ACL - advice needed!

HoneyBunny · 12-10-2012, 11:53 AM

Hi everyone!

My Honey injured her knee in September and I rushed her to the ER where the vet felt the problem was a luxating patella (she had previously had surgery on her other back leg). I didnt have the money for xrays so for the last 2.5 months she has been on limited movements/play etc. She has shown improvement, even running a little while playing (until I stop her haha) - yet she still has a limp. I brought her to an orthopedic surgeon who told me that it was the ACL not the LP.. but he was going to do the xrays when she comes in for surgery - so still no xrays.

Does anyone have any experience with ACL injuries? Would she be able to play if the injury was 'that' bad? If this is going to help her in the long run, of course I will have it, but what if it is unnecessary? Her surgery is scheduled for next Monday and now I am concerned that she may not need it?

Please, any input is GREATLY appreciated.

Thank you,
Meredith and Honey

ClaireVoyant · 12-10-2012, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoneyBunny

I brought her to an orthopedic surgeon who told me that it was the ACL not the LP.. but he was going to do the xrays when she comes in for surgery - so still no xrays.

Poor thing

. . .if the surgeon suspects ACL instead of Patella injury, he's not still operating on her patella is he? If that's the case and it was my pet, I would seek another opinion before letting my dog go under the knife for random surgery rather than accept a "we know something is wrong, but don't know what, but in case it needs surgery, we'll be in there anyway and will fix what ever is wrong". I mean, unless I'm missing something, sounds odd to me . . .

Keep us posted and best wishes!

Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com App

HoneyBunny · 12-10-2012, 01:23 PM

He told me that she has grade 1 patella and he will fix it at the same time without charging me and this way it wont be a problem in the future... the knee has been popping quite a bit, so at least that is definitely true, and she definitely has a limp.

The orthopedic surgeon is one of the top in the state - he is really well known and has operated on show dogs and the like.. so I probably shouldn't question him.. My vet doesn't do orthopedic surgery and recommended him. ..While she played a lot this weekend she still isn't jumping on/off furniture so it may be bothering her... I just don't know and was wondering if anyone on here had experienced anything like this.

Thanks

davetgabby · 12-10-2012, 04:52 PM

I would trust him , sounds generous to me too. He is a specialist , that would be more reassuring to me.

lfung5 · 12-10-2012, 06:18 PM

I am sorry to hear about Honey

I only have experience with the patella surgery. I wish I could be more help. But from what you are telling us, it sounds like you are in good hands.

SOPHIES-MOM · 12-11-2012, 08:32 AM

I had a bichon that tore her ACL and had surgery, then the other one 6 months later.
Very expensive, but the little dogs heal much faster than the big ones. She did really well.
Good luck!

HoneyBunny · 12-24-2012, 10:50 AM

Thanks for the input!!

Honey ended up having the surgery a week ago on 12/17, and while her first few days were very tough (so heartbreaking to see her bewildered & in pain), she seems to have turned a corner in her recovery the past day - eating/bathroom normally, more energy and more affectionate..

Happy holidays!

~ Meredith & Honey (Cavanese - Cavalier KC/ Havanese mix - 3.5 y/o)

TilliesMom · 12-24-2012, 04:44 PM

yay! glad to hear she is on the mend and hopefully through the worst of it!!

davetgabby · 12-24-2012, 05:05 PM

great, Meredith.

sandypaws · 12-24-2012, 05:12 PM

You must be glad that's behind you. Hope it's smooth sailing from here.