He's beginning to use his leg!

Today, Bo began touching the floor with his repaired leg quite a bit. He's not putting any weight on it yet, but he's started using it for balance. Prior to this, he was only doing this while pooping, now he's using it while standing.

The picture at left shows how he usually holds the leg - foot well up off the floor (usually much higher than this).

The picture at right shows him touching the floor for balance. Notice his right front paw is just off the floor...

Some dogs start using the leg the day after TPLO surgery, most by the end of the first week. Some don't begin using it for several weeks, and a few never regain use of the leg - there are no guarantees with this procedure... So, we're trying to remain patient as he continues to hop on three legs whenever he moves around. Step by step ~ literally!

You can also see how thin his upper leg muscles have become. Now that he's begun using his leg again, we can increase his passive range of motion therapy and then introduce exercise.

Notice too how well his fur has begun to grow back. It's nearly covered the incision area, as well.

Oh, and YES, that is SUNSHINE on the floor, it's pouring in today through the atrium skylight!