In the beginning of October of 2011 I began noticing that Luna, our 3 year Old English Bulldog, was limping significantly on her rear right leg. I took her into our veterinary clinic to have her examined and was told, at first, that there may be a possibility of a torn cruciate ligament in her leg. A close friend of mine had to have her Labrador Retriever’s cruciate repaired the previous year; therefore I knew how serious this was and I also knew we had very limited options.
The next week I scheduled a sedated examine with Dr. Haase so that we could confirm that her cruciate was indeed torn. When Dr. Haase called me with the results I was shocked to learn that not only was her right cruciate injured but so was her left. Once we had gotten the confirmation we wanted to schedule surgery right away. Dr. Haase spent a significant amount of time with me going over each of the different cruciate repair procedures. So with his help and knowing the type of active lifestyle that I wanted Luna to be able to go back to, I decided on getting a TTA.
After the surgery was performed, Luna stayed at the clinic for two days. Within those two days Dr. Haase personally cared for and monitored her; because this time is so very crucial in making sure that recovery is successful. The fact that he spent so much time with her did not go unnoticed by us as owners. I was relieved to know that he truly cared about Luna and that Luna did not just seem like another patient to him. I received regular phone calls and updates throughout the first 48 hours which also helped put my mind at ease.
One thing I must say about cruciate repair is that the recovery is not an easy one. Luna was monitored almost constantly and there is a very rigorous and intense physical therapy regime that must be maintained in order to make sure the surgery is successful. Luna is a bit hyperactive sometimes so for anyone who is planning on having this surgery done on a hyperactive dog, you need to prepare yourself for what is to come throughout recovery. Sometimes our furry friends seem or think they are able to do much more than they really should in order for a proper recovery. This was probably our biggest challenge with Luna.
Luna seemed to feel like she was 100% again within the first two weeks or so. It was difficult to keep her from trying to run or jump from the moment we brought her home; so we kept her in her own little room where she was able to heal without injuring herself. This allowed for her to have some space and not be confined to a crate for 6-8 weeks.
Throughout the entire process Dr. Haase has not only been helpful but also been compassionate; which I believe is essential for any animal and their owner during this procedure and the recovery since both are quite intense.
Dr. Haase was available whenever I had questions or concerns. He never seemed to be inconvenienced by our phone calls or questions and was always more than helpful and accommodating. He would even periodically call just to check on Luna which made us feel like he genuinely cared for her well being and recovery. Dr. Haase even made a home visit at one point to check on Luna’s progress because she was much calmer in her home setting than at the clinic.
I could not be happier with not only the outcome of Luna’s surgery but also the way in which she was cared for and treated by Dr. Haase. I would recommend Dr. Haase to anyone who is planning on having the surgery, or any surgery for that matter, performed. Because this procedure is so intense, it is important to have it performed by a Doctor that cares about your animal as much as you do.
We have been so satisfied with the results of the surgery and with the way in which Dr. Haase has cared for Luna, we plan on getting Luna’s left leg repaired in June of 2012 with Dr. Haase as well.
Mallory R, Luna’s owner
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