SunDance (05-18-2017)
Conservative management can work sometimes. It worked for Cookie's right leg (he blew both). It happened back in 2011 and took us a few months with conservative management. The issue hasn't reoccurred since.
Cookie Black Snowflake
July 12th, 2006. - May 25th, 2023.
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SunDance (05-18-2017)
First, I'm so sorry you've gone through this and I know how hard it can be. We did conservative management with Molly (our six year old lab, back right knee was lame for about 8 months) and a holistic vet had been the one to discourage us from surgery. We ended up doing CM for as long as we thought it held potential, but given her size (70 lbs) we were told in a surgical consult that she needed the help and surgery. We were discouraged as well from a brace, b/c that can actually do more harm than good because it could diminish the muscle that your dog has or could develop.
Best bet is vet appointment and (my two cents) know that surgery isn't so scary. I was terrified originally. And I would have done anything back then to avoid TPLO surgery because the idea seemed really expensive and really challenging to arrange and manage and really scary for her. But we moved ahead with it, and recovery was better than I could have ever imagined. Sure, it was tough, but they toe-touch the next day often, and now - only 3 months after the surgery, she is back to good as new!
When you talk to the vet about options (I had done the same because there seemed to be SO MANY) ask what gives your pup the best long term outcome based on what they see. We were told TPLO because TTA wouldn't work for her size and was more so for smaller dogs.
Good luck and I'm rooting for you guys!!!
Another update on the brace. It's not working too well on him. He basically can not get down with the brace on so he will follow me around all day, even when I know he would be lying down in my kids room napping (the AC is colder in that room). And it's not a perfect fit so it keeps on sliding down. So no more brace for now. Either way he's doing much better so hopefully when we go to our cabin this summer I will be able to keep him on a leash most times. We have a huge yard there and of course he loves to run around.
So I have 2 experiences. One with a 9 yo collie and we opted for CM, it had probably happened years ago and we couldn't see doing it at that age. She was extremely arthritic as she aged but they stabilized as the doctor who posted described.
We now have a 3 yo yellow lab, extremely active (with a 3 yo companion chocolate) who ruptured both and we are on week 7-8 of bilateral TTA. You could hear her bones rubbing together and we just couldn't envision a dog this active hobbled.
We checked out our surgeon carefully, listened to his recommendation and also had a full conversation with our primary vet. Everyone agreed on surgery for Stella and everyone had agreed on CM for Ruthie.
We are incredibly fortunate that this time we had pet insurance which has covered 80% of the procedure. The recovery is lengthy and you've got to be watchful. Recognizing the issue of cost and other impediments, age was the driving factor for us. We are comfortable with our decision and if you can I'd have your pup evaluated on both options and go from there.
I don't actually feel or agree that surgeons are surgery happy, they just have a perspective/filter regarding what surgery can do. I hope that provides a perspective from both sides.
Stella is currently on week 3 post TTA. In your opinion, would you board your dog at week 8?
Hi I haven't been in, my apologies. It would depend on the kennel. If they are the type that would accompany her out to potty (even if she's in good shape week 8, it's unfamiliar territory) and restrict her activity and she's been there before, with a discussion with the owner or whomever, I would do it ( would also check with my vet). Our kennel goes to the same vet, train and handle champion level dogs and have a great staff so I'd be comfortable at week 8. We had tickets to Hamilton In NYC at day 17 and I hired one of the kennel techs from the kennel to stay the day and walk and feed her. Stella knew her and it was fine. But I was a nervous wreck. Could anyone move into the house that you trust implicitly?
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MyStellaDog (05-28-2017)
My Samson had TTA on his left leg. At week 8, personally, I would not board (actually I'd never board Samson). I use a pet sitter. She will come to my home and stay the night. I understand each situation is different. After surgery, Samson's first x-ray was at 10 weeks. I know others had x-rays earlier than week 10. Will your pup have x-rays before week 8? If so, maybe that will provide you some added reassurance that healing is on track and leaving the pup boarded at 8 weeks is OK. It would all depend on the regrowth of the bone. I'm sure it varies and some may be slower than others for the bone to grow back. At week 8 you've come so far and if something went wrong at the kennel it would be unfortunate. I would be concerned with the other dogs at the kennel and the risk of one of them getting too close to your pup. All it would take is one strong lunge on an uncarpeted floor. I am sure you will make the best decision. These are just my thoughts.
Doreen Davis (05-27-2017), MyStellaDog (05-28-2017)
This was exactly the tough news I knew, but just needed to hear. These are all of my biggest concerns and I think I would be more upset leaving and thinking of the worst. Thank you so much.
I have thought about this and hiring a vet tech would be the next best thing but I know I would resent that person if something happened. I will definitely explore some people though.
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