Puppy dog tales

[kejedo]

       My little dog, babyGirl, had acl surgery on her right leg, summer of 2016. Here's what happened: Baby-girl was limping and/or holding up her right leg, rather than put weight on it. Brought her to our regular vet who said it is their policy to recommend surgery rather than do other tests like x=ray or MRI. Their reason: they would have to anesthetize dog for these tests, and re-anesthetize for surgery. Since they would have to "put her out" they might as well just anesthetize once and do the surgery. Yup, paid thousands for the surgery, but was never informed if she did in fact have the ACL diagnosis. Of course, no one is going to say, after surgery, that it was not necessary.

        The recovery was horrendous. Had to get kennel-crates, and carry her from crate to food, to wee-wee pad, to crate (for months). I have a soft crate with a top zipper opening, so I could put my hand in and pat her all night and a hard crate for car trips to appointments.I was told by another person that a leg brace is often just as effective as the surgery, but my vet has no referral for this.

        At that time,(2016) I was supposed to start both dogs on glucosamine. Neither of my dogs would swallow the glucosamin, no matter what I tried, and I eventually gave up. My thought: our previous dog lived to 19 and never took glucosamine. Baby-girl is eight, Snow is 11. Yesterday, my health aide asked to take baby-girl out while she had a cig. When she came in, the lady mentioned that Baby girl had an episode with another dog barking at her. A few minutes later, same lady noticed that Baby girl was limping and holding up her left leg.They are doing sidewalk replacement out side and there are pebbles and tiny cement pieces/fragments everywhere.  BabyGirl is supposed to see her reg vet tomorrow and my instrux are to keep her resting. 

        Baby girl walked a little bit today, but is still primarily holding up left leg. She has put the leg down a little bit. Vet's website says baby aspirin is okay for dogs, but i called them and they said no OTC meds til she is checked up on tomorrow, as they may give her anti=inflammatories (I think Walmart sells OTC anti=inflammatories for dogs) and we would need to wait for a space of time if she had taken baby aspirin. Obviously, my vet will not tell me if she knows the name of vets that try the brace before jumping into surgery. Any suggestions or experiences? Baby girl is a Jack Russell Chihuahua mix and  weighs 20 pounds.

                                                               Y(worried dog mommy)S 

Edited November 7, 2019 by kejedo

[kejedo]

I have an appointment with a different vet for Tuesday. According to today's conversation, surgery is the last, not first option. 

 

[daydream]

https://www.topdoghealth.com/library/orthopedic-condition/articles/cranial-cruciate-ligament-ccl-rupture/#DogACL

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What is most important though is how to prevent the same injury to your dogs other hind leg.

 

Listen Very Closely: Since your dog has injured one hind leg, they are having to compensate on their 3 other “good” legs. This compensation puts the other legs, back and joints at greater risk of injury. It is estimated that 30-50% of dogs who tear one ACL will tear the other ACL within a few years. The reason for this is very simple. Lack of physical therapy and proper conditioning after surgery and lack of good joint health supplements. It is as simple as that.

 

 

 

[daydream]

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What is GlycanAid® HA?

GlycanAid® HA Advanced Formula revitalizes your dog’s painful joints bringing them back to health quickly and effectively, even if they have recently had major orthopedic surgery or are suffering from severe arthritis.

These tasty chewable tablets are recommended by veterinarians across the world.

 

 

[kejedo]

Thanks,Sister Anne, the new-to-us (upcoming) vet office has surgeon, dog rehab specialist, message, and xray possibility. I was going to try another glucosamine tomorrow, but may wait til I see new vet Tuesday. The new vet office recommended nothing OTC til they examine her. GlycanAid sounds good, as both my dogs would not swallow or even taste the glucosamine tabs from other vet. I think I have other dog vitamins, too.  BabyGirl can still stand to lose a pound or two, and I was just upping her dog walks, due to my health challenges, which I have been working toward stabilizing.  Baby Girl has been resting, which is what the first vet recommended. Thanks for all the wonderful info. Our God Jehovah, gave us wonderful gifts in nature. I'm especially thankful for my two dogs, b/c my asthma is so bad, there are many breeds that I have to avoid. I can not breathe around cats at all. My heart breaks to see either of our dogs ailing in any way. 😪

[kejedo]

Today's visit: Baby girl has some swelling near her knee, perhaps sprain, but not definitely a tear. She had one laser treatment today and two meds. glucosamine and rimadyl. Today's bill= 205.75. She has 6 upcoming rehab treatments  of laser and underwater (or aquatic) treadmill. Nest bill 300 plus, but not immediate surgery. If therapy doesn't work, we will prob try a brace. Surgery is last option.