ACL

As I write this, we are in week number two of rest and restricted activity because our best friend partially tore the ACL in his right leg. This happened about a year ago to his left leg so, it is true that it happens to both. The first time, our vet recommended the rest and anti-inflammatory meds along with a possible brace for his leg. We are so glad that we pursued the brace idea. His left leg is just about back to normal and if the brace for his right leg comes in soon, we may be able to salvage the final week of a three week trip to the coast. Last year we, also, bought stairs for him to get into the truck that work in the trailer as well.

http://www.mypetsbrace.com/

http://www.petloader.com/

Hope all goes well!!!

I agree with Ron (above post). Lots of things to consider before surgery. Very often dogs will do OK without surgery.

Almost all dogs will get degenerative arthritis in the affected knee even with surgery, but the surgery will usually delay onset.

Not all surgical procedures are the same, TPLO vs Lateral imbrication vs fabellar suture and not all surgeons are of equal competence with the various procedures.

I would have been tempted to go on the camping trip if pain level was reasonable and getting in and out of RV wasn't an issue.

Doug, DVM

I am not a Vet. But I am a chiropractor. Which means I understand anatomy, And I know how to read research papers. That said, If and when to have ccl surgery is a choice only the owner can make. After im to Dr Doug, and doing my own research I decided against the procedure. My dog is a 10 year old lab. He had a full tear of the right ccl 8 months ago. He is back to about 70%. He used to be a 10 mile dog. Now he is a 3 mile dog. Perhaps he could go more but I am afraid to press it.

Some facts you may consider. Which will play in, as to surgery or not
1) full tear vs partial tear.
2) 50% of dogs, surgery or not will blow the other ccl in 1 year.
3) age of dog
4) weight of dog
5) size of dog

In my opinion 2 weeks is way to short of a time to make a decision. 2 to 4 months maybe a better time frame.

The primary care vet will often refer out pretty quickly as they don't want to mess with it.

When one reads the research on ccl surgery, it's pretty weak as opposed to gentle at home rehab.

Dr doug is much more up on this than I am. And I hope he posts.

But that is our story, And my thoughts and opinion from what I was able to find out. Seems to have worked so far, And I am pleased with my dogs progress.
I am not convinced surgery, would have done any better for him.

Good luck with it

180 lb. English Mastiff runs into the yard, returns on 3 legs. Did the 2 weeks on anti-inflammatories, then the surgery.
About 3-4000 dollars, I'm not kidding. Then the dog is on strict physical restrictions. No steps, no jumping, no running-no nothing. You use a sling under their belly whenever they are ambulating.
Then, after putting your life and budget on hold-they tell you that 99% of the time the other ACL goes, and you have to do it all over again.
After doing this ACL repair twice, we had a torn meniscus surgery.
Good luck!

I had a similar ordeal with my Australian Shepherd. She went from ok to hurting in no time. But after close though, she probably injured her ACL back in April when she was showing pain but even the vet did not feel anything out of the ordinary. I dropped her off this morning for TPLO surgery and will pick her up in the morning.

Saturday we were sitting on our front porch with Lucky and Lucie enjoying the late afternoon. Lucie went down the steps as normal as always. When she got to the sidewalk she started crying and holding her left rear leg up. Monday we went to the vet and she had torn her ACL. The vet wants to see if we can heal it without surgery for about two weeks. She is on an anti inflammatory drug and pain reducer in the meantime. It really is sad watching her hobble around and not being able to play with her big brother.

Anyway we were suppose to be travelling the last of June and first of July with the fiver but we have cancelled that. That is the way it goes sometimes though. Getting her back on all four feet is our priority now.

Been there done that with a lab. Almost $5000 later and surgery the dog is virtually as good as new. Metal plate, screws, the whole thing. But, it works.