Another cruciate lig thread - any experience in older dogs??

[Willeeckers]

My 16 and half year old lab has damaged her left cruciate.

Mum took her to the vets this morning ( she did it yesterday falling down a step) and the vet said we have 3 options, well 2 really as the first is not viable given her age.
1 - operation
2 - rest and see if it heals
3 - PTS

Vets advise was option 2 for now, does anybody have any experience of this injury in a much older dog?

She is old but still enjoys life, food and up to now still liked to go on little walks and play with her toys, she has no problems with tolieting either but I get the feeling she's really on borrowed time now

She lives at home with my parents and dare I say it they aren't getting any younger either - mum said she picked her up and carried Bonnie dog inside last night as it was cold and snowing, not exactly ideal for either of them.

 

[blackcob]

Currently experiencing it with a fit three and a half year old dog I do agree with the vet, surgery is definitely not an option in an oldie.

The ligament doesn't ever heal but most dogs do tend to improve with rest and time. The reason surgical intervention is used is because there is inevitably damage to the meniscus when the cruciate is compromised and it's this that leads to later complications, arthritis and chronic pain/lameness but this could be weeks, months or even years away before enough damage is done to show as further lameness. The progression is usually quicker in larger, older dogs though, as is a tendency for the other leg to go.

In a sixteen year old dog it's not as if you're worrying about her suffering from arthritis a few years down the line. If she's comfortable now and continues to improve over the next few days I'd be inclined to think it's something she will go with rather than from.

Best of luck to you all, it's a difficult decision x

 

[blacksabbeth]

There is some form of hope as my staffy whos 8 years old had torn his by being stood on by my horse.Vet advised operation but did say providing strict rest in a crate for 6 weeks and only out for a toilet on a lead with strict observation of no sillyness he will improve but not fully heal providing he did rest and was not allowed any strenuous activity what so ever and told he would have a limp.3 months down the line went in for a check up and vet couldnt believe how well he had recovered considering the first time he saw him he couldnt even get up off the floor I had to carry him.My vet even took me out side to see him jog and run up and down the pavement and said he has no lameness at all but later on in life could lead to him haveing arthritis,but hes incredibly fit for his age.I would give your family member time to heal if advised by the vet with regular check ups to see if any slight improvement in being comfortable.Good luck and fingers crossed,i thought my boy was never going to be the same again but prooved us all wrong.x

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Rest and painkillers. Poor girl

 

[twiglet84]

Have to agree, i wouldnt go for surgery at that age. Rest and pain relief may do the trick x

 

[Aru]

Sorry to read about your dog.

I was in the same situation a few weeks ago with my own 12 year old lab.

Sadly she also had quite severe arthritis in her hips and front elbow so was a different type of case and surgery was never an option,though I could have done it.

We tried strong painkillers and rest for 4 days with her but she was still quite uncomfortable and unwilling to walk any sort of distance without being very lame. In the end I gave her two wonderful days to enjoy the sunshine and much food as she wanted(heaven for a dog on a permanent diet for years) before letting her go at home.

In a smaller dog rest is an option in a heavier animal it rarely is successful. Be aware that the cruciate on the other leg is likely to have a rupture in the future once the first has gone That was my hugh fear that even if we got my Jess dog comfortable on that leg that one day we would come out to find her unable to get up

I would rest and see how it goes. At the end of the day you know your own dog and will know her comfort levels.
The other thing is that painkillers.. loxicam etc may be now a long term necessity to keep her comfortable but have the capacity to vastly improve her quality of life.

 

[Willeeckers]

Thanks guys, I guess in some ways with regards to rest age is on her side as she is more than happy to sleep most if the day - I wouldn't fancy trying to cage rest a young active dog!

She is already on painkillers anyway as she has already got quite severe arthritis in her elbows so they haven't increased these at all. I completely agree surgery is not an option, there is no way any of us are prepared to put poor Bonnie dog throu that.

I spoke to mum this evening and she said Bonnie was quiet happy if a little miffed at not being taken out for a walk. She has mastered using a towel under her belly to support her out in the garden and using this method she was getting up quite a speed around the lawn !!

So I guess its just a waiting game to see if Dr Time will do his thing ...