When Sampson did a partial tear of his right knee, a diagnosed Heart Murmur and Arrhythmia left us with the only option of conservatively managing it.
For us, conservative management is very similar to the rehabilitation we did two years ago, when Sampson had surgery for a full tear on his left leg.
We had to come up with a new normal, so here’s how we are conservatively managing Sampson’s CCL tear:
- Short, slow leash walks. We started at 3 minutes out and however long it took us to get back and have worked him up to 7 minutes out and however long it takes to get back. We do this two times per day.
Seven minutes? That’s barely enough time for a guy to do his business.
- Blocking. Sampson’s favorite spot on the couch is blocked off to prevent him from jumping/climbing up on it. The front window is blocked off with chairs. This it to keep Sampson from putting his front paws on the sill and standing on his hind legs to look out. It’s sort of like baby proofing your house, except never put chairs in front of windows when you have a toddler. Chairs and toddlers, it’s a bad combination.
- Throw rugs. Any uncarpeted surface has a non-slip throw rug. This is to help keep Sampson from slipping. I have so many rugs, it looks like I’m remaking Aladdin. For dogs.
- Pain management and supplements. Anti-inflammatories, pain meds, nerve blockers, joint supplements and vitamins have become an integral part of meal time. I spend more money on medications and supplements than an old guy spends on viagra.
- Gates. Gates prevent him from going into areas where he could potentially hurt himself. Like bedrooms where he could try and jump on the bed, and stairs. Stairs are definitely off limits. We have more gates than a gated community.
But the BIG bed is in there!
- No playtime. This is probably the hardest rule to enforce. As our physical therapist said, “From the waist up, he’s still Sampson.” He still has his mind and in his mind, he’s the same dog he’s always been. And Delilah is still Delilah, she has energy and loves to run and play. It’s so hard to have to stop them from this small enjoyment. I feel like Cruella DeVille, when I have to say, “NO!”
The hardest part in all of this, is restricting Sampson without letting him get depressed. With any type of injury or illness, it’s important for your pet to feel like they are still part of the family and to make their life as normal as you can.
Sounds like a delicate balance, but it also sounds like you’re doing OK with it and so is he. Saying no is tough, but when you know it’ll help in the long run, it gets a little easier. It’s just like saying, “Come and put your cone on…” Ugh. Thankfully, Cupcake thinks the cone and baby sock are an outfit, so she’s fine with it.
Have you tried ToeGrips to keep him from slipping? They work really well! Katie has been wearing them since last August.
That all sounds like a lot, but you are definitely doing everything you can for him, and I love that. Of course, I know you would do no less than that. ♥
The Aladdin comment made me smile–I’m glad you’re still able to keep your sense of humor despite all of these challenges. Have you tried any noseworks or focus games with him? I know there are plenty of variations of both where he wouldn’t have to get up at all, but it might wear him out mentally at least 🙂
Love the humor. Sometimes you just gotta laugh, right? I think the worst part of Jeffie’s ACL injury was keeping he and Rudy apart. No more rowdy games. In fact, unless I was with them, they couldn’t even be allowed outside in the backyard together. Very, very sad.
Yep. Our new normal started after my knee surgery and two back surgeries. It’s an adjustment
Lily (& Edward)
Being around you, Sampson will have no trouble maintaining his sense of humor 🙂
Poor Sampson. I know what a tough time I have had keeping Storm from overdoing and she is not as limited as Sampson.
So many things to think about. And like the vet said as far as Sampson is concerned he is the same. The walks are really good thought to sniff and get out. Can he go swimming?? You are doing all the right things for your sweet boy.
It IS hard to restrict fur-kids from running/jumping like they are used to doing. That said, you deserve a medal for all your fur-proofing efforts in the house. Take a bow and give sweet Sampson a nice long ear scratch from me and Sam. ❣️
That sounds really stressful for you! I’m sorry. 🙁 Maybe food puzzles or modified nose work, to help keep him engaged?
I’m sorry you guys have a new normal but it’s better than him tearing it completely and having to deal with that. Hugs.
You have a lot of challenges, and I appreciate how you face it all in good humor. 🙂
Sending a hug xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
(and an awful lot of kisses as I wasn’t allowed to post the comment unless I upped the characters. Sorry I should have had something more useful to say but my mind is a blur today)
I thought at first poor Sampson but then I thought he doesn’t know it’s poor Sampson, he thinks he is still that young pup. So I am going to look at him like that too. You are doing a great job with your new normal. Activity limits are the worst though.