ACL tears/TPLO the truth
I've been a vet in carstairs for 20 years. many field dogs, farm dogs town dogs. I've seen all breeds and all injuries. ACL tears are the most common (happened to my dog) because its the weakest link in the body when the dog is thrusting forward and especially if the legs have a slight bow or there is some twisting. cold weather, overweight and especially that darn huck-a-chuck will cause most ACL tears. our dogs have better nutrition, they are stronger and they loose their mind over squirrels and such.
sprains and strains happen and should recover within 2-4 weeks. they can look like ACL tears (even on an xray)
ACL partial tears become full tears 99% of the time requiring surgery. a partial ACL tear has 3 requirements: persistent lameness, xray joint effusion (water on the knee), and pain when manipulating the knee in the 'drawer motion'. I have heard of vets not even touching the dog and diagnosing, and I have seen vets let a partial tear go on limping for a year of rest before diagnosing.
Full ACL tears have an obvious 1cm movement when the knee is 'drawer manipulated'. xray is required but i'm 95% positive when I feel that.
Tightrope surgery (lateral imbrication) is cheaper and has a failure rate the bigger and more active the dog (typically <50lbs and low active) is just fine. arthritis will set in fairly heavy in 5-6 years so if your dog is young then consider another surgery.
TPLO is expensive however dogs are walking on that leg within 3 days. at 2 weeks they are walking almost perfect and at 2 months watch out...holding them back is the issue. the last month is used to get in shape so the other leg has less chance to go.
the sooner the affected leg ( their take-off leg) gets fixed the less likely the other leg is to blow ( i think).
long term arthritis is minimal and full function is achieved. when you think about a heal up time of 3-4 months with the last 2 walking and running, it is a better option than 6 months of bed rest. not to mention the other leg taking the weight compensation.
get a second opinion, do some research, but if your buddy does have a partial ACL tear or Full ACL tear then something should be done.
I saw a $1000.00 brace put on a dog that slowed him down and ultimately shortened his achilles tendon because he couldn't extend his leg. maybe in the future braces will be better but not now.
Dr. Tom Picherack D.V.M.
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