My Mum's Westie - Robbie has been diagnosed with bad arthritis in his knee joint in his back legs he is 8 years old. The vet has said that he has deformed knee joint which is causing the arthritis (apparently this is a common complaint in westies). The vet has suggested an operation to remove some of the bone to correct the knee joints. He is currently only putting weight on 3 legs and only occassionally walks correctly on the 4th. However he doesnt seem to be in any pain, he just gets stiff.

The operation sounds very good in theory, but the problem is that he will need a month of rest after the operation. Robbie is a very excitable, energetic dog that loves dashing about and jumping up all the time. Currently he is on shorter walks and he spend half his time staring intently at Mum waiting for the next walk! The vet is concerned that any good done by the operation may be undone by Robbie's lively attitude! He also gets highly stressed by pain and discomfort (typical man!).

Does anyone have any experience of trying to rest a very lively dog? Has anyone had a similar operation done and how did they find it went afterwards?

Can anyone offer advice?

Hi,

I am currently undergoing the trauma of limiting exercise in a 6 month old puppy with a broken leg. It is very hard and requires a heck of a lot of discipline on the carer's part. We are nearly at the 4 week point post-surgery. My Cairn, Abby, broke one of the growth plates on top of the tibia, e.g., at the knee.

First, you will need a crate. There is no other way to do it. My vet's (a bone specialist) orders were crate (cage) rest and 4 short walks a day of 10-15 minute in duration for the first two weeks. A bit longer walks and crate rest for the next 1-2 weeks. Needless to say, the short walks constituted of Abby with four feet on the ground part of the way and the rest of the time jumping up and trying to run in circles. I picked her up and carried her when she got too energetic. Just after the two week point her walks were lengthened to 20 minutes each and I relaxed a bit. However, she is still confined to her crate or in my office with me. She is not allowed to run (ha ha, you know what a small dog can do on a lead!), I carry her up and down stairs, and she is not allowed on the sofa (jumping up and down on it is not allowed.) Since the day after her operation she has probably danced around on her hind legs about a million times, with no ill effect.

My advice for your Mum - prepare yourself for a tough recovery. Get a crate. Get out of the house often so you do not have to look at your pet! Do not feel guilty.

If your mum's dog is walking on three legs much of the time it means he is in pain. Seeing him through a surgery and recovery is a small price for the two of them to pay for better health.

Regards,

Stacey