Dog tore ACL

[bottomdweller]

My wifes dog which runs agility just tore her acl, has anyone had theyre dog go through the surgery and if so how was your dog afterwards as far as running and how well did the surgery hold up. Thanks

[Bryce]

Our first dog tore both her ACL's. First at about 4 and second at about 7. Excellent recovery. Hunted strong until about 11 and had no problems with litters. Arthritis was an issue in later years but manageble with just buffered aspirin and controlling her time afield. These surgeries were over 10 years ago and from what I read, the procedures have greatly improved. Google a Dr. Levine and see if he is still practicing in the metro area. At the time he operated at several different hospitals. Good luck.

[Jim Bob]

Our lab tore both of his just over 4 years ago. We had the TPLO type surgery done. This surgery is more expensive but seems to have better long term results. The hardest part after the surgery is they want you to keep em calm for the next 6 weeks. No running, jumping, sprinting, going up & down stairs or long walks. He just turned 12 a couple weeks ago and has pheasant hunted every season since the surgery with no problems at all. Any more info let me know.

[bottomdweller]

Thanks Bryce and Jim. Bryce, which surgery did you have done on your dog? We are not sure which way to go, the TPLO sounds much better but financially dont know if we can do it. The vet said more than likely the other knee is going to have to be done too eventually.

[brittman]

One of Brittanys tore her ACL about 10 years ago. She was maybe 7 years old then. She had surgury and ran / hunted fine the next fall.

Vet said the repaired side was probably stronger than the other side.

Vet is in WBL did the surgury for about 1/2 what the U wanted to charge.

[fishin58]

Buffered aspirin?? What does that mean?? I have a dog with hip arthitis, would this also work for him?

[bottomdweller]

Thanks everyone, I made an appt with a Dr Levine hopefully all goes well.

[311Hemi]

 Originally Posted By: bottomdweller

Thanks everyone, I made an appt with a Dr Levine hopefully all goes well.

Should be in good hands!!

[1runhotshot]

My lab had it done by Doc Lavine @ Inver Grove Pet Hospital, six weeks later she was as good as new. That was at age 3 and now at age 8 you would never know and the other leg has never been a problem. I think back then it was about $2100.00

[Bryce]

Was not the new method. Believe the first was a cadaver ligament and the second something artificial. Don't think I paid much over $700 each time. At the time, Dr. Levine was pretty highly regarded. Can't imagine that's changed much. It is actually what turned us onto IGH Animal Hospital as he was operating out of there. Got to be pretty serious for anyone else to look at our dogs now.

Buffered aspirin is just what the name implies. Pretty common home remedy for aches and pains and mild arthritis. As always, check with your vet and don't use regular aspirin. Supposedly very hard on canine stomachs.

[brittman]

You can buy chewable buffered aspirin designed for dogs, although my older Brit swollows them whole.

Aspirin in moderate doses works well for mildly arthritic hunting dogs. Careful and watch for signs of stomach bleeding. Rymadil is the prescription med for pets, but I found unnecessary for my dog. I only use aspirin after heavy days in the field. Not on a daily or regular basis. If you need daily care, then work with your vet...

also...

The holeopathic route also has proved to be extremely effective for two of my Britts - 1st was moderately arthritic (U of M x-ray confirmed ragged hip joints) and my current older dog who is mildly arthritic.

The "shark cartilidge" pills and chews work! At least for my dogs. Whole other topic than ACL.

[fishin58]

Sorry about the shift in the post, thank you for the info Brittman.