Cruciate Ligament Surgery - implant needs to be removed

gettingready

Long time no see everyone ..

Zara had one cruciate ligament surgery in May last year and the other early November last year.

The one done in May is fine but the one done in November - suddenly big issue.

The seem to be small wound on the inside of the knee for a while nw but few vets that have seen it did not worry about it.

Now since last week when Zara decided to lick the small wound - we are having a massive issue. The wound got so big and deep pretty much overnight that the metal part of the implant is visible.

She is currently on antibiotics (Marbocyl P, 80mg, once per day) as her current vet (we have changed the vets some time ago and he is brilliant) has done a swab and nasty infection was diagnosed.

I was told we need to clear the infection and more tan likely will need to remove the implant from that leg.

I trust my vet and will do whatever he recommends.

Has anyone heard about issue like that before and can share their own experience? I am horrified despite vet telling me the implant CAN be taken out and it will not affect Zara's walking etc.

Any personal stories of this happening to someone's else's dog - please share.

Thanks xx

By the way - Zara turned 10 last Sunday

Person_one

Not exactly the same, but one of mine had to have part of the metalwork taken out about 6 months after the op. From what you say about the position of the broken skin it sounds like it could be the same bit. The leg had healed enough by then that it made absolutely no difference to his mobility, he just took a couple of days to get over the op and then was back to normal. That was about 18 months ago, with no further problems.

Good luck to Zara.

sheramber

The metal plate is to support the two bits of broken bone together while it heals. Once it is healed the plate is no longer required but is not removed unless necessary as it involves another aneastheitc.

Caroline_a

Poor Zara, she's really been through it hasn't she! No experience of this I'm afraid but Oakley is sending hugs xx

gettingready

Thanks - she is on antibiotics till next Thursday and we are seeing the vet on Friday to do another swab to see what is happening now.

I read few stories of dogs having those implants removed and they talk about 2-3 weeks crate rest - that terrifies me as Zara has destroyed several crates and those were not your standards dog crates but really proper giant ones that would easily fit a Great Dane standing up or stretching full lenght.

Sighhh

gettingready

We are seeing her vet on Friday for another swab - by then it will be 14 days of antibiotics.


The wound looks much better. I have a plaster over it, gave up on trying to bandage etc as no matter what I did, it was sliding off so a plaster it is. Breathable on with dressing under it and a collar on when I am not keeping an eye on her (night time).

Left her for less than 10 minutes as a cat screamed like he was being killed from the garden and my 4 went out so rushed out to count them all safe - came back, plaster off and a very sorry looking Zara licking it. Grrrr. Saline rinse, new plaster on.

gettingready

This is the one in XL size that we are using, soft and as comfy as they get



Available here - in case anyone needs one too


https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000XY5DSM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

krlyr

Manuka honey is meant to be amazing for wounds - I know of someone who swears by it after her dog had a horrendous case of MRSA.

elsien

I've heard that as well, but it seems counterintuitive to be putting honey on a wound you're trying really hard to prevent a dog from licking.

krlyr

True, but if dog wants to lick it anyway and you're having to stop them already, then you may as well get the benefits

gettingready

Thanks - I know about Manuka honey and have it at home (very good one too) but a bit worried to put anything on this infected wound to be honest.

I was thinking of putting it on ad still covering with dressing - wish I asked her vet about it..hmmm

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/manuka-honey-for-your-dog/

Got this one