ACL help

[Cooter]

Well I went back one year through the posts here and didn't see anything on this topic and I must not be smart enough to figure out the search feature.

Anyways....my little hundred pound lab bud tore his ACL, the vet here in Eau Claire is going to make a recommendation for somewhere in the twin cities.

Looking for those of you who have gone through this, starting to do research. Poor guy isn't going to be a happy camper from what I've seen about recovery time, I won't be after 3 grand(or whatever it costs) but it will be money well spent.

Any input would be much appreciated from what we can gather from the local visit to options - I will post more when I find out more. Sorry if I missed a recent post on this.

I just told him he could get along just fine with 3 legs - he's so [PoorWordUsage] from all the stress of being under at the vet I got no reply.....unreal how attached we get to those 4 legged stinkers......Thanks in advance.

[stretch]

My lab had the same surgery and he did just fine. He had fishing line to hold acl in place. We just made sure he didn't get over weight and he could run all day.

[Dave S]

A friend of mine has a German Shorthair that tore one ACL a few weeks back. A week later he tore the other one. Now the dog has 2 back legs with torn ACLs. The breeder offered a new pup with choice of gender and color (2 litters are due this spring).

He's been reeling with the thought of either surgery or putting the dog down. Especially if the surgery is that much.

[Cooter]

I did hear if one goes the other is likely next....sure hope not. He's worth it either way - I'll get a second job if thats what it takes. Little stinker will only be 5 come April....

[Todd Caswell]

Lots of good info on the RTF as well. Knock on wood haven't had to go through this. Good luck.

[TylerS]

My uncle's lab tore his ACL in his prime: six years old. It was a big decision to drop all that money on a dog that was "over the hill."

But he did, and he got a few more great hunting seasons out of him. Ask my uncle about it today, and he'll tell you he's never regretted the decision.

I'm guessing you won't either.

[car37r]

Cooter, how old is your lab?

[herm]

Cooter, my lab is 4. She blew out one knee at age 2 and the other last fall. She is a pheasant dog. Given her age, I opted for TPLO both times but with different vets. Glad to answer any questions. PM me here. My top tips are: 1. Ask what you want dog to do after whatever surgery...and for how long. 2. Do your research on TPLO surgeons and costs. (High price does not equal high quality.) 3. Know that 30-40 percent of dogs that blow out one ACL blow out the other within 1-2 years. 4. Recovery will be a lot of work for both of you. Good luck with whatever you decide. It's not an easy call. Any questions? Just ask.

[DrJuice1980]

They will over compensate on the other leg, that is the reason for a second tear. The patterns developed after injury and surgery can also lead to hip issues, other tears and arthritis. Have a good recovery plan.

[duckbuster]

Mesabi Animal Hospital in Hibbing MN. The U of M refer lots of people to this vet for this procedure.

GOOD LUCK. I'm sorry this has happened to you.

[caseymcq]

Call the Vet in Ely, MN. I know it would be a long drive for you but definitely worth it.

[bottomdweller]

Hi Cooter

I went through this about two years ago with my border collie.

Had the tplo done by Dr. Levine at inver grove heights. Cant be more pleased. Did some underwater treadmill rehab in eau claire at ann breaus. Been back running agility competiions and we are about a month or so from getting our master champion title.

Good luck

[Cooter]

Thanks for all the replies - my old man took him to the animal hospital in inver grove heights on friday. He's back home, not happy but doing ok. He has a ton of love and plenty of help for the recovery/rehab.

Still waiting for the poor guy to relieve himself....either doesn't have to or is going to have to adjust to the normal leg lift pee and poo squat!