Even though Petra isn't  making the progress you were  wanting at this point, I'm  not sure that it's more about your "expectations" versus  her not being where she should be at four weeks.

Has Petea been back for a follow up with the Surgeon yet?  If I recall, Frankie (the tripawd) and Merry Myrtle (the four legger) had a check up then, and supposed to have another one at eight weeks (I think xrays were suggested at eight weeks).

As you may recall, Frankie had surgery on one rear leg, then another TPLO on the other remaining  leg.  In the meantime the first surgery eventually  failed, so his other TPLO leg, and his one remaining  front leg, are carrying the load.

I'm on a kind  of bounce around a bit, but I do recall being quite worried about   Frankie not using himself very effectively for awhile when he had the first surgery.   It seems that the second surgery on the other back leg had a vit of a speedier recovery than the first.  Guessing it just depends  on to what degree the repairs have to be made based on the extent  of the damage.

Now. my  four legger had TPLO surgery  on one  of her back legs in July.  Obvioisly this is not a comparison to your Petra's situation, but FWIW, her recovery took much longer.than Frankie's!  She would hold that leg up off and on for three to four weeks.  Even now, that leg is not 100%...close, but jist the very, very slightest not quite.

I guess the point I'm trying to ,ale is that Petra doesn't  have the "lizury" per se, of holding g that leg up every now and then, or still limping a little as the TPLO surgery settles in.  Petra pretty much "has" to use it to some degree and it makes sense that she's still not using that leg but so much at this point.

I'm probably  clear as mud and confusing you  bouncing back between Frankie and Myrtle. ..  While. neither situation is an exact duplicate of Petra's, hopefully you can see that at four weeks, there's still a lot of room for improvement  to take place! 

IF I recall, the water treadmill was NOT of value to Frankie at all.  I only tried it once with him, but I could tell with my very untrained eye and things just weren't lining up right for his gait.   So water therapy is not for every TPLO surgery,

Also, IF I recall, .Rehab for the surgery leg itself was more about range of motion type things.  Myrtle's Ortho Surgeon wasn't  too concerned at all about anything additional.  Plus, he said many times, ROM done wrong is far more damaging  than ROM not done at all!

One more thing to add, Myrtle's personality is laid back and focused on non stip petting g and cuddling.  Frankie's personality  is non stop wild and crazy p,at full out all the time personality.   Now, he's slowed down a lot obviously  with basically diminished leg capacity, but he still has bursts of "full out" crazy, but has to rest a lot afterwards.

What's  Petra's personality  like?  A couch potato will take their time recovering.  A high energy dog may speed it up a bit.

I guess the wholempoint is to reassure  you again that their is still plenty  of room for improvement  to happen.  And I do believe  absolutely  that she will get that leg stronger!  Four weeks in her case is probably  like the first  week for a four legger!

Sending extra hugs 

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Okay, sending you a cyber (((((((hug))))))).  Tjos is sooooo hard on so many levels, but ESPECIALLY  if it's just uou soing the caregiving.  I can relate ever so well.  And in my case, I'm  ...hmmm...."seasoned" and with bad knees!

I know emotionally  you are exhausted,  as well as  physically.  I found eating chocolate and stuffing my face with ice cream sis wonders!

When you mentioned  the meniscus, that reminded  me,   and if I recall correctly, that in both of Frankie's TPLOs the meniscus had not been destroyed prior to surgery. In Merry Myrlte's case (my four legger), I did try a conservative  approach at first, then it tore completely.  As I was trying to figure out how to come up with the monies, the Surgeon warned me that the meniscus could rupture (think that was the right word) and it would make things worse.

I may be a little fuzzy in all that, but it makes sense what your Vet is saying.

Now, do you know if he left the meniscus in or took it out?  Guess it sort of sounds like the meniscus is still in and the surgery done is to heal that roo?  My question  probably  makes  no sense, but it seems like in Frankie's first surgery (which was the "fishing  line" surgery the meniscus was not taken out.  

I think Jerry's suggestion about a stroller ,at be a tem answer for you.  Actuall, from ecerything  we've seen here, dogs seem to really take to them quickly and seem to recognize  the benefits

STAY CONNECTED!!!   Lean on us, okay?  This DOES get better!!

(((((Hugs))))))

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

YAAAAAAAY FOR PETRA....AND YOU TOO!!!!   BEST CHRISTMAS  PRESENT EVER!!!🎄🎄   

TO accomplish  this milestone is HUGE!!   You stayed the course and overcame a monumental  challenge.  It had to be incredibly  hard, emotionally  and physically.   You stayed pawsitive and confident  and focused on the goal.  

This is a success story on so many levels.  You and Petra will continue  to inspire anyone who faces this hurdle.  Never doubt  what a tripawd can accomplish!!

Have a wonder and very Merry Christmas!  And extra YAAAAY for ONE YEAR AMPUVERSARY  coming up!!

Hugs 

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

That mug melts my heart everytime!!  I just love Petra!!!  ❤  She is truly a feisty little Inspirational  Miracle Dog!!!👍

Have a few happy tears and  chills head to toe when I saw the video of her taking some steps ....and those steps are a HUGE VICTORY!!!👏👏👏👏

I know you are sooooo proud of her.  And we are beaming with pride for both of you!!!

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!