Cruciate Ligament Surgery Brisbane

[MacG]

HI

We were so very sad to hear today that our beloved MacG looks to have damaged his cruciate ligament in his left hind leg.

We have been recommended 2 options- Stafford Veterinary Specialist centre or Matt Holmes at Northlakes Veterinary Centre.

I feel sick to my stomach for him being hurt. We have been so careful as o not allow him to go on long walks - or to have rough play- or even throw toys for him.

He is a crazy dog on his own and doesn't need any winding up.

I was determined to be a giant pet owner who defied odds and had no injuries

Has anyone else had their dog have surgery at either of these places?

I am also praying that our pet insurance policy pays out on the claim too- we have had it since the day we got him- and he is two years old next week.

poor baby MacG

[luvmybulldog]

My Girl has been to Stafford for her Cruciate - Airway - and also for a couple of nights of observation when she had what we thought were seizures all in the last 6 months. All the staff were wonderful considering I was a blubbering mess whenever I had to leave her there. Jason Beck did her cruciate and airway surgery and he was fantastic both times. I also know a couple who had Richard Eaton-Wells do their dogs cruciate and they also speak highly of him.

[coogie]

David Burgess at Stafford did our girl's hip surgery, different to a knee I know, but the staff were all fantastic and submitted the insurance claim for us. We were very happy with them and they let me visit her each day once they could see it did not upset her. She had a slightly extended stay as she went in via the ER over a weekend. They put a t-shirt of my hubby's in her crate and her favourite Pooh Bear toy, small things I know, but we felt they cared very much about her well being. The follow up care was also excellent and the hydrotherapy and physio they suggested has really helped with her long term soundness. The insurance covered both - we are with Petplan, not sure if other companies cover but would be worth asking if MacG needs it. I went with the specialist centre because Issy had already had knee surgery on the same leg and I wanted her to see a specialist as we know she will have ongoing issues.

My sister takes her GSD to Matt and speaks very highly of him as well, but I don't have any experience of them personally.

I really hope MacG is on the road to recovery soon, it's so stressful when they are hurt and facing a long recovery.

[MacG]

Thanks for your replies.

I am relived in a way that we know what it is and can try and fix it- but still sad that it has happened.

From what I read our pet Health insurance (with Manchester unity- that has now become HCF) will cover the surgery and incidentals up to $10K- so we should be fine with the claim.

My across the road neighbour is a Vet at the Stafford Emergency Vets- she is away at the moment- but will ask her opinion tomorrow too when she gets home.

Our vet said without hesitation that she would send her own pet to Matt Holmes- so I feel quite confident with that.

Will let you know how we go

[**Super_Dogs**]

I cannot comment on Northlakes, however cannot speak highly enough of stafford. When my dogs was just 11 weeks old she fractured her elbow in 3 places, including through her growth plate. This was a serious fracture which high potential for long term damage. Surgery was done by Jason. He did a great job. Today, she is now 2, and you would never know.

My only advice, being very strict about activity during the recovery period. We had to crate our pup for very long period of time and post surgery she could not run, jump or play

[Jillee]

We have just had our son's dog ( large ,ridgeback size) recover from cruciate surgery. She had it done at Ashgrove but her recovery notes and advice is identical to Stafford vet's advice. She is a very exciteable dog but the operation ( done on Jan 31st) has been a complete success. She is now off lead in a small yard under cover outside after being in crate and puppy pen indoors for the last 8 weeks. Keeping quiet is most important and doing the physio ....Good luck, son had no insurance and the cost was $3000. Stafford specialist vets come highly recommended too.