10 Weeks Post-op for Kamea

Today we are 10 weeks post-op for Kamea. What a journey. 

From the two (2) week mark until now there have not been any huge changes or challenges, small daily activities. I wanted to provide a specific update at the six (6) week mark but I came down with a virus that knocked me out for almost 10 days; at any rate we are here now.

At the six (6) week mark:

• Kamea was given physical therapy to do at home to strengthen her leg. 
• She was also cleared to sleep in the bed (yay for Mom) with no high jumps for at least two (2) more weeks, so until the eight (8) week mark. I am still limiting jumping at 10 weeks.
• The other restrictions at this point were no full speed running and not to change directions quickly. These restrictions did not come with a timeline, more of as I see fit situation- we are still refraining from these.

Weeks eight (8) to 10:

• I let her have full (supervised) range of the house for the most part- she is still not allowed on the stairs, and I am not sure I will ever let her because there are a lot of them and they are wood. 
• She has access to her ramp to the couch and the ramp for the bed. FYI the ramp for the bed is new, it replaced stairs to an ottoman in order to reduce jumping.
• We resumed our walks once a day and she can now greet her neighborhood friends.
• Basically, I let her set the pace (with the exception of high jumps and quick direction changes) as there are still some days she does not want to go for a walk.

Kamea is still not completely weight baring on her surgical leg nor does she always sit properly but it is definitely an improvement from pre-surgery (I believe it can take up to 12-14 weeks for dogs to be 100% weight baring again). 

In the last two (2) weeks (eight -10) Kamea returned to her old demeanor; she is playful, energetic, and ready for anything. 

I plan to continue Kamea’s at home physical therapy until she is four (4) months post-op.

As I have previously stated, this surgery is nothing to take lightly as a dog parent. It is a huge commitment filled with a lot of stressful (and tearful) moments. BUT, I believe it is completely worth it seeing Kamea now, and knowing she will only get better.

If you are in the LA area and looking for a concierge or orthopedic veterinarian I have linked them. And, if you have questions please reach out. I know there is not a lot of information from the pet owner’s perspective regarding luxating patella surgery.🩷J

*Note I am not a veterinarian nor a medical practitioner, this is not medical advice nor should it be used in place of instructions provided by your veterinarian/surgeon, this is simply my experience.