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

[NYDDB]

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.

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.

Thank you for the well-wishes and sloppy kiss.

Sending positive thoughts back to you and Jake- for the best possible recovery!

 

[Jakesmum]

Sending positive thoughts back to you and Jake- for the best possible recovery!

Thank you! He's still healing but doing very well. I'm hoping he'll be out of bandages in the next month!!!!

 

[DMikeM]

NYDDB, consider making bone broth soup. If you do it right the glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) are much higher and will help the joint recover faster than any pills or powders you buy.

I use beef feet, pork feet, chicken feet, egg shells, and any other bones I have saved and thrown in the freezer. I put it all in a large slow cooker with a 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of raw ACV, and a small can of tomato paste, cover with water and cook for 2 days on low, adding water too keep the pot full. You can add any veggies you want and some rice for thickening. Strain off all the chunks and bone bits and either grind it if you can and add to the garden or dog food or throw it away. I don't remove the fat I just put it in mason jars and store in the fridge. When I feed it to them I either just spoon out some gel and drop it on the food or I warm it back to liquid shake it up and pour over food.

Top 5 Reasons Why Bone Broth is The Bomb. | Underground Wellness
Bone Broth is More Effective Than Glucosamine for Treating Arthritis
Bone Broth Is Excellent Nourishment for Older Pets

Benefits Of Bone Stock For Cats Dogs

 

[NYDDB]

Mike- I am right there with you on the bone broth. I make a big batch every week or two, and share it with Mateo (actually he eats more of it than I do.)

I use a crock pot as well, and always throw in some chicken feet to whatever other bones I use, for the extra collagen. Plus apple cider vinegar, and maybe a kelp leaf for the minerals. I never tried it with tomato paste, though- that sounds pretty good.

Question- when Jade was limping awhile ago, what was her diagnosis? I can't remember- was it her knee joint? And you healed it on your own, correct?

 

[DennasMom]

No help here, other than to send more positive thoughts your way.

And, another success story - one of my trainer-friends has a lab/golden ball-obsessed dog that tore a ligament of some sort slipping on a hard floor making a turn for a ball... after R&R (not sure how long) and non-surgical treatments, you can't tell she was every injured - she's still just as ball obsessed, too, of course...

 

[NYDDB]

No help here, other than to send more positive thoughts your way.

And, another success story - one of my trainer-friends has a lab/golden ball-obsessed dog that tore a ligament of some sort slipping on a hard floor making a turn for a ball... after R&R (not sure how long) and non-surgical treatments, you can't tell she was every injured - she's still just as ball obsessed, too, of course...

Thanks, DM-- and the story of your friend's dog is encouraging, and good news.

 

[NYDDB]

Somebody sent me this link: OrthoPets: Orthotic Brace or Prosthetic Device for Dog or Animal, including Stifle, Hock, Carpus, Elbow, Knee, Wrist, Ankle, or Paw

Interesting...

 

[angelbears]

Somebody sent me this link: OrthoPets: Orthotic Brace or Prosthetic Device for Dog or Animal, including Stifle, Hock, Carpus, Elbow, Knee, Wrist, Ankle, or Paw

Interesting...

The vet that I trusted in San Antonio said that they weren't beneficial But you never know what will work for your dog and circumstance. She did say it wouldn't hurt anything.

 

[NYDDB]

The vet that I trusted in San Antonio said that they weren't beneficial But you never know what will work for your dog and circumstance. She did say it wouldn't hurt anything.

The more I talk with people, and the more reading I do, the more I see where solutions are all over the place. Surgery worked great for some, was a disaster for others; strict rest and rehab worked for some, not for others. Same with these braces...

I need to find a vet I trust...

 

[DMikeM]

Mike- I am right there with you on the bone broth. I make a big batch every week or two, and share it with Mateo (actually he eats more of it than I do.)

I use a crock pot as well, and always throw in some chicken feet to whatever other bones I use, for the extra collagen. Plus apple cider vinegar, and maybe a kelp leaf for the minerals. I never tried it with tomato paste, though- that sounds pretty good.

Question- when Jade was limping awhile ago, what was her diagnosis? I can't remember- was it her knee joint? And you healed it on your own, correct?

We never got an answer. She cleared up in about 6 weeks with no limp or any sign of injury. Recently though her trainer/breeder have noticed an odd movement in one of her hind legs. We are not sure if it was the same leg, I still need to go look at her charts to remember which one it was. The movement does not show all the time, it seems to show up when her and Odi play real hard but then it just goes away.

And yes the vet did say she tore her CCL.

 

[2Bullmastiffs&aCaneCorso]

Our Bullmastiff Lexi had TPLO surgery almost a year ago and I have never regretted it for a second.
We went to board certified specialist and orthopedic surgeon. This is very important as there are lots of vets who will do the surgery but are not specialists or board certified.
If after research you decide to do the surgery the sooner the better, as the longer you leave the injury, arthritis will set into the joint.
The main reasons for complications and problems are inexperienced people doing the surgery AND most importantly people not following rehab.
You need to be a drill sergeant when it comes to rehab and restrictions and follow the directions like your dog's life depends on it. The success of this surgery largely lies in your hands.
It is so easy to start slacking off on rehab and restrictions when your dog starts showing recovery. Lexi was full weight bearing immediately after surgery. Which I was shocked with.
A website that I found very informative regarding the surgery and rehab is Dog Animal Health Supplements Dog Rehabilitation Products at TopDogHealth.com. this website explains everything as well as displaying a wealth of info and videos on rehab and recovery.
Almost a year ago now and there is absolutely NO sign of the injury and she is back to doing EVERYTHING she did before her injury.
Though rehab is a long 16 week process, it really isn't bad after you get your own system developed to deal with the day to day care. I had three bull mastiffs at the time so one of my biggest challenges was the other dogs lol
If deemed necessary I HIGHLY recommend this surgery.
It is very important that you get a second opinion from a reputable orthopedic specialist rather than jumping into surgery with the vets initial diagnosis.
If you decide to do this surgery I can answer any questions you may have regarding the surgery process, and rehab as well.
Also important is to get your dog on a really good joint supplement right away as this will aid in the healing process as well as joint health overall.
Whatever you decide good luck with your baby

 

[angelbears]

I agree 100% with 2bullmastiffs. Too many vets do surgery that they are not qualified for. Right on about the rehap and restrictions. Ditto on the supplements. We used phycox and was very pleased. We have tried Glycoflex and Dasiquin but we always come back to Phycox.

The only thing we differ slightly on, is waiting causes arthritis. I was told that there was going to be arthritis no matter what.

How is Mr. Mateo today? Just as important is mom feeling any better?

Keeping you in our thoughts!!!

 

[NYDDB]

That was an informative post, 2Bullmastiffs- thank you.

Today I called the orthopedic surgeon at the top medical center here in the city and had along conversation about how to proceed. Basically, a physical exam, probable x-rays (which will not show the tear per se, but will indicate changes in the joint pointing to a ACL tear/damage), and a discussion about surgical options. Yes, she is a surgeon and will push surgery, I get that. But she is good, probably the best I could get in the city (she did the arthroscopic OCD shoulder surgery on him when he was a year old, and he's been doing well since then.)

Shortly after, I had a long phone conversation with another doctor (human) who has since turned away from allopathy and practices holistic only. She is an avid dog lover and uses naturopathy and homeopathic treatment and care for all her dogs. I have been friends with her for awhile, and she has saved me great time and expense by helping me treat Mateo for a variety of issues that have come up in a holistic manner, rather than running to the vet. I am a strong believer in the holistic view, even though I come from a whole family of physicians. She is adamant in avoiding surgery- especially since it has been many weeks since he first started showing symptoms (they were so subtle, I missed the onset of a huge, dramatic incident.) She has given me a protocol, which includes serious rest (very limited activity), acupuncture (I have talked with a highly reccomended one and may use him at some point), as well as some targeted supplements and a few other suggestions.

AB- you are right about the arthritis; it's going to happen at this point, whether I do the surgery or not. That, however, can also be managed.

So. I have a lot more research and soul-searching to do...so far, we are taking it slow, Mateo is doing well, no real limp when walking , but "gimpy" and a bit stiff when he gets up from sleeping. But walks are very short, and we are doing a lot more hanging out and people-watching, which he has always loved doing...

And I am okay, AB, thank you so much for asking. Trying to absorb everything, and keep from sliding off the deep end...

 

[NYDDB]

Also, I am leaning him out a bit. He already has dropped about 6 pounds (due to being much less active, and not being quite as hungry); I may have him drop a few more... without him losing his masculine, hunky physique, of course.

 

[Rugers-Kris]

I am so impressed with how much research you are doing. Mateo is a very lucky boy to have picked you as a baby. I know that this has to be very diffcult for you. You are enough like me when it comes to the dogs that I know it is stressful. I have no doubt that you will make the right decision. Keep us updated.

 

[DMikeM]

You may want to look into Prolotherapy and Sodium pentosan polysulfate (Cartrophen Vet).
Prolo Primer Veterinary Prolotherapy | Integrative Veterinary Center
Dr. Babette Gladstein, VMD - Prolotherapy <--- I emailed her but she never responded.
Alternatives to surgery Prolo included Alternatives to Canine Surgeries - Whole Dog Journal Article

PPS used after surgery Evaluation of pentosan polysulfate sodium in the postoperative reco... - PubMed - NCBI
Cartrophen Vet for arthritis (joint health). http://www.cartrophen.com/

 

[NYDDB]

I am so impressed with how much research you are doing. Mateo is a very lucky boy to have picked you as a baby. I know that this has to be very diffcult for you. You are enough like me when it comes to the dogs that I know it is stressful. I have no doubt that you will make the right decision. Keep us updated.

Kris, the rest of my world has fallen away after my vet told me his diagnosis....my whole focus is on Mateo, and how I can best care for him, help him heal....to make it all okay. Even if that means that from now on, his world will look different than it has been...

And he DID pick me as a baby. Even though I chose him before I went to pick him up from the breeder, when I got there, he was the first puppy to scramble over to me and climb on my lap. So cute.

I am very fortunate in that Mateo trusts me completely, and will allow me to do anything and everything to him, and for him... no complaints. He is going with the flow.

Now, I am in an ongoing conversation with someone who had a Lab go through the same thing. She avoided surgery, did underwater treadmill exercises to build up his muscles, cold laser therapy to help heal the joint, and he wore an orthopedic brace for 3 months. Plus some targeting supplementation. The dog has healed completely. But she put a lot of work into him, and was dedicated to his healing. And she wanted to avoid surgery, at all costs...as do I.

I will definitely update- thank you.

 

[DMikeM]

You may want to look into Prolotherapy and Sodium pentosan polysulfate (Cartrophen Vet).
Prolo Primer Veterinary Prolotherapy | Integrative Veterinary Center
Dr. Babette Gladstein, VMD - Prolotherapy <--- I emailed her but she never responded.
Alternatives to surgery Prolo included Alternatives to Canine Surgeries - Whole Dog Journal Article

PPS used after surgery Evaluation of pentosan polysulfate sodium in the postoperative reco... - PubMed - NCBI
Cartrophen Vet for arthritis (joint health). http://www.cartrophen.com/

 

[NYDDB]

You may want to look into Prolotherapy and Sodium pentosan polysulfate (Cartrophen Vet).
Prolo Primer Veterinary Prolotherapy | Integrative Veterinary Center
Dr. Babette Gladstein, VMD - Prolotherapy <--- I emailed her but she never responded.
Alternatives to surgery Prolo included Alternatives to Canine Surgeries - Whole Dog Journal Article

PPS used after surgery Evaluation of pentosan polysulfate sodium in the postoperative reco... - PubMed - NCBI
Cartrophen Vet for arthritis (joint health). http://www.cartrophen.com/

Wow, thanks Mike. I have heard of prolotherapy for humans, but not for dogs.

And the Cartrophen i had never heard of. I sent these links to my holistic doc friend to see what she thinks, too.

 

[Louies Mom]

Legs and these big guys!!! Our 2 year old ~ 190 lb boy had both knees go out 10 months ago. We opted for Conservative Management. Strict rest and leash outside only. Fortunately he has always been weight bearing on both. It's a slow process, but then so is surgery rehab. He's done well until recently, reoccurring injury is so hard to prevent. PT has helped in the past as well as supplement's. Good Luck, there is no easy answer on what to do.