Surgery Today

Casper a few days ago at the caravan

Casper, my beautiful Chocolate Labrador, is  in Bristol at the moment with his Orthopaedic Surgeon, having surgery on his left knee (Luxating Patella). He will have the right one done in 2 to 3 months. Unfortunately we had to leave him in Bristol untill tomorrow as he has to have a tube in to drain the fluid off, but hopefully we will be able to pick him up and bring him home tomorrow, after he has had an assessment.

As for his hip dysplasia, the  x-rays were done on his hips also and they are what is known as "Floating", they are not in the socket. His bones are all in good shape but his hip problem is going to have to be sorted also in the near future. Looks like a total hip replacement for him after all. We were hoping that by the time he reached 18 months that things may have changed but that is looking very unlikely now. He is 15 months old now and nothing has changed so it's unlikely, unless a miracle happens.

We telephoned a little while ago and Casper is now out of surgery and looks like the operation was successful. A groove was cut into his bone for the kneecap to sit in and also they had to pin it together. The vet says that it is now very strong. He will be recovering for at least 6 weeks, no walks etc in that time and will probably have the right knee done (same thing) in 2 - 3 months depending on recovery. After that he will be having a total hip replacement, one side at a time with about 3 months recovery for each side.

We will just be glad to have him back home. I am so far behind with my bear work and art but Casper has to come first. My new designs are all but finished, it's just having the time now to put them all together. Some are nearly completed, just bits and pieces to do so I am hoping to get on with them whilst Casper recouperates. I do have a completed bear that I will be putting on in the next few days, just have to photograph him when we get some sunshine, but he is not from my new designs.

Early start in the morning so I am off for an early night.

Beary Hugs