Cruciate Ligament Torn

[samoyedman]

Thanks for the feedback, he is 10 years old.

Appreciate the contact info. I am a bit reluctant to go to a different vet until I talk to my regular one. They know his history and have his x-ray.

The limp is the back left leg. He already has arthritis in one of his front legs and gets a series of cartrophen shots around every 9 months.

I want to make sure this is fixed because from what I read if it isn't fixed properly arthritis can set-in the knee joint.

Edited December 16, 2016 by samoyedman

[Papillon Kisses]

I second seeing Dr Jaime.

[ness]

Dr Jaime is a vet physio so a little different from your standard vet - she has additional rehab certifications and has spent a lot of time training over in the states. She has been a godsend in working through my problem orthopedically challenged girl and getting her on a suitable regime which helps her live her life to the best she can. My girl has had at least 5 specialists involved in her treatment over a number of years and none have provided me with the resolution to her issues that Jaime has managed to provide. I just wish we lived in Sydney and could have more regular access to her rather than every 3 months when she happens to visit for follow ups. I know of another dog who was quite lame and under the care of a regular vet who recently saw Jaime for the first time and the dog is now on the way to doing much better then she has in years.

[samoyedman]

So would she operate as per the link above or do a different sort of treatment regime?

[ness]

I don't think she would actually operate - she is more on the rehab side of things and would work with your vet or whomever you chose to do surgery if you opted for that path (and I am sure would have her own recommendations on vets in Sydney if you went down that path). I don't know what she would advise as to whether she would suggest you went ahead with surgery or not but if she felt rehab might be all that is required then I am sure she wouldn't suggest surgery unnecessarily either.

[samoyedman]

Thanks. The reason I asked is the link I posted above implies surgery is really the only long-term option.

[ness]

All sort of depends on what the vet has actually found which doesn't seem very clear to me - if they believed the cruciate was ruptured I am surprised your vet didn't at least discuss the option of surgery hence why I would be seeking another opinion.

From personal experience if the cruciate is ruptured then yes I would recommend going ahead with surgery and did do with my 13 year old BC who was otherwise in excellent health minus the ruptured cruciate. You will likely get arthritis in the joint whether you do surgery or not.

[samoyedman]

Just phoned my usual vet practice and they said its not a CL tear or break but it has been traumatised, so I may have my wires crossed. I'm taking him for a checkup in about an hour.

[Scrappi&Monty]

Scrappi (14kg Corgi x Jack Russell) has torn both hind cruciate ligaments over the years, we didn't do surgery, the vet thought we'd be able to avoid it.

First he partially tore the right, then a few months later tore the left fully, then tore the right fully. :-(

On all occasions we were given meds (can't remember the what) and he had to be on "bed rest" for a month or so. No walks, running, jumping, stairs, couch etc. That was hard with a full of energy adolescent but it needed doing and we managed ok. He had to stay at a family members during the day because we're all at work or school so if you have that opportunity it might work. He is ok now, occasionally needs half an aspirin if he gets limpy (like every few months) and he is likely to get arthritis when he's older. I'm not sure how invasive the surgery is and if I would've done it if it happened now. (I was only young then, my parents thought it was best not to and in the long run that worked well)

Edited December 16, 2016 by Scrappi&Monty

[samoyedman]

Well the good news is no surgery required. Another round of painkillers and a series of cartrophen shots. Also less walks and no running.

Edited December 17, 2016 by samoyedman

[PossumCorner]

That's good news, reduces the stress levels. Good to see this post revisited - 2 yrs old - to follow Jonah's recovery as well.

[ness]

Good news - I would still consider a consult with Dr Jaime sometime - if the dog has a weakness there you can do things which will build muscle and condition and reduce the risk of future injury. Preventative conditioning is hugely important.

[Papillon Kisses]

I second what Ness said, again. :laugh:

My dog kept hurting his back quite badly and his GP vet was treating it with painkillers/anti-inflammatories and strict rest followed by a gradual return to exercise. He'd be good for a while but then hurt it again because his underlying issues weren't being addressed. So we now have a little exercise program, a bit like physiotherapy for dogs but to him it's just a bunch of fun tricks for rewards, and we're seeing improvements. If only my physiotherapy was as fun. :laugh:

Fantastic news though!