UPDATE:
4/1/08,
Jack's
patellar luxation
surgery was
a success.
This surgery
was done to
correct a
chronic
movement of
his kneecap
going in and
out of its
socket
incorrectly,
impeding his
highly
active
lifestyle.
He is
currently
resting
comfortably
and is on
medication
for pain,
antibiotics
and
inflammation.
His recovery
time is 6-8
weeks, with
normal
activity
typically
resuming in
6-9 months.
This
recovery
includes
crating him
to restrict
movement,
leash
walking to
go potty and
daily
physical
therapy to
keep his
other joints
and muscles
strong and
limber.
Counterintuitive
to his
active
nature, he
is not
allowed to
run, jump or
go up and
down stairs
during this
period of
time.
UPDATE
4/4/08,
Jack's
bandage came
off and the
surgery site
looks
great. His
prognosis is
excellent
and he is
expected to
make a full
recovery.
Jack will
not be
available
for adoption
until
approximately
June 1, 2008
to allow him
to recover
from
patellar
luxation
surgery.
His recovery
time is 6-8
weeks, with
normal
activity
typically
resuming in
6-9 months.
Applications
are still
being
accepted for
his future
adoption,
and will be
considered
closer to
June 1.
Potential
adopters
that have
had pets
with
patellar
luxation
surgery and
have dealt
with the
necessary
lifestyle
changes are
encouraged
to apply.
Careful
attention to
Jack's diet
and exercise
will have to
be
maintained
throughout
his life
since
obesity can
have a
negative
effect on
the surgery
that was
performed.
It is
recommended
that serious
potential
adopters
research
patellar
luxation
through
various
sources to
become
familiar
with what it
is and what
needs Jack
may have in
a future
home. Some
good
research
avenues are
the
internet,
books and
speaking
with a
trusted
veterinarian.
Although
Jack's
prognosis is
excellent,
dogs with
patellar luxation can
have it
reoccur or
have future
issues with
arthritis
and
degenerative
joint
disease.
UPDATE:
4/9/08,
Jack has
begun
physical
therapy.
His suture
site is
almost
healed and
he is done
with all his
medication
except for
his
anti-inflammatory
liquid. He
is going for
10 minute
strolls
(with lots
of stops for
sniffing and
saying hello
to
neighbors)
2-3 times
per day. He
is able to
use his
affected leg
and walk
with his
full weight
on it. Only
at night is
he wearing
his ecollar
since he
just began
getting
curious
about his
leg. During
the day he
goes for his
mini strolls
and plays
mentally
stimulating
games with
his foster
parents to
keep him
from getting
bored. The
biggest
challenge
now is
keeping his
activity
restricted
while his
leg
continues to
heal.