it fixed!

The procedure is going to be TTA, done tomorrow at some point. Hopefully we'll have him home on Thursday.  Having spent hours myself googling on the subject of cruciates I'll do what many others have helpfully done and blog my experience. 

So far, key points for me have been:

- this is a time when you're glad you have insurance

- ultimately, you have to come to your own view as to whether to go down a surgical or non surgical route

- if you have a tiled floor get a load of interlocking foam mats from Amazon or EBay

-,Remember where you put the crate you used when your dog was a puppy

- create a nice safe area in anticipation of the mad dash for the doorbell 

Here is our setup

Over next next few months, God willing, I'll blog how we got on. 

Recommended dog walker in South Ribble

It can be hard to find a good, reliable dog walker. We were lucky almost 10 years ago to find a couple called Chris and Martin who run Home Comfort Pets. They provide a dog walking, pet visiting and small animal boarding service in Lostock Hall, Bamber Bridge, Penwortham, Hutton, Longton and Walton-le-Dale.  

In all that time they have been reliable, trustworthy and most importantly, looked after our dog with all the love and care that we do. He never has a day where he doesn't get a walk at lunchtime, regardless of our own work commitments. 

At the moment they have some vacancies for 1 to 1 walks throughout the day so, if you're in the South Ribble area and looking for a reliable dog walker, give them a call. You will find them on facebook or google 'home comfort pets'. I can't recommend them highly enough!

Alabama Rot in Preston, Lancashire

So, for the last few days Facebook has been suggesting a case of Alabama Rot has been diagnosed in Preston. Tonight the Lancashire Evening Post has reported that a dog has died of the disease, the 65th case in the UK since 2012. The dog is believed to be from the Fulwood Area, although in the past few days I had heard it was from Garstang. Given the report that it was walked in Highgate Woods off Garstang Road it is well worth avoiding walking your dog there for the time being. From what I have read previously your dog seems most at risk in wet, muddy, wooded areas. Certainly that was the case in the New Forest, where the first outbreaks were reported, and I think in the cases reported in Cornwall. It does appear that you can never be totally safe round here. As many will know, there were cases around Bolton and Wigan last year. If your dog does get muddy (when don't they?) the advice seems to be to wash it off. However, if like me you are completed paranoid you'll stick to the paths on open moors and beaches whenever you can. it sounds like the most horrible disease. My heart goes to the owner.

Dining with dogs (Dog friendly pubs in Cornwall)

Finding good places to eat where your dog is welcome can be a challenge in some places, but not in Cornwall. Over the 9 years that we've enjoyed holidays with our dog in this wonderful place we have seen big changes in the number of good quality eating establishments. Where once there were seemly a handful of really good places to eat, you are probably never far from one these days, wherever you choose to stay.

Of course standards go up and down, so all of the places I've listed here are ones we have visited at least once over the past 12 months. We are lucky to have had five weeks away in that time so had plenty of time to enjoy some of the best food we could imagine. I don't claim that these are the best pubs in Cornwall. That depends on what you expect from a pub. I recall visiting the Blisland Inn, a fantastic pub for real ale fans, but not a place where you'd rave about the food. The point of this post is to highlight some of the best dining experiences you can have with your dog in tow, which are not necessarily the best dog friendly pubs. All allow dogs inside, on leads of course, and you will normally be restricted to the bar area. All are well worth a visit though.

Please please though keep your dog under control. We are so lucky to have good places to eat where our dogs can join us. Sadly whilst unruly kids can often run riot, society is less tolerant of unruly dogs. That's life!

St Petrocs Bistro, Padstow

 Part of the Rick Stein empire, St Petrocs Bistro was a surprise find. Diners with dogs are welcome in the small but comfortable bar area. When we visited we were given a warm welcome and the dog given a bowl of water should he decide to awake from his sleep on the stone flagged floor. Of course the food was excellent. Booking advisable if not essential.

https://www.rickstein.com/eat-with-us/st-petrocs-bistro/

The Old School Bar and Kitchen, Mount Hawke

What appears to be an old school has been converted in to a contemporary bar and restaurant. A word of warning here, diners with dogs are welcome in the bar, but it can get busy and noisy. It is after all a bar first and foremost. A great place if you fancy a lively good night out. The food here was great, as are the cocktails. The menu was varied but gastro burgers seemed the way to go on our visit. I was not disappointed.

http://www.osbk.co.uk

The Gurnards Head, Zennor

The Gurnards Head needs no introduction to regular visitors to the far west of Cornwall. Standing yellow and proud on the spectacular coastal road near to St Ives, it is hard to miss. The food here is wonderful, some of the best we have eaten, and beautifully presented. Dogs are very welcome in the bar area. It does get busy so booking recommended.

http://www.gurnardshead.co.uk

The Old Coastguard Hotel, Mousehole

One of our favourites! We first went to the Old Coastguard drenched and cold after watching the storms of February 2014. We, and the dog, were made very welcome despite our appearance. Food here is very good, and similar to the Gurnards Head, part of the same Eat, Drink, Sleep family of pubs. We have returned many times, including a 3 night stay in 2015. Dogs are very welcome in the wooden floored bar area.

http://www.oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk

The Coldstreamer, Gulval

The Coldstreamer was a new find in 2015. A place where you'd be equally at home just having a drink. Dogs are allowed in the faily spacious bar area. This is not a particularly formal place so take it as you find it, and as it finds you. The food was excellent, and different. Check out the menu for this place! 

As I write this post I see the Coldstreamer has new lessees. Happily, it is the Head Chef who in charge when we visited, meaning it's rise to stardom looks set to continue. It will be interesting to see what changes they make, but hope it keeps its rather rustic feel. It's so good I've not put a website link up, you'll have to find it!

The Pandora Inn, Mylor

One of the prettiest spots in Cornwall. Best sitting outside on a sunny day watching the world go by, but dogs are allowed in the pub itself. Although very good I confess we found the menu a bit limited if you want to visit several times on your holiday. Still well worth a visit though. 

http://www.pandorainn.com

St Tudy Inn, St Tudy

Although still a pub, the St Tudy is more of a dining experience. Dogs are welcome in the small but comfortable bar area. When we last visited in February 2016 we were the only diners in the bar, but several locals were enjoying a few drinks. The restaurant looks very civilised! The food here is excellent. Hard to imagine that you'll find much better if you have a dog in tow. 

http://www.sttudyinn.com

Lewinnick Lodge, Newquay

The setting is amazing, sitting on the cliff edge looking out towards Fistral Beach. The bar are welcomes dogs and was busy on our visit. We found a table by the window and enjoyed good food and a few drinks. It was lively, with a pool table, comfy sofas and plenty of people just enjoying a drink. don't let that out you off though, there aren't many places where you can enjoy a view like this. The adjacent restaurant seemed very quiet, but imagine it gets busy at weekends and in season.

http://www.lewinnicklodge.co.uk