Cruciate Ligament damage

[patricia53]

My 8 yr old Airedale Terrier has ruptured his cruciate ligament (not totally). The Vet can operate and effect a repair. I just wondered if anyone has been through this experience with their pet.

[ladybirder]

Not with a pet but I blew mine in a skiing accident. Had it in plaster for a while, painful, but fine thereafter. Are you trying to decide whether to have it done or not?

[rsvp]

my dog ruptured her co-lateral ligament - I could have had the operation done at no charge to me through a vet friend but he advised me to go to a specialist (which he recommended). It cost me a lot of money but was well worth it because she had no trouble whatsoever once it had healed. She had a 'buster collar' on for about four/five days if I remember correctly. Had to keep her on a lead for quite a long while (a border collie too!!!) but she had an uneventful, if quite lengthy, recovery.

[patricia53]

Hi Ladybirder
We are trying to decide which op he should have - the less radical which involves patching the ligament or quite an invasive op which involves reshaping a bone. The bigger op would be done at a Vet hospital about 40 miles away. He has never been strong on his back end. He is insured so the cost isn't an issue, we just don't want to put hm through something which isn't necessary.

[patricia53]

Hi RSVP
I am prepared for a lengthy recovery whichever route we take. He has had an eventful life - he had parvo at 8 weeks (the breeder didn't want to know but we got him through it) and was in hospital for a while. The Vet was brilliant and with her dedication we got him through it - I don't want to put him through more trauma than necessary.

[ladybirder]

Yes I do understand, poor chap. Very difficult decision for you. I am sure there will be somebody on here who will be able to advise who has gone through the same thing. At 8 he should have a few good years in him yet. Good luck whatever you decide.

[patricia53]

Thanks Ladybirder

[rsvp]

my dog was 8 when she had her op and lived an extremely active life before finally going to the big kennel in the sky when she was well over 18years old.

[patricia53]

What a fantastic age your dog reached rsvp! There is no doubt he will have it done, the only question is which op should he have!

[rsvp]

difficult one P53 - has the vet indicated which way he/she thinks maybe the best?

[patricia53]

She straightaway said I'll refer you to the Vet Hospital but it was a bit quick for me! We are going again tomorrow to talk to the vet - I just want to do the best for him. He is on Metacam at the moment and doesn't appear to be in pain.

[ladybirder]

Apologies for changing the subject patricia but did you sort the problem of the cat peeing in the dog's bed?

[patricia53]

Flippin' eck Ladybirder you've got a good memory. It is sorted - we changed the mattress in the bed and he seemed to lose interest - touch wood it hasn't happened since although he has had an episode of cystitis where he was peeing everywhere!!!! Have bought a water fountain for them now and he loves drinking from it so hopefully that is resolved too!!

[rsvp]

You'll be able to make a more inform decision when you've got all the facts - let us know what you decide won't you?

[patricia53]

Will let you know tomorrow night rsvp.

[ladybirder]

I've had a similar thing that's all. It's just this site is very useful if you have further problems. Look under "Inappropriate Elimination".

http://www.felipedia....propriate_elimination

[patricia53]

Thanks Ladybirder will do!

[rsvp]

thank you -

[lankeela]

My friend's Lancashire Heeler has just had this and she had the choice to make too. She has done a report on it for our club website - I will get the link and post it for you.

[lankeela]

Sorry can't find it but she opted not to have the TPL procedure as the angle of the bone didn't warrant it, but she was told it was a very efficient procedure with good success rate. She had the 'fishing line' treatment, they drill a hole at either end of the bone and thread a nylon thread through which stabilises the bone while it builds up tissue, takes about 8 to 10 weeks of restricted exercise then a gradual return but she is a small dog. The difference is the TPL needs cage rest for many weeks. If you want to contact her look on Lancashire Heeler Community website and send the 'contact' form - she will give you further info www.lancashireheelers.org

[lankeela]

If I remember the vet didn't decide which route to go till he had x-rayed and seen the state of the bone.