Greyhound Knees

[Guest bradencic]

I have been told by my vet that my Stella who just turned seven may have torn ligaments in her right knee. I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue, and if so what was the outcome? The vet said she may have to do surgery, I have heard to may horror stories about putting greys under that I don't want to put my Stella under. Stella is in no pain she runs around and jumps around on her leg like everything is fine, but when she stands still she holds her right back paw off the ground. I am in need of some help with this situation because I don't want to put Stella under for surgery.

[macoduck]

IIRC greyhounds don't often have this kind of knee problem. I wouldn't rush into surgery. Get a second opinion. Have you checked her for corns?

 

Editing to add, my old mixed breed Rosie had anterior/posterior crusiate ligament surgery done on both knees.

Edited April 22, 2008 by macoduck

[Guest laceyj]

I am not a vet, but have been through this with a 7 year old non-grey. Having said that, it is my understanding that to be reasonably sure of this diagnosis they will usually sedate the dog, in order to manipulate the leg properly. At the same time they usually x-ray to rule out bone abnormalities. Have you seen an orthopedic specialist yet? My OS told me that left as is my girl would have trouble/pain/lameness intermittently for the rest of her life and would develop what could be severe arthritis in the joint. You mention she runs and plays on it, I'm surprised the Dr. didn't recommend you keep her somewhat quiet. After a full evaluation under sedation the Dr. felt reasonable certain this was the problem and recommended surgery. I did opt for the surgery and it was hugely successful. The recovery was about 8 weeks and I had strict instructions as to her movements during recovery, which I followed to a T. She never had another problem with the knee, and lived to be 15. Does Stella have a history of problems with anesthesia? If not you might want to consider the surgery provided the Dr. doing it is well versed on greyhounds and anesthesia. If I were faced with the same scenario for my grey, I would do it again. Just my

 

My advice is to get all the information you can concerning Stella's particular situation and then you will know what is right for both she and you. Good Luck and let us know how you/she make out.

 

Sending healing thoughts Stella's way.

 

 

[Guest LynnM]

The knee (stifle) isn't a common site of injuries in racing greyhounds, but it absolutely can happen as an athletic injury.

 

Anesthesia isn't the issue that it was years ago. The anesthesia protocols that are used today are safe for any dog, sighthounds included.

 

You need to get a firm diagnosis, which may involve sedation for x-rays and manipulation, depending on how tractable the dog is. If there is a tear, it should be repaired, because the longer it remains unstable, the more likely/worse the arthritis will develop as the dog ages.

 

Best of luck,

 

Lynn

[Burpdog]

Ask specifically if this could be an ACL injury. I would do a consult with an orthopedic guy. Some ACLs can rehab without surgery, but you have to be careful.

 

Not taking care of the injury (if it is the ACL) can cause a tumor to grow at the site. Yes, it has happened to a grey.

[Guest bradencic]

I have to thank everyone for the input, I am just afraid that I will not have her anymore if she is put under anesthesia. She has no history of problems with anesthesia, but I have heard so many stories of greyhounds not doing well with it. The Dr. put her on anti inflamitory meds for 10 days and told me to keep her off of it as much as posible and not to let her run on it. I think I am going to take her to an orthopedic Dr. to see what they say, I am just very worried what they may tell me.

[Guest LynnM]

Frankly, and I use both anti-inflammatories and general anesthetics as necessary... sometimes at the same time, LOL....

 

You stand a better chance of messing up your dog with the anti-inflammatories than you do with the general anesthetics. Granted, the chance is small with both, and I don't usually worry about either.

 

I would recommend that you add Standard Process' Ligaplex II, regardless of whether you go forward with surgery. It won't hurt and it may well help.

 

Tendons and ligaments are are ROYAL PITA because they perform a major function, but they have a pretty pitiful blood supply. Because of this, once they're injured, getting them to heal can take a LONG time. Patience is your best ally. Do NOT push this dog, but do everything that the PT/rehab person suggests. You want to support the dog's mobility, but not push it too far. Water is your best friend... those redneck-y blue pools where you inflate the ring and fill the rest with water are great for canine PT.

[turbotaina]

If you haven't already, do go to an orthopedic specialist for a more definitive diagnoses. As others have noted, greyhounds normally have quite wonderful knees, though as Lynn noted, that doesn't mean that nothing can happen to them.

 

Have you checked the footpads for corns?