Lab with torn ACL/Meniscus

[turfgrass]

Not sure which it is at moment...haven't done x-rays yet, but the pop is present. Been lame legging it since injury over weekend.

Any of you been through this type injury with your dog? To what extent?

Don't tell me to take my dog to vet. Been there. Looking for real life accounts with a cost/benefit analysis of surgery vs riding it out etc etc.

Thanks for any good info

[FEETDOWN]

Shoot Truckman a PM. He's been through it twice

[SCSwitchback]

My 10 year old chocolate had a torn ACL when she was 5. As I remember, there were two options for surgery. One was around $700 to basically replace the ACL with a filament. From what I understand that's the typical route for a smaller dog, under 75lbs or a dog that's less active. The other option was what thu call TPLO surgery at the time of around $2500. It expensive and recovery requires a great deal out of you but the fix is supposed to be more permanent if you do your part. I stressed over the decision for a week or so. I hit Glenn up with numerous pm's with questions. In the end I went with the TPLO mostly due to how young and Active the dog was. The recovery again requires a great deal out of you. It's essentially a 2-3 month commitment from you to give the dog special attention each day. For instance, no activity for te dog when it's not on a leash for a few weeks. That includes putting a towel around its belly to support some of its weight for the first couple of weeks while taking it to use the bathroom, etc. I can tell you a lot more about my experience if you're interested. If so, pm me and I'll give you y cell number.

[turfgrass]

Interesting. May be in touch as I wade deeper into this.

Thanks

[Truckman]

I ment to tell you it was $1500 per knee.

[SCSwitchback]

I ment to tell you it was $1500 per knee.

TPLO?

[Highstrung]

My old chocolate tore his. He was almost ten, they tried to connect them and wrapped it for eight weeks. We went back and forth until I sent him away for surgery. I ended up taking out one of the Vet credit cards to pay for everything. Our last four years hunting together were worth it.

[Truckman]

TPLO?

Luxating patella

[Carolina Counsel]

Twice. Worth it both times.

[turfgrass]

Thanks for the replies, guys.

Gonna watch close for week or so and make decision.

[raybird]

Glenn did my parents dog. It actually lived and can walk!

[Southernduck]

My dog came up lame Friday afternoon after retrieving a bumper from the cypress pond. She is mostly keeping weight off of one back leg. She will use it and run if she feels the need to chase something and is not really letting it hold her back. I didn't think much of it this past weekend as she is hard charging and on occasion bangs herself up but it was still bothering her this morning. She does not exhibit any pain or sore areas when you feel her foot and leg. We are headed to the vet Thursday if there is no improvement.
Any thoughts?

[HuntinCosta]

SD- Regardless of what you do, cut out the exercise for the dog. Crate her and only leash walk her outside. It could go away, or it might be something worse, but atleast you won't create more damage and the healing process can start.

[Southernduck]

SD- Regardless of what you do, cut out the exercise for the dog. Crate her and only leash walk her outside. It could go away, or it might be something worse, but atleast you won't create more damage and the healing process can start.

10-4 going to be one grumpy dog

[mjiorle]

No matter which way you decide to go to fix the problem, just be aware that often the other leg will eventually go too. There's debate as to whether it's genetic, compensating, or both. Either way, it can go that way. Healthy, active, going to hunt, train etc. TPLO is probably the way to go. Rehab is real important. Also, like anything, find a good orthopedic specialist that has experience with the procedure in working dogs. Good luck.

[gundogguru]

Meniscus tear been thru it twice. Well worth the cost. Takes about 6 weeks give or take. dogs are fine. And the other knees had no problem.