Torn Cruciate Ligament Surgery

[Four-footed Mom]

Hi! My little girl had ACL surgery on the 12th of August. We opted for this as she is only 4 1/2 yrs. old and very active (tho overweight). My concern is that her surgeon said she will probably start touching her toe down in about a week and it has only been four days and she is starting to use the leg!! She is putting her foot down and occasionally trying to limp on it. I called the vet this morning and he is out, but his receptionist said this is great news and just do not let her run or jump. Does this sound good or bad for her? I am concerned that she is overdoing it by trying to use this leg. Anyone out there know if this is normal? Any help will be greatly appreciated!

I will also call her surgeon tomorrow as soon as his office opens!!

[weimlover0816]

First off, welcome to the forums!!

As for the surgery, I would say that the vet/surgeon would know best, but I pesonally feel that i tis okay for her to use the leg, sparingly.... Certainly do not let her run or jump, and I would probably not let her walk up or down stairs or on un-even ground. But, inside, for short periods of time, I think it will speed her recovery. Is she on amy pain meds?

In this instance, pain is her friend in that it will tell her her limits. Don't be alarmed if she is walking on it and yelps... she is testing herself... I mean, be concerned if she yelps and falls to the floor and is in terrible pain, but if she is just seeing what she can do, this, i think is a good thing!!

Good luck and I hope she recovers quickly!!

[HeartSong]

All dogs recover at different rates. Docs will usually overestimate the time of recovery so clients don't panic if their dog isn't recovering as quickly. Imagine if the vet told someone that their dog would use her leg in four days but the dog was more sensitive or slow to recover and it was a week before they used it. That person would panic thinking that something is wrong with their dog.

I bet your dog is sick and tired of not being able to use her leg, so she is going to recover as quickly as she can. But I'll second Weimlover on saying don't let her overwork it, no jumping or running. Watch her to make sure she doesn't try too hard to use her leg. Your dog will know what hurts or not. If she puts it down and it hurts bad, she won't put it back down for a while.

[Four-footed Mom]

Thanks to both of you! She is not running , except to walk fast on three legs, and jumping has been taken care of. She will only jump to get where her mom or dad are, and we are staying on the floor! LOL

I feel better already. Just the thought of her reinjuring her leg is horrible!

She is on Derrmaxx for three more days. 25mg a day, once in the morning.

Thanks again for your help in quieting my nervousness!

[weimlover0816]

What type of surgery did she have? Was it the traditional ACL repair or the TPLO surgery? I ask because a co-worker has a german Shepherd in need of ACL repair and the vet recommended TPLO..... anyone know anything about it? I looked it up on the net and found some info, just looking for personal (or vet student lou and goombaya!!) input!!

[weimlover0816]

and how could i forget that sgour is a vet student, too??!! Sorry Shannon!

[goombaya]

Weim,

I have never had a dog sustain that injury (knock on wood). I did look up tplo but i just dont know enough about it to say if its a superior procedure. I dunno. Its a very interesting thread and im hoping someone has some insight, im curious myself now.