Broken Hip, Orthopedic Surgery Tomorrow

[Jacq]

This is quite the story John! Don't know how I missed it earlier. I had a Dalmatian that got hit by a motorcycle and fractured his pelvis in many places. It was put back together with pins and he lived a long and healthy life. He did have to sit kind of sideways after that, as the pins limited his hip mobility some. The vet recommended that I start giving him glucosamine immediately, to ward off arthritis as he got older. He never did have a limp.

Here's hoping Chongo heals completely with no issues.

 

[jungle boy]

2 weeks from the accident and 11 days since surgery, Chongo is doing pretty well. I can get him in and out of his crate without any episodes, and for the most part he's fairly content. He does pretty much make a daily mess of things and at some point walk through his water. The helpless or angry cries have been replaced by a more positive tone asking for attention which is always granted.

The incision from his surgery has almost totally vanished and he'll regularly put weight on his repaired leg. With the few steps he takes hardly a noticeable hitch and certainly nothing resembling a limp. We're definitely grateful while also being cautiously optimistic about what the next 6 weeks hold. One thing for sure, is he's a trooper and has responded pretty well to what the new ground rules are.

His first follow up appointment is later this week and I'm sure they'll be happy with how well he's doing. He'll also have the opportunity to turn on the charm with the techs at the surgery center right after he's done letting me know how much he hates being in the car and in the carrier.

You are one fourth of the way there Chongo! Hang in there baby boy AND John!

 

[Patti]

So glad to hear that Chongo is recovering so well (and behaving so well)! I hope all is positive on your check up visit with the vet. Hopefully Chongo will be given a bit more freedom soon and not have to be crated for the full recovery period...

 

[John Popp]

Thanks Patti!

Unfortunately, the lock down is definitely for the 8 week duration. With the FHO surgery he would have been pretty much done this week and starting his rehab. However with the high probability of successfully surgically repairing his hip and a complete recovery, there just isn't any other path than staying locked down. Every day I hope we made the right decision and the uncertainty keeps me sleeping on the floor next to his crate each night.

 

[Pam Flachs]

I'm so glad to hear Chongo is doing well considering...and I love your sense of humor in dealing with it all

 

[admin]

John, I'm glad to hear Chongo is out of surgery and doing well...all considering...sounds like you are handling it well also

 

[John Popp]

Thanks Pam!

Humor is always the best defense mechanism! Puff out the chest, laugh in the face of danger or personal hurt and in private curl up with a very special kitten as a tear runs down your cheek. That last part, our secret.

Actually as good as things have been, today has been a little rough because he wants to play a little too rough. Not content with affection through the bars, then wanting to clamp on and rabbit kick when outside after a few minutes of calm to lull us into complacency. Rotating from crate, to carrier to a few breaths of fresh air we need to be as cautious with him as a prison guard unassumingly waiting for that perfect moment to shank us.

He really is a laugh riot, and probably feeling too good for his own well being. When he figures out how to ferment some kibble, the we're in real trouble.

 

[John Popp]

Chongo is just back from his two week check up and all is going well. He is bearing weight on the leg (he was doing that from day one) and is walking fairly normally. They wouldn't allow me in the check up room when they were putting him through the paces, but if walking was what they were trying to coerce him to do, I have seen that plenty. Not sure what else went on, but I chatted with the surgeon and another vet when they were finished and had him back in the crate.

The reward for Chongo doing so well, is that he is now allowed to get a bath. We're all thrilled to death about this as he is already as meticulous of a bather as we have ever seen. So perhaps this means I should stop and get him something new to play with, although I know it won't last an hour before it's drown in his water bowl.

I still get choked up each time I'm told how well he's doing. There has been quite a lot of anguish along the way although mixed up with some laughter when we figure out a new game to play through the bars. He's always simply awesome at the vet's office and interested in any of the gawkers who want to take a peak. His fur is starting to grow back and only with some real careful examination can you pick out where the incision was. My guess is in another week you won't be able to see it at all.

Thanks again for all the concern expressed and all the well wishes passed his way. Trish and I certainly appreciate it, and I'm certain that it plays well with the lattice of coincidence in his recovery being textbook perfect.

 

[Jacq]

Thanks for the update on Chongo. I'm so glad he's mending well. You are SUCH a good daddy.

 

[John Popp]

This weekend we are hitting a wall with Chongo's psyche. He seems a little more despondent and we've ran out of new ways to keep his mind engaged and toys to occupy his time. Even his time out of the crate he seems more sullen and withdrawn, then of course when he wants to fire up the engine we need to place him back into the crate.

I wish there was more that we could do for him as even pretty much constant attention doesn't remove the fact that he is locked down. His crate habits have been degrading as well with the litter box becoming an extension of his living space and a spot to lay down. His crate is kept fairly spotless with 3 litter changes a day, a new pillowcase over his bed and the floor vacuumed at least once per day.

Just looking for some ideas to keep his mind occupied and to make sure we are doing everything we can for him.