R&R Time..

[krusty]

One of my Labs, Willow has a problem with a cruciate ligament in one of her hind legs and we're looking at having her operated on to make her more comfortable.
We've a consultation with our Vet on Tuesday to run through things but I'm interested in opinions on recovery time and if there is anything more specific we can do to help her? She's a little overweight which we've been managing for a couple of months now but now she has this ligament problem it’s a vicious circle between exercise and rest.
I've been looking at Hydrotherapy this morning for instance and wonder if I can get her in the pool within a week of surgery??

[bexVN]

Hydro won't be started until stitches/ staples out, usually 10-14 days but yes as soon as possible is great idea, will help with weight, though obviously they'll start gently.

[Jasandjules]

Just make sure you stick to the schedule the specialist tells you. Ours required several walks a day of 1m then 2m then 3m etc. It was a total PITA and we spent so long just walking the dog around the garden BUT she recovered incredibly. So totally worth it.

As you say, less weight is good.

Also make sure she is restricted when not walking etc. Not easy but no play, no excitement and no running about in the house. Again, hard work, but totally worth it (and I know people who have dogs that never "quite recovered" and limp a lot but guess what, their dogs were running around the house and going on longer walks earlier etc...