'ACL Tear'

ACL Tear

Steve Kiwczak from Lakewood Ranch, FL -

I have a 5 year old Australian Terrier. She jumped off a bed and is limping. I immediatedly took her to the vet. After some x-rays he concluded her right rear leg had a torn acl. He prescribed an anti inflamatory for two weeks with complete rest. Six weeks later no big improvement. If nthere was no improvement acl surgery was needed. After investigating the procedure I'm not sure if this is the only option. Would a brace work? Would glucosamine for dogs help? There is also a chance of reinjury after surgery. If I don't do the surgery would her limping cause other joints to be damaged? I am not sure if all that is involved is worth going through the agony for 3-6 months for my dog? I also can't afford the $1200 cost. I would have to do a payment plan. Any suggetsions, Help?!

Comment #1 gerald phillips (76.3.176.194) -

my cat is 3yrs. old and his acl was torn.Is it something that is better to leave a lone or should it be repaired.I'm retired and money is tight, but I love my cat.I'm not sure what to do.

Comment #2 Ken (99.162.48.97) -

If you do not do the surgery, there is no chance it will get better. In fact when the pet begins putting the weight on the other leg to take away from the pain of the first, they can and often tear the acl in the second leg.

A tear will never get better. The only choice is surgery before they damage the second leg.

Comment #3 Michelle (71.235.249.127) -

My dog, a yellow lab, tore her ACL while at the dog park. Watching her limp around for just two weeks was enough for me to decide that surgery would be necessary. It also helped me to talk to her vet. Most vets do have payment options (her surgery cost us over 1500 (which was half of what the emergency hospital quoted us!)) However, it is true that they can damage their joint or even injure the other leg without treatment. I the long run it would be cheaper to repair one leg than both. Obviously you love your dog otherwise you wouldn't be so concerned as to post anything. Just think how it would feel if it were you instead of your dog. Would you question spending the money to fix a problem, that if left untreated could prove to make you lame as you got older?

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