dog surgery: anyone have their pup's ACL repaired?

[mrbigstuff]

we need to get this done one way or another. estimates from one place range from $3k to $4k. the difference is the use of a plate in the more expensive surgery. I have yet to price shop, but I am guessing it's not going to vary much. the choice will be in the reviews.

just curious if anyone here has encountered this and how you may have dealt with it.

[ka jowct]

Saw it done on an episode of Dr. Jeff on Animal Planet. Are you anywhere near Denver?

[Pam]

TPLO is the way to go. Yes it is expensive but it doesn't fail and the knee is stronger than a normal knee. No effects on activity after healing. Tightrope surgery may or may not work in which case you have to get a TPLO down the line.

My dog had TPLO on both knees, about 4 weeks apart. Once one CCL is torn, the risk is high for the other to tear prior to repair and during healing. Do not go to a surgeon who says the dog needs to stay kenneled for 6 weeks. That is absurd. And due to laziness on both the surgeon and some owners part. Complete recovery takes about 12 weeks. The first 4 weeks are critical. No jumping or running. Passive stretching and slowly increasing walk times should start a week after surgery. Once cleared for full activity expect a few months to regain lost muscle mass.

Care credit can be used to pay for the surgery over 6 months without interest. You can apply on line.

[NewtonMP2100]

....nope but hear it can be......RUFF....



....Good Luck......!!

[cbelt3]

Many years ago our Lhasa Apso was suffering problems, and she had surgery on her back knees. And was up and running around in no time. And still jumped up on a chair and then the table to eat all the leftover Chicken Goulash one evening....... we came home to find her lying on her back groaning from the full tummy !

[GuyGene]

What is TPLO? Our mix chocolate lab, 11 1/2 years old, has bad back knee. It's been x rayed, 3 vets opinion, two said doesn't need surgery. Her regular vet office is the one that said she might, but they don't do it, a roving surgeon comes by, $2,500. Normally is $3,500 he said.

[Pam]

GuyGene wrote:
What is TPLO? Our mix chocolate lab, 11 1/2 years old, has bad back knee. It's been x rayed, 3 vets opinion, two said doesn't need surgery. Her regular vet office is the one that said she might, but they don't do it, a roving surgeon comes by, $2,500. Normally is $3,500 he said.

http://www.vetsportsmedicine.com/include...Lfinal.pdf

A stifle brace may be an option for a dog of that age. I would be confused by the docs saying she doesn't or may need surgery. If it is a torn CCL you have to do something.

Is there a larger vet clinic nearby? I drove 4 hours to get to VOSM rather than use the local ortho surgeons.

[vision63]

Good luck with your puppy!!!

[$tevie]

GuyGene wrote:
What is TPLO? Our mix chocolate lab, 11 1/2 years old, has bad back knee. It's been x rayed, 3 vets opinion, two said doesn't need surgery. Her regular vet office is the one that said she might, but they don't do it, a roving surgeon comes by, $2,500. Normally is $3,500 he said.

Not sure what "bad back knee" means. My friend's older dog was arthritic and she took her to swimming therapy and to acupuncture treatments. She thinks it added a couple years to the dog's quality of life. This assuming that "bad back knee" doesn't mean something is torn or broken.