ripped ACL help, what can I do?

[emillinium]

Hi,
I have had the worst morning I just got back from my vet and Chase has a ripped acl. They gave rimidel for her but is there anything else I can do when I'm saving up for the surgery?

[Judi W]

restrict her activity so that the joint does not sustain further damage which will make the surgery less successful. this is critical.

[Sharon Marples]

As Judy says, restrict her activity.

Keep her in an ex-pen or crate except to go out to potty, etc.

No walks, no playing in the yard, no jumping in and out of cars or off and on furniture, no stairs, no nothing!

And watch her closely while she is on the rimadyl. Do a search on it and you will find lots of info on how good or bad it can be for dogs. You might want to see if there is anything you can use instead.

[moondog]

How long are you planning on waiting before the surgery is done?

[alexav]

Surgery ASAP is best to prevent further damage and arthritic changes to the joint. I confidently recommend a TPLO over the traditional repair.
If you can find somewhere safe for her to swim, that will maintain muscle mass and strengthen supporting structures.
Also of great value pre-op and post-op is the A-track brace

[moondog]

Originally Posted by alexav

If you can find somewhere safe for her to swim, that will maintain muscle mass and strengthen supporting structures.

Christy, it's not clear to me....are you saying swimming is good now, before surgery, or do you mean after surgery?

[alexav]

Originally Posted by moondog

Christy, it's not clear to me....are you saying swimming is good now, before surgery, or do you mean after surgery?

IME, both. Since it is a non-weight bearing exercise, the dog will only use the leg as far as it is able and no further damage will occur.
The large muscles of the thigh will begin to atrophe as soon as the injury occurs. Swimming can prevent this without puting any stress on the tib-fem joint. Preventing muscle loss now will also aid in rehab after surgery and hasten recovery time.
Also, with no ACL to stabilize the joint, the dog is in danger of a maniscus (sp?) tear as well if the joint is not supported by surrounding musculature and/or a theraputic brace.
IME, and IMO, if surgery is postponed for any reason, measures must be taken to prevent further damage and atrophe.

[Karinka200]

Originally Posted by alexav

Surgery ASAP is best to prevent further damage and arthritic changes to the joint. I confidently recommend a TPLO over the traditional repair.
If you can find somewhere safe for her to swim, that will maintain muscle mass and strengthen supporting structures.
Also of great value pre-op and post-op is the A-track brace

About a month ago, I inquired about a torn ACL in a 12 year old golden retriever we were dog sitting for. The injury occured almost 10 months ago. It was the first time we had this dog. The guardian is an older gentleman who does not want to spend $$$ on surgery for a dog he considers too old. He clearly loves the dog, but $$$ is an issue. After urging him to go see a vet (he just moved to the area) and stressing the importance of getting the dog's weight down (about 20 pound overweight), he did follow through. The dog has lost weight and is now on Rimadyl. (I already informed him of the dangers of it as our lab died from it.) Anyway....would the brace you mention above be a viable option long term? The dog is confined to an open basement as it can't make the stairs. He falls frequently....but otherwise is in good spirits, eats well and is healthy aside from the injury and weight issue. I just feel so bad for this dog....

[alexav]

Originally Posted by Karinka200

Anyway....would the brace you mention above be a viable option long term? The dog is confined to an open basement as it can't make the stairs. He falls frequently....but otherwise is in good spirits, eats well and is healthy aside from the injury and weight issue. I just feel so bad for this dog....

Absolutely! That is one of the best applications. We have an older GP client at the clinic that due to other health issues is NOT a candidate for surgery. They use a brace for both knees and the dog has so much more stability and comfort!

[emillinium]

Hello,
why is this medication bad? She is inb such pain she has to have something. This last week she hurt so bad she started to get snappy (grumpy)The other thing is this must of happened a month ago and she has been running, playing etc so will the surgery work? I can't pay for it now I have to save the money which will take at least 6months since I am a full time student

[emillinium]

I am going to do the surgery for sure but I want to know the best route of getting their since it will take me while to save the money.
Is there anywhere that will do payments? for surgery?

[alexav]

Originally Posted by emillinium

I am going to do the surgery for sure but I want to know the best route of getting their since it will take me while to save the money.
Is there anywhere that will do payments? for surgery?

Most Vets take plastic nowadays...

[moondog]

Originally Posted by emillinium

Is there anywhere that will do payments? for surgery?

Open a CareCredit account - www.carecredit.com - and locate a specialist that accepts it. I'm sure your dog will be better off if the surgery is done sooner rather than later.

[emillinium]

Hi,
I looked at the leg harness for dogs and it looks good but pretty expensive about 260. So I was wondering if you have any personal experience with this does it work good and how will I know what size to get? Chase weighs 100 lbs. Also How do you put it on. I am very interested in getting this if it will really help her so any thoughts would be great.
thanks emily

[emillinium]

The problem is I don't have good credit, i am very responsible now but had a few hard years that ruined my credit.