Torn cruciate

[Reilly]

Reilly is going to be 5 and completely tore her cruciate when we were on vacation. What a surprise to come home and find her sudenly walking on three legs! We are looking at options and my vet says the TPLO is the best fix, but I was looking for some opinions. Some of your stories don't sound too fun.

 

[Jeannie]

Our 6 yr old girl tore both cruciates last year. After research I refused to get the TPLO surgery. I opted for the traditional ACL surgery. WHY? TPLO the bone is actually turned and reset. It is a very involved hard surgery that requires a long healing peroid. With the traditional ACL surgery bands are placed on the knee to replace the torn cruciate. Our newf required ONE pain medication pill the first night, within 2 days she was getting up and walking without assistance but she did have to be on a leash for 3 months.

Where do you live? The vet I use is located near Columbus OH but travels to Dayton OH twice a week. The best thing about this vet is he guarantees the leg, if ever another surgery needs to be done on a leg he has already done a surgery on it is free. NO matter what the problem is. Example our girl got a torn maniscus and the surgery was free.

 

[Varmint]

I agree with Jeannie. The ACL surgery is best IF you have a vet that is good at it. This surgery is very difficult and if the vet is not skilled it can cause more problems. I good vet will guarentee their work, As Jeannie's vet did. So that is one question that is important to ask.

Do your research and ask alot of questions....

 

[2newfs4now]

Max tore a cruciate and we also opted for the traditional ACL repair...less invasive, shorter, less painful recovery and also guarenteed. His vet put in double bands as a "just in case" measure. Max was 16 months at the time and about 140lbs...he's now almost 3 years and 155-160lbs and no problems at all.

 

[Reilly]

Wow, thanks for the information - I won't feel so blind-sided when we go for our consult next week. We are in Buffalo, New York and I will definitely look into the guarantee. I thought the TPLO sounded extreme - I'll let you all know how things go.

I still have to figure out how to post our 140lb sweetgirl's picture.

Kate

 

[Jeannie]

Originally posted by Reilly's Mom:


I still have to figure out how to post our 140lb sweetgirl's picture.

Kate

If you will send me a PM with your email, I reply to you with my email address and you can send me the photo and I can post it for you. WHEW!!

 

[bauernicomom]

Hi,

Bauer had both ACL's repaired within 6 months of
each other. She was 7 at the time. We opted for
the traditional ACL surgery. It has been about
1 1/2 years since her last surgery. We haven't had one problem, other than her knees are a bit stiff. That could be age. She is now 8, plays with our 3 yr. old Newf everyday.

 

[Pam G]

Sorry to hear your girl needs surgery. Luckily, I've never had to make this kind of decision. I have heard that some dogs with the TPLO experience pain in the winter because of the metal plate in the leg. So, you may want to ask your surgeon about that since you live in Buffalo. Good luck .