Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue, Inc.

Jumangi came into rescue today and went straight to see Dr. Barry for further evaluation. He took x-rays and he suspects that we are dealing with cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the left hind leg as well as dental disease.

November 19, 2007

Jumangi had his dental today. Everything went well with anesthesia and he only had to have one molar removed. He was suffering from fairly advanced dental disease, but they were able to clean him up really well and they look much better now! He is on antibiotics to prevent infection in case any of the tarter got into his blood stream.

November 21, 2007

Jumangi went to see Dr. Stubbs, an orthopedic specialist, at Animal Hospital Center yesterday regarding his knee. He took a look at the x-ray Dr. Barry took and also sedated him to take some additional films. He confirmed the diagnosis and he does have a torn cruciate ligament. There is a lot of scar tissue on the inside and tons of fluid, both indicative of a chronic ACL issue. In the same injury, are 2 screws that were implanted during a prior surgery when he was hit by a car at age 1. At this point, the implants could be causing some of the irritation and fluid build up, so he would like to remove them at the same time.

Since he is basically non-weight baring now, he suggests we do the procedure in the next week or two and does not recommend waiting. He is currently on Rimadyl and Tramadol for the pain.

December 3, 2007

Jumangi underwent TPLO surgery to repair his torn cruciate today. Dr. Stubbs went into the joint on the medial side where the bulk of the implants and wire were located and it went really well. The screws were embedded into the bone, so they were likely not causing any irritation, but the wire was loose and could have been contributing to his irritation. His cruciate was almost completely torn as well as his medial meniscus, so they were both in definite need or repair. Dr. Stubbs would like to keep Jumangi at the hospital under close supervision for the next two days and hopes to send him home on Wednesday.

Jumangi is doing really well with all three dogs and the cat in his foster home and his foster family is committed to helping him through his recovery. He will stay on the main level of their home and there are only 1-2 steps going out to the back yard that he will have to deal with. The first 3-4 weeks post-op are the most critical in recovery from a surgery like this, so he will be strictly confined and outside for leashed walks to go potty only. He is very big boy, so recovery will be tough, but his foster mom will keep a watchful eye on him and do everything she can to keep him calm and mellow so he can heal properly! We are all anxious to get him home and I will be visiting him at the hospital to get some photos later today.

December 4, 2007

Jumangi is doing great today! He currently has to be towel walked in order to get around, but he doesn't seem to mind the extra attention. During my visit he was very alert and laid down to rest comfortably on a blanket. The doctor seems pleased with his progress and the incision site looks clean without any infection. Jumangi has won over everyone in the hospital and has a lot of people rooting for him!

Dr. Stubbs is very pleased with Jumangi's progress and felt he was ready to go home to his foster home today for the remainder of his recovery. Jumangi was very happy to see his foster mom when she picked him up!

December 13, 2007

Jumangi had a follow-up appointment yesterday to have his staples removed and Dr. Stubbs was very pleased with his progress. He no longer has to wear the e-collar and Dr. Stubbs said we could stop giving him the pain medications if he seems okay, which he does. He dropped a few more pounds and now weighs 142.4 lbs. He could stand to lose about 5 more, but he is looking much better now. Jumangi is putting weight on his leg and getting around fine when he goes outside to potty. His foster mom is still limiting his movement and he is tolerating being confined without any major complaints. He is such a trooper! His next appointment will be scheduled in 2.5 weeks, but so far his recovery is going very smoothly.

December 18, 2007

Jumangi continues to do well. He has days where he is a bit painful, but overall he is putting weight on his leg and walking around without any problems or much discomfort. He is starting to get a little antsy with his confinement, so his foster mom is taking him for very brief leashed walks around the cul-de-sac to check things out. Jumangi seems to enjoy these short trips in the fresh air and has warmed his way into his foster mom's heart!

January 8, 2008

Jumangi had an x-ray yesterday and Dr Stubbs says everything looks great! He is 90% healed from his surgery and can now go for leashed walks and maneuver stairs without restriction. Jumangi is down to 137 pounds and is now at an ideal weight which we hope will give him many good years ahead. He is officially ready to go to a forever home when the right family comes along. The only remaining follow-up care he will require is a check-up appointment in 4 weeks. We are so happy that we were able to help this gentle giant and thrilled with his smooth recovery.