Ms. Ali's hip has given out. I'm so worried!!

[NJBoxermom]

I'm sorry you're dealing with this

Chance needed both of hers repaired. The statistics are high that if one ACL needs repair, the other likely will as well. Start saving now...We just got a new boxer pup last week, and I signed him up for health insurance just because of our ACL ordeal with Chance. Not only did she need both repaired, but her body later rejected the surgical pins, and required another surgery (albeit minor) to have pins removed.

I hope that your dog is crate trained because that will make his recovery a little easier to manage (won't be able to jump or walk up/down stairs).

Good luck, and I will keep you and Ms. Ali in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[EAO76]

So sorry you are going through this. Please do LOTS of research before you agree to the surgery. We were pushed to do ACL surgery on one of ours but we decided to try a non surgical approach first. It worked and he is 100% now without any surgery. I am not saying to refuse the surgery but just keep in mind that surgeons are in the business of selling surgery and they rarely ever suggest less invasive options.

 

[Murp.mm]

NJBoxermom: Thank you. Wish I had gotten Pet Insurance but it's too late now since she's already had surgery in the past for a growth on her leg. Gee I hope it works for her but I am planning on doing some research right now on other options.

EAO76: Thank you. Please tell me what other options you took instead of surgery. I would be very appreciative.

 

[Hunnys Folks]

I am really sorry to hear this , my boxer is having trouble with her acl as well now it is not that bad but she also has a bump in between he toes too witch they looked at but said nothing about . Let me know if it turns out to be anything I an keeping an eye on hers right now to see if it changes at all . I hope all goes well with or without surgery . your in my thoughts.

 

[EAO76]

The scariest thing with ligament injuries is that they cannot be seen on an x-ray. And MRIs are very expensive and not always that helpful. So until they open your dog up they really don’t know what they are dealing with. It’s truly a guessing game. Many vets diagnose a ligament injury just because that is what’s most common. Often they will open the dog up & find that the injury wasn’t that bad or possibly something else all together.

In our case all we did was give Trucker an anti-inflammatory (NSAID) / pain med (it was metacam) and then a few weeks of crate rest. His body built up scar tissue naturally and that stabilized his knee. I now supplement with fish oil & glucosamine/chondroitin.

I was not against the surgery but Trucker had just had surgery for something else & the thought of putting him through it all over again was heartbreaking. That is why I tried the alternate therapy 1st. I figured if it didn’t work we could always do the surgery a little later. I am very glad that we waited. I know this may not be the answer for every dog but there really is no risk in waiting a short time (as long as you keep her calm & dont further the injury). Of course our vet told us if we didn’t do the surgery immediately then he would blow out the other knee too. However that did not happen.

Here is a website that may be useful. http://home.earthlink.net/~tiggerpoz/index.html

Again I am not telling you to go against your vet’s advice. I am only suggesting you do a little research & weigh all your options. You know your dog best so follow your instinct.

 

[Murp.mm]

The scariest thing with ligament injuries is that they cannot be seen on an x-ray. And MRIs are very expensive and not always that helpful. So until they open your dog up they really don’t know what they are dealing with. It’s truly a guessing game. Many vets diagnose a ligament injury just because that is what’s most common. Often they will open the dog up & find that the injury wasn’t that bad or possibly something else all together.

In our case all we did was give Trucker an anti-inflammatory (NSAID) / pain med (it was metacam) and then a few weeks of crate rest. His body built up scar tissue naturally and that stabilized his knee. I now supplement with fish oil & glucosamine/chondroitin.

I was not against the surgery but Trucker had just had surgery for something else & the thought of putting him through it all over again was heartbreaking. That is why I tried the alternate therapy 1st. I figured if it didn’t work we could always do the surgery a little later. I am very glad that we waited. I know this may not be the answer for every dog but there really is no risk in waiting a short time (as long as you keep her calm & dont further the injury). Of course our vet told us if we didn’t do the surgery immediately then he would blow out the other knee too. However that did not happen.

Here is a website that may be useful. http://home.earthlink.net/~tiggerpoz/index.html

Again I am not telling you to go against your vet’s advice. I am only suggesting you do a little research & weigh all your options. You know your dog best so follow your instinct.

Thanks so much for your advice. I'm so glad that you baby didn't have to go through what I'm thinking is a very painful surgery especially after just having prior surgery. I too like you would like to try an alternate treatment for Ms. Ali. Since on the anti inflamatory pills she's moving about so much more but still holding the paw apart from the occasional time when she seems to put some weight on it) which is ok cause I don't want her to reinjure it. I was just speaking with my sister in law who told me about a lady who lives close by whose dog just had it done and I'm going to see if I can reach her and see how things are going. Ms. Ali has never been crated but I must say she is very good. She spends most of her time on her bed on the floor (she is used to being in the bed) and she still tries to see if I will let her up but that's a complete no no. I checked out the web site and found it very informative. THANK YOU!! This is a big decision especially when the vets are saying she could injure her other knee. I wonder sometimes if they just want to get our money. Nevertheless I appreciate your help so much and I'll keep you updated on her progress. Thanks a bunch!!

 

[punchinella]

Poor Ms. Ali. Sending lots of gentle hugs to your girl. Hope she makes a speedy recovery.

 

[Hunnys Folks]

Did you get her to the specialist yet? I hope it went good if you did .

 

[Murp.mm]

Hunnys Folks:

Yes we saw the specialist and it not good as far as not having surgery. The vet was great and explained everything in detail. She's booked for Tuesday coming. She'll be in the hospital for two days and then I have to do physio with her for 8 weeks (I think it's 8). It will take a full 8 months for complete recovery. But she will be fine and will be able to jog and swin (if she could) but she's finished running and jumping (that's my orders). But I think he feels that's the right thing to do too. I'll have to write back. Someone is coming at the door and the dogs are barking like crazy. How's Hunny doing? I didn't check your post yet.

 

[Gruntsmom]

More healing and positive vibes going out to Sweet Ms. Ali, and hope all goes well with her surgery next week. I'll be thinking of the both of you on Tuesday. (((hugs)))