Post TCLO Q's

[Zoe5]

I have adopted Hugo (he's in the pic gallery) and I have been told while he was a foster he recovered from TCLO, arthritis in the same knee, heart worms, mange and they also cut out a malignant cyst that was on the top of his head. I am so glad all of this is over for him, but I have some questions concerning his care when it comes to the TCLO.

He weighs 53 pounds and is not a very active dog. I believe he can afford to thicken up some (based on the size of his head) however I do not want to over feed him. Does anyone have any recommendations? I current feed him 2 cups of food a day (per his foster parents).

I also noticed that sometimes after he sleeps on the leg on the floor that he wakes up and he seems sore/stiff. He will favor that leg and try not to walk on it for a while. I rubbed it and pulled it back (it's the back right leg) to stretch it out. After that he seemed better. Is that normal? Did it just fall asleep or will that leg always ache?

 

[SILLY6PAK]

It might help to get him on some glucosemin (sp) suppliment. It is for arthritis in the joints, is not expensive and most people see good results.
The three most popular brands are Glycoflex III, Cosequin and Synovia #. I fould the cheapest place was KV Vet Supply.
Also regarding feeding I think it is wise to error on the thin side as it is easier on him not to carry excess weight.
Poor boy he really has been through the ringer. I bet his activity level picks up as he feels better.
I am sure you already have one but a bice cushy bed goes a long way.

 

[l8krgirl08]

It sounds like you may not be feeding him enough. Bugzy eats 4 cups a day and he eats Wellness. Just a suggestion. Good luck!

 

[Zoe5]

I almost feel like I am starving him. But at the same time I do not want to over feed him when he is not that active. My female weighs 45 pounds and she eats about 3 cups a day but she is a wild!

He does have a very nice bed he lays on and I noticed when he gets up in the mornings he doesn't favor that bad leg. I also bought him a small bed to put in his crate.

 

[msjosi]

Definitely a joint supplement would be extremely beneficial for Hugo. While I'm not familiar with a TCLO surgery, my Josi had a TPLO surgery and I was told to make sure I keep the weigt off of her so there is not any added pressure on the leg. How old is Hugo? How long ago did he have his surgery. What are you feeding? I feed two cups a day for a seven year old, so to me it seems like he is eating the right amount.

 

[Zoe5]

Tplo

I made a mistake it is TPLO now that I go back and look at the vet records. The rescue believes he's about 2 to 3 years old. I am going to try out Science Diet Sensitive Skin. I picked that food b/c it will help my other boxer with her skin allergies plus it has some supplements like the Omega that will help them both out with skin and I believe joints.

Hugo had his surgery at the end of January this year.

 

[msjosi]

That is what I figured when I tried to look up TCLO...anyhow, if you haven't already purchased the science diet, I would strongly suggest not to. Many on here can tell you that it is NOT a good food eventhough many vets suggest it. I feed my Josi Innova, but there are many others out there that will suit your babies much better than science diet. There is actually a a forum on here under feeding that you should check out. While omega 3 is very important for the dogs, i believe that it is the glucosime and chondriton (sp?) that they need for the joints. If Hugo is 2-3 I would think 2 cups is sufficient but you could always up him 1/4 C., but ask the vet. All I know is how much the surgeon stressed to me the importance to keep weight off of Josi after the TPLO. Also if Hugo Just had the surgery in Jan. then he is just got out of the confinement recovery process about two months ago. If his leg isn't swollen, then I would suggest a warm compress on his leg when he seems to be having discomfort. You could also find out from the rescue who performed the surgery and see if he ever went for his final follow-up surgery b/c if he hasn't then maybe you can take him there for free and get checked. I don't know..just a thought.

 

[Zoe5]

I did have my other boxer on Natural Choice. How is that food?

 

[msjosi]

go to the nutrition forum and click on the feeding thread and the moderators have to great columns on the top two foods

 

[Kirby Kirb]

I did have my other boxer on Natural Choice. How is that food?

I feed this to both my dogs, my parents feed it to there's, and it is vet recommended! They love it, and my four year old pug has never looked better.