What would you do?

[herm]

Found out last week my lab has partially torn her (second) ACL. Vet said surgery is inevitable but gave some anti-inflammatories and said see how it is in 10 days...which is, you guessed it, pheasant opener. So what would you do? Hunt her once to see how it goes...and at least let her (and me and my boys) get out once this season? Or just pass until next year?

For the record, I will call the vet and follow her advice....but I thought I would seek input here too.

Finally, best of luck to everyone this season. Her and I have been doing this for only 3 years, but man are we gonna miss it.....until 2013. Meantime, flush one up for us while you're out there this fall.

[Todd Caswell]

Have no idea what I would do, knock on wood we train 5 days a week year round, dogs retrieve 1500 marks a year, run 1000+ blinds a year and I haven't had to deal with this yet. I personally let the dog decide based on my observations if the dog can handle it without alot of pain then go for it. If the dog is in alot of pain but doing it because ( they are hunting dogs and don't now any different ) then get it done befor the season begins, and wait untill next year.

[nofishfisherman]

Thats a tough one. I think all you can do is sit back and let the dog tell/show you what it can do. I've seen dogs with ACL tears that barely show any signs of an issue, just depends on the dog and the extent of the tear. But like said above if shes in a lot of pain but still wants to go then you'll have to be the one to tell her enough is enough.

If you do hunt her this year I'd make sure to do your best to keep the hunts shorter and hopefully less taxing on her. She'll be compensating at least to some degree so you don't want to create other issues.

The thing to keep in mind is that there are alot of good years ahead of her so if sitting one year out helps preserve all those years ahead for you two then that's the best call.

[MuleShack]

2 good posts ahead of me...

[herm]

At this point, her only obvious symptom is some limping/lameness AFTER she rests AFTER a long walk or some fetching. In other words, she is not showing any signs of injury or pain during activity. Example: walked/fetched last night....got home and layed down...then when she got up an hour later she limped for about the first minute outside....this morning no limping. Her attitude and drive seem unchanged.

[herm]

Based on vet's advice...which was similar to that posted here...we tried it Sunday morning. 10 minutes in, she yelped and pulled up lame. Season over; surgery ASAP. If all goes well, she might be able to hit a game farm in Feb or March. Enjoy your season. As the sports stars say, play (or hunt) every day like it's your last.

[MuleShack]

Thats to bad for the dog and you this year.

Its good that it showed its face early so the surgery could be done and no more damage to the dogs leg.

It may sux in the short term, but better for the dog and you in the years to come.

Heres to an Adrian Peterson like recovery!!

[pushbutton]

Sorry about that too, but glad you are putting her interests above your own. I know everyone can not afford it, but odds are good she will have a great recovery and have many good years to come! Kudos to you!!

[nofishfisherman]

Thats too bad you couldn't get a few hunts in, I'm sure she'll miss it as much as you do. But you're doing the right thing and you'll both have a lot of hunting together in the future. I'm sure she'll bounce back better than ever.

[Bambito]

I have the same situation but yet not really!!! Last week found out I tore the muscles that run from my pelvic bone down. Now I have been unable to work for the last 7 days and I have to lay on the couch and listen to my GSP beg to go hunting! He knows that its hunting season and hes sitting here just wondering why the hell aren't we going out!!?? It sucks completly as every year I make sure that he stays healthy and is ready for the up coming season and now its me thats the one unable to hunt!! Doc says 6-8 weeks...yea right more like 3 its huntin season!

[herm]

I have the same situation but yet not really!!! Last week found out I tore the muscles that run from my pelvic bone down. Now I have been unable to work for the last 7 days and I have to lay on the couch and listen to my GSP beg to go hunting! He knows that its hunting season and hes sitting here just wondering why the hell aren't we going out!!?? It sucks completly as every year I make sure that he stays healthy and is ready for the up coming season and now its me thats the one unable to hunt!! Doc says 6-8 weeks...yea right more like 3 its huntin season!

Hogwild, I have the plan. You come stay with my dog and I will come hunt with yours!