Torn ACL
Written by shincks7@adelph...
The Vet said that my Cocker has a torn ACL (knee ligament) and that the only alternative is surgery to the tune of $1300.00. I love my boy, but he is 14 years old and has not done well with other surgeries that he has had. I'm afraid that he might not even survive the anesthesia or that the recovery might be longer than for a younger dog. Are there alternative treatments that I can do? Would an ACE bandage help him? He has a sensitive stomach so I don't dare give him even buffered aspirin for his pain. Don't let me adopt a thoroughbred again!
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Shincks, that is a tough situation. Your feelings about surgery for your 14 year old dog are very valid. A cruciate repair on a good surgical canidate although routine, is major surgery. $1300 is a reasonable price however, you are right, the surgery would be more risky and the recovery longer. Ask your vet for something for pain that may be easier on the stomach than asprin.
As far as alternative treatments, a torn ligament will not heal properly with out surgery but the body can compensate and form scar tissue which may allow the dog to live with the injury and the pain will subside after a while. He will probably always have a limp. There are possibley some supplements that would promote healthy joints, but please ask your vet for a recommendation.
Keeping your dog on the lean side will also help him to get around better with less weight to carry. Also discourage him from jumping down from the furniture, car or steps. You may want to consider a ramp for these places. It is very common for the other knee to tear as well especially now that it is taking up the extra load from the injured knee.
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