Update on Mateo's CCL Tear Issue

[NYDDB]

After several weeks of very short, limited walks and lots of rest, Mateo hasn't really shown much improvement . I know taking the conservative management route takes time- a lot of time (months to a year), but I felt like I needed some more help with him. So, I found a place in the city called Water4Dogs: HOME - Water4Dogs that is a rehabilitation center, fully staffed with a holistic bent.

We went to our first appointment 2 days ago, and I could not be more impressed- we spent 2 hours on our first visit there, for a full evaluation, plus some massage, cold laser therapy, and some time on the underwater treadmill.

We created a protocol for Mateo: 10 weeks of once per week water and cold-laser treatments, plus massage and specific supplements for him. He also gave me some homework exercises to do with him.

The vet there believes Mateo has a full CCL tear, not partial. He has lost some muscle- 2 cm; but the vet said he has seen much worse... He is not ruling out surgery, but fully believes that this combined physical treatment approach will greatly benefit my boy; we will reassess after the 10 weeks are up.

No free-swim yet in the pool (we will see after a few weeks whether he is strong enough for that), but have started on the underwater treadmill to help build strength without bearing weight.

Here is my boy chugging away---

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[Jakesmum]

He looks like he's having a great time on the treadmill. I really hope this helps him and he is able to heal going this route. Surgery is such a scary option. Please keep us updated on his progress.

 

[NYDDB]

Thanks, Jakesmum- I want to avoid surgery at all costs. I feel I am in good hands with a team of experienced folks who have dealt with CCL issues a lot- we will see how it goes.

And Mateo loves it there- anything to do with water and he is a happy boy.

 

[QY10]

Woo! Go Mateo! He looks like he's having a blast on that treadmill!

I really hope he shows improvement with the hydrotherapy!

Keep us all posted!

 

[NYDDB]

Thanks, QY10! They run the treadmill for a few minutes, then turn it off and massage him for a few minute, then turn it on, then massage....and so on. He loves the massages, too, of course.

Will keep updating, for sure.

 

[Hector]

I have heard nothing but miracles with rehabilitation centers for dogs. I hope this will be another success story. Best of luck and that boy is loving that treadmill.

 

[glen]

Look at that face,he looks like hes loving it,keeping everything crossed that it helps that stunning boy.

 

[angelbears]

That sounds great. This will give you and Mateo something to do together. Help cut down on that boredom. Hang in there.

Big hugs!

 

[Penelope's Mom]

Hugs to Mateo from P.

 

[NYDDB]

I have heard nothing but miracles with rehabilitation centers for dogs. I hope this will be another success story. Best of luck and that boy is loving that treadmill.

Me as well, Hector- finding this rehab center (and being able to afford it, due to some recent jobs coming in) is like finding a gold mine (well, I hope so anyway; so far I am impressed all around.)

And, yeah, he seems to enjoy it. Plus all the attention doesn't hurt, either...

Look at that face,he looks like hes loving it,keeping everything crossed that it helps that stunning boy.

Thanks, glen.

 

[NYDDB]

That sounds great. This will give you and Mateo something to do together. Help cut down on that boredom. Hang in there. Big hugs!

Yep-- and no kidding about the boredom factor.... not only does he like it there, but even the car ride to the center is a big, fun thing.

I'm hanging, as much as I can- and trying to stay positive...

Hugs to Mateo from P.

Thanks, P.

 

[musicdeb]

I hope this works for Mr. Mateo. I know he's your sweetheart of a baby boy and you are doing everything in your power to help him heal. You're a good dogmommy, Suanne!

 

[NYDDB]

I hope this works for Mr. Mateo. I know he's your sweetheart of a baby boy and you are doing everything in your power to help him heal. You're a good dogmommy, Suanne!

Awww, thanks Deb!

I do love this boy, so much...trying my best to do what will help him. It's all I can do...

 

[DDSK]

Poor baby I hope this works for him

 

[NYDDB]

Poor baby I hope this works for him

Me too...

 

[Rugers-Kris]

Thanks for the update. I think of the two of you often. He sure does look happy in that photo. I have no doubt he is getting the best care and will continue to with you in charge. There is no doubt that he is one lucky boy to have you to love and take care of him.

 

[NYDDB]

Thanks for the update. I think of the two of you often. He sure does look happy in that photo. I have no doubt he is getting the best care and will continue to with you in charge. There is no doubt that he is one lucky boy to have you to love and take care of him.

Thanks, RK. He was pretty happy- but then again, he loves doing new things, and if it involves water, he is all in.

The only way to keep my state of mind in a good place is just taking one day at a time...and just keep moving forward. I so want him to get better...

 

[DMikeM]

So sorry about his diagnosis, but wow he sure looks happy, and many dogs recover and live a normal life even with a full tear. They have amazing bodies and can rebuild that joint to work for them.

 

[cinnamon roll]

I am so happy to hear this. I found this great article about a vet near me and it made me think of you

ILLINOIS EXCHANGE: Sycamore hospital offers water treadmill therapy for dogs - Daily Journal

 

[mcarrel]

I am so glad he is feeling better His face while in the water is priceless