9 Month old Cane Corso with possible Meniscal tear, partial ACL injury!!

[Toddanne]

Luca will be 9 months on Oct. 29th and weighed in 99.6 at Vet yesterday. I've had two vets look at Luca and they did x-rays and cannot tell for sure by the x-ray if there is a possible meniscal tear in his leg. They said there is a consistent "popping" inside on flexion during manipulation. Now they are sending me to surgical Vet Specialists for a consult next week. They said without an MRI you cannot know for sure without actually opening up the knee. Luca has been limping for over a month now but seems to do well on pain meds and trying to keep still, however, he is a puppy! Should I be worried that they are considering doing surgery on 9 month old? Would there be a better non-surgical route I should be looking into, like wearing a brace?

 

[shodanusmc]

Make sure the specialist is board certified. Unless you want him to limp forever, I am guessing that surgery is recommended, and will be the best possible fix.

 

[Toddanne]

Yes, I was told all 4 are board certified, but got kinda worried when they said don't feed him after midnight before appt.! Makes me feel like they plan on doing surgery already without even seeing him yet! I am taking copy of x-ray Vet gave me so they shouldn't have to do anymore x-rays.

 

[DennasMom]

Be sure to ask about non-surgical options - custom bracing during recouperation, maybe?

My trainer's lab was 9+ years old when he tore his ACL, and she didn't want to put her old dog through rehab...(If he was 9 months old instead of 9 years, she probably would have had the surgery done). That was a few years ago now, and you can't tell he hurt anything. He still runs after tennis balls like no tomorrow... he may be in pain, but getting that tennis ball is much, MUCH more important, of course (he IS a lab)!

 

[shodanusmc]

If surgery is indicated, they will want to do it sooner rather than later. That is why no feeding after midnight. Best of luck to you guys.

 

[raechiemay]

Yes, I was told all 4 are board certified, but got kinda worried when they said don't feed him after midnight before appt.! Makes me feel like they plan on doing surgery already without even seeing him yet! I am taking copy of x-ray Vet gave me so they shouldn't have to do anymore x-rays.

If they are taking x rays they may want to sedate him to get the best pictures. My vet does this especially with big & young dogs as it keeps them still so that they aren't fighting the dog to take x rays.

 

[jersey girl]

They will sedate him for the MRI, there can be no movement. Good Luck....I think if it was me I would opt for the surgery since he is so young.

 

[Toddanne]

Good News! Went to Specialist this morning and don't think surgery is necessary! Three Vet appointments later! They do recommend that we continue pain med and watch for improvement while trying to keep him "still". It is going to be hard to keep a 9 month old puppy "still", plus how does he get all his puppy energy out during all this "stillness"! However, I am thrilled he does not require surgery. OH and the specialist today commented negatively about Luca not being neutered yet! Told him I was waiting 18-24 months, HE wanted to know where I heard that I should wait so long with such a dominate breed! I think he was a little scared of Luca, even though Luca is just a big baby!

 

[DMikeM]

Good for you toddanne, I agree with you to let the dog mature before having them fixed. I have read that getting a dog altered before they are fully developed hinders some growth and can have other side effects we don't want. Such as a smaller head or a weaker musculature. I am also dealing with a pup with a limp and am getting ready for her first exam. Not looking forward to it at all.

 

[Toddanne]

Good for you toddanne, I agree with you to let the dog mature before having them fixed. I have read that getting a dog altered before they are fully developed hinders some growth and can have other side effects we don't want. Such as a smaller head or a weaker musculature. I am also dealing with a pup with a limp and am getting ready for her first exam. Not looking forward to it at all.

I read your Post earlier today and it is a hard call, but Luca was limping for about a month and I hate that it took three visits and x-rays just for them to say they think he will just be fine and to wait and watch if it gets worse. But I guess I paid for the peace of mind in knowing that it isn't something worse!

 

[jersey girl]

Thats great news for you and Luca. Maybe look into water therapy/swimming if you can...good way to brun off energy with no impact. Just check with your vet first.

 

[musicdeb]

Good news about Luca! Good for you standing your ground about neutering Luca!