Proper recovery care is a crucial part of having a bulldog's torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgically repaired. This procedure and recovery is more difficult for a heavy dog such as a bulldog. Following recovery instructions will be a deciding factor in the success or failure of the surgery. Have his resting area set up and ready for him before he comes home after his surgery so that you can put him in it immediately upon returning home. Confinement is a big part of the recovery requirements, and you don't want to have him wandering around the house and possibly re-injuring himself while you're fumbling around trying to get his cage ready.
Things You'll Need
- Cage or crate
- Rubber backed rug
- Blanket
- Water bowl with hanger that attaches to cage or crate
- Food bowl
- Food
- Collar
- Leash
Instructions
Purchase a cage or crate for your dog that is big enough for him to turn around and lie down in comfortably. Your dog will need to be completely confined for the first week or two following surgery.
Set up the cage or crate in a quiet room in the house where excitement will be kept to a minimum. Keep other pets away from the area.
Put a rubber-backed throw rug the same size as the cage in the bottom of the cage. Put a blanket in the cage on top of the rug. If your dog slept on a blanket before surgery, put it in the cage for him. It will make the cage familiar and comforting for him.
Purchase a small water bowl that comes with a wire hanger to hang on the cage, or a water bottle if you prefer. Many crates come with small bowls that will attach to the crate door. Fill them and hang them inside the cage or crate at a height that will allow your dog to easily reach it to drink whenever he's thirsty. Keep clean water available in the cage at all times.
Feed the dog in his cage 15 minutes before taking him outside to urinate and defecate. Follow the same feeding schedule with the same food you were giving your dog before surgery unless you are instructed otherwise by the veterinarian.
Take the dog out on a leash every six to eight hours to urinate and defecate only. No playing, extra walking, jumping up, walking up and down stairs or excitement of any kind should be allowed. Put him back in his cage as soon as he has finished his business.