Guest greydogluvr Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 (edited) I do not know if this will be moved or deleted but wanted some advise regarding my lab mix. He ruptured his cruciate ligament in his knee. We have done acupuncture so far and are now looking at surgical repair. Has anyone had experience with this surgery? He used to run with my greys and now is unable to. I am so worried about him, both physically and psychologically. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. He is such a special guy. edited to try to fix spelling in topic title but do not know how to get to it-- sorry Edited June 17, 2008 by greydogluvr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MnMDogs Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 We had surgical repair done on my mix breed growing up. This was about 25 years ago, and she made a very good recovery. I don't recall the details since it was so long ago, but the surgery was a success and she lived about 10 more years after the repair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maximum Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 I do not know if this will be moved or deleted but wanted some advise regarding my lab mix. He ruptured his cruciate ligament in his knee. We have done acupuncture so far and are now looking at surgical repair. Has anyone had experience with this surgery? He used to run with my greys and now is unable to. I am so worried about him, both physically and psychologically. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. He is such a special guy. edited to try to fix spelling in topic title but do not know how to get to it-- sorry Our husky mix had her torn cruciate repaired in 1998. She was 9 at the time, and lived another 4 years. She did great with it; she would favour it a bit if she over did it - we kept some metacam on hand for those days, but it never slowed her down. The recovery time is crucial, though - no activity at all for a couple of weeks, except for leash walking into the back yard for bathroom breaks, then after that short leash walks only for another four weeks or so. This is not just for the bad knee to heal but also to ensure that the good knee is not taxed during this time and have the dog end up blowing out their other knee (very common problem in the recovery). It was completely worth it in our case - you would never know that there was anything wrong with her after her surgery. It apparently is the number 1 injury in dogs; the surgeon who repaired Kasper's knee was doing several a week...good luck! Quote My boys, together again... A hui hou kakou, my loves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 No experience here, but sure want to wish you and your boy the best!! He's in our prayers. What's his name? Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Also sending prayers and positive thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greydogluvr Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Thank you so much for your responses. We are contemplating having the surgery within the next week. He tends to put some weight on it but I can already see muscle atrophy. I will be out for summer vacation in a week so I can babysit him at that time. His name is Opie. His entire litter was left at my school when they were less than 6 weeks old. They were flea covered and weak. All of them survived and were placed in loving homes. He is such a sweetheart. I hate to see him this way. Again thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macoduck Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Our angel mutt Rosie had the surgery successfully. Vet said for us to expect her other knee to go out within the next year and it did. Successful surgery with that too. It's amazing how fast they recover. We humans would be on crutches and whining. Rosie was ready to run (but not allowed) within a week. Quote Freshy (Droopys Fresh), NoAh the podenco orito, Howie the portuguese podengo maneto Angels: Rita the podenco maneta, Lila, the podenco, Mr X aka Denali, Lulu the podenco andaluz, Hada the podenco maneta, Georgie Girl (UMR Cordella), Charlie the iggy, Mazy (CBR Crazy Girl), Potato, my mystery ibizan girl, Allen (M's Pretty Boy), Percy (Fast But True), Mikey (Doray's Patuti), Pudge le mutt, Tessa the iggy, Possum (Apostle), Gracie (Dusty Lady), Harold (Slatex Harold), "Cousin" Simon our step-iggy, Little Dude the iggy ,Bandit (Bb Blue Jay), Niña the galgo, Wally (Allen Hogg), Thane (Pog Mo Thoine), Oliver (JJ Special Agent), Comet, & Rosie our original mutt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaisyDoodle Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 If it's not a complete tear yet, have the surgery ASAP. Repair of a partial tear is much easier to recover from--a neighbor's young lab was only on restriction for 6-8 weeks. By comparison, my vet waited 'til Lucky's was completely gone and she wasn't using the leg at all. She had to be leashed walked for 6 months plus. Lucky had it done four years ago. She's 13 now. She's a bit stiff, but otherwise good. We got her to lose 20 lbs which helped quite a bit. The biggest danger is for the other knee to go while the recovery is still going on. In that case, I'd get a little doggie wheelchair, but just don't even think about that for right now. In terms of keeping Lucky occupied, we taught her stuff like balancing a cookie on her nose, gave her treat balls to get kibble out of.... stationary activities to keep her mind occupied. We also did massage for her leg. If you have PT available, I would try that too. Good luck, DD Quote DonnaMolly the Border Collie & Poquita the American-born Podenga Bridge Babies: Daisy (Positive Delta) 8/7/2000 - 4/6/2115, Agnes--angel Sage's baby (Regall Rosario) 11/12/01 - 12/18/13, Lucky the mix (Found, w 10 puppies 8/96-Bridge 7/28/11, app. age 16) & CoCo (Cosmo Comet) 12/28/89-5/4/04 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozgirl2 Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 As part of recovery, maybe swimming would be good?? I know there's a canine swim therapy place near me - maybe talk to the vet after the surgery about one nearby? Quote Jeannine with Merlin, the crazed tabby cat and his sister, Jasmine, the brat-cat With Angel Cody(Roving Gemini), and Weenie the tortie waiting at the Bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 When I researched the surgery for a grey, not mine, it appears to me the old surgery is just as good or better than the "new" surgery. You have to get it repaired. If you do not, there is a chance a tumor will form at the injury site. (I saw it happen). Rehab -- he's going to have to be leash walked and above reference to swimming is a very good idea! Sending prayers! Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Prayers for Opie, and thank you for giving him such a great home.Keep us posted. Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rascalsmom Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 My brother's lab just had that surgery done a couple of months ago. It was done by a veterinary orthopedist. She (the dog ) had to be crated for weeks afterward, and nothing but short leash walks, but she's done really well with it. His dog is almost nine years old. Quote Phoebe (Belle's Sweetpea) adopted 9/2/13. Jack (BTR Captain Jack) 9/28/05--11/2/12Always missing Buddy, Ruby, and Rascal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bevd Posted June 17, 2008 Share Posted June 17, 2008 Sprout (crossbreed aged 14) had a partial rupture and had the surgery last year. He went to 10 hydrotherapy sessions, starting a few weeks after surgery and he has made a total recovery. I also know a number of dogs who have had a full rupture and who have had to have the more complicated TPLO surgery and they have also made very good recoveries (although the recovery time was a lot longer). Quote Deerhounds Darcy, Duffy, Grace & Wellington, Mutts Sprout & Buddy, Lurchers Ned & Jake plus Ella the Westie + cats. Remembering Del, Jessie, Maddison, Flo, Sally, Stanley, Wallace, Radar, Mokka, Oki cat, Tetley, Poppy & Striker. Please visit our web store at http://www.dogsndubs.com for our own range of Greyhound related clothing for humans! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greydogluvr Posted June 22, 2008 Share Posted June 22, 2008 Just an update. I just love my vet. He really looks at the whole picture before suggesting invasive procedures. I had my mind set on surgery but he wanted to make sure this was the right option for Opie. BTW the e-vet wanted to do the surgery immediately. We did blood work and I am glad we did. I found out that Opie is Hypothyroid. My vet suggested that we hold off on the surgery until he loses some weight to assist in avoiding excessive strain on his other legs/joints. He put him on Thyroxine and we will check his blood levels again in 2 weeks. We will continue with healing herbs, acupuncture and laser treatments to assist in healing and slow down the development of arthritis. Opie is not in any pain for this is always one of my main concerns. He is beginning to use his leg a little more but it continues to be unstable. It is so nice to have a vet that takes time to discuss options, show you pictures, share research... so informed decisions can be made. I hate to think what long term consequences may have occurred if I had not taken a step back and consulted with a vet I really trust. Thanks for listening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Winterwish Posted June 22, 2008 Share Posted June 22, 2008 I hope Opie is having a good day today and I'm sorry about his poor leg! That is excellant you have such a good vet- makes all the differance in the world,but even more so does your love and concern for your boy. Sending good thoughts out to you and Opie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted June 22, 2008 Share Posted June 22, 2008 Thanks for the update on your boy. Give him a hug from us. Hope you're surviving the heat!! Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemandvm Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Remember... if the leg wasn't "painful" then they would use it. It isn't like the pain of osteosarcoma which is constant but if when he goes to put any weight on that leg and the joint slides... that hurts!!! Becareful not to postpone surgery too far as the longer you wait the more muscle atrophy will take place and the more arthritis will set in. As for the best repair type... it is debatable as to which is the 'best' procedure. Most specialists believe that the newer techniques are superior while most GPs that do the old technique thinks it works just as well. Having seen dogs with both repairs done, if my dog were to tear an ACL... I would get the newer technique done personally (TTA or TPLO). Was a full thyroid panel performed or only a T4? I would agree with regulating the hypothyroidism if possible prior to surgery as it can affect healing. Quote Bill Lady Bella and Sky at the bridge "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." -Anabele France Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greydogluvr Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Thanks for the information, feemandvm. I continue to worry about him. It makes sense that this type of injury would be painful. Opie is using his leg with a limp. Could this also be partly due to the feeling of instability he may experience if he puts full weight on it, as well? Believe me, I am keeping a close eye on him. As far as the type of thyroid panel that was performed, I am not sure. Can you explain the difference? He did mention that the hypothyroidism could affect the healing process which is the main reason I (we) opted to wait 2 weeks. I have noticed muscle atrophy and there was arthritis in this joint prior to the injury. I am hoping that the alternative (eastern) therapies will slow down the progression of the arthritis. Also, can you explain the newer type of surgery you recommended? My vet explained several options but we have not decided on the specific type as of now. Thanks so much Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeofNE Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Oh dear, do I have experience with this! You bet! My last dog was a mix. He suffered a complete ruputure of his ACL running on a flat grass field. One yelp, and he refused to bear any weight on it, period. I happen to live within spitting distance of Angell Memorial animal hospital, so I called them in a panic. They said I had to see an orthopedic specialist (even the receptionist, apparently, knew what had happened) and could I be there at 8? I said yes, jumped in the car, and drove like a maniac. Got there by 8 AM. Sadly, she meant 8 PM, so had to take him home and wait for 12 hours. I was told that the ONLY reasonable course for him (75 pounds, 5 years old) was TPLO surgery. Long, long story short: he had the surgery. He didn't heal, didn't heal, didn't heal, didn't heal...finally he would use it normally, so I figured all was well. Almost a year to the day from the original surgery, he spiked a massive fever, and screamed if I touched him. Raced him off to my regular vet, who checked him in immediately. Turns out he had a bone infection (which is why he didn't heal--thanks a lot board certified orthopedic surgeon for not realizing that the 6 times I brought my dog back for you to look at). Massive amounts of antibiotics were given, and he was scheduled for another surgery. They took out the metal plate that was put in during the TPLO (the bones were fused, so it was no longer needed) and had to drill into his bone because one of the screws had broken off. They had to drain his joint, etc. Cost of TPLO and aftercare: about $3,200. Cost of surgery to remove TPLO hardware, and medication to cure bone infection: $3,500 This is a very rare outcome--and once the infection was cured, he had many more happy years, and although he did have arthritis, he ulitmately died of a malignant tumor--but could still get around really well. The biggest problem with TPLOs is owners who refuse to limit their dog's exercise as much as the vet tells them to. You should also know that they estimate that 60% of all dogs who tear one ACL will tear the other within a year. I tried to get insurance for Kramer, and the only policy I could get excluded any muscular-skeletal issues...so I didn't bother. Quote Susan, Hamish, Mister Bigglesworth and Nikita Stanislav. Missing Ming, George, and Buck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemandvm Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 A TPLO or TTA takes a VERY different approach to ACL repair. They try to change the anatomy of the joint that resulted in the torn ACL in the first place. As far as benefits of TPLO/TTA over traditional repair... in my experience there seems to be less arthritis down the road (at least in bigger dogs). In addressing TPLO vs. TTA... that will be the specialists preference and I would go with whichever technique teh specialist recommended. here is some info. on ACL injury you might find useful: http://www.VeterinaryPartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1975 Quote Bill Lady Bella and Sky at the bridge "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." -Anabele France Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greytexplorer Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 Please check with your vet's office about the timing of the bloodwrok, re:thyroid. My vet wants to draw blood EXACTLY 8 hours after I have given Mandy her pill. (if I remember correctly) I give her a pill at 8am, take her to the vet's at 3:30, and they draw at 4pm. Anyway, check with your vet ahead of time to see if timing is required. good luck! ~Pat ps....ain't it GREAT when Dr Feeman chimes in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest paulamariez Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 No advice or experience here, but I will keep your beloved Opie in my thoughts and prayers for a quick and complete recovery. The odds were stacked against him after he was born and he came through that with flying colors, which proves what a fighter Opie is! I'm sure with the proper care and lots of prayers he'll come out of this on top! Tiger, Bueller and Domino are sending Opie some healing doggie kisses too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greydogluvr Posted June 24, 2008 Share Posted June 24, 2008 Thank you so much, Dr. Feeman, for the web page. I just printed it for reading. Pat, I will ask my vet about the timing for his blood draw. It may be my imagination, but since he has been on the thyroid meds he appears to have more energy and zest. He used to run and play but now there seems to be a new sparkle in his eye (though he is not running, he barks as the others run). I wish the test was done earlier. He began gaining weight about a year ago. It kind of crept up on me until we had him groomed for the summer. Without his long coat his weight issue is very evident. Additionally, thank you all for the good thoughts and prayers for my Opie. He is a really special boy. I will update as I find out more. Lora Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greydogluvr Posted June 26, 2008 Share Posted June 26, 2008 bump for Goldsmom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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