TPLO for ruptured cruciate and floating patella

Hi am new here so not sure where I should put this. My staffy Ralphy had a TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) after rupturing his cruciate ligament in January    Three weeks ago he had another op to fix his floating patella, poor boy is only 2 years old. Both ops seem really successful and Ralph's recoveries seem to be going fine although it was much harder work for us, keeping him virtually immobile... eek! The vet has recommended joint supplements either Cosequin or Synoquin - does anyone recommend one over the other? Or do you recommend something else? Also has anyone else been through the tplo fix?

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Hi and welcome from Flo and me   

We do have a health section here :- https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/f27-staffordshire-bull-terrier-health-issues

You post is fine where it is as an introduction but you might find lots of info at the above link.

Hi and welcome to the forum from Rocky and me.

The operation to remedy the cruciate ligament is one with a high success rate. Sorry have not heard of either of the joint supplements, Rocky has Barking Heads kibble which contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin which nourishes and repairs cartilage in joints.

Hi ya again, sounds like Ralphy has really been through it   

I had to check to see what my Flo had done. We were offered a TPLO but elected for a TTA instead. The hardest thing is keeping them inactive, what a nightmare. In the words of my OH "how the hell do you keep a Staff still".

We were never offered the supplements you describe so I can't help there but I do know that there are others on the forum that do use them.

I hope the vet also advised you about the time to recover. It can be a long haul but is worth taking care. My Flo is just about 100% now  

Hi Ian and Kathy, thanks for your responses. Yes it's been tough. Ralph does everything at 100mph and after the tplo in January was on 'cage' rest for three weeks, only allowed out for loo breaks on a lead or if we were in the room with him. No stairs, furniture, beds etc so old duvets etc all over the floor. We were then allowed two ten minute walks a day - yippee! said Ralph. We gradually built this up but still not had a proper walk. Then 3 weeks ago had his luxating patella fixed ... back to square one. He is now like a wound spring. We've been told he'll has a little arthritis and obviously this will get worse so supplements advised. We cant wait till we can go for a proper walk.

Hiya from me and Vinnie, not any experience in this sorry but hope Ralph will be sorted very soon xx

Hi and welcome from me and Daisy   

hia from me and sasha   glad to hear your boy's on the mend   

Hi from me and Stella.
Stella had luxating patellas in both her knees at a very early age. First at 9 months then a year later the other happened. Dreadful time but like Ralphy, time and patience is whats needed and sounds like you're on the right track for a full recovery.
My vet advised glucosamine with chondroitin daily which she has had every day since. We now also give her yumove daily which is a natural supplement and I believe helps her even more.
She has arthritis now in both back legs and also front elbow which we fully expected. We treat this with painkillers and she still has her daily walk and loves nothing more than to dig on the beach.

She was 13 years old a couple of weeks ago. I think these supplements have helped her lead a fulfilled and happy life.
Good luck with Ralphy and keep us updated  

Hi and welcome to the forum from me and the zoo xx

Hi welcome from me and Alfie

Hi and welcome from Oz and me, sounds like a rough time but I am sure you will be looking after him with lord of tlc

Welcome from Bane and I! Sorry I don't know anything about it but I hope he recovers soon

Hi Peta
Has your vet recommended water therapy when the time is right?
I ran a hydrotherapy pool for dogs a while ago and saw amazing results in dogs recovering post cruciate op.
The non weight bearing exercise is brilliant for building up the muscles, plus giving them safe exercise which is much needed when they can't run!   

Good advice Annie. Stella had 4 sessions after her surgery. She hated the water but with help and encouragement, got through it and found the exercise did help with her recovery.

Hi and welcome from me and my two

Hi, thanks for all the welcome's (at least I don't feel so alone on this topic) even it not so many have experience of ruptured cruciate and luxating patella. Well whoopee Ralphy has had 10/15 minute walks all week and today we managed one of our norms from home to G's. Still think we've a way to go but hopefully, all good. The Cosequin seems to be helping but only time will tell. But at least it looks good for his hols in Spain in September. Ralphy loves travelling in the car and squeeks like hell when we're nearly at our home in Spain (how do they know where they're going?). Will try to post to some pics if anyone is interested. Thanks again for the moral support everyone. xx