Samson's Week 10 Report Card - TTA Surgery

[SamsonsMom]

I have been waiting for this week to arrive since week one. Week 10 x-rays after TTA. This has been the most challenging 10 (12 really since we started holding him back 2 weeks before surgery) ever. I've had to keep him confined, off the couch, no playing with toys or tugging, no stairs, leashed potty breaks, lifting him up and down the deck steps, no fun for Samson at all. This has been as hard on him as me!

So, all good news. Only 10% muscle loss in the left leg, greater than 80% bone growth, and the implant stayed perfectly in place. Whew!!!! I am okay to start normal activity for him. I will need to work on the back deck stairs slowly (only way to the back yard). He doesn't just go down them, he literally launches off them. So, I will need to keep him leashed and let him walk up and down them for a few weeks. Also, since he has the habit of chasing after squirrels in the back yard, vet suggested I keep him leashed and start jogging around the yard with him to get the leg in better condition. And the best news ever, he is allowed on the couch!! :-) I don't have to keep him in the pen anymore either. I'm putting that back down in the basement! I will keep a baby gate to stop him from going upstairs. In about a month after we condition his knee, I can have the pet sitter come back! Oh, Samson is down to 100 lbs!!! The vet is so pleased with us. 100 is where the vet says he should be but if we want to go down more, we can target 95. We are targeting 95. I want the weight off his hind end. His first injury with the left knee was in September last year-- he was at 118 lbs. Getting the weight off him is a lot of work too. He's worth every bit of the work put in.

If anyone has any questions about TTA and the recovery process, please let me know. I'm more than happy to share our story. I'm glad I found this forum when I did.

[Meeps83]

Yay Samson!

[smartrock]

Great news! You've done a super job with his recovery!

[Java]

I'm so happy for Samson (and you) for the return of couch privileges and no more pen! You're doing an amazing job.

[SunDance]

Great news!

[Sue-Ram]

Great news!! Ram spent last summer on the bench recovering from knee surgery. Cuddles on the couch will help with Samson's further recovery.

[Snowshoe]

This is such good news. You both worked hard to achieve this good result.

[Tanya]

that's awesome! great job

[SamsonsMom]

that's awesome! great job

Thank you Tanya.

[Coopspuppy]

Thank you for the positive update.

Addie is 8 days post TTA surgery, and she is doing well. She hasn't been too crazy in her crate, and we let her lie on the tile during the day (on leash) while we are home. She really misses walking around I can tell....but you gotta do what you gotta do. She goes in for a check up Monday evening, so I am hoping for good news. I believe week two will involve me doing some physical therapy motions and more crate rest.....

Today is day one with no pain meds and no antibiotics......She is a trooper!

Coopspuppy