Torn ACL

[DEADEYE DICK]

Hey Doc
Our 3 year old Border Collie/German Shepard fell to the ground in a heap crying the other day after an off balance frisbee catch.Took him in for x-rays and he has a torn ACL.After a few of my choice words after finding out what this is gonna cost,I think Monday Mrs.DD is going to have me put down and have the dog operated on.Any do's or don'ts for the dog after the surgery?

Thanks for your help

[g8rvet]

Kinda depends on the surgery being done. There are three distinct types commonly in vogue and they all three carry slightly different post op instructions. Is it being done by a surgeon or a general practitioner? Even if done by private, some are doing the TPLO and the Tibial advancement procedure. Just follow the advice of the surgeon and rehab is very important as well. I have started having some of my patients go to a water tank for rehab afterwards and they are back on their feet pretty fast. Also, you should know that statistically speaking, your dog is more likely than the average dog to tear the other ACL as well. Sorry to tell you that. I see about 10% tear the second and only see in my general population of dogs that well less than 1% tear an ACL in their lifetime.

[DEADEYE DICK]

A surgeon in Maitland is doing the work and I think it is a TPLO.
Thanks for the good news on the 2nd tear.Ya,she roller blades 6 miles a day 3-4 times a week with him,frisbee,obsticle course in the back yard,etc.
so I am sure it will happen.thanks for the info.