orthopaedic surgery on dogs and results?

An old golden I had tore her ACL when she was 11. I read all I could find and discovered that most dogs will heal with or without the surgery but they need to be very restricted in their activity.

I decided not to get the surgery because she was 11 and there is always risk when doing surgery, from anesthesia especially.

She did recover on her own and lived to be just under 14 before getting cancer. Her leg never bothered her once she got better. Whether or not you get the surgery, she will need to be extremely limited in activity.

A few years ago our little terrier, who was 1 and 1/2 years old at the time, tore an ACL. We didn't get surgery on him either. He recovered completely and is fine and you would never know it happened.

You are talking about the cruciate ligament and it is something that rottweilers (my breed) suffer with terribly.

At any one time I know of at least three dogs needing or recovering from ACL surgery and I nurse back any that need doing in rescue. I have recuperated approx. 13 myself and advised on others as I am now.

The results are excellent but are very long and time consuming. There are several different methods and the recovery time and cost varies from the most basic to the bigger TTO (the latest) which is excellent.

However, I would say that 11 yrs is really not young to be having this operation at all and I would suggest a full health check initially anyway. Personally I would not put an 11 yr old rottie through that.

Here are some links to a site on the various methods of ACL repair - along with a site that suggests surgery isn't always necessary, which I would consider at 11 yrs old.

http://www.oaktreevet.co.uk/Pages/Cruciate%20Ligam...

http://www.tiggerpoz.com/

I am always willing to accept emails if you have other questions on this operation at all.

Best of luck...

Add on - 18 is a grand old age for labs for sure. Certainly not saying don't operate, and would admire you if you do. If you are going for one of the cheapest options then the recuperation is much longer. With the newer treatments then the TTO is super. I have now seen four done with amazing results. However, they have all been done by ortho vets and not regular vets.

My question would be is your vet going to do the surgery himself or is he sending you to a specialiest. You want someone who does a lot of these.

If the surgeon is good and you follow your vets directions all should go well.

I had a beagle/lab mix that had tore her ACL when chasing a squirrel. She was about 6 or 7 at the time. She had the surgery, we rehabbed and never had a problem with it again. In fact, she continued on competing and training in agility. It never gave her a problem.

So good luck to you. Before I forget, it's also important that you try to get weight off the dog. The leaner the dog is, the better.

just up to you and vet

you either trust them or you don't