Client Instructions

	BonnieÕs condition is not a medical or surgical emergency.  Therefore, it 
is best to 
start Bonnie on a weight loss plan and schedule surgery in 2-3 months.  We 
recommend 
putting Bonnie on the Ògreen bean dietÓ which consists of replacing one cup of 
her dry dog 
food with one can of green beans.  Once she becomes adapted to this diet, an 
additional 
1/2-1 cup of dog food can be replaced with the appropriate amount of green 
beans.  Snacks 
should be limited.
	During this pre-surgical time, Bonnie will also be on pain medication to 
make her 
more comfortable.  We will prescribe either aspirin, phenylbutazone, or Rimadyl 
which can 
be given as needed.  Bonnie will be on a low enough dose of medication to ease 
her pain, 
but not make her feel brand new.  This will help her self-limit her activity.
	The owner will have to make sure to limit BonnieÕs exercise to short leash 
walks.  
She should not be encouraged to play and, if possible, be kept crated while the 
owner is 
away.  It would be wise to confine Bonnie to one floor of the house and restrict 
use of 
stairs.  
	In 2-3 months time Bonnie will undergo surgery either in our practice or 
at a 
referral institution.  The surgery will entail replacing the ruptured ligament 
with a graft of 
tissue from elsewhere in her leg.  This graft will be secured using a screw and 
washer.  
Other structures in her knee will also be examined to make sure they are intact.  
If they are 
damaged they will be repaired.  At this time, after the surgery, Bonnie will 
require strict 
care.
	After surgery, Bonnie should be confined to a cage, playpen, or crate for 
about 10 
days.  This is because there is minimal inherent strength in her knee until 6 
weeks after the 
repair.   Therefore, it is vital to follow these instructions in order to 
prevent the graft from 
failing.  As time goes on, scar tissue will begin to form, helping to stabilize 
BonnieÕs knee.  
This growing support will allow her to take on increased physical activity.  Two 
weeks 
after surgery, Bonnie will enter a controlled exercise program, entailing leash 
walking and 
swimming.  Bonnie should be able to return to normal function 12 weeks after 
surgery and 
the screw and washer, placed during the surgery, can be removed six months 
postoperatively.
	Analgesia will be continued during this time to alleviate pain.  The exact 
regimen 
will be determined based on BonnieÕs progress and the success of the surgery.  
Weight 
loss plan should be continued until Bonnie reaches her optimal weight.  She 
should then be 
placed on a high quality, low-calorie maintenance dog food, such as HillÕs 
Science Diet.
	BonnieÕs prognosis is very good as long as the client maintains realistic 
expectations, Bonnie continues to lose weight, she follows the proper exercise 
regimen, 
and BonnieÕs attitude remains positive.