A dog surgery question...

[goofy4tink]

My 4 y/o golden mangled his (and I know I'm not spelling it right) anterior cruciate ligament, rear leg. He did it 2 days ago, the vet put him on some anti-imflam. pain killers. He's hobbling around much better. My question tho...they are saying he really should have surgery. Have any of you gone thru this with a dog and what is the follow-up care during rehab like? Some have told us to just let it heal naturally but others have said it can make the other rear leg overcompensate and that one will blow in several years also. Any experiences??

 

[LindaG4458]

My cocker Peanut, now approaching 14, had this done when she was 6 or 7. She came home from the vet with her leg and foot extended straight out, wrapped tightly in gauze and that colored vet tape stuff. She had to wear an E-collar so she wouldn't tear the wrapping off. About 10 days later we took her back for a checkup and suture removal. Now, every once in a while, her knee will "go out" and we have to rub it. It goes right back in and she is fine.

Before her surgery her knee would go out several times a day. Hers would dislocate in both directions. I felt it was worth the surgery. If you have it done now the dog will only have one period of pain and recovery instead of two, or an extended painful period.

Of course, this problem was on the same leg that had been treated for a mast cell tumor using surgery and rediation. We call it her million dollar leg.

 

[mark & sandra]

There'is a Vet who frequents these boards, he's given me advice in the past. Do a search for (Howie), send him a PM or e-mail him. If anyone would be able advice you it would be him...Mark

Try here to reach him also:
http://www.disboards.com/member.php?s=&action=getinfo&userid=6389

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

My collie had this surgery when she was 11, she is now 14. The vet told me there is a greater chance they will blow out the other leg even with the surgery. Natasha came home with her leg totally wrapped all the way up to the hip. It was a long recovery. I had to help her walk for the 1st week or so. Then she was able to put weight on the leg. I was told, with smaller breeds they let it heal without surgery alot because there isn't alot of pressure due to the low weight of the dog. But with the bigger breeds, surgery is needed because it will heal but as soon as the dog walks on it, it will tear again. Even with Natasha's age, she did very well. Good Luck! If you have anymore questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[Christine]

I had a dog that had both of her's go out. Each surgery was expensive. When the first one went out, we did try to let it heal. But it didn't work and she was in a lot of discomfort. The surgery was the best thing we ever did. The doctor told me that her ligaments were stronger than they were originally. I dont' remember the rehab being a big deal. In fact, I was surprised at how quickly she healed.

 

[damo]

Our cocker did this to both rear legs at different times. Both times we let it naturally heal and he was fine.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

No real expereince with this but just a for your dog. I hope he gets well soon.