Limping dog went to the vet

[Daisybee59]

Thank you for the replies. Petey goes back to the vet on Wednesday to be sedated and x-rayed. I am having a hard time convincing my husband that surgery is a good possibility when Petey is still running around like he always has only three legged most of the time. He is convinced time will heal him. I just worry that because he is so young, ( 2yrs. Next month.) if it's not fixed now, it will cause more problems down the road.

[Jessika]

We see this in the clinic *a lot*. We do the knee surgery repair at every clinic I've worked at. There are several methods... ranging from a TPLO to a tie-back. TPLOs should only be done by a board certified surgeon... but an experienced non-certified vet can perform the tie-back.

In all my years of being a tech, I've yet to see one "fail" due to the procedure itself... I have seen some fail due to owner non-compliance regarding post-op exercise restrictions (they were not restricting the dog's activity) so it is VERY, VERY important that you absolutely follow the restrictions... even if you think your dog is feeling better!!!!!!!

If you have the money and can afford it, absolutely do the surgery. If not, there are several therapeutic things you can do to keep the dog comfortable... but there is NO cure for a complete tear except for surgery. You may manage the symptoms and make the dog comfortable, but it will not heal. Partial tears have the potential to heal, but there is always a risk of it tearing again.

Another sad fact is that TYPICALLY if a dog blows one knee, they will blow their other knee eventually as well.

[Freedom]

Jessika explained it quite well.

And most dogs do blow the second one within 2 years of the first one going.

You are right, not addressing this now allows arthritis to set it. Your dog is young and should recover well PROVIDED you restrict activity during recovery.

[Daisybee59]

Petey is at the vet now for his sedated x-Ray. Can anyone give me some questions for the vet. I've read up on a lot of websites, I have a lot of questions, but I'd like the really important ones answered. Thanks

[Karen]

Is it a complete tear, or just partial? What are the options for surgery? What is the recovery like? How long would he need to be kept inactive? What kind of activities should I restrict for now? Would any kind of brace help in the meantime, or as an alternative?

[Daisybee59]

Is it a complete tear, or just partial? What are the options for surgery? What is the recovery like? How long would he need to be kept inactive? What kind of activities should I restrict for now? Would any kind of brace help in the meantime, or as an alternative?

Petey is home, and the vet said he doesn't need surgery. I have to do all the keeping him from running jumping and climbing stairs as much as humanly possible. But the vet said because he is such a small dog, under 20lbs. And he is already walking on it quite well, he doesn't think he needs surgery. I was a little concerned until he said if he was his dog He wouldn't do surgery on him, so I guess I'll cross my fingers and somehow try to keep a crazy little puppy calm

[Freedom]

Well isn't this terrific news?~! If you don't have one, a nice sized crate with a comfy bed in it will help. Oh and maybe a playpen or dog pen, to keep him confined but able to move around. Just make sure it is sturdy (if it has a floor to it) as you want solid footing under him when he moves about. Check freecycle and craigslist FREE section, you just may find something.

A few long lasting chews will help now and then as well; just not a constant thing as they can cause constipation or diarrhea (depending which sort you get).

And a toy to squeak! LOL