Ruptered ACL

rcp · Guest

My 21/2 year old " Australian Shepred/Border Collie/etc. mix female
dog, found under a truck in the pouring cold Carolina rain in February,
has been diagnosed with a "ruptered left ACL". Surgery is suggested
within the next month before arthritis sets in. I don't know how she
was injured, 'tho she is limping, she still seems happy as normal --
still running thru the doggie dog and playing with her sister and,
altho' not as much, even still climbing the stairs. My questions are:
if I have the recommended surgery, quoted around $800.00. which is
pretty steep for me but will find it if I can get great advice, will
she be able to walk as normal again; are there other less invasive
therapies, and what will happen if nothing is done?
Thank you for your advice.
rcp

Spot · Guest

Get the surgery done, 800.00 if pretty cheap and very reasonable for this
surgery. This is not something that will resolve itself and if not treated
she will eventually blow out the other knee. My Barney had both of his done
from the age of 7 to 9 he simply tore them chasing rabbits. One quick turn
on a knee that that's already weak can rip the ligament and then the only
fix is surgery. In his case it was a genetic flaw and he had luxating
patellas that eventually lead to the ACL tears.
Barney recovered just fine from the surgery. The key is a nice slow
recovery and following the doctors advice as far as keeping activitiy
restricted for a while to allow the muscles to build back up and strengthen.
Recovery for this is usually 8 to 12 weeks. In Barneys case he was a
sprinter and a bull head so I didn't let him off lead for almost 6 months
because I knew he's rip and tear like a nut case and re-injure himself.
Up until the day he passed away he was still ripping off the porch tearing
through the yard. Most people never knew he had both legs repaired unless I
told them because he showed no signs of limping.
Celeste
"rcp" wrote in message

rcp · Guest

Thanks, Spot -- your advice really helps me; I will have the surgery
soon. I'm sorry Barney's gone, but it sounds like y'all had a great
life together. Thanks again.
rcp