ACL surgery for dog

[TexasErin]

I don't know if it's being done, but if these were people it would be.

Someone should be analyzing the data on everything related to a) doing the surgery, b) not doing the surgery, c) how often the other knee blows with the surgery, d) how often the other knee blows without the surgery, etc.

I imagine in the dog population it would be difficult since they may not see dogs with these types of injuries to begin with and/or they may be lost to follow up.

If it could be studied correctly, I'd be very interested in seeing the data.

Erin, hugs to you and Molly.

Thanks! I will pass them on to Molly!

 

[LadyZolt]

The OP stated this has been an ongoing problem since August, has had many trips to the vet, the dog has been on anti-inflammatory drugs, and has had x-rays (not under sedation), along with resting and restrictions. For me 6 months of doing this is probably long enough to know there's possibly a bigger problem going on, and the problem is not going to heal on its own. ....

The dog in question is a very young, active dog. If she hasn't healed in 6 months time IMO it's time to get a bit more aggressive with treatment. ...

I totally agree that restricting the dog for a period of time is what should be done first. It's already been done for 6 months per the OP. Now it's time to see what's really going on and what can be done about it since option A (R&R) hasn't produced desired results.

Jey: I agree with you 100%, but as I read the posts, I did not conclude as you did that the dog had truly been restricted for a good length of time -- like three or six months. I did not think the dog had been restricted for 12 weeks in a row, which is why I suggested that. I think everything you posted is what should be done. The OP just posted this, and so we can see that the dog has not actually been restricted for what I believe to be a long enough time:

He was on very restricted activity, only short walks for bathroom on leash for 5 weeks. During this time he was on anti-inflammatory and steroids for a shorter period. He is also on a glucosamine supplement. then we began a period of gradually increasing his exercise. He appeared to be completely better. Once he resumed play he began having periods of limping for a day or two after wards.

OP: As Jey said, you have to really restrict the dog -- short walks, on a leash, on a flat area, and the rest of the time confined in a space where it is one flat surface, with nothing to jump up on. I think it should be done for 12 weeks. If you have the surgery, it will have to be done for at least 8 weeks post-surgery anyway. Yes, this is very difficult. Perhaps you can confine the dog to the kitchen where there is no furniture to jump on or stairs to climb, and you could put down puppy pads or something, and carry him when he must go up or down stairs. (This is what we did with our dog -- my husband had to build a gate because our kitchen area is an odd side and none of the commercial ones were long enough. What we do for love of our dogs -- LOL!) If your dog improved after 5 weeks, I think he may improve even more if you give him a full three months. And even after that, I would not let him walk up and down stairs ever again as that is hard on knees and he might re-injure it or hurt the other one.

Even if you see a marked improvement in 30 days, if you allow the dog to use the knee again, I fear he may again have a problem. Please restrict him for at least 8 weeks, and I think 12 would be even better.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[msande]

Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the best Vet schools in the country. The have an excellent Ortho unit there. I show dogs and have referred many people to them for various problems. I would contact them and ask for an Ortho reference in your area. Google them for the website. Sorry but I have not posted enough to be able to add that yet.
Remember that the after care is as important as the surgery.
Good luck.
Michaelle