Carrying a 90lb dog post-TPLO...how?

captainleela

So we just got the news that my 10 month old Lab has to have a TPLO. Which totally blows and I'm sitting here crying thinking about it.

But my question for you is this. We have a three-story house with tons of stairs. In order to get him from my car to the main living level where he'll be "quarantined" we're going to have to carry him up a flight and a half. He's 90lbs. How do we do this while being mindful of his leg? I probably should have asked the vet but I didn't think about it until I got home.

sakelp

they sell sling like things that you put under the dogs body. I think you should get one of those and then just support the front or back (whichever end the surgery will effect)

Mrs.Mc08

For all knee and hip surgeries, both dogs came home with niffty slings. We had a few stairs, and I was able to get both of my dogs up, across hardwood to where they needed to be every day with it. Its a work out but not too awful. The trick will to get your pup to go slowly.

doglove

A sling or using a sheet.blanket to wrap around the under side of his body and holding the two ends. In my experience, slings don't work with dogs over 50+ lbs. Will he have any use of his leg?

Mrs.Mc08

doglove:

A sling or using a sheet.blanket to wrap around the under side of his body and holding the two ends. In my experience, slings don't work with dogs over 50+ lbs. Will he have any use of his leg?

Both my dogs are 80+ lbs and were fine. Even if your dog has use of its leg (mine was determined to not just walk, but run) don't let them as much as possible. The bone needs time to heal.

captainleela

doglove:

A sling or using a sheet.blanket to wrap around the under side of his body and holding the two ends. In my experience, slings don't work with dogs over 50+ lbs. Will he have any use of his leg?

A sheet seems like a good idea. He won't have a brace or sling or anything on his leg, so theoretically he'll have use of his leg but the vet said he's not going to want to put an weight on it. Him walking up or down stairs is strictly forbidden for several weeks. It's going to be an interesting few months in our household for sure.

KatiesCats

We fostered a 95-pound greyhound who had leg surgery (to remove hardware that had repaired an awful racetrack fracture).  I put an arm around his chest and an arm around his butt and carried him up and down the stairs that way.  I'm not a big lady (125 pounds), but I managed just fine when my H was out of town.

captainleela

KatiesCats:

We fostered a 95-pound greyhound who had leg surgery (to remove hardware that had repaired an awful racetrack fracture).  I put an arm around his chest and an arm around his butt and carried him up and down the stairs that way.  I'm not a big lady (125 pounds), but I managed just fine when my H was out of town.

Okay, good to know. I was worried about what I'd do if I had to do it by myself. Thanks.

HB's Girl

My surgeon said they can walk right away, but discouraged it because so many people would be too irresponsible and let the dog get too crazy.

It is very dangerous to carry a big dog on the stairs.  I dont think a fall is worth the risk for either of you.  It could be catastrophic. Be sure to support the back alf well with a sling.  Use a towel or sheet like this:

 

HB's Girl

Also, only allow the dog on stairs when necessary! If you're going to go upstairs for a bit, it's probably best to leave him downstairs.  It isn't worth an injury!

Again, it is dangerous to carry a big dog on the stairs!  Talk to the surgeon for tips too. 

dusk42

You can practice now to get him used to being picked up.  Just make sure to bend your knees to protect your back while lifting him.  

andreas4dogs

sakelp:

they sell sling like things that you put under the dogs body. I think you should get one of those and then just support the front or back (whichever end the surgery will effect)

That is good to know in case we need to carry Laddie...thanks for the advice!