ACL repair - your experiences

[sciflyer25]

Our Bella needs to have her torn ACL repaired (not TPLO). We just found out the news, and would like to know what to expect from others who have had this done.

Bella is almost 4 years, in otherwise good health and is very lean at 92 lbs. I know every dog's recovery is different, but the thing that worries me besides the obvious concerns is no going up and down the stairs. This is a dog that needs to be near one of us at almost all times, especially at night since her bed is right next to ours in the bedroom upstairs.

Please share your experiences and tips you may have for us, especially those first few weeks that are crucial during the recovery period.

[jayneliz]

I've been hearing a LOT about folks not opting for surgical repair, at least not right off the bat. I've seen three dogs now who have healed following a cruciate injury without surgery (or any other significant medical treatment.) I don't know the extent of their injury. Two dogs have no visible limp, one has a slight "gimp" upon rising that disappears with exercise.

You may want to research alternative treatments in addition to surgery.

[CLanger]

ACL tears don't heal on their own. In a dog, once the acl is torn, it's basically shredded and cannot heal. This is what our orthopedic vet surgeon told us. We had TPLO, but our Chunk weighed more than your Bella. As for the stairs, I can't help you there. We're on one story, lol. Do you have a bedroom you could switch downstairs to for a couple of months? Just a thought...
Cindy

[jayneliz]

Originally Posted by CLanger

ACL tears don't heal on their own.

At the risk of sounding argumentative, this simply isn't ALWAYS true.

Originally Posted by CLanger

This is what our orthopedic vet surgeon told us.

An orthopedic vet makes his living by selling surgeries. I'm not saying surgery wasn't the best option for your dog at the time, you opted for surgery and your dog is well.

My observations are such that people just don't jump right on surgical repair so much anymore - and many dogs after weeks of conservative treatment, recover. I've personally seen 3, one Rottweiler, a Lab and a Cane Corso. I should note that none of these dogs were athletes by any means, none overweight or otherwise compromised.

I'd suggest the OP google "canine ACL nonsurgical" and read some of the info that pops up. It's quite interesting.

BTW: If you do opt for surgery, OP, your dog will need crate rest. The first few nights may be a bear if she's pretty tight with you and the hubs and used to sleeping with you. Stairs are a big no-no!

[CLanger]

Let me qualify my statement that ACL tears don't heal. You can certainly go the route of no surgery and scar tissue will form, providing some stability for the knee. However, once an acl is torn, it will not heal on it's own. You can do a search on this forum, there is a lot of info about the TPLO and TTA repairs that the members have done. Our dog, Chunk, had two TPLO surgeries and did great from both. He is now at the bridge (he had lymphoma) but I don't regret for one minute the surgeries as he was quite lame and in what appeared to be a lot of pain. Again, this is our experience with the surgical repair.
Hope it helps,
Cindy

[harleychik66]

I'm sorry you're in this position.

A few things I would recommend. Now, even before surgery set up a crate downstairs and use it. Having Bella going up and down stairs is only making it worse and if she has the surgery which in my opinion she should, she will not be able to do stairs at all.

For the first two weeks, while staples are in you could sleep on the couch which is what I did.

I know it seems hard when she wants to be by you, but it's easier than watching them walk with pain.

Make ramps for any stairs going outside as well. Gate off stairways.

I don't know if you've read the post the first 24 hours with Lou, I know it's a novel but it really does give you a pretty good idea of what to expect.

You said not the TPLO, does this mean you're having the TTA done? or is there another method you're looking at?

I've said before that I honestly think it's harder on the owner than it is the dog.

I know I was a wreck, especially the first two weeks. Not knowing what to expect and wondering how it would all turn out. It's now been about 10 months out and I am so so glad we did it.

[sciflyer25]

I do not recall the vet telling us the technical surgical term. She did say that they use a suture to act as a new ligament. I will call her to find out what the procedure is called.
I would rather her not go through the surgery, but she is now 2 weeks removed from the sudden injury, getting rimadyl twice a day, resting and doing very short walks, but she still walks with a VERY obvious limp.
we have 3 stairs just to get into the house. I guess plywood would make a decent ramp?
Thanks for the feedback.
Jim

[sciflyer25]

Also, I have come across exercise pens - would this be a safe alternative to the crate? We could fit her bed in it so she is comfortable.

[CLanger]

Originally Posted by sciflyer25

Also, I have come across exercise pens - would this be a safe alternative to the crate? We could fit her bed in it so she is comfortable.

That's pretty much what we used for Chunk. We had an big baby gate that we were able to stretch between the end of our bed and the wall. He was able to sleep/rest there very well. It ended up being about a 5 x 8 space, worked really great.

Cindy

[cstrzelc]

Hello,

We have just been diagnosed with an ACL tear this morning after having my 2 year old Rottie limp around for several days.

The surgeon offered us TPLO ($1700) or modified retinacular imbrication technique (also known as Lateral Suture) ($700).

I believe Lateral Suture is what you were offered as well. I have not seen much on this form on Lateral suture or MRIT. Most people refer to TPLO or TA technique. Does this mean it's out dated? I also have arthritis concerns about this procedure. I'm hoping someone with experience can give me their opinion.

We live close to Michigan State University and they have a very well renowned vet hospital. They do a minimally invasive procedure for this technique ( MSU veterinarians use minimally invasive technique to repair dog knees | MSU News | Michigan State University ). I'm hoping I can get a second opinion here.

I would appreciate any information on this technique please.

Thank You
cs

[cstrzelc]

Just wanted to update the discussion form. I called MSU and their prices are a little to steep for me to consider them. A rough quote for their TPLO is around $2600 - $3300. Their MRIT ranges around $1600. So much more then my local well respected surgeon. I can not justify $2600 especially if the other leg has a very high likelihood of tearing.

I'm hoping that I can get some good input on MRIT from members with past experience in this or a surgeon.

Thank you all for reading.

[harleychik66]

Ok, I've tried to post links but every time internet explorer shuts me down, so I recommend you type traditional repair into the search bar. It will pull up the info you are looking for.

Sorry I couldn't do it, but I tried about 5 times and each time lost my response as well as the links I had.

It does sound from the link you posted that your vet is looking at the traditional.

[cstrzelc]

Thank You for your reply.

We have been debating it, and from talking to people and the vet we are leaning now towards the TPLO repair surgery. It really sounds like in the long run there is a far less chance or arthritis and since there are no ligaments repaired in this procedure, there is nothing to break. If anyone has any comments please let me know on the TPLO. I hear this one is more invasive and will take longer to recover from.

[dogtree]

my girl had a TPLO last April. From my understanding the TPLO and MRIT recovery times are about the same. One argument is that the traditional is even more fragile in the early stages of recovery because it is a "line" or false ligament rather than screws & nails that are holding the knee together. The concern is that the TPLO is a much bigger problem if it does fail - as it can involve replace the hardware or a fracture. Many vets/surgeons feel that it is more stable and better for larger, active dogs. However, I have read about many dogs (of all sizes & activity range) that have had great success with the traditional surgeries. So maybe I am not making the picture any clearer for you!! Really sounds as though you are doing all the right things by researching and looking at other people's experiences and considering what you think is best for you and your pet.
We are now faced with the other knee (ACL) having gone and having to go through the whole process/look at options again (with my dog being around age 10!!). We have been doing a "conservative approach" for the past 8wks with some success.
Good luck with your decision and healing wishes.

[sciflyer25]

Okay, scheduled the surgery with the vet. The procedure is the more traditional DeAngelis suture in a figure 8 on the outside of the joint. This will be done after cleaning out the intracapsular space.
Apparently this method is supposed to help the joint form fibrous scar tissue around the joint/suture to help with long term stabilization. The actual suture eventually loosens and fails, but holds up long enough when following strict post-op directions and gradual rehab.
Now that I have been more specific about what will be done, anyone have success with this method?
Thanks again for the feedback,

Jim