I knew River would likely need to have his knees done at some point, it looks like it’s going to happen pretty soon. The vet has confirmed that both are very loose and easy to move so I think we need to crack on and get him sorted.

(They only rarely come out on their own, and go back in by themselves usually.)

He’s a good light healthy weight, fit, with decent muscle, so I think he’ll recover well.

Anyone else had their dog’s patellas done? I’m just wondering what to expect.

An old neighbour had this work done on her Large Munsterlander.  He was 'fine' except the silly woman started him back on exercise too soon (imo) and as a result, he continued to limp for the rest of his days.   I urge you, depending on what your vet advises of course, to take it slow re exercise afterwards or your dog may suffer the same.

Thanks Mamabas, that’s a good warning.

I don’t want to do anything that might jeopardise his recovery so I’ll be very careful to follow what my vet says. I’d love him to be able to continue with agility training when he’s fully healed because he’s having a lot of fun with it.

I’ll give him all the time he needs and not rush back into anything.

Oh yeah the after care is so much fun .
I had to create one of my guys when he was about 6/7mths due to fractures in his hindleg thought at first it was ligament but x-ray confirmed it was couple of cracks up round the hock.
No idea how he did it went outside with his sister and came back in like pegleg.
Go to vet got the x-ray and brought him home with pain killers no cast just to cage rest for 6wks.
That was 6wks of HELL he would scream the house down because he couldn't get out with his friends.
He still does and nearly 3 now but it was worth it as perfectly fine now.

Good to know Jogold, I can’t say I’m looking forward to it but I keep telling myself it needs to be done and it’ll be worth it.

The vet said the recovery is about a month, but of course then he’ll have the other knee done!

He’s an active little boy who loves his walks and play, and I’m going to have to work hard on entertaining his brain to keep him busy! (Not easy with a ridiculously smart Papillon...)

Well it was nearly impossible with a screwball of a Boxer it's a miracle I didn't kill him as he drove me up the wall.

You might want to teach him some"crate"games. Donna Hill has a downloadable training DVD. It is for sale via her YouTube video that is a taster specifically for post operative recovery

> Well it was nearly impossible with a screwball of a Boxer

Oh goodness, I can imagine!

Thanks Ann, that sounds like just what we’ll need, I’ll check that out.

I’m thinking we’ll be able to do some nose work as well, he absolutely loves tracking so I’m sure we’ll be able to do some not-moving much sniffing games. :)

Thanks Ann but hopefully we won't have to do that again.

Also no walkies no worries book by sian Ryan and Helen Zuich is good too and brain games by Claire arrowsmith .
I've met her when she did a behaviour assessment for me nice lady

Brilliant FF, they sound great as well, thanks. I think he’ll love playing those kind of games, he adores anything that involves food! :)

Okay, books ordered, puzzle toys on their way, online courses subscribed to, and YouTube videos bookmarked.

I’m going to get some big pieces of non-slip vet bed for the wooden floors and I’ve got several crates and small pens so he can be with us whatever room we’re in.

I’m encouraging calm relaxed behaviour and we’re stocked up on long lasting natural chews to keep him busy as well. And while we’re still doing energetic games right now I’m teaching him we can have fun with less movement too, like dropping a ball next to him rather than throwing across the room, and doing very gentle tug that doesn’t need him to use his legs.

We’ve got some of those spikey inflatable pods for him to stand on for rehabilitation, cavaletti poles,  and I’m thinking some hydrotherapy (particularly underwater treadmill) will be good as well.

Do you think it’s worth getting a soft bed for him, or am I better sticking with his usual vet bed?

I’m just trying to get used to the idea that things will be difficult for a few months, I guess, for both him and us. The cat will likely appreciate the peace and quiet though, with no tiny dog following him around sticking his nose up his bottom half the time.