Crucial Ligament -suspected In Bc

[Angel3]

You are really pushing this brace thing. Starting to think that it is actually your company and the purpose of this thread is to promote the brace.

I,m sorry you feel this way but I really have NO TIME for this. I am one person & solely one person. I am NO COMPANY.

[Angel3]

You are really pushing this brace thing. Starting to think that it is actually your company and the purpose of this thread is to promote the brace.

I,m sorry you feel this way but I really have NO TIME for this. I am one person & solely one person. I am NO COMPANY.

The Ultrasound will be getting done in a few days time. Until then we can see just how much damage there is if any. I am not JUMPING into the Brace but as this topic is titled 'LOOKING FOR OPTIONS" please folks read before you criticise. I seriously don't have time for time wasters.

Here's two Links a dog using the Brace.

My linkMy linkMy link

My link

Edited July 30, 2012 by Angel3

[OSoSwift]

I have never hear of the brace hopefully someone comes along who has. My Whippet girl had TPLO surgery for cruciate damage 3 weeks ago so I feel your (and his) pain.

Goodluck

oSoSwift can I please ask you were you happy with your TPLO & did you have an A Plate put in also? I am just worried for an op with my boy. Thanks x

So far, yes but it is a little soon to tell 100%. She is the smallest dog they have done it on but she is no more lame now at 3 weeks post op than she was before going in, she was pretty much on three legs, now she is on four with a slight limp.

Rommi had a T-shaped plate in her leg.

Her cruciate wasn't completely ruptured but we were sure it would. I didn't want that to happen as there was the risk or more injury with cartlidge etc. When they opened her up her cruciate was damaged and very close to snapping. She originally injured it around 2 years ago, recovered has been trialling and gained some passes in agility etc. Her 'episodes" were gettign more frequent and harder to get her sound until she came up lame, I rested her, she came sound, then went lame, then got her sound, went very lame while standing on her bed in a 5 minute window!

I am very glad I went the surgery as it meant the least potential damage to her joint, a far better odds of return to soundness and function.

Thanks oSoSwift,

I,m glad to hear that from you. Best of Luck in the future with her.

On that note I just want to let you know I did read about an op done in Colorado where a vet hadn't used the right surgical plate & therefore the poor dog got infection & the worst thing happened.I Don't mean to worry you but I am just letting anyone know who reads this also as I wouldn't wish this on any Animal or their owners.I am VERY Picky on Vets as I want to know & see the WHOLE of it all. :)

I am not worried, they showed me what they were going to use and exactly what they were going to do. The vet that did it, while not a specialist, has a talent for and special interest in orthopedics and has done extra study. The plate he used is the correct plate for the procedure.

My girl has healed up well and there is no sign of infection. I fully trust my vet or I would not have let them do it.

This is the plate they used and it is a TPLO plate.

I am thinking you do need to relax a little bit here. Yes snapping a cruciate is a big deal but surgery isn't the worst thing that could happen. Look at it from the dogs point of view, what is the BEST option for him to be pain free and have a good return to function???

I chose what I did becasue it gave my dog the best chance of returning to normal and have a long painfree life. That is also why I did not wait until it snapped to do the surgery.

Whippets are renowned for being bad anaesthetic patients - especially if the vet is not sighthound savy, but I still put her needs first and my vets are sighthound savy.

Edited July 30, 2012 by OSoSwift

[Angel3]

I have never hear of the brace hopefully someone comes along who has. My Whippet girl had TPLO surgery for cruciate damage 3 weeks ago so I feel your (and his) pain.

Goodluck

oSoSwift can I please ask you were you happy with your TPLO & did you have an A Plate put in also? I am just worried for an op with my boy. Thanks x

So far, yes but it is a little soon to tell 100%. She is the smallest dog they have done it on but she is no more lame now at 3 weeks post op than she was before going in, she was pretty much on three legs, now she is on four with a slight limp.

Rommi had a T-shaped plate in her leg.

Her cruciate wasn't completely ruptured but we were sure it would. I didn't want that to happen as there was the risk or more injury with cartlidge etc. When they opened her up her cruciate was damaged and very close to snapping. She originally injured it around 2 years ago, recovered has been trialling and gained some passes in agility etc. Her 'episodes" were gettign more frequent and harder to get her sound until she came up lame, I rested her, she came sound, then went lame, then got her sound, went very lame while standing on her bed in a 5 minute window!

I am very glad I went the surgery as it meant the least potential damage to her joint, a far better odds of return to soundness and function.

Thanks oSoSwift,

I,m glad to hear that from you. Best of Luck in the future with her.

On that note I just want to let you know I did read about an op done in Colorado where a vet hadn't used the right surgical plate & therefore the poor dog got infection & the worst thing happened.I Don't mean to worry you but I am just letting anyone know who reads this also as I wouldn't wish this on any Animal or their owners.I am VERY Picky on Vets as I want to know & see the WHOLE of it all. :)

I am not worried, they showed me what they were going to use and exactly what they were going to do. The vet that did it, while not a specialist, has a talent for and special interest in orthopedics and has done extra study. The plate he used is the correct plate for the procedure.

My girl has healed up well and there is no sign of infection. I fully trust my vet or I would not have let them do it.

This is the plate they used and it is a TPLO plate

Thanks oSoSwift,

That's really great to know people like you who are vigilant of their surroundings. So very glad you have a good Vet. I wish Rommi & you well for the future Xx

[Angel3]

I have never hear of the brace hopefully someone comes along who has. My Whippet girl had TPLO surgery for cruciate damage 3 weeks ago so I feel your (and his) pain.

Goodluck

oSoSwift can I please ask you were you happy with your TPLO & did you have an A Plate put in also? I am just worried for an op with my boy. Thanks x

So far, yes but it is a little soon to tell 100%. She is the smallest dog they have done it on but she is no more lame now at 3 weeks post op than she was before going in, she was pretty much on three legs, now she is on four with a slight limp.

Rommi had a T-shaped plate in her leg.

Her cruciate wasn't completely ruptured but we were sure it would. I didn't want that to happen as there was the risk or more injury with cartlidge etc. When they opened her up her cruciate was damaged and very close to snapping. She originally injured it around 2 years ago, recovered has been trialling and gained some passes in agility etc. Her 'episodes" were gettign more frequent and harder to get her sound until she came up lame, I rested her, she came sound, then went lame, then got her sound, went very lame while standing on her bed in a 5 minute window!

I am very glad I went the surgery as it meant the least potential damage to her joint, a far better odds of return to soundness and function.

Thanks oSoSwift,

I,m glad to hear that from you. Best of Luck in the future with her.

On that note I just want to let you know I did read about an op done in Colorado where a vet hadn't used the right surgical plate & therefore the poor dog got infection & the worst thing happened.I Don't mean to worry you but I am just letting anyone know who reads this also as I wouldn't wish this on any Animal or their owners.I am VERY Picky on Vets as I want to know & see the WHOLE of it all. :)

I am not worried, they showed me what they were going to use and exactly what they were going to do. The vet that did it, while not a specialist, has a talent for and special interest in orthopedics and has done extra study. The plate he used is the correct plate for the procedure.

My girl has healed up well and there is no sign of infection. I fully trust my vet or I would not have let them do it.

This is the plate they used and it is a TPLO plate.

I am thinking you do need to relax a little bit here. Yes snapping a cruciate is a big deal but surgery isn't the worst thing that could happen. Look at it from the dogs point of view, what is the BEST option for him to be pain free and have a good return to function???

I chose what I did becasue it gave my dog the best chance of returning to normal and have a long painfree life. That is also why I did not wait until it snapped to do the surgery.

Whippets are renowned for being bad anaesthetic patients - especially if the vet is not sighthound savy, but I still put her needs first and my vets are sighthound savy.

Thanks. I have a fatal experience with a vet thats why it's so hard for me. & oh you have nice websites too.

[persephone]

Angel3

if you let folks know what area you're in, and maybe ask in General .. I'm sure there are good trustworthy vets who can be recommended to you by DOLers !

Folks here have all sorts of vet knowledge :)

[ness]

If your interested in going the conservative management approach then there is a yahoogroup. There certainly seems to be some evidence to suggest you can heal a cruciate injury without surgery and that the outcome may end up the same. The basic premise starts with 8 weeks strict crate rest to enable the scar tissue to start to form.

This website is a good one for information on conservative management -

http://www.tiggerpoz.com/id3.html

I am not anti-surgery where its necessary (my young BC has just had surgery to attempt to correct a luxating patella a little over 3 months ago) but there are certainly alternative methods for resolving a cruciate rupture and enough dogs who have had successful recovery to suggest if you aren't able to go down the surgery path then there are other alternatives for helping the dog.

All the best with the recovery whichever process you chose to adopt.

Edited July 30, 2012 by ness

[Salukifan]

I,m glad to hear that from you. Best of Luck in the future with her.

On that note I just want to let you know I did read about an op done in Colorado where a vet hadn't used the right surgical plate & therefore the poor dog got infection & the worst thing happened.I Don't mean to worry you but I am just letting anyone know who reads this also as I wouldn't wish this on any Animal or their owners.I am VERY Picky on Vets as I want to know & see the WHOLE of it all. :)

Google can be dangerous sometimes. That's one TPLO op. Hardly a reason to write off a proceedure that's tried, tested and successful. If it worries you that much, get a referral to an veterinary othopedic surgeon.

Until you know precisely what you are dealing with, it's all speculation anyway. I'd be pushing for the ultrasound now. If this is a sports dog, I'd also be considering the TPLO. If not, then more conservative/management approaches may (I repeat may) work.

You might also wish to consider the level of pain your dog is in. If he won't walk at all, my guess is its significant. Is he on pain meds?

Another factor is that the longer the other leg is taking the brunt of carrying the dog's weight, the more likely that it will also rupture. A second rupture within 12 months is not unusual.

And trim your dog down. Weight is a significant factor in predisposing dogs to ACL rupture. If he's going to be wearing a brace, then you need to get him as thin as possible.

[Angel3]

If your interested in going the conservative management approach then there is a yahoogroup. There certainly seems to be some evidence to suggest you can heal a cruciate injury without surgery and that the outcome may end up the same. The basic premise starts with 8 weeks strict crate rest to enable the scar tissue to start to form.

This website is a good one for information on conservative management -

http://www.tiggerpoz.com/id3.html

I am not anti-surgery where its necessary (my young BC has just had surgery to attempt to correct a luxating patella a little over 3 months ago) but there are certainly alternative methods for resolving a cruciate rupture and enough dogs who have had successful recovery to suggest if you aren't able to go down the surgery path then there are other alternatives for helping the dog.

All the best with the recovery whichever process you chose to adopt.

Thank You Ness for your kind reply with very helpful info.I will read further into the Link.

I really like this website it gets to the REAL truth. Below is just an exsert from it. I am confident I am on the RIGHT track. It seems to me too many people take advice from Vets & run with it. My boy is supervised & monitored extremely closely 24/7 currently.

Thanks Heaps Again.X

Are you considering another exam of your dog who is improving because you want to get a vet's opinion of the progress of the recovery? Don't do it! More manipulation of the joint is NOT a good idea. Unless there are special circumstances I would not allow any more exams. Manipulation of the joint trying to elicit 'Drawer' movement serves little or no purpose after the original diagnosis, and there is considerable risk to an improving dog that the vet will damage the vulnerable partial re-stabilization. If Fido is improving, don't let anyone manipulate the injured joint. I get emails regularly from people whose dogs were improving nicely until a vet manipulated the recovering joint causing damage to the developing fibrous scar tissue and setting back the dog's recovery or worse.

Edited July 30, 2012 by Angel3

[Angel3]

I,m glad to hear that from you. Best of Luck in the future with her.

On that note I just want to let you know I did read about an op done in Colorado where a vet hadn't used the right surgical plate & therefore the poor dog got infection & the worst thing happened.I Don't mean to worry you but I am just letting anyone know who reads this also as I wouldn't wish this on any Animal or their owners.I am VERY Picky on Vets as I want to know & see the WHOLE of it all. :)

Google can be dangerous sometimes. That's one TPLO op. Hardly a reason to write off a proceedure that's tried, tested and successful. If it worries you that much, get a referral to an veterinary othopedic surgeon.

Until you know precisely what you are dealing with, it's all speculation anyway. I'd be pushing for the ultrasound now. If this is a sports dog, I'd also be considering the TPLO. If not, then more conservative/management approaches may (I repeat may) work.

You might also wish to consider the level of pain your dog is in. If he won't walk at all, my guess is its significant. Is he on pain meds?

Another factor is that the longer the other leg is taking the brunt of carrying the dog's weight, the more likely that it will also rupture. A second rupture within 12 months is not unusual.

And trim your dog down. Weight is a significant factor in predisposing dogs to ACL rupture. If he's going to be wearing a brace, then you need to get him as thin as possible.

Yes thanks Haredown, I started pulling back on his food from day 1, I was fully aware that that's what I should be doing for his recoverery. Yes in my 1st post I said he was on NSAIDS from day one.I have also started him on Glucosomine & will be giving him Glucosamine & Chondroitin Gel Capsules shortly. I have upped his Omega 3 foods from day 1 also. He has a warm wheet pack over his knee continually, that is every time it gets cold or when he comes back in from assissted toileting. it sure helps him in many ways. He has rested from day one it is now day 6. Day 6 he is 'sitting' from a down position occassionally. I made a ramp for him which he now likes, it's a bit of a slippery dip. but he knows now & I assisst with holding his back end up with the lead as he comes back up & he seems to doing better since now from day one. A heavy duty proper dog ramp with better grip is on it's way. I just can't do everything at once. I have 3 other K9's to look after also. I have read about weight bearing on the 'good' leg & what it can lead to & I dare say my boy has been an exceptioally good rester considering.

[Salukifan]

Yes thanks Haredown, I started pulling back on his food from day 1, I was fully aware that that's what I should be doing for his recoverery. Yes in my 1st post I said he was on NSAIDS from day one.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are not pain killers.

I have also started him on Glucosomine & will be giving him Glucosamine & Chondroitin Gel Capsules shortly. I have upped his Omega 3 foods from day 1 also. He has a warm wheet pack over his knee continually, that is every time it gets cold or when he comes back in from assissted toileting. it sure helps him in many ways.

I'm not so sure. You can really overdo heat packs. If you want to reduce swelling, you'd be better off using an icepack in limited doses.

He has rested from day one it is now day 6. Day 6 he is 'sitting' from a down position occassionally. I made a ramp for him which he now likes, it's a bit of a slippery dip. but he knows now & I assisst with holding his back end up with the lead as he comes back up & he seems to doing better since now from day one. A heavy duty proper dog ramp with better grip is on it's way. I just can't do everything at once. I have 3 other K9's to look after also. I have read about weight bearing on the 'good' leg & what it can lead to & I dare say my boy has been an exceptioally good rester considering.

If grip on the current ramp is an issue, go and get a carpet offcut and nail it on.

When's the ultrasound? Frankly, the level of immobility you describe sounds like something more serious than an ACL rupture. I gather there's been no x-rays?

Edited July 30, 2012 by Haredown Whippets

[persephone]

my boy has been an exceptioally good rester

perhaps he is just too sore to do anything else ?. Hopefully you will get a definite diagnosis very soon , and then work on whatever the problem is .

I agree with the previous poster ... in her points , esp about nailing down some carpet . A little slip on another leg could well see damage done elsewhere - and that would be just awful .

[ness]

If you have access to a qualified vet chiro it might also be worth getting an opinion from somebody like that. There were a few times over the years when I thought my other BC might have ruptured a cruciate and it was presenting in a similar fashion only it was something much more treatable.

If you are considering going down the surgery path (or even if you aren't at the moment) a trip to an orthospecialist isn't such a bad idea either. I think it is pretty important thing to have a definite diagnosis. Especially if you going to do down the path of 8 weeks strict rest.

[Kavik]

Whereabouts are you? There are some great specialists in Sydney.

I wish you all the best - I haven't had to deal with cuciate problems but have had a dog break a leg - injuries are stressful

Edited July 30, 2012 by Kavik

[Angel3]

Yes thanks Haredown, I started pulling back on his food from day 1, I was fully aware that that's what I should be doing for his recoverery. Yes in my 1st post I said he was on NSAIDS from day one.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are not pain killers.

I have also started him on Glucosomine & will be giving him Glucosamine & Chondroitin Gel Capsules shortly. I have upped his Omega 3 foods from day 1 also. He has a warm wheet pack over his knee continually, that is every time it gets cold or when he comes back in from assissted toileting. it sure helps him in many ways.

I'm not so sure. You can really overdo heat packs. If you want to reduce swelling, you'd be better off using an icepack in limited doses.

He has rested from day one it is now day 6. Day 6 he is 'sitting' from a down position occassionally. I made a ramp for him which he now likes, it's a bit of a slippery dip. but he knows now & I assisst with holding his back end up with the lead as he comes back up & he seems to doing better since now from day one. A heavy duty proper dog ramp with better grip is on it's way. I just can't do everything at once. I have 3 other K9's to look after also. I have read about weight bearing on the 'good' leg & what it can lead to & I dare say my boy has been an exceptioally good rester considering.

If grip on the current ramp is an issue, go and get a carpet offcut and nail it on.

When's the ultrasound? Frankly, the level of immobility you describe sounds like something more serious than an ACL rupture. I gather there's been no x-rays?

Yes I know NSAIDS aren't pain killers. He's on Metacam chewables as said in my 1st post & it did ease his pain on the 1st night he had it.

[Angel3]

my boy has been an exceptioally good rester

perhaps he is just too sore to do anything else ?. Hopefully you will get a definite diagnosis very soon , and then work on whatever the problem is .

I agree with the previous poster ... in her points , esp about nailing down some carpet . A little slip on another leg could well see damage done elsewhere - and that would be just awful .

He's actually doing better each day as he has really rested & confined for 6 days now. With slow & caution we are getting there. The heavy duty ramp is on it's way.Vets are just too dam easy in telling you they need an op or they need to do the "draw" test. ah ah not me, He ain't touching his joint to further injure when he is doing ok for now. I am quite committed to my K9's to look after them 24/7. & be there for them. There is rubber on the ramp I have made for now.

[schnauzer]

He's actually doing better each day as he has really rested & confined for 6 days now. With slow & caution we are getting there. The heavy duty ramp is on it's way.Vets are just too dam easy in telling you they need an op or they need to do the "draw" test. ah ah not me, He ain't touching his joint to further injure when he is doing ok for now. I am quite committed to my K9's to look after them 24/7. & be there for them. There is rubber on the ramp I have made for now.

I think you should find some vets that you trust. What is the result of the ultrasound?

[Salukifan]

I think you need to find a vet you trust. They don't always have money as their primary motivation for their advice. You'd kick yourself if you found out that delaying your dogs treatment closed off options rather than opening them.

[persephone]

You'd kick yourself if you found out that delaying your dogs treatment closed off options rather than opening them.

yes- something which is healing ... but perhaps not in correct alignment , may well require more invasive treatment to correct later.

It's always tricky when you cannot bring yourself to give someone your trust , especially when the treatment is not for you.

[indigirl]

Years ago my bull mastiff x ruptured his cruiate, I had the surgery done and he recovered well. Five yrs later the other cruiate ruptured and hey had further surgery, the recovery the 2nd time was very slow. Weeks and weeks of rest. However it also healed well and he was 8 yrs old by then.