Dog CCL (acl) tear - feeling overwhelmed

[S1969]

@CuriosoJorge

It’s not a radiological diagnosis, either. It’s a gait analysis and palpation (cranial drawer sign) diagnosis.

Where did you obtain your veterinary degree?

I’m not a vet, nor did I say I was.

But, the specialty vet, who is an expert at CCL injuries, was able to show me by a single xray why he was quite confident it was not a CCL tear, and therefore did not sedate to do further diagnostics.

And he was right, because within a few days she was using it normally, so just a sprain.

Are you a vet? I’ll be happy to give you the name of the DVM who did the evaluation; he also did a TTA and TPLO on my other dog (two separate surgeries - one after a trauma and the other 5 years later.) I think you’ll find his credentials to be pretty impressive.

[ladybugsbw]

The consult yesterday was great. The vet was incredibly well educated and throughly went over the pros and cons of doing the lateral suture. We talked about TPLO and agreed that it would be best, but also agreed that the $$, her age, and her other issues made it not possible for me right now.
He thinks with her temperament, a strict rehab program, and lifestyle changes (no hardwoods, no jumping, no stairs,), she will do well. He said he can stabilize the knee, but it is up to myself and her how the rest goes. He is able to do it for an affordable price, which is good since he thinks her other will go within the year (statistically speaking).
I was impressed. He is also a horse person, so we spoke the same ‘language’, so to speak. We discussed the procedure and rehab in depth, and we’re totally on the same page.

[Jenerationx]

That’s good news to find a vet that’s on the same page. Jingles for the sweet old girl.

[AllSport]

Before I read your last post I was thinking if I were in this situation I’d go for the suture surgery. 10 yrs ago I paid what you were quoted for TPLO for one leg, then as my ortho vet predicted, right after the 6 month dedicated rehab was up, she tore the other one. I was asking a vet in our particular area recently what the cost would be today per knee and she said they’re running 10k per knee right now! Anyway, with TPLO being such a long recovery I do think the suture is probably best for a 10 yr old. My dog had her TPLO at 4 and 5 yrs and was still running and hiking like a champ at 10 and was still hiking her last week of life at age 13. So it turned out to be worth the money, stress, tears and time in our case. I was thanking God every day for every walk and every hike and every round of frisbee we played after that.

[CuriosoJorge]

@S1969

Are you a vet?

Yes. I don’t feel the need to reveal my identity on this forum, but you would find my credentials impressive too.

[S1969]

@CuriosoJorge

Yes. I don’t feel the need to reveal my identity on this forum, but you would find my credentials impressive too.

Congratulations?

Glad that made you feel very superior.

I am fortunate to have some excellent vets who care for my animals. And some reputable specialty clinics in my area.

[HorseLover65]

Our dog ruptured her CCL October 2021 chasing a deer in the backyard. She is a beagle mix and had been relatively healthy her entire life. She was about to turn 13 and the idea of surgery and rehab was a bit overwhelming. Doctor prescribed Rimadyl for inflammation and we put her on a joint supplement and we waited to see what would happen. She adapted and within 6 months, you couldn’t really tell it had happened. She lives for her daily walks but sleeps quite a bit (especially now that she is 14). She has “tweaked” it twice but recovered within a week. Not pursuing an expensive surgery was the right thing for us. Wishing you and your dog well!!

[Spudsmyguy]

My dog just went in today for TPLO surgery. She tore her cruciate ligament a few months ago and when therapy and a reduced exercise plan failed to produce results, I scheduled the surgery. The first vet I talked to quoted me $8K to $10K! I went home thinking, no way, that is out of line. Since there’s one surgeon that travels the area only doing this type of surgery, I’m sure it would be the same person for other vet hospitals that don’t have their own surgical team. I vet I took her to is charging me a bit over $3,000 for the work. $8 to $10K, sure, no way.

[ladybugsbw]

Sending good thoughts your way! Let us know how the surgery goes!

[Spudsmyguy]

Thank you!

I had a lab who had to have both done but not at the same time. The first I did the whole TPLO with good results, luckily she was the perfect patient and stayed quiet and did not try to use her leg. The second one I had the suture method done and didn’t see any difference in the two types. Both healed well and she was up and around after the healing process finished.

I also did laser therapy on her throat because her windpipe was partially paralyzed which, according to the vet, is fairly common with larger dogs as they age. I didn’t find it made any difference and stopped the treatment.

The first lab I had I am fairly certain she had a partial tear but didn’t take her to the vet. A friend recommended chondroitin and MSM, and luckily, Trader Joe’s had a variety made for dogs. I started her on it and gave her 1,000 milligrams a day and after a month, her limp went away and she was fine. She took 5 pills a day for the rest of her life and she stayed sound.

Edited to add: She came through the surgery just fine and is now resting in her indoor dog kennel. She’s still a little stressed by the experience and is crying a little but I think she’ll adapt to her restricted movement. I got her an inflatable e-collar and she seems comfortable. All in, with meds, it came to ~$3500.

[ladybugsbw]

So long time, no post.

Zoey healed wonderfully from her surgery. We did months of rehab and crating and everything! She could not have been doing better.

Then today, we get home from a one night trip to the (horrible) in-laws, and Zoey greeted us at the door. At first, I figured our amazing pet sitter just didn’t clip her crate closed or whatever, but she for sure did once I saw the house. My poor Zoey somehow pried out of her crate and had diarrhea all over. I know she did it because she wouldn’t have wanted to ever get her crate messy. In nearly 11 years, she hasn’t tried to leave her crate. Somehow in this process, her beautifully healed knee is right back to square one.

Needless to say, I kind of lost it. I felt bad she had to even do this because I should have been there to let her out. I do not know what we will do now. Obviously we will call our vet and her surgeon first thing tomorrow, but I just don’t know what to do. She really doesn’t need another surgery and rehab, and I really am worried about her other ccl blowing with this added stress on it.

For tonight, she has had dinner in bed, a bemer [quote=“ladybugsbw, post:31, topic:781222, full:true”]
So long time, no post.

Zoey healed wonderfully from her surgery. We did months of rehab and crating and everything! She could not have been doing better.

Then today, we get home from a one night trip to the (horrible) in-laws, and Zoey greeted us at the door. At first, I figured our amazing pet sitter just didn’t clip her crate closed or whatever, but she for sure did once I saw the house. My poor Zoey somehow pried out of her crate and had diarrhea all over. I know she did it because she wouldn’t have wanted to ever get her crate messy. In nearly 11 years, she hasn’t tried to leave her crate. Somehow in this process, her beautifully healed knee is right back to square one.

Needless to say, I kind of lost it. I felt bad she had to even do this because I should have been there to let her out. I do not know what we will do now. Obviously we will call our vet and her surgeon first thing tomorrow, but I just don’t know what to do.

She really doesn’t need another surgery and rehab, and I really am worried about her other ccl blowing with this added stress on it. We also have concerns about both front ankles, as they have started twisting inward (for lack of better words) horrible the past few months. (Can dogs have DLSD?). And all of her various lumps, bumps, and weird tumors have me questioning a lot too. Just so many factors but I love this girl so much!

For tonight, she has had dinner in bed, a bemer session, pain meds, and lots of treats
[/quote]

session, pain meds, and lots of treats

[ladybugsbw]

And today she is weigh baring and looking decent. Going to our vet first thing tomorrow, but maybe she just tweaked it? Fingers crossed!

[endlessclimb]

all the fingers and toes crossed. There were setbacks like this with our Maci, too. I bet she’s ok!

[ladybugsbw]

That alone makes me feel better! I laid off pain meds today to truly assess. She is 75% better than yesterday. Hopefully rest and a good NSAID will be the key

[rubygirl1968]

Poor girl. Jingles that she did just tweak something.

Please let us know what the vets say.

[ladybugsbw]

Not a whole lot to update after the appointment. We took X-rays - I can try am post if anyone is interested.
She wants the surgeon to look at at the X-rays because she hasn’t seen tons and tons of these on film after surgery.
So we sent them to him and are waiting.

Got her on a good nsaid and some other pain meds and will talk again once we hear from the surgeon.

[rubygirl1968]

Fingers crossed for good news from the surgeon!!! How’s she feeling?

[ladybugsbw]

So the surgeon says her knee looks perfect on X-ray! He did notice an issue with her hip and asked if my vet discussed it. He said her opposite hip “appears to be the source of pain”.

He is going to reach out later when he has some time to discuss. I will also email our regular vet what he said.

Here are her films

[Jenerationx]

That’s good news! Hopefully nothing major.

[ladybugsbw]

Yes! Her knee looks to be back where we were before this incident. She is for sure “lame” on the opposite hip. Going to talk injections, laser, etc for the arthritic hip. Just want her comfortable and happy!