Torn ACL

[Harrison & Brodie]

What we thought was just a hot spot turned out to me more. Brodie (14mos) developed a hot spot on his rear right knee on the inside of the leg. Off to the vet we went and after a week of treatment the skin was clear but he was limping on the leg really bad. We had him swim to see if it was just a stiff muscle from playing so much. I could touch anywhere on the leg and he would not even flinch, it was only when he put weight on it. But after a week it was not getting any better to off to the vet again today. Good news is the skin is all cleared up, sad news Brodie has a torn ACL.. So he is on anti-inflamatory meds and rest... Haha rest? There is no resting this fellow.. We have him on a leash in the house to keep him quiet and from participating in the ver fun Doodle Zoomies.  He is allowed to swim for therapy which he loves so hopefully his muscles will get stronger to support that knee and keep him from surgery. 

Doodle friends, ACL injuries are very common, so keep a close eye on your boys & girls if they play hard and start to limp take notice

Hugs and Slobbers

Harrison & Brodie

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Harrison ~ how is Brodie progressing.  I hope he has been able to strengthen the leg with swimming exercise.  How about an update!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

 Make sure you go to a specialist and have x-rays and diagnosis and treatment plan.  Our Springer tore both about 2 years apart and needed surgery.  It seems that if they  tear one, they almost always injure the other in the future, so be aware and perhaps you can prevent it.  Sending wishes for a full recovery in the best way for him.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I would also, after reading a story from another Doodle Mom on FB this week get a second opinion.  They were told at an Emergency Vet that they had a torn CCL and told they could have immediate surgery or wait and see or see a surgeon.  They opted for a 2nd opinion and found it was the hip, not the knee so they were happy they got a second opinion.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I'm not an expert in ACL injuries but when Boris was diagnosed with OCD in one shoulder we had the option on a 'rest and wait and see' approach or surgery immediately. After doing the research we opted for surgery as soon as possible. It turned out to be both shoulders and the recovery and rehab wasn't easy but it's now well in the past.  We know he will deveop arthritis at some stage but for now he runs normally and more importantly, pain free. We also give him suplements which may help to prevent the arthritis that is unfortunately an inevitable consequence of the condition. I wish you well with this, it is so hard watching our beloved doodles in discomfort and pain.

[Robin and Libby Louise]

I have to agree with Lucy and Annabelle's mom on this - it's a tough recovery (especially for Doodle Moms!), but seeing your doodle running pain free is worth it.  Libby's surgeon basically said it would never heal itself based upon her size (53 pounds) and just normal activity.  Of course everyone has to do what's best for their doodle and themselves, but it's something to think about.  Plus, they are compensating so much on their other leg that it can put extra stress on the good knee and wind up with damage there, as well.  Good luck!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

I'm so sorry to hear about Brodie and sending wishes for a speedy recovery.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I'm just going to start this by saying this is just my opinion and I'm not a vet.  From what I learned in going through the process with our Lucy is that for these larger dogs you are fighting a loosing battle trying to let this heal itself.  You will rest for a few weeks and then a couple weeks later he is going to take off running and it is going to happen all over again.  It might be possible for a little 10 lb dog to get one to heal on its own, but the changes of this for a standard size doodle are very slim.  By allowing it to continue I personally feel that we are just adding to the arthritis problems that you are going to face anyway down the road.  Consensus seemed to be that the sooner it is fixed, the less chance of arthritis down the road.  If they are certain it is torn or even partially torn then I would look at getting it fixed as soon as possible.  Best of luck.