ACL Surgery

[MGJernigan]

My Dixie girl (8 yrs next month) tore her ACL and we're taking her to Florida tomorrow for surgery Thursday morning. (Scared to death!) Anyway - I have 2 questions,
1) She was diagnosed May 15th & over this past weekend she seemed to stop using her other leg as well. She seems to use it once we make her walk and 'warm up' a bit. IF she tore her other ACL, would there be a more dramatic sign? We're scared that once we get her to this surgeon, they're going to say both legs need to be done - barely funds to cover this leg and we're even traveling 6 hrs to save $600.
2) What can we expect rehab wise? She's having the traditional ACL surgery w/ the synthetic ligament.

Thank You in Advance for all of your help - we really appreciate it!

MG & Dixie-Dawg!

PS - The vet told us this was genetic - her brother & son have both had their legs done and have yet to have their other ones tear as well.

[Anne]

When the ligament is torn in one knee the dog, bears weight on the other 'good' leg. It did result in the other knee needing surgery in my dog.

My dog had surgery done on the second leg exactly one year after the first one. I seriously doubt a surgeon would do both legs at the same time. I doubt the dog would be able to walk at all.

Sorry I can't help with the ligament repair rehab information as we did TPLO.

Your crate will be your friend during rehab as the dog needs to be restricted.

[Dugganmom]

I think she probaly tore or injured the other side as well...when they injure one side i think it is alot easier for them to hurt the other side...we are kinda dealing with a acl injury with duggan...actually a ccl...(same) i learned that on here...good luck and keep us posted on how everything goes... i am curious to se the out come...

[RonR]

My 9 year ol dpoch tore her ACL joint right leg when she was a wee two year old the surgey went well and the recovery was quick it is amazing how fast dogs bounce back, although she was still a pup so i am sure that really helped.

She had a cast on, i forget how long for but had to wear a e collar because she kept biting the cast and then the stitches when it came off, she did however at her I think 2nd post op appt fall off the table and re injured it the vet was sure she may have torn the wire they used to fix it, but we waited a few more weeks and he felt that the scar tissue was keeping it padded or together i cant remember what he said ( i wasnt real happy with this vet) but our pooch did take remedel for the pain for awhile and now at 9 years old has bad arthrits in both legs but has a heck of a muscel in her left leg.

They do favor the bad the leg and she still does all these years later.

Gl I am sure your pooch will do very well.

[Karyn]

Roxy boxer had ACL surgery April 14th. She was out of commission for a whole month. Steph is doing stretches with her to stop atrophy and walks her slowly three times a day. She has Roxy on the bed and then manually stretches out the leg and flexes it. She is supposed to go for water therapy but Steph cannot afford that right now - she is still paying off the surgery. She uses the neighbors pool and holds Roxy so she can paddle and get the benefit of the water. It is a long road. Winston does not understand why he can't chase his buddy around the yard anymore.,

[MGJernigan]

Thank You for your comments! We made it safely to Jacksonville. She was stiff when we got out the car but started to use the 2nd leg more than she has. Poor thing when she goes to 'wet' she falls back. Anyway, I will post the vets determination tomorrow and hopefully she will be in surgery tomorrow by noon.

Thanks so much - I'm glad I found this site!

[MGJernigan]

UPDATE:
We went in today. Good news is that she didn't tear her other ACL - bad news is that she is covered in tumors. The vet did not perform the ACL surgery b/c the other leg concerns her and she thinks it's neurological. Dixie's (my pup) Mother died within 2 weeks of her diagnosis and Dixie was diagnosed w/the same type of tumor - mammary tumors. So, today they removed 3 -4 tumors and they'll send her home tomorrow with prednisone and we'll wait for the results 7-10 days. The vet said best case - a tumor is sitting on her spine that is aggravating a nerve - wrost case - cancer. Dixie is not in pain, but more numb and uncomfortable. There is a tumor on her jaw line which explains why she stopped eating. The vet said we may get her back to Georgia next week and decide that her life just isn't what it should be - I am hoping the prednisone will make her comfortable enough so we can wait on the biopsies.
I just don't think it looks good - but I am trying to be hopeful. She is 9 years old (well, 9 next month) and has had a wonderful life. I just don't have the heart to see her lame - this dog LOVES to play ball and I know in my heart she is miserable that she can't move around.
Anyway, I will know more tomorrow.
Thanks so much!
MG

[Sharon Marples]

I'm so sorry to hear this, please accept my sympathy. Take her home, spoil her to no end and cherish your remaining time with her. Her quality of life is what is important and if she is in pain,then she deserves to go to her better life when it is time.

God Bless.....

[spoiledbabies3]

Originally Posted by MGJernigan

UPDATE:
Dixie was diagnosed w/the same type of tumor - mammary tumors. So, today they removed 3 -4 tumors and they'll send her home tomorrow with prednisone and we'll wait for the results 7-10 days. The vet said best case - a tumor is sitting on her spine that is aggravating a nerve - wrost case - cancer.

I am so sorry to hear about the mammary tumors. My 10 yo boy was diagnosed on April 19 with the same type in his abdomen, however, due to his age and placement of the tumor we opted not to do surgery. He also has a 2nd larger tumor that is inoperable. We couldn't see doing abdominal surgery and only being able to remove 1 of the tumors. He has been given 6 months and we are cherishing every single moment together. We don't get enough time with our rotties, but use the time you get to your advantage. Use it to make the special memories that will help you when you must let her cross the bridge. I also lost a 7 yo earlier this year to cancer, so in my household the C word is horrible. I will keep good thoughts and say special prayers that it works out for you and your sweet girl. But when it's time to make the decision to let her go, watch and listen. She will let you know when it's time. Her eyes will tell you. You will need to be strong for her...the same strength she has given you all these years, you will now give her in this last act of love. Hold her and love her and let her go when she's ready. Paws crossed and sending rottie hugs and slobbery kisses from our house to yours.

[LadyEvil2172]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I'll keep you in my prayers that everything will work out ok.

[MGJernigan]

Good Morning All -
Our Dixie dog lost her fight last night. When I saw her Tuesday, she hopped right up gave me a lick and a paw and loved on me. Last night (Wednesday night) my brother phoned and told me she had been having seizures all day and had no control over any functions and actually went a little hytserical and tried to bite my nephew (VERY uncommon for her). I said to take her to the emergency vet. They evaluated her and we decided to put her down. My brother said that she went quickly. I called our normal vet today and the results had come in this morning - it was cancer and she didn't have but days left.
So, thank you for all of your support. My Dixie dog is in heaven now, playing ball all day long and looking down on us w/ her big 'ole 'stupid' ears. Oh how an animal can fill your whole heart with love!
My bulldog wants to know where her sister is.

Good Luck to all - and maybe one day I'll be back - with a new Rottie Member!

Love to all -
MG

[Bucky's Mom]

Originally Posted by MGJernigan

Good Morning All -
Our Dixie dog lost her fight last night. .............Good Luck to all - and maybe one day I'll be back - with a new Rottie Member!

Love to all -
MG

I am so sorry for your loss - no need to leave though - stay and enjoy the Forum family

[Dugganmom]

I am so sorry for your loss...

[spoiledbabies3]

Originally Posted by MGJernigan

Our Dixie dog lost her fight last night. When I saw her Tuesday, she hopped right up gave me a lick and a paw and loved on me. Last night (Wednesday night) my brother phoned and told me she had been having seizures all day and had no control over any functions and actually went a little hytserical and tried to bite my nephew (VERY uncommon for her). I said to take her to the emergency vet. They evaluated her and we decided to put her down. My brother said that she went quickly. I called our normal vet today and the results had come in this morning - it was cancer and she didn't have but days left.

I am so very sorry to hear about Dixie. I understand the pain you are experiencing as I lost Sasha to lymphoma on Feb 3 and she would have turned 8 on Feb 25. We celebrated her birthday on Feb 25...her 2 rottie brothers and I danced and played. She was with us as we could feel her spirit. It is very difficult to type this as tears stream down my face still. Dixie lived a very full and prosperous life. You gave her the dignity she needed and making the decision to help her cross the rainbow bridge is a very difficult one. Thank you for providing the same unconditional love for her she always gave you. She will now be your rottie angel and watching over you. Give your heart time to heal. Dixie is now free from pain and flying with the other angels at the bridge. Sasha will find her and help introduce her. Fly on your wings of gold sweet Dixie...you deserve them. My heart aches for you MG...I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself. Arlene

[Anne]

Godspeed Dixie.

I am so sorry for your loss MG. Stay with us on the forum.