partially torn anterior cruciate ligament

[Love4himies]

I am hoping some dog owners will be able to help out a co worker. She took her dog to the vet yesterday to have her dog's leg checked. It turns out she has a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in her knee. For now the vet has prescribed some NSAIDs and glucosimine and mentioned the dog may need surgery.

Is there anything else she can do to help her poor dog?

[mummummum]

She has to crate the dog 24-7 for a minumum of 3 weeks ~ preferably 6. And when the dog leaves the crate she must fully support the hind quarters with a sling. The affected hind cannot so much as touch the floor or bend/stretch. I've often wondered why Vet's don't put a cast on them.

[Frenchy]

May need surgery ? I would have thought he would need surgery asap :confused it happened to my sister's golden , got an operation and while recovery , torn the other leg and had a second operation.

I'm sure someone more helpfull will come here soon.

[Love4himies]

Thanks Frenchy, I think they are trying to avoid the surgery right now, but vet has said 80% chance their dog will need it.

[Love4himies]

Mx3. thanks for the info, I was wondering about a cast or a tensor bandage too. These people are extremely active and run their dogs. Would you recommend a tensor bandage?

[mummummum]

Originally Posted by Frenchy

May need surgery ? I would have thought he would need surgery asap :confused it happened to my sister's golden , got an operation and while recovery , torn the other leg and had a second operation.

I'm sure someone more helpfull will come here soon.

Not always Frenchy. It is actually possible to have a slight or half-tear. The ligament will never be the same after healing because of the scar tissue but, not all dogs need to jump or have the desire to rip around like crazy.

[mummummum]

Originally Posted by Love4himies

Mx3. thanks for the info, I was wondering about a cast or a tensor bandage too. These people are extremely active and run their dogs. Would you recommend a tensor bandage?

Intuitively I say yes, but I should tell you that did read some research with rabbits where immbolization made no difference.

I still say yes. Just ensure it's not too tight ~ circulation is REALLY important during ligament repair. And if it were my animal, I would be giving them the comparable human dose Gluco-Chondroitin-MSM for their weight.

[Love4himies]

Yes, the ligament is only partially torn, vet is hoping it will heal, but if not surgery will be needed.

The vet did give her the gluco... to use.