My Dog has a torn ACL

[MovedToFl]

My 20 lb+ dog has a torn ACL.
I have read about the procedures.TPLO is out since it has been implicated in bone cancer.
I have read about a TTA surgey that is done with a Titanium plate.
My thoughts are to go with the safer conventional surgery and then have him do hydro therapy for rehab.
Has anyones dog had surgery for this problem and what are their thoughts.

 

[Sarah in SC]

We've consulted with the orthopedic vet for our 10 yr old 35 lb dog, but have yet to determine the best course of action. Since the recovery time is 12 weeks from the surgery, we decided to wait until it is cooler to have something done. He is stable and not in a great deal of pain at this time.

We are leaning towards something that has been described as fishing line replacing the ligaments across the knee (it is a rear leg). There is also a mechanical implant that was described to us, but our regular vet is steering us to the other (less expensive) option.
Good luck to you--please keep us posted on the surgery and outcome.

 

[MovedToFl]

Yes,it is the fishing line,we are thinking of.I have read that the longer you wait,the more arthritis sets in.
I am reading all I can,it gets mind boggling.
Our Poodle is 7yrs old but doesn't know it.
Good Luck.

 

[Sarah in SC]

Not only can arthritis set in, but the other leg can be damaged due to the compensating for the injured leg. So much to worry about! And 7 is young, especially for a poodle! (what size poodle?)

 

[lazygood4nothinbum]

if you are in south florida might i recommend The Hollywood Animal Hospital - Hollywood, FL

i used a local vet for annual shots and such but i would only use the dee's for anything serious. they performed tplo on both wolfpuppy's hind legs, both completely successful, extending wolfpuppy's life into his old age. (at the time, dr dee was the only vet in florida licensed for the procedure and they had vets from japan there to observe the operation on wolfpuppy.)

it is a family biz, currently run by the second generation of sibling vets. you will find their office to be run nothing less than professionally.

 

[MovedToFl]

Thanks for the responses.I am happy the TPLO was succesfull but our Mini Poodle is only 21lbs.I have to confess its lnk to osteosarcoma scares me and also the cutting of bone.

I think we will go with the conventional treatment.
Btw/why is your Vet advising you to go with the fishline procedure? My Vet was just pushing this one Vet in Tampa but I was wondering why,since my Vet didn't seem to have any knowledge of the ACl procedures.

 

[MovedToFl]

btw/I am opposed to annual vaccinations.I use Titers on my dogs.

 

[Sarah in SC]

I think my vet was aware of the cost differential on the two procedures, honestly, and felt that the outcome from the "fishing line" (sure wish I could remember the more technical term) would be reasonable in light of our dog's age and lifestyle (he's a certified nap-hound). Our vets (a husband and wife) are friends.
We have four dogs, five cats, some sheep and fish, plus we usually have a foster Border Collie or two around the house, so the cost has to be a consideration, unfortunately. If we were talking about one of the younger BCs, I think we'd consider the higher-end surgery a little more, if only because they are more active.

 

[MovedToFl]

Lucky you to have so many Pets.
Bordie Collies I have read are very intelleigent.My little guy is a smart dog too.
I have two dogs,my injured dog,is a non stop guy,my little girl is a nap dog too.

We go for a consult on Friday,hopefully we will find out more.
Thanks again.

 

[cute fuzzy bunny]

Our pointer/dalmation mix has had both rear acl's go. In the first case it was a partial tear and the crappy vet we had at the time recommended waiting for it to go entirely. It did finally go while we were in the middle of moving. We had the 'fishing line' surgery done because the new vet we went to recommended it since it was inexpensive, moderately effective, and didnt rule out doing the other surgeries in the future. When he operated he found that having waited a long time created extensive arthritis. Had we had the surgery done sooner rather than waiting for a full tear, it would have been nominal.

The extra load from having her favor the leg caused the other leg to go just a little over a year later. We had the bone surgery with a titanium plate done on that one. Minimal arthritis in the joint. The 2.5 month recovery was a good workout for me as I got to carry a 70lb dog up and down 3 flights of stairs the whole time.

About 5 months after the surgery she developed a couple of infections on the leg, which to me looked like they came from inside rather than something external like a bite or puncture. The vet disagreed, thinking it was a foxtail that went in at one site and came out the other. He operated extensively on the leg, found nothing, cleaned out the wound and closed it up. About 3 days after the antibiotic course was done, the sores opened up again.

We went back to the orthopedic surgeon, who suggested it may be a problem with the plate and he removed it. Once she recovered from the 3rd leg surgery in six months she's been fine.

I'm not sure how a titanium plate with stainless steel screws can cause an infection unless there was something wrong with the plate or how it was put in, but everyone said it was 'just one of those things that happens'.

She's now on a daily dose of doggie vioxx to combat the arthritis. We had a lot of trouble with the meds, going through 3 different ones. They all make her puke, although Deramaxx seems to cause her the least trouble. Unfortunately Deramaxx is about $600 a year.

My MIL had the same surgery on her chihuahua's rear leg. Took the same amount of time to recover. Didnt hear about any problems with the plate after that.

 

[MovedToFl]

It is so good to have responses,I keep clicking on when I can.

I am thinking more and more to go with the conventional surgery.
I suppose the best thing,is the Vet and his expertise.
I am sorry your dog suffers from the arthritis,what a thing to tell someone to wait until the leg worsens,he should have his license taken away.
My dog has had his tear 3 weeks this coming Friday,when the Vet will do surgey(I think) after he evaulates his Xrays,B/W and whatever other tests are necessary.
All my best to your dog.

 

[cute fuzzy bunny]

Yeah he was a new vet who had just taken over our retired vets practice. We only went to him the one time.

Who does the surgery is critical. This is one of those things with a long steep learning curve. I talked to a lot of vets and specialists and the same two orthopedic surgeons names kept coming up. For anyone in the Sacramento or Yuba City CA areas who wants to know their names, PM me.

She's got a little arthritis pain, but she eats real chicken every day and sleeps with her head on my pillow, so I think its still a pretty good life

 

[ronin]

I've had a couple of Rotties have the "fishing line" repair and they both responded great. You'd never know they blew out their knees. No after effects.

 

[Purron]

Our pointer/dalmation mix has had both rear acl's go. In the first case it was a partial tear and the crappy vet we had at the time recommended waiting for it to go entirely. It did finally go while we were in the middle of moving. We had the 'fishing line' surgery done because the new vet we went to recommended it since it was inexpensive, moderately effective, and didnt rule out doing the other surgeries in the future. When he operated he found that having waited a long time created extensive arthritis. Had we had the surgery done sooner rather than waiting for a full tear, it would have been nominal.

The extra load from having her favor the leg caused the other leg to go just a little over a year later. We had the bone surgery with a titanium plate done on that one. Minimal arthritis in the joint. The 2.5 month recovery was a good workout for me as I got to carry a 70lb dog up and down 3 flights of stairs the whole time.

About 5 months after the surgery she developed a couple of infections on the leg, which to me looked like they came from inside rather than something external like a bite or puncture. The vet disagreed, thinking it was a foxtail that went in at one site and came out the other. He operated extensively on the leg, found nothing, cleaned out the wound and closed it up. About 3 days after the antibiotic course was done, the sores opened up again.

We went back to the orthopedic surgeon, who suggested it may be a problem with the plate and he removed it. Once she recovered from the 3rd leg surgery in six months she's been fine.

I'm not sure how a titanium plate with stainless steel screws can cause an infection unless there was something wrong with the plate or how it was put in, but everyone said it was 'just one of those things that happens'.

She's now on a daily dose of doggie vioxx to combat the arthritis. We had a lot of trouble with the meds, going through 3 different ones. They all make her puke, although Deramaxx seems to cause her the least trouble. Unfortunately Deramaxx is about $600 a year.

My MIL had the same surgery on her chihuahua's rear leg. Took the same amount of time to recover. Didnt hear about any problems with the plate after that.

CFB, I think you missed your calling. You should have been a vet! I have seen you post so many great replies to treads about animal health issues, including mine

 

[cute fuzzy bunny]

I couldnt have done it. I'm too soft.

 

[MovedToFl]

I am so happy people do post here.This communication thing is great.

So happy the conventional surgery went well for the Rotties.

How old were they and how much did they weigh.

Sorry,so many questions but I am a nervous wreck.

 

[cute fuzzy bunny]

One other thing. Get a decent supply of neosporin or other "triple antibiotic ointment". Put a warm moist compress on the incision for about 10-15 minutes and then rub a tiny bit of neosporin on the incision a couple of times a day. It'll feel better and heal up a lot faster, and you'll have less chance of an infection.

Just make sure you dont put so much on that the pup can lick it off. Not good for the tummy.

 

[MovedToFl]

Cute/n/Fuzzy,I will go get some tomorrow and keep a good supply on hand.

Don't ever stop posting.

 

[Purron]

One other thing. Get a decent supply of neosporin or other "triple antibiotic ointment". Put a warm moist compress on the incision for about 10-15 minutes and then rub a tiny bit of neosporin on the incision a couple of times a day. It'll feel better and heal up a lot faster, and you'll have less chance of an infection.

Just make sure you dont put so much on that the pup can lick it off. Not good for the tummy.

Cute-n-fuzzy: I told you you should be a vet Yea, I know. I dreamed about being a vet as a little girl but also was too soft hearted. You da best dude.

 

[cute fuzzy bunny]

Don't ever stop posting.

I dont think theres much of a chance of that happening at this point

 

[MovedToFl]

Well I was reading late last night and I saw where one big Univeristy,preferred the conventional surgery over TPLO,TTA,which they thought was a riskier surgery and that a good surgeon and good post op care were the key to success of a repaired ACL.

I have read of complications of post infection,which is so much easier to treat with the conventional method.
The Vet can get the screws from anywhere,which I believe are stainless steel.

It is all very confusing but I am going to go with the conventional.
It will be interesting to hear what the Vet says about it on Friday.
I will let him say his peace before,I let him know what method,I prefere.
So if he isn't to my liking,we will seek another Vet.I want the best for our boy.

Though I don't want to wait too long because of arthritis setting in and non use of that leg,which will cause loss of muscle.

 

[Calgary_Girl]

Our dog Pepper had Extracapsular Surgery (nylon band) to fix his torn ACL about 3 years ago with a 12 week recovery time. Thankfully today, he's still doing okay (7 yrs old; 40 lbs).

Extracapsular: knee surgery for dogs who have blown out their ACL

 

[MovedToFl]

That is great news.I am hoping I like this Vet and after the w/end,one chapter will be closing and another chapter to a good recovery,with post surgery care,will get us back our Boy.
Thanks for the input.So many friendly people.

I am driving myself bonkers,as you can see,I keep reading and reading everything I can.

 

[MovedToFl]

For those who have had ACL surgery done,how much did the procedures cost.I am getting quoted $2,000+ for the conventional,my dog is only 20lbs and I have already spent,close to $500 on bloodwork and Xrays.

I feel this is a lot but will pay it anyway,since I want my dog to get well.
My thoughts are pet owners are being taken advanatge of,maybe not by all Vets but many.

 

[Calgary_Girl]

For those who have had ACL surgery done,how much did the procedures cost.I am getting quoted $2,000+ for the conventional,my dog is only 20lbs and I have already spent,close to $500 on bloodwork and Xrays.

I feel this is a lot but will pay it anyway,since I want my dog to get well.
My thoughts are pet owners are being taken advanatge of,maybe not by all Vets but many.

That sounds about right...I think our total bill at the end of the day was close to that. We ask a friend who was also a vet what the ballpark cost should be and she said any good ACL surgery would not be under $1,000 (not including all of the other incidentals like blood work, etc).

In our house, our dog is part of the family. We had another dog who died in 2007 and we paid about $6K for cancer surgery....it was worth every penny just to spend some more time with him (still miss him every day and his crazy antics ).