Quote: Sarah Morris

... I do have canine PT resources in my area but I know a lot of work will need to be done by me, here at home.

I'm a believer. I have one pre-owned senior with dysplasia and two disks that are pretty much gone. Not the same thing, of course, or even similar, but his fish oil, weight management, GAG glucosamine, and daily range-of-motion passive exercises have all improved his quality of life tremendously (and the PT with him every evening has also provided a bonus: a great bonding benefit).

http://workingdogs.com/wdbooks/wdamazon.cgi?Operation=ItemLookup&ItemId=0964652943

http://www.vetcontact.com/en/art.php?a=764&t=

http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/physical-therapy-in-post-ccl-repair-dogs/#more-158

http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/142439

http://www.amazon.com/Canine-Rehabilitation-Physical-Therapy-Darryl/dp/0721695558

http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Physiotherapy-Assessment-Treatment-Rehabilitation/dp/1405131950/ref=pd_sim_b_1/188-6906047-8896648

E.T.A. I saw the http://www.vet-stem.com/smallanimal/ protocol that Diana posted on Animal Planet on one of the vet practice programs, and it sure looked worth researching.



Edited by Connie Sutherland (10/28/2008 04:35 PM)
Edit reason: ETA

Diana...Thanks for reminding me about Vet-Stem. Natalya Zahn first posted about Vet-Stem a year or so ago. Back then, there seemed to be some question if it would be effective therapy for a CCL injury.

From what I see now, it appears those questions have been answered and this *might* be helpful for True.

I've just placed a call to a DVM in my town who is certified with Vet-Stem to find out what's involved, how it works, and {gulp} if I can even afford it.

Connie...Thank you for the information. All this is very helpful. This is the recommended PROM I keep seeing people mention on Orthodogs.

Vet-Stem info:

I spoke last night with a local doctor who is certified with Vet-Stem. According to him, stem cell therapy is an adjuvant to, not a replacement for, surgery. Injected directly into the joint, either at the time of or following surgery, the cells promote new blood vessel growth, act as an anti-inflammatory, repair damage, and promote healing. His personal experience, and that of his colleagues, is that the results can be remarkable.

The fat cells are extracted under general anesthesia and then later, under sedation, are re-injected directly into the joint using radiology to pinpoint the exact spot. There are a few days of quiet time following this procedure but nothing major.

This vet charges $3200 for one fat extraction and one joint injection. If he manages to get enough fat cells to inject 2 or 3 joints it's still the same price. I admit I cringed at the price. But, when you think how much you’d probably pay, long-term, for vet visits and medication to treat arthritis...it really isn't that horrible. With the derm vet bills and 2 surgeries on the horizon, I can't do it now but it's definitely a possibility later on.

It's currently approved for use in cases of fractures and osteoarthritis. It's also being used experimentally as an IV-infusion treatment for kidney and liver disease.

Ouch! Does he offer financing?
Sounds like the results may be worth it though...
Is there a timeframe after surgery during which the treatment is more beneficial, or does it not matter?

Aaaaaaaaawwwwwwwww crap! Sorry about this, True and Sarah.

Crossing fingers for A.S.A.P. recovery.

Lynne, he didn't indicate a time-frame but I would imagine the earlier you do it, the better off you are. Less arthritis to work on, I guess.

Thanks, Michael

I wanted to post an update to my ortho drama, two months after True blew both ligaments.

We still haven't done surgery on True and, so far, he's doing incredibly well. No limping, no favoring either leg, and he hasn't had Metacam since October. His knees sometimes make crackling noises but he isn't in any pain or discomfort. His exercise is restricted: no fetch, no tug, and no running. He occasionally explodes like a bomb and runs around the house but it doesn't seem to bother him at all. He gets short walks and has recently been allowed to free-range around our property following his nose for short, supervised periods of time...to his immense joy.

We postponed surgery because of another problem that was occuring at the same time: His allergies. At the time he blew his ligaments he was also experiencing the worst skin flare-up he's ever had. He had a major bacterial skin infection, lost most of his hair from the mid-line down, had raw, bloody forearms, and itched all day and most of the night.

Unfortunately, the medications his derm vet wanted to prescribe, and that would help him most, he couldn't take if he was having surgery. And there was simply no way I could put this dog through a major surgery in this condition. It was really hellish feeling caught between two specialists and watching my dog's quality of life and health deteriorate.

So we made the decision to address the most critical problem...his skin...and delay surgery for as long as possible in order to get him on medication that would help his allergies and help him heal. True's been taking Atopica and pulsing antibiotics since November 1st and his itching has decreased by more than half, no signs of bacteria, and his hair is growing back. Thank you God!

Surgery is still an option. Certainly we'll do it sooner if it appears his legs are causing him discomfort but for the moment he's doing really well, across the board, and after such a miserable time I really want him to enjoy normal life and to maintain what we've got right now. I never imagined two months ago that we would be here...and it feels pretty damn good!

This is the best news I have read in a long time.

And THANK YOU to derm vets for existing!

I know that the decision to use the meds you are using was carefully made and not the first thing (by a long shot) that the derm vet tried for this poor guy. I just want to say that I am SO GLAD you went to a derm vet.

You must be heaving daily sighs of relief.

Of course it's not over, but finally! Progress! BIG progress!

We've literally cried with relief. I have my dog back and I'm finding the joy again instead of the constant, numbing daily worry over his health. It's the best Christmas gift I could have received.

I LOVE derm vets!!

And I LOVE this forum for all the help and advice I've gotten.