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My boy is lame, vet believes it's ACL tear. :(

NYDDB

Well-Known Member
I really am trying to wrap my head around this. And I feel sunk.

Mateo had been kind of "gimpy" for the past few weeks- no real limp, but wanting to walk slower on our walks. The weather was still fairly warm, so I thought he was simply reacting to the higher temps. But, even as the weather became cooler, he still was a slow poke.

Then I noticed when standing he would put most of his weight on his rear left leg...and also when getting up from sleeping he would limp for a bit.

But while walking, he seemed normal; you wouldn't think anything was wrong. But his gait was off if he went a little faster.

So, I finally took him to the vet today, and after some pretty strong manipulations on both legs, he is fairly certain it's his knee- and most likely a tear (right rear leg.)

He is pushing surgery, but I don't want to go that route unless absolutely necessary.

So, as I plow into research and google, and wait for a call-back from another second opinion...any other experiences and/or advice would be welcome.

ETA: I know this topic has been covered before, and will also do a search on this forum for info.
 

cinnamon roll

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
Oh hunny I am so SORRY!!!!! I have no experience with this, but my thoughts are prayers are with you.
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
I am so sorry! Cane had a tear. We didn't do surgery and after about 3 months he was back to normal.

Here is the site that helped me a lot. Don't rush into a decision. It is not critical to do it today. Just start restricting movement.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Big hugs to mom and Mateo. He will be fine.
 

cayeesmom

Well-Known Member
Aw poor Mateo, and poor you. That is a hard one, have seen many dogs go through the surgery at work , most of then do fine, a few not so good. The bad thing with this big guys is that they can easily blow the other knee while shifting most of the weight to the "good" side. My Newfie was 8 1/2 when his knees went out, so his age played a big roll in not doing surgery. Honestly have no idea what I would do if it was Luke, most likely what you are doing, gather as much info as I could before I decided.
 

NYDDB

Well-Known Member
Thanks, CR and AB.

AB, I do remember you posting about Cane, and I remember how tough it was- but it worked. Thanks for the link; I will bookmark and read it through.

And the positive thoughts...all appreciated. I'm just feeling overwhelmed at the moment...
 

cinnamon roll

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
Do you need Aunt CR to take that handsome boy for a car ride? wink wink :)

Hang in there, you got this.
 

QY10

Well-Known Member
Sending positive and healing vibes to Mateo.

Angus has a partial tear that we are dealing with. The vet referred to his knee as a "ticking time bomb" to needing surgery, but I am very reluctant because throughout my reading the surgeries don't seem that successful and often times the ACL on the other leg also blows.

Angus was on crate rest for a month or so. Only outside to go to the bathroom on-leash. If I wanted him on the couch with me, I had to assist him on and off (easier for me as he's only 80 lbs...).

He is now allowed on walks, but still no running or jumping.

I give Angus turmeric powder to aid with the inflammation.

I have also read that Green Lipped Mussels contain high amounts of glucosamine and a certain Omega-3 Fatty Acid that promotes healing and aids in mobility. I believe Glycoflex contains Green Lipped Mussels.

Also, once his leg has healed some, you might want to look into hydrotherapy. It will provide exercise without the pressure of walking on the leg, as well as promote healing.
 

NYDDB

Well-Known Member
Aw poor Mateo, and poor you. That is a hard one, have seen many dogs go through the surgery at work , most of then do fine, a few not so good. The bad thing with this big guys is that they can easily blow the other knee while shifting most of the weight to the "good" side. My Newfie was 8 1/2 when his knees went out, so his age played a big roll in not doing surgery. Honestly have no idea what I would do if it was Luke, most likely what you are doing, gather as much info as I could before I decided.

This is a big worry, as already there is some atrophy on his right leg as his other one is bearing the weight more. :(

Yes, it's research time, for sure...
 

NYDDB

Well-Known Member
Sending positive and healing vibes to Mateo.

Angus has a partial tear that we are dealing with. The vet referred to his knee as a "ticking time bomb" to needing surgery, but I am very reluctant because throughout my reading the surgeries don't seem that successful and often times the ACL on the other leg also blows.

Angus was on crate rest for a month or so. Only outside to go to the bathroom on-leash. If I wanted him on the couch with me, I had to assist him on and off (easier for me as he's only 80 lbs...).

He is now allowed on walks, but still no running or jumping.

I give Angus turmeric powder to aid with the inflammation.

I have also read that Green Lipped Mussels contain high amounts of glucosamine and a certain Omega-3 Fatty Acid that promotes healing and aids in mobility. I believe Glycoflex contains Green Lipped Mussels.

Also, once his leg has healed some, you might want to look into hydrotherapy. It will provide exercise without the pressure of walking on the leg, as well as promote healing.

I remember you posting about this, QY10. I do give him turmeric, and just placed an order for GLM (it may or may not help, but couldn't hurt.) In addition, he is getting lots of chicken feet for cartilage and collagen.

So, you feel like your decision was the right one? It sounds like Angus is doing well...
 

NYDDB

Well-Known Member
Total crate rest will not allow the joint to heal properly. Limited exercise is the way to go. No jumping or climbing down stairs.
This part of the site explains what is needed for recovery, but I would read the entire site top to bottom.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Research below.
Cruciate Ligament Damage in Your Dog or Cat
Evidence UpdateIs Surgery Really Necessary for Dogs with Cruciate Ligament Ruptures? | The SkeptVet

Perfect, thanks Mike. This is the kind of focused research I need to dive into...
 

QY10

Well-Known Member
I remember you posting about this, QY10. I do give him turmeric, and just placed an order for GLM (it may or may not help, but couldn't hurt.) In addition, he is getting lots of chicken feet for cartilage and collagen.

So, you feel like your decision was the right one? It sounds like Angus is doing well...

I definitely feel like I've made the right decision for my boy. I think the surgery is too traumatic and uncertain. The success rates actually seem quite low and more of a money grab for vets.

Angus is healing up very well and there have been huge improvements in his mobility. I'm confident that Angus will continue improving without surgery.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

musicdeb

Well-Known Member
I'm so sorry Suanne... poor Mateo. You've received some great advice and suggestions from others. Keep us posted.

Titan injured his left front leg and vet thought it was a torn ligament or arthritis. He prescribe Novox (took him off of this stuff as soon as I saw the serious side effects) and told me to limit his exercise for 3 weeks. I limited his exercise for 3 weeks and put him on a combo of glucosamine (Scripps, the same I take)1000mg, Arthramine 500 mg and started with 6 baby aspirin once a day. Titan no longer limps and acts like a new pup! He's now down to 3 baby aspirin per day and still no limp! I bought him stairs to get into the car which helps immensely.
 

Rugers-Kris

Well-Known Member
I have no experience or advice to offer but you and Mateo are in my thoughts. I am sure everything will work out just fine. Poor guy.
 

Jakesmum

Well-Known Member
I am so sorry to hear that you and Mateo are going through this. I am with you on avoiding surgery if at all possible and hope that he is able to heal well on his own. You are both in my thoughts and Jake sends a big sloppy kiss to both of you.
 

NYDDB

Well-Known Member
I'm so sorry Suanne... poor Mateo. You've received some great advice and suggestions from others. Keep us posted.

Titan injured his left front leg and vet thought it was a torn ligament or arthritis. He prescribe Novox (took him off of this stuff as soon as I saw the serious side effects) and told me to limit his exercise for 3 weeks. I limited his exercise for 3 weeks and put him on a combo of glucosamine (Scripps, the same I take)1000mg, Arthramine 500 mg and started with 6 baby aspirin once a day. Titan no longer limps and acts like a new pup! He's now down to 3 baby aspirin per day and still no limp! I bought him stairs to get into the car which helps immensely.

Thanks, Deb. I remember you posting about Titan and his protocol. The next step for me is to get a second opinion, as even the regular vet wasn't 100% sure that's what it is. Pretty sure it does involve his knee, though... I am waiting for a call-back from a holistic vet who not only does house calls, but is highly recommended in terms of pin-pointing a true diagnosis. And he does acupuncture, which is something I think would help.

Also, I am with you on the side-effects of some of these powerful pain-relievers...I just ordered some Zeel and Traumeel (homeopathic joint and pain relief), as well as Green Lipped Mussel. He is getting Turneric every day, and I have upped his collagen. And short, slow walks.

I have no experience or advice to offer but you and Mateo are in my thoughts. I am sure everything will work out just fine. Poor guy.

Thank you, RK. Good thoughts mean a lot!