To say I panicked would be an understatement. I started crying hysterically and worrying about having to put him down. Well come to find out he had a stomach ulcer which was caused by the increased aspirin regimen which was prescribed by his old vet! I was so irate. But our new vet quickly calmed me down. She prescribed Tramadol for pain, Famotidine as an antacid, Flagyl as an antibiotic, and Sulcrafate to coat his ulcer.

Beau was now officially an old man. Within the next few days Beau started to smile at me again. He began eating again, however his leg was still bothering him. I knew it was something other than the hip dysplasia. So we went back to the vet a week later. She sedated him and x-rayed his hips and legs. That when we found out he had a torn ACL (or CCL, cranial cruciate ligament in dog knees).

Surgery isn’t an option because I don’t have that kind of money and Beau is too old. I would hate for him not to wake back up. I am switching him over to the raw food diet, which he loves. He is still on Tramadol. We are going to switch him to a NSAID once his tummy has had enough time to heal. Today (June 9th) he used his hurt leg for the first time in almost 3 weeks. My baby boy my never be able to walk normally again but I will do everything in my power to help him become as “normal” as possible.

Conservative Management for CCL Tear – Beau is a post from: Dog Knee Injury

This week we have seen a big improvement in Beau’s ease in getting around. In fact, he thinks he’s superdog! He clearly isn’t feeling much pain, so we have eased off on the Tramadol, but continue to give him the Metacam and the Acepromozine for sedation. The most difficult part of the week is getting him to just lay around. We’ve invented some little games to keep him busy but still – such as a toy we have that has stuffed, squeaky squirrels hidden in a stuffed tree and he has to work to get them all out. To up that game a bit, we hide a small cookie at the bottom. When he’s really full of himself, a small rawhide chewie settles him down a bit – but they sure don’t last very long. He’s never done well with the big rawhide bones – loves them, but his gums start too bleed. We have some very thick sweet potato chewies that do last longer, but they are expensive.

At the end of the week, Beau had a check up and got his sutures removed. His leg is getting a bit of hair back and the twelve inch incision looks very good. We were very lucky that Beau did not mess with his incision. I was ready with a pair of old boxers and a T shirt, to cover and distract, but they turned out to be unnecessary. The vet was pleased with his progress and indicating we were now entering the physical rehabilitation period. The idea is to build his muscle back up without over stressing the knee joints/ligaments. Her recommendations for the next month:

1. Swim Therapy. The vet hospital has a separate facility with hydrotherapy pool and trainer and is always pushing this. We did this a few years a go when we were first told Beau had hip dysplasia but it’s just too expensive to do it on a regular basis. I’m sure it’s wonderful, but we just couldn’t do that his entire life. However, a limited post op period is doable. We told the vet we could either do it one time a week for a longer period of weeks or two times a week for a shorter period of weeks. She preferred the longer period of weeks, so we’ll be taking him one a week for ten weeks. We do have our own pool that Beau swims in (it’s in ground, so it’s easy for him to get in and out) but we live in Ohio, so this isn’t an option until summer!

2. Stairs. Beau is now to be encouraged to do stairs either once a day for ten minutes or twice a day for five minutes. This is somewhat of a relief to me, since I’m worried that he’ll try this anyway. We’ll still have to keep the stairs blocked off most of the time, however, because the vet doesn’t want him just following us up and down the stairs all day long.

3. Walking on inclines. We are to take him on walks of initially five minutes, increasing an additional five minutes each week to an area with small inclines and zig-zag walk him up and down the inclines. This could have been challenging – Ohio is pretty flat! – but we live a street away from a golf course. We can drive there, get on the path, and walk him up and down the hills. The vet suggested these walks 3 times a week for now.

Beau’s Story – Two Weeks Post Op CCL Repair is a post from: Dog Knee Injury

Overall, this has been a good week and not as terrible as I imagined. By the third day, he no longer dragged his toes and was actually putting some pressure on the leg. We applied a cold compress to ice his knee area four and five times a day, but are not doing any passive range of motion exercises yet. He is able to lay himself down much more easily. His incision is healing nicely, he is leaving it alone so far.

However, we did have one mild setback. On the fourth day post op, I noticed his ankle was slightly swollen and bruised. By the end of the day, it was very swollen. We were worried he’d somehow managed to sprain it, but a check in with the vet indicated that he had edema, a fluid build up just like a pregnant woman in her ninth month! The treatment for this was massaging around the fluid areas and cold compresses on the area. The edema was resolved in just a couple of days. Throughout the week, we continued to sedate him with the Acepromozine and relieve pain with Metacam and Tramadol. Due to the edema, we also added an antibiotic since the fluid would be a breading ground for infection. These medicines, combined with the thyroid medicine he has been taking for some time, take some work to keep straight. I hate giving him so many drugs and can’t wait to be done with that part.

We are also learning that Beau is not going to be a good patient when it comes to following doctor’s orders. He desperately wants on the couch and succeeded one time when someone forgot to put back the big blockades we have rigged. Although he “never” goes upstairs unless we do, he tried when we weren’t looking…. so now that is blocked off too. He made it up the first three steps before my husband caught him and scooped all 79 lbs of him off the step. When the Acepromozine wears off, he’s ready to be in full blast mode. What are we going to do when he starts feeling better?

Beau’s CCL Repair – One Week Post Op is a post from: Dog Knee Injury

Beau – One Day Post CCL Repair Surgery is a post from: Dog Knee Injury

The standard rehabilitation procedure for Tightrope repair is a bit different than TTA and TPLO, due to the less invasive nature of the procedure.  When dogs return home from Tightrope repair, owners are instructed to allow their dog to utilize the leg as they wish.  For some dogs this means they will start putting weight on it the next day, and for other dogs it could be 2-4 weeks before they feel comfortable bearing weight on the surgical leg.  Keeping your dog still while in the house, and keeping leashed walking to a minimum (bathroom breaks only) is critical during the first few weeks home no matter what procedure you choose, and exercise/movement restriction is advised for the first 8 post operative weeks.

At 4 weeks post op, most veterinarians will instruct owners to begin introducing their dog back to walks, particularly walking uphill in an attempt to rebuild loss muscle mass.  It is a good idea to start out by taking a few short walks every day, gradually working up to longer and less frequent walks.  This will prevent strain on the knee joint, which can hinder the healing process.  Post operative exercises need to be controlled, leashed walks, as any running, jumping, or roughhousing during the first 8 weeks can be detrimental to the stability of the knee and recovery process.

Upon his arrival home, your dog will need to take a number of medications for pain, inflammation, infection prevention, and possibly sedation.  If your buddy is not a willing pill taker, it is a good idea to try to get them into the habit of taking a small snack such as a piece of cheese, peanut butter, or a hot dog slice after their meals.  Each dog is different with regard to how long they need to be on a particular pain, inflammation, antibiotic, and sedation regimen, but usually the antibiotics are taken over 10 days, with the pain/inflammation/sedation used on an as needed basis.

As a general rule, just pay close attention to your dog and be sure to tailor their recovery to their particular needs.  There is no such thing as having a post operative dog rest too long, but there is always the risk of damage to the repair if your dog tries to do too much, too soon.  Tightrope CCL, like other traditional repair methods (lateral suture, extracapsular imbrication), is simply a way to stabilize the joint while scar tissue is being formed, it is not a replacement ligament.

Tightrope CCL Surgery Recovery is a post from: Dog Knee Injury

One way I found to save some cash when Tucker had his CCL repair was to order his medication and other pre and post surgery needs (like Kong toys, bully sticks, and pet bedding) online.  I purchased his collar, glucosamine and chondrointin supplements, pet pads, and special treats using PetCareRx.  My veterinarian even ok-ed his antibiotic orders through their site, easily saving us a couple hundred dollars!  Their web interface is really simple to use, and there was not a single product I needed that I could not find on their site.  I highly recommend using them if your dog is going into surgery or is recovering from surgery, their prices are absolutely unbeatable.  Plus, any order over $35 qualifies for free shipping – I have NEVER seen that on any of the other pet sites out there.

Ordering Pet Medication Online is a post from: Dog Knee Injury

Following a CCL repair surgery or during the Conservative Management process, your dog is likely to experience a significant amount of pain related to the injury to their knee ligament. For surgical pain or injuries that your pet my be dealing with, there are some holistic alternatives which are extremely effective in dogs.

• Acupuncture – Acupuncture has been shown to both relieve pain and relax your pet, helping him or her cope with stress better.
• White Willow Bark – White willow bark is an herbal remedy that can take the edge off minor pain, but should NOT be used on cats.
• Arnica – Arnica is a homeopathic remedy that can be powerful for post-surgical pain, or pain from injuries. For severe pain a typical dose of arnica is the 1M or 10M potency, but for exact dosages and directions, please consult your holistic veterinarian. Arnica is applied topically, so you will need to take precautions to ensure your dog does not remove the arnica from their skin.
• Calendula Officianlis – Herbal or homeopathic gels containing calendula officianalis are wonderful for putting on incisions. They help with pain, itching, and irritation; many humans use them on their own surgical incisions with much success, and the relief is often immediate and unmistakable. Dogs tend to leave their incisions alone much more readily when they are treated with calendula.
• Fish Oil – Fish Oils containing Omega-3 Fatty Acids can be very helpful in reducing inflammation in dogs. One daily dose of 1000 mg is sufficient to aid any discomfort related to inflammatory processes, including arthritis.
• Yucca – Yucca can be helpful for dogs with inflammation and arthritis. Yucca root can be found in a tincture that can be placed in your dog’s food, and it should be used daily for maximum effectiveness.

There is nothing holistic about suffering or pain, and if your dog is in real distress, you may want to explore other pharmaceutical options for pain management; this is especially true in the case of dogs that develop chronic pain post-operatively due to arthritis. Many of the holistic techniques mentioned above can go hand in hand with conventional veterinary medical treatments. For example, if your dog has arthritis or similar conditions, acupuncture can be powerfully effective in combination with allopathic medications, and the drug Adequan actually rebuilds cartilage and lubricates and cushions your pet’s joints. Let the NSAID handle the pain, but continue using alternatives to help heal and support the body.

We all want to do what is best for our pets, and making sure they are comfortable throughout the surgical process is important in their overall recovery. Be sure to attentively listen to your dog’s needs and be open to pursuing other avenues with regard to pain management to assure the best outcome for your dog.

If you’re interested in learning more about holistic, naturopathic and alternative veterinary treatment for dogs, there are a handful of excellent books out there written by homeopathic veterinarians. Below are a few of the guides I’ve found helpful when looking to treat my dog using natural methods like homeopathic medicine, naturopathy, chiropractic and accupuncture.

If you want information on buying natural supplements or homeopathic treatments for dogs, please visit our – Homeopathic, Alternative and Natural Medicine Guide (click on text for link)

Holistic Alternatives to Pain Management in Dogs is a post from: Dog Knee Injury

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 Injury

1. Get your dog used to his new place well before the surgery date. If you are crating a dog that is not used to being crated or confining a dog that is used to having run of the home, it is important to get them used to this change prior to bringing them home from surgery. I recommend starting this transition as soon as you are aware of the upcoming surgery.
2. Cover your floors with non-skid carpeting; this is especially important if you do not already have carpeted floors. You will want to do everything possible to ensure your dog has no chance of slipping or sliding on an uncovered floor.
3. Disconnect the doorbell and place a sign on your door advising people not to knock; the more quiet you can keep your home, the better for your dog.
4. Have leashes hanging on the doorknobs everywhere in the home where your dog may go outside for bathroom breaks; there is nothing worse than searching for a leash to let your dog out when they are in pain, or getting them all riled up because you can not find their leash.
5. Have chicken stock, rice, boiled meat, and pumpkin on hand in case your dog is refusing his regular food after surgery.
6. Prepare the area your dog will sleep the first night home by covering the bottom layer with plastic. If your dog is not staying overnight at your veterinary clinic the day of surgery, there is a good chance that he may wet himself during the night due to the high volume of IV fluids they are giving during surgery.
7. Have ice or ice packs to help reduce swelling for the first few days after surgery. You may also want to have hot compresses available for the 3rd day on – it is best to follow your veterinarian’s advice with regard to the use of hot and cold compresses.
8. Cover the windows to prevent your dog from getting overly excited by outdoor creatures and excitement. Again, do everything possible to keep your dog’s recovery area safe and quiet.
9. Make sure you understand the dosing instructions and have the proper medications for your dog upon leaving the clinic. Everyone has their own way of managing medication administration, some make charts, others record the times given, and some people will tailor medications around meal time. We found that the easiest way for us was to set up a web-based calendar (we use Google Calendar) to send us an SMS text message whenever a dose was due.



10. If you have steps, make sure your dog does not have access to them; use a gate or barricade to prevent any premature stair climbing.
11. Boredom usually sets in pretty quickly for dogs during the post operative period, and having indestructible toys on hand can help to alleviate some of this stress. Frozen Kongs and bones can provide hours of distraction, which is a must for an owner that is unable to be with their pet at all times.
12. Make arrangements to take time off from work or have someone check in with your dog throughout the day for at least the first few weeks post op.

Preparing Your Home for a Post Operative Dog is a post from: Dog Knee Injury

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 Injury