Waiting

After evaluating all of our options for treating Natasha’s cranial cruciate ligament injury, we have decided to move forward with Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery this coming Monday. She will be back home on Tuesday for an extended period of rest followed by several weeks of physical therapy. Now that the decision has been made, we are just waiting.

being good

Sigh. I am going to have to be good for a long time.

We made the decision based on a number of factors, but primarily we evaluated her health thoroughly. While her age (11 years) is certainly a factor, all of her blood work and other examinations indicated a dog in terrific health. She should recover well.

Don't talk about my age.

Blush. Don’t talk about my age.

Non-surgical options and even other surgical options are more suited to smaller dogs or less active dogs. Natasha enjoys our long mountain hikes as well as running and playing in the yard. We needed to make sure that the surgery we chose would give her the best chances at enjoying those activities to the fullest.

get this going

Let’s get this going.

Decision made. Waiting for surgery has started. And then the long road to recovery.

*****     *****     *****      *****     *****

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23 Comments

  1. Khumbu on September 12, 2014 at 2:40 am

    We have our paws crossed for you Natasha, for a successful surgery and speedy recovery, we will be thinking of you all.

    Khumbu, Kyra, Rita and Hu’mum

  2. Donna Wolfe on September 10, 2014 at 10:53 pm

    All fingers and paws will be crossed here on Monday for a smooth surgery. 11 is not that old in Siberian years, the Queen has a lot of good years ahead of her at the head of the Herd! Prayers for all of you, I know what it feels to be waiting.
    Donna WV

  3. KB on September 10, 2014 at 8:23 pm

    I will be pulling for the Queen to recover quickly. I’d make the same decision in an instant, to maintain her amazing quality of life!

  4. Ruth D on September 10, 2014 at 7:03 pm

    I know this will be rougher on you than on QNTE. It’s a long road of recovery but she’ll be good as new. Wishing her a speedy recovery and all of you the strength and sanity to keep everyone in check while she’s recovering.

  5. Christina on September 10, 2014 at 6:30 pm

    Best wishes on a good surgery & quick recovery! We keep all paws crossed here!!!

  6. houndstooth on September 10, 2014 at 5:45 pm

    We have our fingers and paws crossed for everything to go smoothly! I’d never have guessed she was eleven from looking at her regal self!

  7. Sea Wolf on September 10, 2014 at 5:11 pm

    Talk with the vet about what is expected after. Long term .. no more running and bouncing, no steps (ramps from now on) no couch olympics. Pretty much a calm, cool and beyond well behaved lifestyle. I know this has been the result of other types of CL surgery. Perhaps this as well? Queen might be pouting for a very long time.

  8. The Painter Pack on September 10, 2014 at 3:32 pm

    We will be keeping the Queen in our thoughts and prayers! She will do great. The humans…they may need a bit more help.

    The Painter Pack

  9. cybersibes on September 10, 2014 at 2:17 pm

    Paws crossed & we’ll be sending Sibe Vibes that all goes super-duper puppy-duppy welll!

    ~Jack & Moo

  10. Juno's mom on September 10, 2014 at 2:10 pm

    She’ll do great! Will her physical therapy include water, as in a treadmill or swimming? Huskies usually hate getting in water above the elbows, but it’s so beneficial for post-surgical mobility and strengthening.

  11. Sam on September 10, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    We are wishing you a very speedy recover, QNTE.

    Monty and Harlow

  12. Anna the GSD on September 10, 2014 at 11:43 am

    Milk it. For all it’s worth. But man, I bet the recovery might be tricky, having to stay still and stuff. Yep, def make plans of taking full advantage of this.

  13. Amy@GoPetFriendly on September 10, 2014 at 11:24 am

    Sending my thoughts for a successful surgery and speedy recovery. I hope the Queen is back on her throne in no time!

  14. Edie Chase on September 10, 2014 at 10:17 am

    Hoping for a speedy recovery.

  15. holly on September 10, 2014 at 10:11 am

    Best wishes on your surgery and recovery!
    Husky hugs to you.

  16. Caroline Rivard on September 10, 2014 at 9:40 am

    Prayers for a speedy recovery for the Queen!

  17. The OP Pack on September 10, 2014 at 9:30 am

    We are all hoping for a successful surgery and a good and speedy recovery.

    Woos – Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning

  18. The Ao4 on September 10, 2014 at 8:45 am

    We will be praying that your surgery goes well, Natasha – and for a safe and speedy recovery!!!
    Cammie!

  19. Dawn MamaofMyaandMeeko on September 10, 2014 at 8:13 am

    Queen Natasha you will do well. We are pulling for you here in Monroe, NC to have a successful recovery and we look forward to seeing your hudad post updates.

  20. Khyra on September 10, 2014 at 8:03 am

    Perhaps woo need some time at Khamp Khyra –

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra
    PeeEssWoo: Mom says start stokhking up on the AGJ 😉

  21. sue verschneider on September 10, 2014 at 7:10 am

    Your Highness we here in Virginia Beach are glad you are now on the path to getting back to your Royal Duties, even if it will be a while before you take back full reign. I’m sure your loyal assistant Kisha will keep all the other Sibes in line while you take a slight leave of absence.

    Koda, being 4, you know how they are, ah hmm, not naming any names Little Prince, Koda is pacing around asking all the questions of “how would a Sibe be able to be still for a long time, especially when there is snow smells in the air?” Grandma Misha is assuring Koda that the Queen will be back up and ready before the snow falls in NC. She says being 13, she knows how it goes being the Queen and not up to complete snuff at times, and how hard it is to be still and rest. But she is confident that Natasha will do just that to get back to her full Royal Duties soon enough.

    Hugs from us here in VB, our sweetness, even if they call you QNTE, we don’t believe it. Thoughts and prayers for all involved. 🙂

  22. Mom 'n Ice on September 10, 2014 at 5:14 am

    Mom ‘n Ice both say: We are sure you’re going to be well taken care of, N’tasha, and will be praying for a safe operation, and a speedy recovery. IceMan was 12-years old in June, and is looking at the possible removal of a cyst on his front left upper leg. Just now waiting for the lab results as to whether to remove, or leave the cyst alone. I worry about using an anesthetic at his age. Hope all is well with N’tasha, and that she is soon able to join the rest of the Herd in the fun & games at Sibe Quentin, especially with winter, and SNOW coming soon.

  23. Cheerful Monk on September 10, 2014 at 3:11 am

    That’s going to be rough on all of the Sibes. I’m so sorry. She is in great shape for her age.

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