It seems the second ACL operation has been just as successful as the first. Although the Flasher is not yet jumping up on furniture, he has occasionally put his front feet up on my knees. He is also starting to play again with Sammie, chasing after toys – and running down the hill to bark at that which exists only in a doggie mind. He still loves to be right at our feet, and readily follows whomever is moving. He simply does not want to miss a thing. Gotta love that Flash Boy!

Dad

Flash went in yesterday for his fourth and final laser treatment.  Debbie took him to the veterinary office yesterday, and Flash had 4 female technicians around him, just admiring him and doling over him.  With this ACL repair operation, we were advised by the vet that it is “normal” for a dog to walk on 3 legs for about a week, then spend another week touching the ground with the affected leg, then finally – after about 2 weeks putting weight on it. It is expected the dog will be walking normally in about 6 weeks.  That is what we were told to expect.

Well, Flash has his own ideas about ACL recovery.  With his first operation, he was putting weight on the affected leg within 48 hours, and was walking normally within a week. With this second operation, he’s taking it a bit slower. He is gradually using the leg more each day, but still carries it high when he’s moving a bit quicker.  I guess that’s what I have noticed so far.  If he is just walking slowly, he will use the affected leg. If he wants to move more quickly, he will raise it up, and run 3-legged style.  Unless Sammie is barking at something… then its: “Forget the pain – I’m going all out to get there!” and he runs like he never had the operation.  He’s only done that once, as he got out of the house before we got the leash on him.  We are more careful now.

Frank

Today, Flash had his left ACL repaired (actually, more like replaced). He came through it just fine. Well, he’s still pretty groggy and doped up on doggie pain killers.  But the good Doctor Beene says he’ll be back to normal pretty soon.  We’ll go through a couple of weeks of carrying him outside to do his chores, keeping him in his kennel the rest of the time.  If his first operation and recovery is any indication, I expect him to be walking well by next weekend, running by the end of the month, and jumping by sometime in October.

Frank

Well, the Flash has recovered very well from the ACL surgery on his right leg. We’ve had to postpone his second surgery due to a bout with the doggie runs. I believe we’ve got that cleared up now, so he’ll be going back on Friday to have his left ACL repaired.  If his recent behavior is any indication, he’ll be jumping over the fence in a few months. Yes, he’s been so excited a couple of times he has actually jumped, and he’s beginning to jump up in our laps when we sit in  a chair.

Meanwhile, Sammie has come back to life since Flash has been laid up. She perceives that she is now the Alpha dog, running and playing while Flash just lays around and watches. If he recovers from his second surgery as well as he did for the first one, he will be running and jumping by Thanksgiving.

We’ll update soon after the surgery!

Frank

Flash had surgery 6/3/10 and came home the next day. Dr. Beene repaired the damage to the ligaments in Flash’s right knee.  He is doing great and is confined to his kennel in the house and he’s on a leash when he goes outside for pee & poo. He’s already beginning to put his foot down and  put weight on his leg.

Flash's knee after surgery

I’m hoping he will continue to heal up quick. Flash is such a good boy.

dk

After xrays and a visit to the vet, it was determined that both of Flash’s knees will need surgery to fix his ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). If we do nothing, Flash will face pain and arthritis in his back legs for the rest of his life. With the surgery, he will be 90% back to normal, with a much quieter lifestyle. Dr. Logan Beene will be doing the surgery on Thursday, 6/3/10 and we have full confidence in his decisions. His common sense philosophy of veterinary medicine has earned our respect and trust. We love Flash so much and he has brought us love in return. We know that recovery will be very time consuming and the surgery will cost a whole lot.

Flash is such a good boy, especially with the three grandsons. They can climb all over him and pull on his tail, ears and feet and he remains calm. Frank calls Flash his “love sponge” because he will soak up all the attention you give him.

Flash loves to play with the boys in the water!!!