Hey folks,

My 5 year old American Bulldog (60 lbs.) has been diagnosed with a torn Cruciate Ligament in her rear right leg.

After much anguish, I've decided on the "traditional" extracapsular surgery to re-stabilize her knee. I considered the TPLO, but the possible complications scared the crap out of me. I feel more comfortable with the traditional surgery as it is less invasive and leaves me with options if anything were to happen (those "oops" moments that we have nightmares about!). The TPLO failures are usually catastrophic and I couldn't live with myself if I made the decision to have that surgery and have something happen that ruined her leg.

From the information I have poured over, both surgeries (and the TTA) can be equally successful if post-operative care is diligently applied.

My question is this...

For those of you who have experienced cruciate injuries with your dogs, which surgery did you choose and how has it turned out? Would you have done anything differently?

Thanks,

Lesya

I know this isn't helpful, but I have a question. What exactly is a torn cruciate? My sister in law's dog was diagnosed with a problem, but she couldn't remember the term... apparently he tore the ligaments that 'hold his kneecap on' (according to her). (Do dogs HAVE kneecaps??) Supposedly he needs some $2k surgery that she's saving up for. Very sad, he hops around holding the leg up.

Just wondering if this is the same thing...

Lesya,

My 10 year old GSD had the traditional surgery for a torn ACL less than 2 months ago. I too worried about the complications of the TPLO. She is doing great! I had a very experienced surgeon (25 yrs. and this is her favorite surgery do it). And, I think this is crucial, have been very diligent about post-operative care. The restrictions on activity are very difficult if you have an active dog (I do), but it can be done if you are diligent and creative about keeping their mind active. Good Luck!

Acupuncture and moxibustion are excellent treatments to add to the surgical recovery so that your dog will recover more completely and quickly. Ligaments to not heel very quickly due to no blood supply directly into the tissue. The treatments I mentioned above are the best for encouraging the healing process after the surgery. Chinese herbal medicine given internally as well as applied externally is also exceptional. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

Peter Meaden, L.Ac., Dipl OM

I have 4 pooches: Duke-Great Dane, Otis-black Lab, Avis-yellow Lab, Spencer-Sheltie

Many years ago my Rottie bitch hit a jump while doing SchH training and torn her ACL.
She had a standard surgical ACL repair and did fine afterwards, I was very pleased with the outcome.
( this occured when she was seven years old, I worked her until she was *thirteen* and she lived until 15 1/2 with no sign of joint problems, so these types of injuries don't have to be career ending for a dog, as long as you have a good Vet. )

ACL repairs are a pretty straight forward surgery, It's not too hard to find a competent Surgical vet. that can do these procedures well.

 Quote: Peter Meaden

Chinese herbal medicine given internally as well as applied externally is also exceptional.
Peter Meaden, L.Ac., Dipl OM

Peter, when I found out about how many endangered species are slaughtered per year to make Chinese herbal medicines, I pretty thought that any animal lover would be strongly against them.
Just the continual demand for Tiger penis to be ground up as a treatment for impotence pretty much convinces me that most ( not all, but *most* ) of the Chinese herbal is a bunch of superstitious nonsense.
And the uneducated consumer demand for just that product is driving a beautiful species to extiction.

I'd also point out that Consumer Reports does a yearly report about different medications, and they always point out the number of people harmed or killed by herbal medications - they were particularly skeptical of Chinese herbal medications due to the wide variations of dosages *in the same bottle*, just another sign of the poor quality control of Chinese goods that has been in the news so often today.

They can't even make dog food that won't kill our dogs, I would certainly not trust them for medications.

 Quote: Will Rambeau

They can't even make dog food that won't kill our dogs, I would certainly not trust them for medications.

Can't....or WON'T???


Back on topic....the recovery conditons are essential to the outcome of the surgery. They must be kept quiet, or it doesn't matter how good the surgeon is. Good luck.

Mary, thank you for your reply. It is important for my sanity to hear success stories about the traditional surgery.

Megan,
Here is a link to cruciate ligament tears:
http://www.veterinaryspecialty.com/ACLTears.aspx

Peter,
There is a canine acupuncturist in my area that I might check out after surgery.

Will,
Thank you for your experience. It's great to hear that you had an active dog post-operatively. It seems all too often we are left with life "before the surgery" and "after the surgery," as though you suddenly have a different dog. Sophie is an active dog and was my first SchH dog. I'd hate to have her life be restricted by a lame leg.

Thanks again everyone,
Lesya

I opted (twice) for the TPLO over the traditional. My surgeon said the arthritic problems were less with the TPLO. He strongly reccomended TPLO for dogs over 60# and a either or call for smaller dogs.

Rehab was a bitch but it has given my dogs years back. I din't realize the degree of pain she must have been in. What I thought was just normal slowing down because of age must have been discomfort from her knees. She is now 5 years old and my 7 mnth sheperd cannot keep up with her.

Best of luck.

Mr. Rambeau,

First of all, the animal products that were used in Chinese medicine are only used today by a small percentage of people in China who procure them on the black market. Mainstream Chinese medicine does not use the products you speak of. Secondly, although some products are poor, there are many reputable herb companies with standards as high as any pharmaceutical company, and the company will provide detailed chromatographic testing to back up the quality of their products.

Keep in mind that I have a 4 year Masters of Science of Traditional Chinese medicine. I take my profession, and my dogs, very seriously. I treat my own children and myself regularly with Chinese herbal medicine. I have cured many people and animals of ailments that Western medicine horribly failed to treat. Chinese medicine has treated more human beings and animals for a longer period of time than anything in human history. Your opinions are incomplete and mislead.

I am sure you would not refuse to use any pharmaceuticals at all due to the number of people killed yearly by them, nor do I suppose that you exclude yourself from buying any products at all from oversees due to the commonly less than good working conditions.

If you would like some accurate and helpful information on Chinese herbal medicine, I can provide you with more than you would ever want to know. Just ask.

Sincerely,
Peter Meaden, L.Ac., Dipl. OM
http://www.newlifeheatlhpartners.com
http://www.equinehealthsd.com