ACL recivery

[MelindaK12]

My 4 year  old lab had anterior cruciate surgery on her right knee in Dec. 2007 and on her left knee in Feb. 2008.  Her vet said she is recovering well but she still has a hard time getting into a sit position.  Is this normal for this time frame.  what are the best exercises for her.  I take her walking and swimming but the next day she can hardly walk. I also give her glucosomine.  any suggestions

[Jaybay]

Hello!  Our dog had TPLO surgery when she was 8 years old.  Her ACL was completely severed and the surgery involved fusing the knee joint for strength and stability.  She made a remarkable recovery, but within a few months she had the same trouble with a sit position that your dog is experiencing.  It was just simple arthritis that was progressing really quickly.  We put her on DeraMaxx and while she still had a bit of trouble with a sit, she was back to her old rambunctious self until she died at almost 14.

Any orthopedic injury or surgery is going to result in a certain amount of arthritis.  That's a given.  You have to treat the inflammation to slow down its progression and help with the pain.  In addition to anti-inflammatories like DeraMaxx, MSM, chondtroitin and glucosamine are excellent supplements to keep on board.

Swimming is probably the best exercise for a dog with an ortho injury.  They can build up the muscles without as much pain because the water takes off so much gravity resistance.  About 15 to 20 minutes a day is plenty.

[chihuahuagrandma]

Welcome to the dog forum, we have wonderful people here to assist w/their many experiences and share with you, so check in from time to time and see you new comments...
Also, if you look over to the right of this page, scroll down, small box says, "ask a vet", Dr. Cheng, repost your concerns, you will receive very informative info...
I personally do not have answer for your question, but wish you the very best..
My tip for scar tissue and joint and arthritis is: Surejell that you use in making jellies/jams is very good for humans and dogs...small dose daily, takes a month to see a difference, a human a tablespoon in glass of orange juice daily, a dog depends on size and how to you choose to administer in food to diguise it...