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TORN ACL ruh-roh!

D

DogueOwner

Active Member
Hi all - I hope everyone and their dogs are doing great. Our 2yr and 4mos boy has a torn ACL, per my vet, a newer procedure was recommend called TTA.. Vet also told me that ACL tears are most common dog injury esp for large breeds. Does anyone have experince with knee surgeries on their DDBs?

Link to TTA surgery is here, most of what i read is biased, mostly good, however the dog has an apparent injury, and pretty bad limp. Insights / suggestions appreciated!
 
Yamizuma

Yamizuma

Well-Known Member
I am pretty sure others on here can help you more than I can. My friend's neo had a torn ACL, and apparently it is not uncommon with big dogs. I just don't know the details of the surgery. I know the dog is recovering well, though it takes time and vigilance to do.


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DDSK

DDSK

Well-Known Member
Lots of people here have been in the same boat, I'm sure they will chime in with helpful suggestions.
 
DennasMom

DennasMom

Well-Known Member
I'd weigh in all your options, carefully.
From what I understand, you don't have to decide quick... but I haven't gone through this, so don't quote me.
A friends ball-obsessed golden had an ACL tear which was able to heal well with just lots of rest - but your mileage may vary!
 
NYDDB

NYDDB

Well-Known Member
I would check out this site before you rush into surgery: Dog ACL Injury-- Is Surgery Really Needed?

My story is kind of long, but I will shorten it- my DDB was diagnosed with a ACL tear (right rear leg) last fall. The vet said it was a surgical fix, but I decided to do some research, as well as join an internet group devoted primarily to Conservative Management for just this issue, and hold off on deciding about surgery.

I am so happy I did! I decided to do CM with Mateo-- I rested him and took short walks for awhile. Then, I found a dog rehab place downtown that specialized in water/treadmill rehab, as well as floor exercises, massage and cold laser therapy. We did a 10 week program, and by week 6 or so he really started to show improvement.

A few weeks after we finished treatment, he was about 85% better--- no limping, he could run a bit with no issue, and was going up and down stairs like before his injury.

Then, late April of this year, he took off after a squirrel and did some damage to his knee again. of course, i was devastated- even started thinking surgery again. But, to be honest, my funds were low---plus, I also kept talking with and hearing about how people had had the (TPLO) surgery and regretted it. It's a very painful procedure, with a long rehab. Plus, there is a 65% chance of recurrence on the other knee after surgery. I didn't want to put my boy through all of that.

So, we went back to basics: short walks, and no crazy stuff (not like he wanted to run around anyway.) Fast forward to today, and Mateo is almost back to being completely normal- no limp, and he is becoming very active again.

So, what I have learned is that it does take time. Lots of time, and patience. But the body heals, if given the chance.
I am still careful with him, as I do not want another setback, but he really is feeling and moving well; I couldn't be more pleased, and thankful. :)

Of course, every dog is different, and each situation must be taken on their own accord. But I would advise doing a ton of research to help with this difficult decision.

All the best to you and Duke.
 
NYDDB

NYDDB

Well-Known Member
Oh- I also looked into supplements that would help him heal: collagen, MSM, turmeric golden paste-- most of which I still add to his food today. I also used some homeopathic remedies for awhile.
 
C

CDUBCUstomz

Active Member
My previous dog (Purebred Rottie) tore his ACL.

I saw him leading up to it, he kept hurting his leg (he did NOT understand Momentum) and limping on it for a couple days, eventually it got to a point where it ripped entirely. He would not put any weight on it and I could feel there was no strength in his leg if I moved it with my hands.

I remember talking to the vet (was 4 years ago) and the terminology sounds familiar, but for the life of me I can't remember what surgery he had done... I remember it costing $3200 but that is about it :( I'm going to check my receipt later and see now...

6 months after his surgery no one could tell he had ever hurt it, and was completely back to normal.
 
D

DogueOwner

Active Member
This is very helpful, thank you everyone!

@NYDDB - as much as I would like to go the therapeutic route, I don't see it being an option for my family. The approx 4 month recovery period sounds tough enough and we have a relatively busy schedule. Also, Duke is an active dog and I fear he would injure this later in life. I will however get him started on the Tumeric GP as I've read wonderful things about it.

I value this forum a lot, and everyone's experiences are a tremendous resource. Will be sure to keep you posted. Thanks again all.

Best!
JA
 
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