6 Week Check Up = A+

Rudi had his final check up today with Dr. Stallings. He said he's healed rapidly and can begin short walks now. We are thrilled. The clicking in Rudi's right leg is still nothing to be concerned about. I asked Dr. Stallings to check it over again and he didn't see anything that was out of place, so to speak. It's definitely his kneecap shifting when he walks so I guess Brian and I need to just adjust to the new and improved "clicky Rudi". I guess that's what happens when you becoming bionic.

The doctor also felt it was not a great idea to put Rudi in daycare while we are in Vegas in June. Brian's brother will stay home with the dogs as a second option. Atleast that's 4 mos. away and Rudi still has time to adjust to his new legs.

This was hopefully our last visit to the surgeon's office so we asked for a photo of Rudi and Dr. Stallings. As you can see he obliged. It turned out to be a good one! One I'll keep for years to come as a reminder of what Dr. Stallings has done for our boy! He gave him the quality of life he deserves and for that we are grateful! Thank you, Dr. Stallings!

Week Six Post Op

Today is Rudi's 6 week marker! He has his final check up with Dr. Stallings tomorrow. We are hoping Rudi will get to come home with the permission to go on short walks. He's doing well with getting around. He just still looks funny without all of his hair grown in. His other knee is still clicking everytime he walks so we want to bring that up again tomorrow too. I'm glad we are halfway there. Hopefully by the time Brian and I go on vacation in June he'll be ready to stay at the doggie daycare in town. I'll be talking to Dr. Stallings about that as well. We aren't sure how he's going to feel about it but the daycare already told us that they can operate off of whatever we wish as far as the level of activity. Rudi can just be leash walked, he can play with just Elmo outside or he can play with other active dogs. It's going to be a matter of what the surgeon feels best. I'm looking forward to finding out what he thinks. Stay tuned. The appt is 9:30 am!

Week Four Post Op

Rudi has made it to a month since his second surgery. We've seen a little more progress but I'll still have to say that it's a slower pace than his first surgery. His hair is coming in a little faster though so we are happy about that.
Poor boy has had an upset tummy lately though. He's had us up in the middle of the night with "potty issues" if you know what I mean. Not fun for him nor for us when we are walking him outside in 30 degree weather. Brrr!
He's been spoiled now on chicken and rice to give him something bland for his tummy. He's doing a little better. I'm wondering if it's just a bug he got. Elmo was feeling bad last week too so who knows.
Next week Rudi goes in for his 6 week xrays and then his slow walking rehab will begin. You can still hear the clicking every so often when he's walking so I might ask the surgeon to do another picture of his right leg just to make sure it's sound. He still has a limp but if I remember correctly, it will take some more time until he's really walking with 100% confidence. I'm sure rehab will help as well.
We're getting there!

Week Three Post Op

We've arrived at week three and Rudi is coming along nicely. His hair is growing back faster and I think it has something to do with the cold weather we've been having. Three more weeks and he'll be getting his 6 week follow up xrays. My how time flies! I'm not complaining. I can't wait to give him more room to roam. He'll be allowed in a small room after 6 weeks and also the green light for some very short walks. I'm hoping it will warm up by then. It's 17 degrees tonight and I can't imagine walking him in that kind of cold. Brrr!

Rudi is now off all meds. We took him off of the Ace (sedative) Tuesday. Now he goes to bed at night and during the day without having to be sedated. The first couple of days you could tell the difference. He couldn't sleep and he paced in his kennel. He also woke up at 5:30 whining because he wanted out. That I could do without but I'm just glad he's pill-free now. He's 100% my Rudi again!

So far so good! More to report next week!

Staples Out!

Today was Rudi's first big milestone after his second knee surgery. We got to go for a car ride down to the surgeon's office to remove Rudi's staples. He was pretty anxious the whole ride. We had to give him a sedative pill to take the edge off but it didn't really kick in until on the way home.

Either way, we got there on time and Dr. Stallings said the incision looked great and he was healing nicely. We always like to hear good news. We did bring up the clicking in his leg and it turns out that it's in his right leg (the leg operated on last year). It's not his meniscus tearing it's his patella (kneecap). He said not to lose sleep over it because the movement of the kneecap can happen after the recontructive surgery. His right leg is still stable and he said the clicking is more like a slight tick to him. He said it's nothing to worry about but to keep an eye on it in case we see him start limping in the future (Lovely!). He really seemed pretty passive about it so I'm going to take his advice and not stress (yeah, right!) haha!

Rudi is home and sleeping after his very busy morning. It's the most activity he's had since day of surgery. We go back in 4 weeks for follow up xrays but Dr. Stallings is pleased with the way he's coming along. He believes the final outcome will be a full recovery and going back to normal life again. We are happy with that!

Day 10 Post Op

Today has been another restless day for Rudi. He's really getting bored with his confinement. Brian and I went out to dinner last night so atleast we got rid of some of our weekend cabin fever.

We still feel like Rudi is progressing well but we will have some questions for the doctor come this Friday when he removes the staples. First of all, we heard some clicking coming from his surgical leg again. This was the same clicking sound that we heard prior to surgery. I don't believe we should be hearing anything if the meniscus was repaired. I'm hoping this is not a bad sign. Secondly, Rudi is still bearing weight on his leg but not as much as I hoped. He's still toe touching but maybe I should just keep in mind that this leg was more damaged than the other. It's just that the lack of confidence in bearing weight along with the audible clicking is making me nervous that something might be wrong. I'm trying not to jump the gun but it just seems like last time went more smoothly than this.

I hate to even think that Rudi may need more surgery if something is not healing right internally. I guess we will find out by the end of the week.

Day 6 Post Op

I had two doctors appointments today so it was a good way to get Rudi used to me not being home all day after today. I have to return to work tomorrow. I'm glad I took the extra time because I think Rudi needed some looking after moreso than last year. He's definitely getting back to his normal self and ready to be out of the crate. I keep telling him "Not so fast, buddy." He's got 5 more solid weeks of crate rest. He's so bored. Elmo has been really good about leaving him alone. Elmo has had some good one on one time with me and Brian. Rudi was so excited to see Brian when he got home today so I know he's feeling alot better. His eyes are bright, appetite is strong and he's pottying normal again. He's putting more weight on his leg....not the best idea right now but promising that the outcome will prove to be successful and he'll be ready to run in the Spring.

I did find out from the surgeon that the square shaved on his side was from a new cauterizing machine he has started to use during surgery. It helps during the surgery to keep the bleeding down and the area has to be shaved on a flat surface of the body in order for electrodes to be placed properly. I'm not sure I fully understand the concept but I'll be getting more information on that when I take Rudi in next Friday for staple removal. Wow! Next Friday is staple removal day! I can't believe it's come so fast. Time flies when you're having fun, I guess!