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Torn ligament in GSD
#12278 - 01/18/2005 10:00 PM |
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My 2-year-old GSD was diagnosed with a torn crucia ligament, result of an acute injury about 45 days ago while pivoting sharply on concrete. Vet recommends surgery, new technique that repositions bone to change motion of joint. I've had some friends and trainers tell me surgery is worst thing I can do, it is better to put the dog down than have surgery. Instead, begin a non-weight bearing exercise program in water. Vets claim that injury not treated by surgery will increase chances of premature arthritis and early debilitation of dog.
Any thoughts out there?
Many thanks.
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Re: Torn ligament in GSD
[Re: Rip Pauley ]
#12279 - 01/18/2005 10:04 PM |
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Talk to a specialist, check your state's vet medical school.
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Re: Torn ligament in GSD
[Re: Rip Pauley ]
#12280 - 01/18/2005 10:54 PM |
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You must be referring to the TPLO (Tibial Plateu Leveling Osteotomy, which isn't really "new"). I had that surgery done on my Labrador about three years ago. That leg is solid. It's his other one that's giving him trouble now.
There are a lot of things to consider, including the dog's age, size, activity level, intended purpose, etc. It's possible that these people who think that surgery is so horrible are thinking of the traditional ACL repair surgery, not the TPLO. I have heard very few good reports on the traditional repair, and the jury appears to still be out on the TPLO.
Here is a page of links about cruciate injury that should give you a variety of viewpoints and resources to consider:
http://www.geocities.com/jojoacl/acllinks.html
Lisa & Lucy, CGC, Wilderness Airscent
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Re: Torn ligament in GSD
[Re: Rip Pauley ]
#12281 - 01/18/2005 11:07 PM |
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I worked at a Vet about 4 years ago. She did many of the traditional cruciate surgeries and ever dog I saw, recovered to where it could not even be noticed that the surgey was done and went on to be very active dogs.
Yet, I know of a Siberian that has this same injury, her owner elected to NOT do the surgery, but put the dog on joint supplements...turns out, the dog is doing fine. The dog was crate rested for a few weeks, w/ leash walking only. Now, this dog is 14 but acts much younger. Surgery was out of the question but every now and again the dog will come up lame, but surgery seemed over board as the dog recovered.
Though, every situation is different. Thought I'd give you an outcome to both. If it were an older dog, and the dog was not in any pain, just a little lame, I wouldn't to it, but like Lisa said it all depends on your dog's situation.
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Re: Torn ligament in GSD
[Re: Rip Pauley ]
#12282 - 01/19/2005 12:11 PM |
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My Austrailian Cattle Dog tore hers when she was 14 months and she had the traditional cruciate surgery and healed great. You would never know she had any problems with that leg. Last winter she did the same thing to the other leg. She was 5 years old this time. Had the surgery again and this one has not heal as well. You can tell it's stiff and bothers her until she gets going. At the end of a hard day, she'll carry it for a few steps before putting it down and walking on it. She's on arthritis med. and that really helps. I don't know if the difference in the two outcomes could've been age at the time of the surgerys or just luck. Knowing how the second surgery played out, i would like to have tried the TPLO. Good luck.
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Re: Torn ligament in GSD
[Re: Rip Pauley ]
#12283 - 01/19/2005 03:09 PM |
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Rip,
My lab mix had 2ACL repairs, one each leg (not at the same time though) Treated conservatively first, rest, bute, GRADUAL progressive walking....she still need the surgery in the end. She did beautifully, and was fully sound. Her rehab post surgery was strict but it was worth it. The vet said she had knees like Joe Nameth. She was maniac too, loved to gallop around.
Good Luck with your dog!
Linda
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Re: Torn ligament in GSD
[Re: Rip Pauley ]
#12284 - 01/19/2005 04:25 PM |
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I'm 6 weeks post TPLO surgery on my 4 yr old female gsd. She had a 10% tear on her acl. A few tips. First, find a vet that has been certified through the Slocum clinic. (he invented the surgery.) Be prepared for extensive post op care and rehab.
I saw the physical therapist today and she has perfect range of motion. In a few weeks more intense pt.
PM me for details. Good luck. It isnt easy, but from what I have seen the prognosis is good, as the treatment virtually stops any arthritis from forming in the joint. Very expensive!!!
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Re: Torn ligament in GSD
[Re: Rip Pauley ]
#12285 - 01/19/2005 09:04 PM |
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Thanks so much to everyone for the responses. Yes, I'm referring to the TPLO. I'm trying to take in as much information as I can, and sorting out the solid and objective, which all of yours really seems to be. I was told his other leg would probably tear as well -- this is the pattern, as some of you confirm. Anyway, surgery out here at VCA in Los Angeles is $2700. I'm leaning toward it, as the expectation of years of a permanent limp is not appealing. I'm going to give it a little more time, though. I'll keep you all informed. Thanks again.
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 Re: Torn ligament in GSD
[Re: Rip Pauley ]
#12286 - 01/24/2006 07:48 PM |
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Reg: 05-03-2003
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I am reading this post now as we *may* have an injured cruciate ligament in my SAR dog, Cyra.
Going to the posted link - getting X-rays and palpation under sedation on Thursday but the vet suspects it because it appears to be localized to the right knee. She does not suspect joint issues per se but is doing x-rays to be sure.
If there is new helpful advice, I would appreciate any - keeping her a working dog is primary objective. This clinic does a number of these surgeries but there is a board certified orthopedic surgeon they can refer me to if I would prefer. The vet said if there was any question they would refer me to the specialist.
We just get diagnosis on Thu then have to decide what to do.
Thanks for any advice
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Re: Torn ligament in GSD
[Re: Nancy Jocoy ]
#12287 - 01/24/2006 09:09 PM |
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My Rottie bitch tore her ACL at age seven when she clipped the one meter jump during a SchH training session.
I had the injury repaired via surgery and she was in a full length leg cast for three or four weeks - she was up to snuff in about three months but I went ahead and retired her in view of her age with that type of injury.
She lived to be 15 years old and never really had a problem with it, so in my eyes the surgery was a roaring success. Plus it wasn't very expensive, under $200 for the procedure.
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