Menina's Recovery Timeline

Feb  ?    

Injured right rear leg

Feb 15  

Dr. Laviola - Chilhowee Veterinary Clinic - Xray: No broken bones, very inflamed right rear hock, anti-inflammatory and restricted activity.

Feb 25   
Dr. West  - Chilhowee Veterinary Clinic - Recheck - felt like tendon was moving on heel (tuber calsis) bone.  Referred to orthopedic specialist.

Mar 2  
Dr. Blackford - Blackford Surgical Referral - Repaired luxated superior digital flexor

Mar 3  
Restricted Activity - Walk on leash only to potty.  Absolutely no running, jumping, or stairs!

Mar 16  
Removed Cast - Start 3 Week Crate Restriction.  Walk on leash only to potty.  Absolutely no running, jumping, or stairs!

April 6  
Start 1 Month Walking and Swimming - No running or jumping.  Start walking and swimming. As long as she is not sore, continue to increase the activity. Also do range of motion exercises on the hock to help her tissue to heal in the right orientation.

May 5  
Start Month 3 Restriction - Try some running. Don't start agility yet.  Must avoid weaving and jumping until the 3-month restriction is over.

Jun 6     

One Month Re-Introduce Agility Training. Gradually return to agility activities.  Make sure you gradually re-introduce jumping and weaving.  The tissue should be adequately healed so she shouldn't  re-injure herself. Dr. Blackford has never had a re-injury for this problem, but she has never repaired this problem in an agility dog.  The scar tissue (when adequately healed) should be stronger than the normal tissue.  There have been reported cases of Shelties breaking down in the other leg. Hopefully that won't be a problem for Nina.

Jul 1  
Ready for Agility Competition - Assuming all goes according to plan.  Wish us well!