Knee problems

[Sally & Frank Shanley,and Megan]

Megan has a problem and we thought maybe others may have insight.　 She is four, very active and yesterday while playing ball started limping, holding up her left rear leg.　 We took her to the vet who said she "probably" had a cruciate ligament rupture that requires surgery at the cost of about 1500- yikes!　 Has anyone had any experience with this type of injury?

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

1500 sounds like a very good deal for such an operation. i seem to recall someone on here mentioning recently (past year I guess) that their dogs ligament healed with rest... cant remember who it was though. And it took a VERY long time. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

A ruptured ligament cannot heal on its own. Ligaments hold bone to bone, and they do not repair themselves like skin does. If a ligament is no longer attached on both ends, it cannot reattach on it's own. If it's really ruptured, the knee is going to be permanently unstable.

 

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

Dexter tore his CCL almost exactly 1 yr ago.  The difference was that his was a total tear (>95% torn) and he could not walk at all.  Our vet told us if it was a partial tear we could elect for rest, but a total tear will not heal on its own.

 

I would strongly advise you consider strict rest for several weeks before electing for surgery.  The surgery had a very long hard recovery (he lived in a crate for a good 4-5 months).  If you have any questions feel free to post on my wall - unfortunately we're somewhat of experts in this.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Also, I believe that the smaller the dog, the greater the chances for a shorter recovery and a successful outcome. Of course, it also depends on how badly damaged the knee is.

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

Yes this is also true from what we were told.  At 80 lbs we didn't have much choice with Dex.  Although they did tell us if it was only a slight tear we could have tried the rest. 

 

On a positive note, if surgery is needed I can tell you that Dex is probably about 90% of his old self now.  The recovery was long, but he is doing well (knock on wood).

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Gordie's tear both times was total with leaking in the meniscus.

The ligaments themselves were not surgically repaired but bypassed. He now has 'bionic' knees.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

My poodle was bionic too, she had an artificial ligament to replace the damaged one. I think...it was a long time ago.

[Sally & Frank Shanley,and Megan]

Megan says thank you- sort of.  Frank and I certainly do.All of you gave us great information and I went back to our vet with a long list of questions.  It turns out he does many of these surgeries and he spent a lot of time answering questions and giving us information. So we went ahead with the surgery and her ligament was totally ruptured so it was good we did not wait. She is three days post surgery and has resigned herself to the cone of shame and is doing well. The vet tells us that the hardest time comes at about two weeks when she will think she is ok.  Our biggest worry is her trying to jump on her favorite couch. We did get another crate and she spends a good part of the there.  Again, thanks for all your help.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It sounds like you made the right choice. JD and I are sending wished for a speedy and uneventful recovery!

PS: The cone is a good idea. I had to meet my vet at the office two days after surgery to have my poodle's cast replaced, because she chewed right through it!

Feel better soon, Megan!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

It's great that you were armed with all the right questions and that the surgery was needed and has gone so well. I do hope that Megan's recovery is swift and problem free.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[Leslie and Halas]

I hope she has a speedy recovery!