Rehabilitation after surgery

Our Border Collie pup Louis (Louie) was a bit lame on and off. It was so subtle it was barely noticeable, but it was persistent so we got it X-rayed. Our fears were realised and Louie was diagnosed with Osteochondritis dissecans . Surgery was recommended and so that was the start of our journey. Specialist orthopedic surgeons visit our local vet but we couldn’t get in for several months and it was just too long to keep Louie restricted. He is still a pup and wants to play.  Our first lesson, was to check the cost of operations. We had been quoted $2,500 with our local vet. A spot was available in Geelong the following week so we booked it. We thought we better check the price and it was $4,500! Oops that was just too much. The next nearest spot was in Tullamarine about 2 hours from home so we booked that and were quoted $3,200 which we accepted as we wanted it done so Louie’s rehab could start. The vet clinic we used was excellent and provided thorough care. The discharge notes were comprehensive, but like human surgery, post op you feel like you are on your own.

Essentially exercise is to be restricted for at least 8 weeks. Try telling that to a young dog. Fortunately Louie was already pretty well crate trained and he has been amazingly well behaved.

The discharge notes warned that ‘If your pet is doing too much activity in the first several weeks following surgery she will likely develop a seroma (fluid swelling) at the level of the shoulder. The best way to avoid and treat this is to heavily
limit activity’. We were so careful, but Louie did develop a seroma, which resolved in about a week.

We have started Hydrotherapy with Louie, and so far it has been an amazing experience to have help from a rehabilitation specialist. I am sure it is good for the dog, and particularly good for moral and practical support for the owners! We were worried that Louie would stress out too much, but the professional and caring approach from our provider made his first visit a completely positive experience for Louie.