Well, a mixed bag. The vet sees improvement (as do I and the therapists there), but he is guarded as to a full recovery. Time will tell. He did bring up the subject of surgery-- and he did so in terms of "the big picture;" i.e. he said Mateo does not appear to be in pain (and any discomfort he feels he has probably gotten used to); his quality of life is good; and he is able to move around fine....just with a gimpy gait if he trots or runs. And him being a mastiff, as opposed to say, a Border Collie or hyper Labrador...it's not like he is a high energy dog whose lifestyle will be dramatically different than it is now.
So, it's a toss-up in terms of pros and cons of surgery. He did admit that the surgery is harsh- cutting into the bone, etc., with a long recovery time that can be quite painful. No guarantees as to a complete recovery there, either. But, he did say that "once it's done and over with, I wouldn't have to worry about his knee anymore." But, after all the research I have done, I don't quite buy that--- there can be lots of complications.
So, after much discussion with people whom I trust, including a medical doctor who now works holistcally with dogs, I am saying no to surgery.
I also have to say, Mateo has gotten stronger and more willing to put full weight (a bit more) on his injured knee than before he started the water therapy. Another 5 weeks and we will re-assess.
I'm going with my gut on this one, though: no surgery. I simply don't want to put him through it...
Here's a few pics from his last swim:
The second pic he is "resting" between laps, with the therapist using his leg as a support.
Mateo really loves going to this place; last week he FLEW down my 3 steps into the car service, LOL.