Cinny is a 4 yr old female pitbull that had torn ligament surgery (unsure exactly which procedure) about 5 1/2weeks ago. She is walking worse now then she did before surgery.

The 1st 2 weeks she was doing good. I was helping her with walking outside using a towel under her while I held her lower body up; she wasnt happy with me helping, but finally was settling in with it.

Now at 5 1/2 weeks she is doing worse then before surgery. She has an appt next week with doctor. She can’t even stand on all 4 without wanting to lay down. It breaks my heart to see what I think now was a very bad idea…

Since day 1 I have done exactly what i was told by my vet. I gave the pain pills, used a hot pad and ice pack when appropriate. Any help or advice anyone is willing to offer would be appreciated.

Update – After Vet Visit

Since I wrote my story it seems Cinny has taken a turn for the worst. She can not walk at with falling.

I called the vet that did the surgery that morning, and was told they can not see her until Monday; I told her she is a 5 week post op and can not walk. Still could not fit her in.

I called another vet which told me to bring her right in. They took X-rays and gave me the bad news. Cinny has arthritis in both hips and both back legs. Surgery will not help.

They started laser therapy on her right away and will do this for 2 weeks to see if it helps with her pain. She is also now on rimadyl and tramadol for pain, and I do give her joint vitamins too.

I went hope crying and haven’t stopped yet. I did order a wheel chair for her which will not be here for another 5 days. I don’t want to let her go, and I don’t want her in pain.

I just let my min pin go with God not even 2 months ago. what a holiday im having losing all my best friends.

Why didn’t the vet that did the surgery tell me about her arthritis or… Guess no X-rays were done? What have I done to my dog?!

Update – 2 Week Laser Therapy

Cinny had her 2 week laser therapy which seem to help some. One day she seems to be doing great, then next she is back to laying and depressed.

No x-rays were taken before surgery if so he would not have seen arthritis. She does eat and drink and go outside to do her thing. My husband has bulit a great ramp for her, and she seems to be happy with using it.

I take her outside everyday for 5-10 min; seems all she can handle. She still in pain, of course I keep giving her the pain/arthritis pill and her joint vitamins. She is giving me a hard time tricking her.

The therapy is supposed to last 3-4 weeks before she will need more. I see she needs it everyday. I don’t have the money to put in her, which is breaking my heart.

She is so alert and gives me dozens of kisses everyday. I have a feeling I will need to let her be with God.

We decided not to use the wheelchair for 2 reasons – 1 too small and 2 I would never be able to lift her to put her in it alone. I have a bad back now from carrying her up and down stairs to be with me haha, she hates to be alone.

God Bless and thanks for all the advice and help!

Arthritis After Ligament Surgery – Cinny is a post from: Dog Knee Surgery and Ligament Injuries

It is estimated that there are over 15.5 million dogs suffering from arthritis right now – many of whom are silently suffering.

Arthritis is defined as inflammation in the joint, and it may be accompanied by pain, discomfort and/or stiffness. There are 5 general areas which are most succeptible to arthritic change: hips, knees, elbows, shoulders and spine.

In the case of arthritis related to cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury, the onset of arthritis is linked to the traumatic injury of the knee joint.

Dogs do not exhibit signs of pain in the same way we do by crying, whimpering or complaining. You will need to pay close attention to the habits of your pet to try and determine whether arthritis is an issue.

Arthritis in Dogs – What to Look For:

• Slowing Down
• Sleeping More & Sleeping Longer
• Standing with Back Legs Closer Together
• Wide Front Leg Stance
• Running with Hind Legs Together aka “Bunny Hopping”
• Joint Licking
• Slow to Rise
• Walking Less than Normal with Frequency and Distance
• Avoiding Jumping or Stairs
• Stiffness
• Limping
• Muscle Atrophy

How to Diagnose Canine Arthritis:

Dr. James suggests if at all possible, you need to have x-rays taken to accurately diagnose arthritis, particularly, the exact point of origination for the arthritic change.

The video above was created by veterinarian, Dr. James St. Clair of TopDog Health and Rehabilitation. Dr. James created his GlycanAid-HA joint support formula as a result of working with many patients and owners coming into his rehab center with a plethora of different supplements. In 2007 he began working with one of the leading experts in the world of veterinary supplements and developed joint health supplement formulas packed with ingredients that he knew worked, and were something he wanted to offer his patients.

Basics of Ligament Injury and Arthritis – Video is a post from: Dog Knee Surgery and Ligament Injuries

I have an Olde English Bulldogge named Wilson, he is 4 and very active, with re-active personality. I had the tight rope procedure done last year and nothing has changed for Wilson as far as chasing, running, and jumping.

Tight rope is much less invasive than TPLO, because with TPLO they actually take out some bone and recovery is much longer. Tight rope uses a fishing like leader (metal wire) along with some key points in the joint so it can be laced up again. Eventually, the leader will break a while after the cartilage has been reformed.

Remember – your dog will probably have arthritis due to a torn ACL, but it’s ok, there are plenty of things for that. I live in Minnesota, even when walking Wilson in cold temps his leg does not bother him much, as matter of fact, bullys are famous for not showing pain even if it hurts or (dogs in general). Wilson still has a tire hanging from a tree that he swings and falls from, his recovery or a recovery in general is not as bad as you may think if you have not had it done yet. If you do get tight rope done remember to give Glucosamine, Chondrointin pills daily for life. I have a friend that is a vet and the ones you buy at Walmart for human consumption are perfectly fine, even ask your vet.

I paid $683 dollars for tight rope procedure at a vet I highly recommend…he had done plenty of tight ropes, and my total bill was in the $1100 range. There are advantages and disadvantages to any procedure. Mine was extremely wonderful; to see Wilson happy and back at ‘em. I would be grateful to help or give opinions to anyone who needs some assistance with my resources.

Tightrope Surgery and Large Dogs – Wilson is a post from: Dog Knee Surgery and Ligament Injuries

Many veterinarians will try to pressure owners into immediately proceeding with surgical intervention to repair a dog’s damaged cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) by saying early intervention will decrease the likelihood of arthritic changes to the knee. There is some truth to this – restriction of the knee joint after injury does help to minimize the progression of arthritic tissue in a dog with a CCL injury, but the necessary amount of restriction can be reached with conservative techniques as well as surgery. Restricting your dog’s activity following a cruciate ligament injury is your best defense against arthritis, and no owner should ever be made to feel as though surgery is their only option.

The truth is, all dogs that sustain a cruciate ligament tear or rupture are at an increased risk for arthritis, no matter at what point surgery (if ever) is undertaken. There is no evidence that dogs who recover using Conservative Management (CM), and dogs who recover with surgery show any differences in the development of future arthritic problems. Proper restriction during recovery and avoiding high-risk activities after recovery, together with weight control, good nutrition, and joint-supporting supplements are what minimize the chances of future arthritic problems – not immediate surgical intervention.

Does CCL Repair Surgery Lessen Arthritis Risk? is a post from: Dog Knee Surgery and Ligament Injuries

NSAID stands for non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. These medications are most often prescribed to dogs for pain, inflammation and to aid in fever reduction. NSAIDs are most commonly used for the symptomatic relief of arthritic pain in geriatric pets. Aspirin and ibuprofen are well-recognized human NSAIDs, and the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has approved specific NSAIDs for use in pets with osteoarthritis. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, the body chemicals that cause inflammation, and can be highly effective for controlling discomfort in arthritic and post op pets.

The FDA considers NSAIDs to be “safe and effective when used according to the label and when pet owners are informed about common NSAID adverse reactions.” According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the NSAIDs are available today are much safer than they have ever been in the past and cause far fewer side effects. The FDA also notes that “duration of use makes a difference in the safety” of NSAIDs as the risk of side effects can increase the longer a pet is given an NSAID. The FDA considers approved NSAIDs to be safe and effective when used according to the label and when dog owners are informed about common NSAID adverse reactions.

What are possible adverse reactions/side effects to NSAID use?

• Change in appetite
• Vomiting
• Change in bowel movements
• Change in behavior
• Seizures
• Yellowing of gums, skin or whites of the eyes
• Change in drinking habits
• Change in urination habits
• Change in skin – redness, scabs or scratching
• Lethargy and/or depression

More serious side effects included gastro-
intestinal bleeding, ulcers, perforations, and in
rare cases, kidney and liver damage, and death.

What NSAIDs are approved for use in my dog?

• Etogesic (etodolac)
• Rimadyl (carprofen)
• Metacam (meloxicam)
• Zubrin (tepoxalin)
• Deramaxx (deracoxib)
• Previcox (firocoxib)
• Novox (generic carprofen)

Safety of Anti Inflammatory Medications, NSAIDs is a post from: Dog Knee Surgery and Ligament Injuries