CHAPTER II
Aspen's TPLO Surgery (Right Leg) and Rehabilitation Journal

Click here if you missed Chapter I of Aspen's TPLO Surgery and Rehabilitation Journal

Friday, August 20, 2010
We see Dr. Rooney at 10:30. . . my worse suspicion has come true. . .Aspen's good leg (right) has a partial tear.

I NEVER in my wildest dreams thought we would be going to Chapter II of Aspen's journal. I figured we would be competing in October and I would report on how well she is running and it would be the end of the story. Yes, I heard all the statistics about "the other knee going " but I just figured we would beat those odds. In hindsight, I personally think the good leg gets so much wear and tear while the fixed leg is healing, it is almost a "for sure" thing of the other leg going. . . with the only question of WHEN?

I still spent the weekend basically beating myself up. . .where did I go wrong? . . . what should I have done differently? I found a lot of support from people on the Yahoo Colorado Agility List who have been through this . . . and I joined the Yahoo Orthodog List with over 11,000 members who were a wealth of information and support.

Of course I also spent countless hours researching if there was any other options in regard to surgery and decided this was our best decision for a few reasons - 1) It is going to be easier to rehab the leg while the weather is still nice. Snow and ice on a newly fixed leg doesn't mesh. 2) Why continue to rehab the April 7th fixed leg when we are ultimately going to need to do the other leg? 3) The longer we wait, the more scar tissue Aspen will lay down making the surgery harder on her and Dr. Rooney.

A huge THANK YOU goes out to Dr. Rooney (Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists) and to Christopher (CRCG - Canine Rehabilitation and Condition Group) for answering all my e-mail questions. I couldn't have made an informed/logical decision without you!!

Tuesday - August 24, 2010
I dropped Aspen off at 7:45 a.m. for her surgery. Thank goodness I had agility with the others to take my mind off of everything.
Dr. Rooney "Matt" (we're on first name basis now) who did Aspen's other leg, is her surgeon again. He has been so fantastic to Aspen. At 11:30 Matt called and said Aspen was out of surgery and everything went fine. . . the tear was a bit worse than he originally suspected. There was no problem with her patella and the meniscus looked good. I called back in the evening to check on Aspen and she was doing well but didn't care about eating at the moment which is normal after a surgery.

Wednesday - August 25, 2010
I picked Aspen up at 10:30. . .and we were home by noon. She looks fantastic (even with the new hair style) and is in a happy mood. Knowing and reading how important Low Level Laser Therapy (LLT) can be, I had a session scheduled for Aspen this afternoon at 2:15 p.m. at CRCG. The laser helps in wound healing, increases blood flow, assists in pain management by stimulating the release of the body's own pain killing chemicals, etc. Aspen's swim buddy and friend Christopher spent some quality time with her. We then had a great meeting with Kristyn (the vet at CRCG) who administered Aspen's first laser treatment. We discussed supplements and have immediately added Icelandpure Sardine-Anchovy Fish Oil (Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help skin and coat, aids with digestion, lubricates stiff or sore joints, promotes heart health and digestion, reduces shedding) AND Standard Process Ligaplex II (supports tissue and joints and stimulates healing of connective tissue). There is another supplement we may add after Kristyn reviews the other things I am currently giving. I am so excited to have such a great support system in place from the get go this time!
I was also glad to know ahead of time from the Orthodog List, that each surgery is going to be different. I really hadn't thought about that. Aspen's incision is very swollen and bruised. She also has lots of clipper burn compared to last time. The laser will definately help this.
Aspen relaxing in the PC room after a very busy day. Some of the other kiddos keep her company.
Friday - August 27, 2010
Roy takes Aspen for her second laser treatment with Kristyn. There is so much more bruising this time but Kristyn is pleased with the progress.

Wednesday- September 1, 2010
Aspen has her third laser treatment with Kristyn. Bruising and swelling are 100% better from Friday. We can add 5 minute walks 3 to 4 times a day, a couple of figure 8's, sit to stand exercise, start on balance exercise. Aspen is coming along fantastic after just 1 week. Yes, Aspen's friend Christopher loved on her a bit which always makes her happy.

Tuesday - September 7, 2010
It is two weeks post surgery and Aspen had her staples removed this morning. Here are a couple of the staples that were in her leg. . .there were 13 to 15 total. Everyone was delighted with how well Aspen is doing. Thursday - September 9, 2010
Aspen has her first PT session with Kristyn. Notice how high the water is. . .so there is minimal impact on her leg. Aspen wasn't sure if she should swim or walk in the "dog tank". Preston was along for the ride and couldn't figure out what Aspen was doing in there. . .it was very funny! Wednesday - September 22, 2010
Aspen has her third PT session with Kristyn. . . it was followed by a wonderful massage. Preston has been going along since the "young ladies" of the house have been in season. He really does get a kick out of watching Aspen as you can see below. Aspen went 15 minutes on the treadmill today. This week we will increase her walks to 17 minutes 3 to 4 times a day and she will be able to do one CONTROLLED set of stairs per day. We will also work more on weight-bearing exercises. Kristyn is pleased with the progress . . .I feel she is about a week ahead of the last TPLO as far as recovery. We are just 4 weeks post-op. Tuesday - October 12, 2010
Today is 7 weeks post-op. We went in this morning to see Matt (Dr. Rooney) for Aspen's recheck. The bone is healing nicely and her range of motion is FANTASTIC. Matt is VERY PLEASED and said she can return to near normal activities within the next 6 to 8 weeks. We will go in February 2011 (6 months post-op) and have both legs rechecked before we get serious with agility training. Slow and steady will win the race! Friday - November 12, 2010
This week we are at 11 weeks post-op. There hasn't been a whole lot to write about. We have only two more tread-mill sessions left and then Aspen will start swimming. Her tread-mill work lasts 30 minutes once a week and she can't wait to get in there. This week she also had a massage with Deb Towndrow - Woof and Hoof Massage. We actually lost a little ground on Aspen's rehab with the 2 1/2 week trip out to California. We are busy working on 1 1/2 mile walks two times a day (being extremely careful with the snow we have had in Colorado - don't want to slip) and more strengthing exercises. . .we are actually encouraging her to stand up at the counter to stretch LOL. Aspen accompanied Autumn to her Agility Foundations class this week and got to do some tunnels and other "ground work" . . .you would have thought she was in heaven! Aspen also has free run of the house now and as many stairs she wants to do. . .but no rough-housing or jumping. Monday - December 13, 2010
Aspen enjoyed a massage this afternoon with Woof and Hoof. We are actually still on the underwater tread-mill until the end of the year. Aspen's muscling on the August leg wasn't quite where it should be so we decided to be safe rather than sorry in regard to pushing her too much too fast. Walks are a huge part of each day with as many hills as we can find. Wednesday - January 5, 2011
Today Aspen swam in the "endless pool". We felt this was a good transition from the tread-mill and before the big pool (plus she is in season). Jill was very patient with Aspen as she got her water legs again. Next Wednesday is the big pool with Christopher. Wednesday - January 12, 2011
It was back in the   B I G   pool today for Aspen and her swim partner Christopher. She picked right up from where we left off in August . . .remembering how to get into the pool and swim. Preston went along as usual. . .not sure which was more fun - watching Aspen swim or watching Preston watch Aspen swim. Pool time today was 30 minutes! We continue to swim once a week for 30 minutes with Lori, who Aspen adores. Christopher has gone into the marketing end of CRCG so we don't get to see him as much although he did stop by at a recent agility trial to watch!

Wednesday - March 2, 2011
Today was jamm packed with activities. . . Aspen had her recheck with Dr. Matt at 11:00 a.m. He checked range of motion, gait, and did four x-rays. Generally people don't have this extensive of an exam done but I wanted to be sure we are in good shape before starting serious training again. Dr. Matt couldn't be happier with Aspen!!! Everything looks fantastic in the x-rays, her movement is perfect, lots of drive in her rear, muscling great. . .she is ready. Matt posed for a couple pictures with Aspen and gave her a big good luck kiss. We will stay in touch with Dr. Matt so he can hear how well Aspen does once back running in agility. Then it was off to CRCG (Canine Rehabilitation and Condition Group) for Aspen's weekly swim with Lori. Swimming has helped Aspen's muscling so much.
We plan to continue with her weekly swims. (Aspen enjoys it and it is good for her). After swimming, Dr. Kristyn wanted to take a look at Aspen so that she could update her records. We spent quite a bit of time discussing warm ups before training and cool downs afterwards. Kristyn was supportive of our next steps in training. No date as to when our first trial will be. . .I am still hopeful of the fall but it could be before. . . we will play it by ear. It has been a God send to have all these wonderful people to help us through this and to know they continue to be a support to us!!
Swimming will continue to be a weekly activity as well as our daily walks (which are good for Aspen and me). Tuesday - March 15, 2011
Today was Aspen's first time back to agility class in over a year. As you can imagine, I was a bit nervous. Aspen looked like she had never been off for a break. I followed all the warm up and cool down protocal and only jumped her at 12". I am currently working with her in the novice class so that we have easier angles to the obstacles as she builds up her agility muscles again. It was great having my agility coach, Shar of Fly'N Paws, to keep a watchful eye on us. What a thrill to be running Aspen again!!!! I watched Aspen carefully through the afternoon, evening and following morning . . . I see no limping or favoring of her legs!

Wednesday - March 16, 2011
Today was Aspen's weekly swim with Lori. I thought she might be a little tired from yesterday but she was in TURBO mode.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Aspen has continued with her weekly agility training and swimming at CRCG. She ran her first agility trial (since her new knees) in Ventura, California. Although we didn't Q, you could see just how happy she was to be doing her FAVORITE activity again.

(Photos by: Mary Fish Arango)

Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Aspen enjoys her weekly swim with Lori! "Brother" Preston loves to go along and watch. Sunday, September 18, 2011
Aspen earned her Agility Excellent (AX) title today at the Front Range Agility Association of Denver trial in Castle Rock, Colorado. Her score was 100 (clean run) and time was 50.98 seconds on 58 second course for a FIRST PLACEMENT! This is only the third weekend of agility trials and I can see the "muscle memory" coming back. . . especially in the weave poles. Click here to see Aspen's AX title run!! (Remember to use your browser back button to return to this page.)

Left Photo by Ken Gee . . . Right Photo by Dandylion Digital Design

Friday, March 16, 2012
Aspen earned her Master Jumpers Excellent (MXJ) title today at the Pikes Peak Agility Club trial in Elbert, Colorado. Her score was 100 and time was 38.16 seconds on 42 second course. I am very proud of Aspen earning all 10 of the legs just since she has been back. Click here to see Aspen's MXJ title run!! (Remember to use your browser back button to return to this page.)

Right Photo by Ken Gee Aspen is now featured on Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists web site. (Remember to use your browser back button to return to this page.)

Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Aspen continues to swim at CRCG in Broomfield once a week. What great cross training for her! Yes Preston still loves to go and watch. Sunday, July 22, 2012
Aspen knocked it out of the ball park at the Pikes Peak Obedience Club agility trial in Elbert, Colorado. She finished her Master Excellent (MX) title with a score of 100 - running the course in 50.60 seconds on a 64 second course. All this was accomplished after coming back with her new knees!!! Click here to see this run. (Remember to use your browser back button to return to this page.)
Aspen then went on to make it a DOUBLE Q day (her fourth!) by scoring 100 - running the course in 33.45 seconds on a 45 second course. Click here to see this run. (Remember to use your browser back button to return to this page.)
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Aspen qualifies for the 2013 AKC Agility Nationals to be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma!!! To qualify, you must earn 6 double Q's and 400 "speed" points!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Aspen continues to swim once a week at CRCG. . .and Preston still loves to go and watch her!

Aspen is featured in CRCG's (Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group, LLC) January 2013 newsletter. Click here for Aspen's success story. Thank you for such a wonderful article CRCG!

March 15 - 17, 2013
Aspen attended the AKC National Agility Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma and finished 83rd out of 211 in the 16 inch class!!! She was FANTASTIC!!!!
September 13, 2013
Aspen achieves the highest title possible in AKC Agility - Master Agility Champion (MACH) - at the Front Range Agility Association trial in Castle Rock, Colorado!!
Meet. . . INT/AM CH. MACH Himmlisch The Perfect Moment, MX, MXB, MXJ, MJS, XF, T2B !!!!

Swimming at CRCG has been such an important part of Aspen's rehab and continued training. It seemed only fitting to have underwater photos taken of her when Seth Casteel (author of the National Bestseller book "Underwater Dogs") was in town on September 14, 2013. Click here to see the photographs.

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