Duncan had his x-rays and it turns out he’s torn a ligament in his knee, the cranial cruciate ligament. He will have to have surgery next week and then there will be a minimum 8-week recovery period with limited movement. Starting immediately, he’s not supposed to go up or down stairs, jump on anything, or roughhouse with the other dogs. This is not going to be fun.
Since the backyard is down a long flight of steep stairs, we bought a ramp for the front stairs, and he has to go out on a leash to do his business. It took him a few tries to get used to the ramp, but he’s still not used to not being able to go outside whenever he wants.
He was pretty needy last night, probably thanks to some soreness after the exam, and pushed down the kitchen gate to come upstairs at 4:30 in the morning. I came down, let him out a couple of times, dozed a little, gave him some breakfast and another potty break, and when my back was turned cleaning up the poo I’d tracked in, he hopped up on the couch. And now he’s feeling a little better and is bored and restless and we’re struggling to keep him calm.
A friend who’s been through this said they put a mattress downstairs so they could lie down with the dog and sleep there overnight during the first week after surgery, so we’re going to try that. And I’m guessing I’ll need to take a few days off work for that first week or so.
The silver lining is that it’s not hip dysplasia or something long-term and debilitating that we can’t fix. But it’s going to be a long two or three months, and there’s a good chance he’ll end up rupturing the other knee at some point. Basically, I’m overwhelmed and tired. I have knitting to share but that’ll be another day. Hope your weekend is going better than mine!
bonnyknits 
It is so hard with dogs when they are hurt, because there isn’t really a way to explain it to them. A mattress and sleeping with Duncan is a really good idea. I think I’ll try that if Wrigley is ever hurt again. I hope he is able to stay calm as he heals. I’ll be thinking of the two of you.
Thank you.
I hope Duncan’s surgery goes well and he recuperates soon!
Thank you!!
So sorry that this isn’t a quick and easy fix. It sounds like you have a path forward, though, so I hope that ends up helping out. Sending healing thoughts to Duncan…
Thank you! I am grateful that there is a solution and that we’re able to handle it financially!
Oh no! Big hugs. I know it’s challenging to have to deal with an injured dog who doesn’t understand why he can’t jump around! I wish they could understand English :p Best wishes that Duncan recovers quickly.
Thank you, I hope so too! Maybe it will help that he’s still young!
A friend of mine, her dog had cruciate ligament surgery and that was on both back legs, one after the other. She was the same in having to sleep down stairs and be there to manage the recovery. She said it was challenging but worth it as their dog is fine now and chasing after rabbits again. 🙂 we do anything for these special animals that find a niche in our hearts. Best wishes to Duncan xx
Thank you! It’s nice to hear good updates from other dogs who’ve gone through it!