Partial Cruciate Ligament Tear

[tashnchief]

Just seeking any advice or suggestions for a friend.

The dog in question is a large breed dog and has not completely torn the cruciate ligament but has a partial tear.

They have seen a specialist and the recommendation is for a surgical repair on not just the leg that has the partial tear but also the other leg as x-rays show some weakening there as well.

As I have personally never dealt with a cruciate ligament issue before I am unsure of what other treatments or therapies that may be available to them.

If anyone has ever dealt with this issue before I would love to know what you tried and what the success rates were?

[ness]

You can use conservative management to repair some partial tears but it depends on the stability of the joint. Conservative management normally involves 8 weeks strict crate rest at a minimum then gradual return to normal activity. If the joint is unstable then surgical repair is strongly warranted.

I was told by an ortho specialist there was no real advantage to going in and repairing a partial tear if it was a cruciate it would go eventually and could be repaired then and the outcome would be no different.

When in doubt get another specialist opinion would be my recommendation and work from there. Surgery isn't the end of the world but its not without consequences and risks. Its all about balancing a risk v reward scenario.

Edited June 27, 2013 by ness

[Blackdogs]

Swimming swimming and more swimming. No other forms of exercise. No jumping, running or walking long distances. This swimming should be controlled (not at beach, but at hydrotherapy pool) to avoid the strain of going in an out.

[Quickasyoucan]

We were told not to swim on recovery from a TPLO as it hyper extends the knee.

[ness]

Swimming is not a controlled enough form of rehab. Underwater treadmill may be of benefit but I gather you still need to rest first. Do you have access to a canine rehab place?

[coogie]

Tashnchief if they are north of Brisbane and get the ok from the vet I would recommend The Canine Fitness Centre at Morayfield, the specialist at QVS sent us there and whilst our girl had already had knee and hip surgery, I know Marion provides rehab to a number of large breed dogs with partial cruciate tears. They have both a pool and underwater treadmill. Link below if they choose that route and are interested in calling her. No link to the business other than a satisfied customer!

Canine Fitness Centre link

[tashnchief]

Thank you all so much for your advice, it's greatly appreciated.

Bummer Coogie, they live on the Gold Coast and it would be too far to travel thanks for the link though it is one to keep in mind.

Anyone know of any similar facilities, dog hydrotherapy pools on the gold coast?

[coogie]

There is Canine Cubby at Yatala which would be closer but not sure if they have a treadmill or just the heated pool, there is also Canine Hydrotherapy Australia at Greenbank- not very close but at least South of the city! The specialist gave me a whole list I will see if I can dig it out of Issy's folder and check the Gold Coast. Hasten to add I have never used any of the others but at least they might be a starting point ?