ACL...poor little guy

[rsjenni]

So...Austin (almost 4.5y/o) injured his leg/knee/hip almost 2 full years ago after slipping on some ice running. We had been to 3 different vets since then all of whom never really paid too too much attention to his issues (the occasional limp/favoring his left leg/hip area). Most recently a vet thought it could be his back with a possible herniated disk. Gave us Anti-inflammatories and a muscle relaxor and said to follow-up.

Went for his yearly physical...the vet we saw then finally suggested seeing a specialist since it was an almost weekly limp following runs/walks/playing.

Viola...Went to see a specialist today...did x-ray's of his left knee and its his ACL. Not totally blown, x-ray showed inflammation infront of the joint and behind the joint. Suggested TPLO surgery. Said it was possible his right knee has some issues as well (as I know is common).

Just stinky. Anyone had issues with a "not blown yet" ACL and still had surgery or had any luck with other treatment options. Obviously I will do whatever is necessary to get him fully recovered. I'm still nervous that there may still be other issues from this injury that we let vester for so darn long...it kills me to think that this could have been fixed years ago and we nor any of the other vets thought it was his knee....

Poor little Austin!! sorry just wanted to share!!

 

[SILLY6PAK]

So sorry to hear about Austin.

Holly's first ccl was not completely torn when we did the TPLO. Like Austin the limping was intermitant and misdiagnosed for about six months. The recovery was hard because Holly could not understand her issolation from the pack.

The second knee went completely the next year. No guessing it was torn and the rehab was faster because the swelling was not as bad and both dog and I know what to expect.

Without a doubt they were two long summers for our family and dogs. That said if you can afford it I would whole heartedly reccomend the proceedure.

Holly is like a puppy and must have been in much more pain than she let on because her activity is through the roof.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

[rsjenni]

Thank you for your response! I have a friend that is an animal Physical therapist and agreed that the TPLO seems like the best option.

I hate that I let this go on for SO LONG...its eating me up...I'm very health conscious and can't believe I didn't push harder for more testing. argh...

I'm going to call the doc up tomorrow or so and ask a few more questions...but probably going to schedule the surgery for 2 weeks from today or so...I'm also going to put more money away expecting to have to do the 2nd knee...haha

so...now that your little one is now bionic...what is her activity level?? fully recovered??

 

[SILLY6PAK]

Yes Holly is truely bionic. It was a long haul but very much worth the journey. She is a younger dog.

 

[Loladog]

Lola is 8 weeks post her 1st TPLO today. Her ACL was a clean tear and she immediately wasn't putting any weight on it at all after she injured it. Within two days of the injury, she had the surgery and so far, I would definitely recommend having it done. She walks completely normal now just after 8 weeks! It's incredible how fast they heal. I was very scared for her to have the surgery and it was hard getting a restricted activity routine down but it was definitely necessary in our situation. The first few days will be hard but once you get into the routine, you will be fine. Just keep in mind, for 8 weeks you will have to keep him on very restricted activity. Small leash walks for potty breaks only, no couches, stairs, etc. Also, no car rides except for trips to the vet. We actually took our bed apart and put our mattress on the floor so that Lola could still sleep with us! Despite all of this, I would say go for it because any reduction in pain will be worth it. I too am now saving in case this happens to her other knee! Our vet recommended weight loss to minimize the risk of this happening to her other leg and to minimize stress on her joints and hips overall. We were able to get Lola to drop 8 lbs which was much needed in her case. Good luck!

 

[sschleper]

Thats no fun my moms dog did the same thing but they never paid for he surgery...

Lexi was hit by a car about 2 years ago(long story). She completely torn the ligament holding her leg together near her hock and degloved her leg from the hock down.
Obvioulsy she had to have surgery while at the ER. She was in a "cast" for about a month. It was a long routine of changing bandages, and watching her every move and keeping her calm (which with her energy level was a task unto itself) haaha! Then once the cast was removed it was another month of still carrying her up and down steps and taking her in the yard on a leash.

It is very worth all the work and effort!!! to this day other than her scar you would never know she got hurt. We know its a matter of time before he leg acts up again but we keep her on a joint suppliment and try not to let her play to ruff.

One thing our vet suggested we try is water therapy. Its the safest way to rehab the leg after an injury like that. Due to other complications (the amount of wounds on her leg) we couldnt do this with Lexi, but i wish we had. We are still thinking about taking her to keep the strength in the leg up. But i would highly recommend speaking to your vet about it.

Good luck with your pup i believe the surgery is worth it but please take your time with the rehab you will thank yourself later. God luck and keep us posted!!