Opinions about my dog's and surgery! Ruptured cruciate ligament! Please!!

[rbuzzotta]

My 9 month old Choc. Lab has just been diagnosed with a rupture cruciate ligament in her right hind leg. The next available surgery date (from various vets) won't be until early April. We are leaving for WDW April 16 and boarding her in a great kennel. All vets have advised to not have surgery before we leave. The kennel is aware of her situtation and we are paying a little extra for special care of her.

WE have various types of surgeries to choose from. ONe, the TPLO is a patented surgery and involves a metal rod type in her leg. Other types just involved restructuring the ligament. Estimates run from 2000-3000 + !! OUCH!! WE love her though so we will find a way.

Anyone have experience with this type of injury and if so, what did you do...............

Need Advice, need opinions!!!! Please!!

We want to do the best for Bella!!

 

[ByTheSea]

I am not familiar with the surgery, but is there any way it can wait til after your trip? Or is she in a lot of pain and/or discomfort?

 

[Christine]

My dog had this done on both knees. The surgery was done a LONG time ago (the dog is no longer with us) but I can tell you that the surgery didn't involve any metal rods. I believe they just restructured/repaired the ligament and she was really as good as new! I had this done back in 1988 and it was about $1100 then.

 

[mainewmn]

I cannot comment on the procedure but I just wanted to say good luck! When my dog had problems with his back and we wore looking at surgery (around $5000) some people wore telling us that it was crazy and we should just “put him out of his misery” because he was 7 years old then. It truly showed me who my real friends wore! I love my puppy and wouldn’t even dream of putting him down. He was there for me when I needed him the most and I was there for him when he needed me. With lots of love and care he slowly got better and now two years after the initial diagnosis he is as good as new without the surgery. So Draco and I are sending you and your doggie the best of wishes and hope for a quick recovery!

 

[jsmith]

my 12 year old St Bernard mix ruptured a medial collateral ligament in a hind leg in Dec of 2002. We were advised by the vet at the emergency center that the surgery was to difficult and expensive for a mixed breed dog of that age and that we should consider putting him down. Took him to our own vet who advised us to just do nothing and see if he would heal with out surgery. Today he is sound on all four legs. Hang in there and wait until after the trip and see how she does. Good luck

 

[dianeschlicht]

It really depends on how bad the tear is. We have had a couple of dogs with this injury (we are breeder/exhibitors, so we have had lots of dogs over the years). We have twice had a torn cruciate repaired and once left it to heal on its own. When it need to be fixed imediately, it is usually a clear cut situation. NEVER did they have to put in a rod!!?? In both cases where it was repaired, the dog was in a soft cast for a week or two and was back to using the leg after that, but with some loss of range of motion that eventually returned. The dog who had a minor tear was given crate rest for a couple weeks along with glucosamine/chondroitin and Aspirmox therapy. She was good as new in a month to six weeks.

 

[rbuzzotta]

This is a rupture, not a tear. It can't get any worse than it is now.

She is on glucosomine and rimadyl for arthritis. We will wait until after our vacation and keep Bella as quiet as possible until then (as much as can be expected from a 9 month old lab!). She is still happy go lucky and is not exhibiting any symptoms of pain other than light toe touching on the effected leg!!

I am hoping someone here has some more information of the surgery that involves a rod. It is called TPLO!!

Thanks for all your well wishes for Bella...........and advice!

 

[DocRafiki]

The TPLO is a newer and well-respected and commonly performed procedure. But, having a client decide which procedure to perform is rather odd, other than the cost factor. I would never ask a layperson for surgical advice; I'm just stunned that you're having to decide.

Oh, and it CAN get worse if you wait. The body has already started to respond to the injury. Scar tissue will make the surgery more difficult, and arthritis is not reversible. She can also rupture the other cruciate, a collateral, or a meniscus with all the instability in that joint. Then you have other procedures to perform on top of what you've already got.

 

[DocRafiki]

TPLO

simple search results for "TPLO"

 

[rbuzzotta]

Thanks DocRafiki. Odd to ask as layperson what proceedure they want?? WE were given various types of surgeries but not one was more recommended over the other. One vet leaned towards TPLO and the other was not so certain it was better. WE did not get any clear cut advice one way or the other.

Yes, I do understand it can get worse, but unfortunately we are in a bad situation with our pending vacation. WE are doing absolutely EVERYTHING to keep our Bella quiet and so far so good.

I am up for any advice.......mainly looking into the long term results of TPLO over other surgeries............

Thanks