Help, torn ACL

[Dizzychild]

I have an American Bulldog and recently he has been limping. I took him to the vet and he thinks it is a tear in the ACL on the knee. I have already rested him for two weeks (as vet instructed) and he has improved. I am slowly increasing his activity, but the vet told me not to get my hopes up. He may sill need surgery. My dog is just over a year, so the vet recommended the most agressive surgury. Instead of replacing the ligament, they would reshape the bone and plate it. The surgery would cost around $3000. I was just wondering if anyone else has experience with this kind of surgery? Also, I don't know if I should get a second opionion. I would appreciate any input anyone had. Thanks

 

[moo]

Well, my pup hasn't torn his ACL, but I just had surgery on Tuesday. Before my surgery I was back to being almost 100% except the joint wasn't stable feeling and it made me nervous to use it the same way as before the injury. After my surgery, I am healing fast. The doc says I should be back to work in 1 more week. I think dogs deal with healing better than people. I think since your pup is young and still pretty active, you should consider the surgery........I don't know about the crazy scheme he has suggested though. Why not the regular ligament reconstruction? It should heal fast.

 

[Barb04]

My dog CJ had ACL surgery about 5 years ago where they put in a suture to repair the torn ligament. The recovery was about 10 weeks (rest, light exercise, etc.). Once she was all healed up, she was back to normal.

I would get a second opinion about the aggressive surgery involving the bone and plate.

The regular ACL surgery I had done cost me about $1,000.

 

[yoko]

try getting a second opinion just to see what they say

 

[Dizzychild]

Second oppion says surgery.

I just got a second opinion yesterday and it doesn't look good. This vet had x-rays done and both of my dog's knees will need surgury. The first knee is already torn and will need surguy now and the second will be lucky to make it through the year. The new vet also recommends the more expensive surgury called TPLO. Since my dog (brando) is only a year, and 76lbs, this is the best option for recovery. I guess larger/active dogs recover faster (6 weeks) and have less arthritus when they age with the TPLO surgury. It is also permanent, where the other surgury can be re-injured and need to be done again. The only problem is that the vet needs the money in a lump some, No payment plan. A vetinary surgion comes in to do the operation, so I have to basically pay him. I am going to be in credit card debt for the rest of my days.

 

[Barb04]

I'm glad you got a second opinion. Please keep us updated on Brando's condition and the operation. Hugs to both of you.

 

[lpollockandrsn]

That is quite a blow. My good friend had to have TPLO done on her mastiff. It is usually a very successful surgery. Sorry to hear you both have to go through that. Prayers are with you.

I worked for a vet for years who did ACL repairs but I haven't seen a TPLO, that is pretty involved. Sounds like the surgeon is the way to go.

 

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

I don't know if this would help, but I will show it to you any way: http://auscatldogtalk.iforumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=60&mforum=auscatldogtalk This dog has already had the sugery, but you may want to read the stories. Best of luck.

 

[swanville]

My dog had this surgery last August...she had the ligament replaced with a artificial one....to the tune of 1500.00....she was limpy for about 3 months afterwards and is pretty much back to normal now...the only thing she is still not doing is coming upstairs...we have a very steep staircase with 14 steps. My vet also warned me that if this happens to a dog, they have a 1 in 4 chance of it happening to their other knee. I also couldn't afford it.....and my vet reccomended Care Credit....which is how I ended up paying for it...like a credit card but no interest if you make payments on time...

www.carecredit.com

 

[papillon806]

Wow, you guys paid alot. My parents dog's ACL surgery was $600 (of course they advertise is as the lowest among competitors).
Their vet:
http://www.bayleaf.vetsuite.com/

 

[Amstaffer]

My dog CJ had ACL surgery about 5 years ago where they put in a suture to repair the torn ligament. The recovery was about 10 weeks (rest, light exercise, etc.). Once she was all healed up, she was back to normal.

I would get a second opinion about the aggressive surgery involving the bone and plate.

The regular ACL surgery I had done cost me about $1,000.

I agree! Athena had her left knee repaired (replaced tendon) and after about 3 months she was as good as new.

Why does the Vet say your dog needs this new surgery? What are the Pros over tendon replacement?