Pretty sure Dudley tore his ACL at groomer's yesterday...

[zakatak]

Hi Guys.

Dudley has been limping when he first gets up from sleeping - just for a few minutes and then he walks it off (rear right leg). Vet suggested we watch it for now as long as he continues to walk it off after a few minutes.

Yesterday he went in to get groomed and has not been able to put much, if any, pressure on it at all since. His rear back leg actually now points outward, toe touching, hurts to sit (when he does, it sideways). All classic symptoms of a complete tear.

I'm taking him in at Noon today to the Vet.

He does have insurance, which I am grateful for right now!

Is there a big risk in postponing surgery for a few weeks, if needed? My husband and I both have business trips in the next few weeks and won't be home together until May 27th. Would this cause more damage to wait? I'd rather do this with help...

Advice please?

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

We had to wait about a month to get Elvis' tear repaired because it just took that long to get into the surgeon we wanted. He was on a LOT of medication - I think three or four different types of pain pills but when combined with strict rest, he did really well.

Looking back, the wait probably helped us out a lot. We were able to get him used to wearing his new booties (we have laminate and tile floors) and using his ramp (to get down 3 steps off our porch) before his surgery. We were able to search on here for recovery tips and tricks, and for ideas on how to keep him calm during his long recovery. He was already used to being in his crate so we didn't have to worry about that, but we did start closing the door again while he was in there.

I'm sorry he's going through this. Elvis did fine but I wouldn't wish this on anyone!!

 

[zakatak]

Thanks... Dudley hasn't been crated for 5 years so I'm worried about that portion. I guess I'll be sleeping on the couch for a while.

The booties sound like a good idea - ramp too. I'll have to see if I can find some.

Thanks again! I'm sure I'll be back after the vet appt.

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

We use these booties:

http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Paws-Ru...9&sr=8-1&keywords=ultra+paws+rugged+dog+boots

We built our own ramp from the thickest plywood Lowes had, outdoor carpet, and about 8 pieces of cut 2 x 4 to act as steps/traction. We used these instructions as a guide and ended up nailing the ramp into our wooden porch steps.
http://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/make-dog-ramp-over-stairs-4488.html

We kept it there for about 6 months and Elvis had no trouble using it. We still have it in the garage if you'd like to see pictures.

 

[Murphy]

Also keep in mind that many dogs are extremely stiff and sore after a grooming. Not that should produce such a pronounced limp, but while still sore he may feel better after a few days of rest. Murphy (while not the norm) was almost crippled for a day. Didn't phase Monty. Good luck at the vet and hoping for the best.

 

[zakatak]

Dudley's never had any issue after grooming so this worries me.

Vet noticed quite a bit of muscle mass lost on that leg which leads him to think ACL or Hip (ongoing issue for a while).

X-rays will be scheduled and we'll go from there.

 

[R Taft]

Our Ortho vet suggests minimum delay.both for pain and he states theat dogs who have injury and surgery ASAP often heal better......It is what we did, injury and surgery two days later....katy went in limping and came out the next day walking. After a long rehab, she went back to water work and drafting.....She also does Obdience and Rally.

 

[zakatak]

Quick update: It is not his ACL or hip. There is no arthritis. There does seem to be a loose bone chip floating in his kneecap. His vet is sending the x-rays out to a certified Dog Ortho to read and see what we can do about this.