What to do?

I have a 120 lb. rotti, with a torn ACL. I have been to the Vet. but I have concerns on, to do the surgery or not to do the surgery. I have heard from poeple who's dogs have had the surgury and in 2-5 years it happens again. I have also heard from poeple who say NOT to have the surgery , just treat the pain and keep the dog quiet for a few months. Either way it is a long road to recovery.  Please only answers from poeple with advise and not sarcasim.

[Jaybay]

Exactly what surgery are you talking about?  If it's a matter of trying to sew the ligament back together, do waste your time or money.  TPLO surgery is the way to go.  My dog completely blew her ACL - there wasn't even a thread of tissue left to hold it together.  We tried the wait-and-see method for a month along with anti-inflammatory meds and rest.  Didn't work.  She was still running on only 3 cylinders.

Chica had TPLO surgery which in VERY simple terms, bypasses repairing the actual ligament and relies on fusing the joint for stability.  Rehab exerises like swimming are extremely important for a successful outcome.  Luckily, we have a pool and Chica was quickly back on all 4 legs.  By waiting so long for the surgery, the joint had already developed pretty severe arthritis and we kept her on a low dose of deramaxx for the rest of her life.  

Chica was about 8 years old when she had her surgery and lived to nearly 14.  She died of kidney failure but never let the arthritis slow her down.  Her sit position looked a bit odd the last two years, but the pain was very well treated.  

Chica's surgery was done at Houston's premier vet hospital: Gulf Coast Veterinary Associates.  They provide better care than some hospitals I've had to stay in.  Truly, the care is that awesome.  I've had 3 of my 4 dogs spend time with them and while it's very expensive, it was worth every last penny.

Chica was an athletetic dog, and we were able to give her 6 more years of being herself with surgery and rehab.  The surgeon at Gulf Coast was a little worried about us not bringing Chica in for physical therapy, but we proved ourselves and she had a remarkable recovery.

Bottom line, if this were my dog, I would go for the TPLO surgery hands down.  Just make certain to discuss rehab requirements before it's done.

[ne55]

I agree with Jaybay TPLO surgery, especially since your dog is in the high weight range...
My dog had intrascapsular /xtrascapsular but she wasnt a big dog ...
It has only been 6/8weks  and she is doing fine , back to her happy self...
The first couple of weeks after surgery is the hardest My husband and I had time off to care for her...

Not having surgery, recovery time 12mths or more and you really have to restrain dogs activity...long term anti-inflammatory medication which can cause other complications.

Surgery ,  3mths to 6mths no restraints at 3mths depending on dog as all dogs recover at different rates some slower some faster..anti-inflammatory medications only 4/6wks my dog only needed 2wks,1wks rest then 2wks again and now none....


Goodluck Hope everything works out for both you and your dog...

ne55