Cruciate Ligament Surgery

[silv]

My 9 year old bitch has been diagnosed as having a damaged cruciate ligament on her left hind leg. She is seeing a senior vet for assessment next week most likely outcome will be surgery. Has anyone had a dog go through this, just wondering what the recovery was like. Apparently she already has arthritis and a degree of hip displasia too. She was a failed foster and had a pretty poor first couple of years. She is normally active. Have been reading up and it says several weeks in a crate post op this fills me with dread.

 

[twiggy2]

I had this surgery done on a lurcher who was supremely fit and in her prime, hers was caused by trauma (she ran into a tree at full speed), she didn't have the huge risk of the other cruciate going due to a weakness (its common), the recovery is not just crate rest it is lead walking and building up slowly, I spent 9 months building my dog back up to full fitness (Road walking, small steps up and down, hydrotherapy) before having her off lead again, she had 2 Yrs before the same cruciate ruptured a 2nd time.
Look up topdoghealth cruciate rehabilitation, my vets in the UK had not seen such a comprehensive programme at the time of my lurcher surgery and really rated it.
Personally I would not do cruciate surgery again, if rest and controlled exercise to full health was not an option on a healthy dog I would PTS.
I liken the controlled rehab to 9 months in hand walking and from my experience the dog found the weeks after surgery very difficult (painful and struggled with crate rest)I also found that are hard running dog like mine was never 100% again and she had no existing issues like arthritis or hip dysplasia.
Sorry not to be more positive.
Feel free to quiz me either way if that may help.

 

[splashgirl45]

My little terrier had crucial ligament surgery three years ago and my vet made sure he had lots of pain medication and one of them was a bit of a sedative so he did sleep a lot for the first week or so.. I think it was 6 weeks of gentle lead exercise and crate test to stop him jumping on and off the furniture. It wasn’t too bad

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Jake-one of my original pair-had a tpl, then the other one went so he had another. I don’t think the cruciate can go again after this. He came back from surgery very well, back to full fitness within a couple of months. The second is sadly likely to go in many cases. Our insurance wouldn’t cover the 2nd one as they said it was a ‘pre-existing’ condition. Cost about £3K for the 2nd one and that was years ago. I’d do it again, no hesitation. I think it’s still pretty much the top of the line operation.

If you can, get a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon. I wouldn’t let my usual vet anywhere near it unless he is very experienced. He spoke about using wire to repair it, I just shot that one down.

 

[Escapade]

My childhood golden had hip dysplasia and arthritis from a young age, after much deliberation she was referred to an ortho surgeon for TPLO. He said she'd have another 6 good years in her.
Post op instructions were for her to be crated, she was not crate trained so (after discussion with the hospital) she was restricted to the kitchen where she was happy to chill out on her duvet. Not ideal but nothing to climb or jump on in there, not that she ever got up to such mischief in the house anyway.
Started with 5 min lead walks a few times a day and built it up over 12 weeks, then did it all over again for the other leg
It was hard, but she did have 6 more good years

 

[Red-1]

I had a young dog 'do' his cruciate. The vet spoke about surgery but we decided to give strict rest and rehab as the poor dog had already had 2 operations, including on his elbow.

The rest was indeed strict, either with us laid down or on a lead. It was weeks of this, followed by controlled walking, and he made a complete recovery. The vet thought he'd do the other, but he never did. In fact, it was a turning point for him and he was then healthy and happy for until he was 10.

Gratuitous photo as he was my main man.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

My old Jrt did hers at 2 years old. She had surgery.. Recovery was ok. Lead walking for 6 weeks. She did her other one 2 years later. We spoke to the same ( wonderful) vet who did her previous surgery and he said we could go that route again or we could just strictly rest her. She didnt like being in the vets at all so we opted for rest. The outcome was exactly the same and we had no further problems. Lost her at 13.

 

[wren123]

Same as @Red-1 my labrador did her acl at 14, vet quite rightly said she was too old to operate. She had librela added to her yumove advance in case putting strain on her sound legs worsened her existing well controlled arthritis. I was told gentle exercise, no jumping stairs etc. She recovered well, sadly we had to pts in June due to bladder cancer at 15.

 

[Trouper]

Our first rescue GSD did hers hooning round the garden. Operated and came home with the most massive and complicated bandaging I had ever seen. It worked however as she made a complete recovery. Sorry this was over 30 years ago so 7 GSDs on and failing memory means I can't remember just how we coped with the re-hab but I know it did not involve a crate - can't stand the things. I think it is a bit like box rest - you know your horse/dog best so will know what recovery activities will suit best once the first few critical weeks are over.

 

[meggymoo]

Our 6 year old lab “did” his left cruciate, jumping out of a river in Oct 2021. He had the surgery where they cut off the top of the bone and attach, for want of a better description, scaffolding for a knee. Sorry I’m rubbish at remembering all the letters for the procedures! We dreaded the 8 weeks crate rest but he was crate trained as a pup and accepted it with no problems. As others have said, a strict exercise programme followed which was a bit of a bind but we did it. Then the following may, he shredded the meniscus in the same leg. Surgery followed for that but this time no crate rest and exercise again a few days later. We were warned that if one cruciate goes there is a likelihood of the second doing likewise. Sure enough, in December 2022 he was running across the beach towards us and was suddenly on three legs. This time he had a different procedure where a wedge of bone is cut out and then plated, to realign the knee. The same crate rest then exercise regime followed. He seemed to recover far quicker from the second one, whether that was because of the different procedure I’m not sure. Vetsure were brilliant paying out not only for the first, but also the second one too. I was expecting the “pre-existing condition” cop out or at least that we had maxed out the first time. But their policy wording states that if they have a pair of something (ie knees) they will pay up for both. They also paid up for hydrotherapy which was over £500 both times and which the vets referred him for. I can’t praise the orthopaedic vet he was referred to, the hydrotherapist or vetsure enough.

 

[Highmileagecob]

The outcome really depends on the weight and age of the dog. The leg has to be completely rested after surgery, either by immobilisation - plaster of paris, screw through the hock to straighten the leg, or totally restricting exercise. Various materials are available to repair with, I think carbon fibre thread was being trialled around the time I left veterinary practice. Providing no infection raises its head, and rest is enforced, healing is usually good, although it is not uncommon for the other leg to affected later.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Meant to say, Jake had never been crate trained but we popped him in one with the cat, who he loved. He was fine.

 

[sbloom]

We did way less than 9 months rehab on a 7 year old Great Dane and he stayed sound on it at least 2 years post surgery, lost him for other reasons. He had the expensive version of the op as they nearly always recommend for giant breeds, and he was confined to our living area, open plan but we barricaded off around the sofas, I think for about two weeks, then he was gradually allowed to move more, and 10 minutes walk twice a day a lot sooner than we expected (can't remember the exact details, we did have the best surgeon in the area, and a good physio). Then restricted exercise building up for maybe 3-4 months, we made him little raised poles and he had a wooden see-saw type wobble board too.

The Canine Conditioning Academy also looks good, no idea if they do rehab programmes.

 

[Umbongo]

Very common surgery and most dogs actually do very well after it. Recovery is roughly 8 weeks of rest with a very strict exercise regime in place.
Very likely that the other back leg will go too. Conservative treatment without surgery is only suitable in some cases eg: a small dog with a partial rupture.
As she already has arthritis and hip dysplasia there will be extra strain on her joints regardless, definetly something to chat to the surgeon about. If she isn't on Librela already, then it would definetly be recommended.

 

[silv]

Thank you all very much for your replies, I have lots to think about. Thing is I had no idea she has has arthritis or hip dysplasia until they took the X-rays. She’s such a lovely girl and is very fit she will happily accompany me on 2 hour hacks. Here is a photo of her

 

[silv]

 

[MurphysMinder]

There are plenty of dogs doing agility who have had cruciate surgery and come back to competing. If your girl has shown no signs of hd previously that wouldn't be a concern for me, I bet lots of 9 year olds would show some hd and arthritis if they were x rayed. I would recommend seeing an ortho specialist if you can who will hopefully be able to give you an accurate prognosis on surgery.

 

[meggymoo]

Thank you all very much for your replies, I have lots to think about. Thing is I had no idea she has has arthritis or hip dysplasia until they took the X-rays. She’s such a lovely girl and is very fit she will happily accompany me on 2 hour hacks. Here is a photo of her

I’m sure if you discuss your concerns with the vet - preferably an orthopaedic specialist, he will be able to allay all your concerns. I’m the worlds worst for having all possible scenarios galloping about in my head. Fortunately, with age has come the confidence to grill a vet for all the information I require. (30 years ago I wouldn’t say boo to a goose). As far as the arthritis goes, the vet said there were early signs on the X-rays, but nothing he wouldn’t expect. Hips were clear which was nice to know.

 

[silv]

I’m sure if you discuss your concerns with the vet - preferably an orthopaedic specialist, he will be able to allay all your concerns. I’m the worlds worst for having all possible scenarios galloping about in my head. Fortunately, with age has come the confidence to grill a vet for all the information I require. (30 years ago I wouldn’t say boo to a goose). As far as the arthritis goes, the vet said there were early signs on the X-rays, but nothing he wouldn’t expect. Hips were clear which was nice to know.

I have no problem grilling the vets, plus 30 years ago I was an orthopaedic nurse so I can read xrays pretty well and know what they are talking about. I am probably feeling a bit sensitive, have just had to have my cats front leg amputated due to a nasty fracture of the elbow. He is due his stiches out on Monday, I feel I am never out of the vets at the moment.

 

[meggymoo]

I have no problem grilling the vets, plus 30 years ago I was an orthopaedic nurse so I can read xrays pretty well and know what they are talking about. I am probably feeling a bit sensitive, have just had to have my cats front leg amputated due to a nasty fracture of the elbow. He is due his stiches out on Monday, I feel I am never out of the vets at the moment.

Ah I see, I'm sorry I didn't realise you had medical training. You'll be a step ahead of most of us with understanding what's going on and with the aftercare then. Sorry about your cat's accident. Animals do adjust remarkably well to these things don't they. Speedy recovery puss.

 

[silv]

Ah I see, I'm sorry I didn't realise you had medical training. You'll be a step ahead of most of us with understanding what's going on and with the aftercare then. Sorry about your cat's accident. Animals do adjust remarkably well to these things don't they. Speedy recovery puss.

No need to be sorry, I appreciate your kind thoughts. I am just worried about managing the aftercare I suppose and whether it will be successful. Also I have another young dog, how on earth do you take one out for exercise and leave the other one at home alone, she is going to be so upset by this.

 

[meggymoo]

No need to be sorry, I appreciate your kind thoughts. I am just worried about managing the aftercare I suppose and whether it will be successful. Also I have another young dog, how on earth do you take one out for exercise and leave the other one at home alone, she is going to be so upset by this.

I guess it’s totally different when it’s your own pet that’s involved and you have the addition of the emotional stress. The vet told me that it has a very high success rate though it was very important to follow their instructions about the complete rest. I will admit that I was concerned about how ours would adapt to 8 weeks of crate rest, that first day it seemed to stretch ahead of us for eternity but I can honestly say it wasn’t as bad as expected. Maybe it was because the first couple of weeks he was so doped up on pain relief, I don’t know. If you get the chance to go down the hydrotherapy route - take it. It’s worked wonders for building his muscles back up and he loves both the treadmill and the pool. He’s not long finished the course of 10 sessions the insurance coughed up for and we are continuing with once a month maintenance sessions with my daughter taking him sea swimming in between times, when the tides and sea conditions work with her work shifts.
We too have a second dog, a stereotypical couch potato greyhound, who if she never had another walk in her life it would be too soon. Obviously she still had to have them but in the early days he didn’t seem to care less. Then we’d sneak her out whilst whoever was going to be home lay down by his crate giving him snuggles and fuss. He was also distracted by things like a kong bone with a bit of his kibble stuck in the end with some squirty cheese. He’s a lab - do I need to say more?
Hand on heart I can 100% say I’m so glad we went ahead, I have not once questioned whether we should have done it, he has made such a good recovery and is again living life to the full and on no pain relief at all.

 

[splashgirl45]

No need to be sorry, I appreciate your kind thoughts. I am just worried about managing the aftercare I suppose and whether it will be successful. Also I have another young dog, how on earth do you take one out for exercise and leave the other one at home alone, she is going to be so upset by this.

Would you be able to use a buggy for your injured dog , when I got my lurcher puppy he was too big to carry and I got a buggy so I could walk my other 2 especially before he had his vaccinations and then afterwards so he wasn’t doing too much walking while he was young. Mine was a small one but you can get quite big ones

 

[misst]

My rehome terrier was not crate trained and he has never adapted to crates. When he had knee surgery I carried him everywhere or held him on a lead next to me. If I couldn't do that I tied him to a solid piece of furniture so he could only move a little but was in the same room as us. At night he was tied to the bedpost. It sounds terrible but he did really well. We struggled if we had to leave him - he just had to put up with a crate for a very short while. He did much better than expected to be honest. We walked him with the other dog on a short circular route then dropped Moti home and continued on a longer route with the other dog. He made a good recovery. It was not cruiciate surgery but a tibial osteotomy and the tibial tuberosity was moved into a correct position so lots of wires/pins involved. 12 weeks post op rest/rehab. so I think similar post to cruciate surgery. The buggy idea would be a good alternative to carrying if need be.

 

[PoniesRock]

Our old terrier did both of her cruciate ligaments. We didn’t operate on her, the vet gave her painkillers and we kept her quiet at home. She recovered well and once recovered you’d never have known. We recently lost her, but totally unrelated issue.

 

[Britestar]

Friends 2 yr old springer had this done in March this year.
She was super strict with him. Create rested, only out for peeing/ pooing on lead. Gradually built up walking as rehab instructed.
He did have to have sedatives most of the time as he bounced in the crate when he saw the lead coming.
He was discharged a week early by the ortho vet. Couldn't believe how well he had healed.
Now back to being a mental spaniel.

 

[Bellasophia]

I’ve done this op twice on my 52 kg dogue de Bordeaux mastiff..( now deceased)
At age one..she had to be operated after snapping the ligament.slipping on tiled floor outside to chase the neighbours cat, on the fence line.
Op went well…six weeks of recovery,I used to tether her at my side on a mattress,rather than crate her..and give on lead ,briefouts to wee etc..

We had to redo her op at age three ,as she started limping badly on the same leg.
The op was redone,but due to her breed,she did not tolerate the anaesthetic and we lost her the day after the op…..we’d flown back from USA with the dog to use the same specialist ,but it all went badly,

I wouldsaylooking at the size and weight of your dog it is veryhopeful she will do a good recovery.
Dont forget on lead,gentle walks until she’s through rehab(6 weeks) and hopefully she will sail on till the end.

my beautiful girl,Rebecca ,aged ten months.

 

[Slightlyconfused]

My spanner had hers done about 6 years ago, never been crated but adjusted ok, had one big ish crate down stairs and one next to my bed. Carried her up on the stair lift.

She started pacing the crate after a week so the vets said she can sit on the sofa with us on a harness and lead but we have to carry her to and from the crate. wasn't allowed to do stairs for three months etc.

 

[silv]

I’ve done this op twice on my 52 kg dogue de Bordeaux mastiff..( now deceased)
At age one..she had to be operated after snapping the ligament.slipping on tiled floor outside to chase the neighbours cat, on the fence line.
Op went well…six weeks of recovery,I used to tether her at my side on a mattress,rather than crate her..and give on lead ,briefouts to wee etc..

We had to redo her op at age three ,as she started limping badly on the same leg.
The op was redone,but due to her breed,she did not tolerate the anaesthetic and we lost her the day after the op…..we’d flown back from USA with the dog to use the same specialist ,but it all went badly,

I wouldsaylooking at the size and weight of your dog it is veryhopeful she will do a good recovery.
Dont forget on lead,gentle walks until she’s through rehab(6 weeks) and hopefully she will sail on till the end.

my beautiful girl,Rebecca ,aged ten months.
View attachment 119021

That is so tragic, you must have been heartbroken and she was so young.

 

[Bellasophia]

Thank you.It was simply dreadful to go through.She was an amazing dog..won excellent in her cdx obedienceat just ten months.a perfect gem of a dog..gentle with everyone,yet protected me from a mugging at ten months.
when she passed I downsized to 20 kg range ..thus began my love affair with st poodles .
I don’t want to divert the thread .but again ..thank you.