Comments for Dog Knee Surgery and Ligament Injuries http://dogkneeinjury.com A Help Resource and Support Guide for Dog Owners Fri, 18 May 2012 18:09:33 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= Comment on Tightrope Surgery with Swivel Lock – Brian by Jim http://dogkneeinjury.com/tightrope-swivel-lock/#comment-105053 Jim Fri, 18 May 2012 18:09:33 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/?p=2395#comment-105053 I'm so sorry to hear about Lucca's ordeals. I can't understand why that band would break so soon. Can you see if the swivel lock surgery (tightrope) is available in your area? Brian has had ups and downs. He is now at 6 weeks and seems to be doing pretty well. I hope he continues to progress. He got a new pillow top bed yesterday, which seems to help tremendously for his limping after getting up. I’m so sorry to hear about Lucca’s ordeals. I can’t understand why that band would break so soon. Can you see if the swivel lock surgery (tightrope) is available in your area?

Brian has had ups and downs. He is now at 6 weeks and seems to be doing pretty well. I hope he continues to progress. He got a new pillow top bed yesterday, which seems to help tremendously for his limping after getting up.

]]> Comment on Tightrope Surgery with Swivel Lock – Brian by Titia http://dogkneeinjury.com/tightrope-swivel-lock/#comment-105018 Titia Fri, 18 May 2012 12:31:29 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/?p=2395#comment-105018 Lucca had his stitches removed yesterday ( two weeks after his second operation ) and the X-rays showed that the ligament snapped - again! So now we are back to square one and at a dead end. The vet does not want to operate again soon as Lucca has now been through two operations in two months - my husband and I agree. We are heartbroken. I noticed that he struggled to walk after the second operation, whereas he walked rather well after the first one. The vet was also quite upset as he really thought that this time we will have more luck. We decided to continue with his meds. and supplements and to stick to the exercise program, for the full three month recovery period and then take it from there. All three of us need some time out. Good luck to all of you who are dealing with similiar situations with your dogs. It is so sad to see your companion going through so much and the confusion in those big brown eyes - not knowing what's happening to you and not understanding why you have to be kept on a leash all the time- that kills me! . Lucca had his stitches removed yesterday ( two weeks after his second operation ) and the X-rays showed that the ligament snapped – again! So now we are back to square one and at a dead end. The vet does not want to operate again soon as Lucca has now been through two operations in two months – my husband and I agree. We are heartbroken. I noticed that he struggled to walk after the second operation, whereas he walked rather well after the first one. The vet was also quite upset as he really thought that this time we will have more luck. We decided to continue with his meds. and supplements and to stick to the exercise program, for the full three month recovery period and then take it from there. All three of us need some time out. Good luck to all of you who are dealing with similiar situations with your dogs. It is so sad to see your companion going through so much and the confusion in those big brown eyes – not knowing what’s happening to you and not understanding why you have to be kept on a leash all the time- that kills me!
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]]> Comment on TPLO Complications by Sherri http://dogkneeinjury.com/tplo-complications/#comment-104904 Sherri Thu, 17 May 2012 17:31:10 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/tplo-complications/#comment-104904 Carol, definitely look into conservative management for your older dog, or the traditional repair known as Extracapsular Repair if you decide on surgery. It is muich less invasive and much less expensive. I have a 5 year old Rottweiler who weighs 105 pounds. He has had this procedure done on both knee's with excellent results. The first knee was 2 1/2 years ago, he just blew his left knee three weeks ago, we are now two weeks post op from having the traditional extracapsular repair done and he has healed up with no problem whatsoever. Note that this is not the TIghtrope procedure, that is yet another one. Some dogs do indeed do very well with conservative managment and that's something I'd certainly consider with an older dog. Also, in reply to the person that mentioned her dog's acl tearing "again" after having TPLO? Cathy I believe you are correct. According to what my vet told me the torn acl is removed during the surgery. Even if it isn't removed the ligament does not heal, it will only develop scar tissue around it. But I was told the torn pieces and debris are removed at surgery to clean up the joint. So lameness and loss of use after tplo would not be due to a ligament tearing "again". Something else is going on there and I would be looking for answers. A lot of nasty things can crop up years after tplo so I would really want to know what's going on in that leg. Carol, definitely look into conservative management for your older dog, or the traditional repair known as Extracapsular Repair if you decide on surgery. It is muich less invasive and much less expensive. I have a 5 year old Rottweiler who weighs 105 pounds. He has had this procedure done on both knee’s with excellent results. The first knee was 2 1/2 years ago, he just blew his left knee three weeks ago, we are now two weeks post op from having the traditional extracapsular repair done and he has healed up with no problem whatsoever. Note that this is not the TIghtrope procedure, that is yet another one.

Some dogs do indeed do very well with conservative managment and that’s something I’d certainly consider with an older dog.

Also, in reply to the person that mentioned her dog’s acl tearing “again” after having TPLO? Cathy I believe you are correct. According to what my vet told me the torn acl is removed during the surgery. Even if it isn’t removed the ligament does not heal, it will only develop scar tissue around it. But I was told the torn pieces and debris are removed at surgery to clean up the joint. So lameness and loss of use after tplo would not be due to a ligament tearing “again”. Something else is going on there and I would be looking for answers. A lot of nasty things can crop up years after tplo so I would really want to know what’s going on in that leg.

]]> Comment on TPLO Complications by Janice http://dogkneeinjury.com/tplo-complications/#comment-104884 Janice Thu, 17 May 2012 12:42:16 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/tplo-complications/#comment-104884 Hi Carol I agree with Kimber's Mom, explore all avenues. TPLO is major surgery whatever the age, not to say that it wouldn't work so well on an elderly dog, its just if there are complications it would be tough. There is so much out there now to help with mobility problems. In the darkest days of Lotties complications when I thought she might loose the leg, I found myself looking wheels for her. People have them why not dogs. One thing for sure is dogs adapt so well to their situation. Janice Hi Carol
I agree with Kimber’s Mom, explore all avenues. TPLO is major surgery whatever the age, not to say that it wouldn’t work so well on an elderly dog, its just if there are complications it would be tough. There is so much out there now to help with mobility problems. In the darkest days of Lotties complications when I thought she might loose the leg, I found myself looking wheels for her. People have them why not dogs. One thing for sure is dogs adapt so well to their situation.
Janice

]]> Comment on TPLO Complications by Kimber's Mom http://dogkneeinjury.com/tplo-complications/#comment-104837 Kimber's Mom Thu, 17 May 2012 04:56:34 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/tplo-complications/#comment-104837 Hi Carol, So sorry to read that your senior girl has a torn ccl. Sadly, I lost two of my TPLO dogs to osteosarcoma (bone cancer) after the metal implants used in their procedures corroded in them. So when my 105 lb Shiloh Shepherd tore her ACL, I refused to have this procedure done on her. We looked into conservative management and long story short, she made a complete recovery withotut surgery. You may wish to get educated on conservative management and the protocols used. Also, if my dog absolutely would have needed surgery, I would had the traditional repair done. This is less invasive. You can always have an orthopedic brace made to aid in her recovery from surgery. The TPLO is an invasive procedure with many risks including cancer.... most vets do not disclose this information. I wish you the best with whatever route you decide to take. Hi Carol,
So sorry to read that your senior girl has a torn ccl. Sadly, I lost two of my TPLO dogs to osteosarcoma (bone cancer) after the metal implants used in their procedures corroded in them. So when my 105 lb Shiloh Shepherd tore her ACL, I refused to have this procedure done on her. We looked into conservative management and long story short, she made a complete recovery withotut surgery. You may wish to get educated on conservative management and the protocols used. Also, if my dog absolutely would have needed surgery, I would had the traditional repair done. This is less invasive. You can always have an orthopedic brace made to aid in her recovery from surgery. The TPLO is an invasive procedure with many risks including cancer…. most vets do not disclose this information. I wish you the best with whatever route you decide to take.

]]> Comment on TPLO Complications by Carol http://dogkneeinjury.com/tplo-complications/#comment-104817 Carol Thu, 17 May 2012 03:43:53 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/tplo-complications/#comment-104817 hello everyone, my dog is 13 years of age and has torn ccl right stifle as the vet puts it. gave us an estimate of $3600. not sure what to do. They asked us if we wanted to put her down. What do i Do...???? what are my options with an older dog. she is not overweight hello everyone, my dog is 13 years of age and has torn ccl right stifle as the vet puts it.
gave us an estimate of $3600. not sure what to do. They asked us if we wanted to put her
down. What do i Do…???? what are my options with an older dog. she is not overweight

]]> Comment on TPLO Complications by Cathy http://dogkneeinjury.com/tplo-complications/#comment-104788 Cathy Wed, 16 May 2012 22:39:33 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/tplo-complications/#comment-104788 Well, I believe that in some cases Doctor's are to blame as I adhered to the instructions to a tee and I mean to a tee. Chief needed sedatives and he refused to give them to me. After the second surgery and with sedatives prescribed he healed with the same instructions regarding care. Nothing was different. This Doctor just refused to listen to me when I described how hyper active Chief is. Even my own vet after the fact said she would never have sent Chief home without sedatives even after a minor operation. I believe they remove the ACL when they perform a TPLO. At least that is the way it was explained to me. If this is the case I am not sure how it could get torn the second time. Perhaps this same surgeon explained it wrong. THAT WOULD BE THE SURGEON WHO SCREWED UP CHIEF'S FIRST OPERATION. Any chance you know this guy? Well, I believe that in some cases Doctor’s are to blame as I adhered to the instructions to a tee and I mean to a tee. Chief needed sedatives and he refused to give them to me. After the second surgery and with sedatives prescribed he healed with the same instructions regarding care. Nothing was different. This Doctor just refused to listen to me when I described how hyper active Chief is. Even my own vet after the fact said she would never have sent Chief home without sedatives even after a minor operation.
I believe they remove the ACL when they perform a TPLO. At least that is the way it was explained to me. If this is the case I am not sure how it could get torn the second time. Perhaps this same surgeon explained it wrong. THAT WOULD BE THE SURGEON WHO SCREWED UP CHIEF’S FIRST OPERATION. Any chance you know this guy?

]]> Comment on TPLO Complications by phyllis http://dogkneeinjury.com/tplo-complications/#comment-104782 phyllis Wed, 16 May 2012 21:16:34 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/tplo-complications/#comment-104782 Exactly....You must adhere to the Doctor's instructions to the tee. My rotti had a TPLO on his left hind leg 2 years ago which went perfectly. Two years later he had another on his right leg by the same Doctor. After five months he removed the plate and screws because Rocky was rejecting it Everything was going fine, Rocky healed and was running with enthusiasm when all of a sudden he started favoring the right leg. He has torn the ACL again. I can't afford to take him back to the doctor that performed the surgery and took him to my local vet. She had decided to treat him conservatively with pain and anti inflammatory meds, accupuncture and physical therapy in water. I really liked the doctor and all I can say is he is only human and he did the best he could. You take the same chances when you go to the hospital for surgery. So please don't blame the doctor there are a lot of variables when performing surgery on dogs or humans.. Exactly….You must adhere to the Doctor’s instructions to the tee. My rotti had a TPLO on his left hind leg 2 years ago which went perfectly. Two years later he had another on his right leg by the same Doctor. After five months he removed the plate and screws because Rocky was rejecting it Everything was going fine, Rocky healed and was running with enthusiasm when all of a sudden he started favoring the right leg. He has torn the ACL again. I can’t afford to take him back to the doctor that performed the surgery and took him to my local vet. She had decided to treat him conservatively with pain and anti inflammatory meds, accupuncture and physical therapy in water.
I really liked the doctor and all I can say is he is only human and he did the best he could. You take the same chances when you go to the hospital for surgery. So please don’t blame the doctor there are a lot of variables when performing surgery on dogs or humans..

]]> Comment on TPLO Complications by Janice http://dogkneeinjury.com/tplo-complications/#comment-104770 Janice Wed, 16 May 2012 19:27:06 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/tplo-complications/#comment-104770 Hi Cathy Thats great news, what a relief. We have two other dogs besides Lottie, one of them Lizzie has a fatty lump on her chest. It was checked by the vet in the same way and given the all clear. Hearing about what happened to Judge reminded me of an experience I had many years ago while still living at home with mum. She had a shepherd called Sheba and one day I came home from work to find my mum so upset as Sheba was scatching at her mouth which was bleeding and her paws were covered in blood. On looking into her mouth I could see a bone across the roof of her mouth, trying to scatch it out was only wedging it tighter. I calmed her and then pushing the bone back quite hard managed to free it. I felt quite chuffed with myself. I hope you feel better soon, its horrible when everything goes wrong at once. With Lotties misfortune my health has suffered, not eating or sleeping, fretting so badly. The worst time was the unexpected 2 weeks she was kept in the hospital. Thinking she must feel we've abandoned her. Recovery can be like a yoyo but we'll be happy just to get Lottie back to swimming. I'll keep you posted on Lotties progress and let me know Chief and Justice get on. I bet you can't wait till the three of them are back together and this is all a distant memory. Janice Hi Cathy

Thats great news, what a relief.
We have two other dogs besides Lottie, one of them Lizzie has a fatty lump on her chest. It was checked by the vet in the same way and given the all clear.
Hearing about what happened to Judge reminded me of an experience I had many years ago while still living at home with mum. She had a shepherd called Sheba and one day I came home from work to find my mum so upset as Sheba was scatching at her mouth which was bleeding and her paws were covered in blood. On looking into her mouth I could see a bone across the roof of her mouth, trying to scatch it out was only wedging it tighter. I calmed her and then pushing the bone back quite hard managed to free it. I felt quite chuffed with myself.
I hope you feel better soon, its horrible when everything goes wrong at once.
With Lotties misfortune my health has suffered, not eating or sleeping, fretting so badly. The worst time was the unexpected 2 weeks she was kept in the hospital. Thinking she must feel we’ve abandoned her.
Recovery can be like a yoyo but we’ll be happy just to get Lottie back to swimming.
I’ll keep you posted on Lotties progress and let me know Chief and Justice get on. I bet you can’t wait till the three of them are back together and this is all a distant memory.

Janice

]]> Comment on TPLO Complications by Cathy http://dogkneeinjury.com/tplo-complications/#comment-104754 Cathy Wed, 16 May 2012 18:38:48 +0000 http://dogkneeinjury.com/2008/tplo-complications/#comment-104754 Hi Janice, Chief just has a lipoma - fatty tissue. I have to monitor it but after doing a fine need aspirate and testing it on slides the vet is 98% sure it is just fatty tissue. Wow, I can breath again now. Hope Lottie heals soon. It is so hard and even more hard on us owners I am sure. Keep me posted. Cathy Hi Janice,

Chief just has a lipoma – fatty tissue. I have to monitor it but after doing a fine need aspirate and testing it on slides the vet is 98% sure it is just fatty tissue. Wow, I can breath again now.

Hope Lottie heals soon. It is so hard and even more hard on us owners I am sure.

Keep me posted.

Cathy

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