Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue, Inc.

Bart came into rescue on November 2, 2006. He was having trouble walking or standing for long, so we knew something wasn't right since he should be running and playing like a crazy man at 16 months old. We took him to see our vet, Dr. Landry, who performed a thorough physical exam and took x-rays. After reviewing the x-rays, he also asked a board certified radiologist to take a look and they both concluded that Bart had torn both cruciate ligaments in his back legs and would require surgery. Due to the fact that Bart is such a big boy, they can only perform TPLO surgery on one leg at a time.

November 24th, 2006

Bart underwent surgery today on the first knee. Dr. Kerrihard performed the procedure with Dr. Landry and they put 2 plates in his right knee. The surgery lasted almost 2 hours, but it was successful. They confirmed that the cruciate was torn right down the middle and there was a lot of fluid in his knee. It was at a 23 degree angle and he was definitely in pain. After surgery, they put him on a Fentanyl drip and he woke up from anesthesia just fine.

November 27th, 2006

Bart has been limited to cage rest other than potty breaks and short walks since his surgery. He is actually walking on his own now and doesn't even need to be towel walked anymore. Dr. Landry is very pleased with his progress so far!

December 9, 2006

Bart's recovery at TLC Hospital has been going pretty well overall, but he has definitely been a challenge. Dr. Landry and his staff have had to keep a very close eye on him and his knee still got very infected because he would not leave it alone. Despite wearing an e-collar, he is able to manipulate it enough to lick at his incision. Dr. Rob had to put him back under anesthesia and flush it all out again and he is probably going to have to be on antibiotics for a while. We don't want the infection to get down to where the plates are and it will take about 4-6 weeks for the bone to heal before we can take the plates out. We did order a no-bite collar to use in addition to the e-collar, which does appear to be helping. He has been confined to a small area to limit his activity and needs to remain very quiet and leash walks only to go potty for the remainder of his recovery. The good news is that he is now strong enough and healthy enough to go to his foster home on Monday!

January 4, 2006

Bart is healing well. The infection is completely gone and his knee is starting to look really good. There is a lot of tension on the incision and he is so active that he did pull it apart slightly, but Dr. Landry got him all fixed up. The body naturally lays down granulation tissues which can delay healing, so he had to remove it, but overall he is quite pleased with Bart's progress.

He wants to wait 2 more weeks and re-evaluate when to perform the next surgery at his 6 week check-up.

Bart continues to win over everyone he meets with his playful, happy go-lucky attitude about life and he is not letting this surgery get him down!

January 10, 2007

Bart is doing well now after the fifth restitch! He as a bazillion stitches and staples now.The leg is strong and he is putting full weight, even more, on it. He should be getting the stitches out at the end of next week.

Bart's foster dad, Braden, has been forced to get creative to keep Bart from being able to lick at his incision. The sleeve contraption worked well after Braden realized Bart needed webbing holding around his ankle and thigh so he can't get to it. Another strap around his waist holds it up. He has been really good about letting Braden put the sleeve on. We think he actually likes the protection. He is not so willing or happy about the head gear!

His foster dad clipped the cone to the collar using bayonet clips and rivets which works really well. Bart was able to slip the cone off twice over Christmas before Braden connected them.

Bart is such a sweet guy. His foster dad has been taking him out for walks to train him to heel and socialize him. He doesn't think he wags his tail enough, so he is working on it! Other dogs are so intimidated by him and Bart just looks at them and sniffs. He shows very little excitement or wagging and appears to be indifferent. Bart is much more interested in human attention!

Braden has had a few problems with accidents and has come to the conclusion that ignoring him is the best technique since it appears to be behavioral. Bart peed in the garage when he was in there with him and Braden just let it go. Braden may have even mockingly said "good boy". Bart growled his funny growl as if he was confused and dissappointed that Braden didn't get upset and he has had no problems since.

February 8, 2007

Bart continues to struggle with his incision. The battle is partially due to his size and activity level and partially due to the fact that he had to have 2 plates put in his leg for the surgery. The skin is obviously pulled very tightly together. As you can see in the photo, Bart had some pretty gross granular tissue which had to be removed and his leg restitched earlier this week. What a champ! He also had x-rays and Dr. Rob determined that he would get his plates out at the end of this month. His foster dad has grown very attached to his big buddy and hopes to make the adoption official soon!

February 19, 2007

Bart went to his forever home with Braden in Lafayette. He will be the only child and spoiled rotten! His new dad works from home, so he is rarely left alone and gets plenty of attention. Braden signed up to foster Bart and has generously devoted himself to his constant care and challenging recovery after a major knee surgery. During this time together, they have bonded and become the best of friends and Braden couldn't bare the thought of having to say goodbye after all they have been through! We are so happy that Bart has found such a great new home and very appreciative of all of Braden's efforts.

(Family photo coming soon!)