[CarolineS]

It seems that Dresden has a small tear in the cruciate in her right hind leg. We saw the orthopedic specialist on Tuesday and he is 90% sure this is her problem. I've got her booked to go in for surgery on March 4. They are going to do a scope first just to make 100% sure that's what's going on and if the scope confirms the tear, they will immediately proceed with corrective surgery. I chose a TPLO because Dresden is only 4 years old and is a very active dog.

Since I've got a few weeks before surgery, I'm trying to do everything I can to get her into a routine that's close to what she'll need to follow afterwards. She is crate trained, but doesn't spend much time in it these days. I've started crating at night and when I'm out and giving yummy treats in the crate. She's fine with that.

She won't be able to go out to the backyard to do her business because there are too many steps involved. I've been taking her out front on leash instead and getting her used to going there.

I'm going to fabricate some kind of a sling and get her used to that as well.

I don't know if she'll need an Elizabethan collar or not...she didn't bother her stitches when she was spayed, but I guess that's something I should keep in mind too? I doubt the huge collars the vet usually supplies would even fit in her crate! I know there is a smaller kind but can't remember what it's called...can someone help out my failing memory? LOL

Can anyone think of anything else I could do before surgery to make things a little easier on her after? I'm sure I'll have tons of questions after as well....any stories about successful TPLOs would be much appreciated at this point too.