Knee advice
I saw this community in the spotlight, and it hadn't occurred to me before that to seek advice/support of others.
I adopted Byrd, my toy poodle, from a rescue in April 2008. This spring we found out (after she'd been limping on and off) that she had two luxating patella (her kneecaps popped out on both legs). I took out a line of credit, scheduled her major surgery on both knees in May (have been paying it off since then!), and kept her from running/jumping throughout her recovery.
Finally, her vet said she could (over 2 weeks) work back up to full-speed. She did, but then suddenly she was limping again. Turned out her kneecaps were still locked in place from the surgery (thank God), but they think her tendon might be inflamed. Since I'm currently absolutely broke from the $2,200 surgery, we're trying the least expensive option first (medicine and 3-4 weeks of more rest).
First, I just need some support. She hates the medicine SO much (have tried sticking it every food, pill pockets, etc., but she knows it's there, so I have to put it at the back of her tongue until she swallows), is frustrated and tearing things up from not getting enough exercise, and is just generally hard to deal with right now. I feel so bad that I can't fix her immediately, so bad that she can't fetch (which she LOVES), and so bad that I'm also annoyed with her.
Secondly, has anyone experienced this inflammation after surgery (or just in general)? Was there a treatment that worked for your pup? Any words of encouragement that she will be able to fetch again soon?
Thanks!