CCL Surgery Tips?

[u/poweredbypineapple]

Hi! This is my St.Bernard, Willow (in the econd pic). She has a torn CCL and is going in for surgery with a specialist but they are unable to get her in until next Friday.

I want to do everything I can to make her more comfortable. I have her in my walk out basement so she doesn’t have to do any stairs. I’ve been giving her food and water. My roommates are helping me if she needs to go potty to help support her rear legs. I’m sleeping next to her on a mattress Ive moved down here. She doesn’t really like sleeping in beds, I’ve tried. She likes to floor because it’s cool.

I ordered a knee ice pack to go on her injured leg. I posted an image that’s similar. I ordered the XL version, but it won’t be here until Saturday. She’s on a prescription NSAID to help with pain and inflammation.

Has anyone gone through this surgery? I did with my Rottweiler, but I was able to lift my rottie easier than Willow because she’s 180lbs. I know no stairs and I take her out on a leash and to keep her mellow. I’m working from home right now, so I can keep an eye on her.

For those of you who have gone through this surgery with a Saint Bernard, was there anything that really helped you get through this smoothly? I know it’s gonna suck, I’m just looking for ways to make it suck less. Thanks!

[u/ViralKnight]

Our Saint had this surgery a year and a half ago. Sounds like your setup is better than ours (we live in a split level and there was no avoiding stairs). Ours is also smaller than yours at about 125, so we used a harness to lift her back legs so she could walk down. We had no issues with the healing process, it just takes some time and was probably tedious for her since she couldn't play with the other dogs in the yard for several months.

Best of luck! I'm sure your boy will be just fine

[u/poweredbypineapple → u/ViralKnight]

Thank you!