SissyRose - I think what you're going to do is a much better choice than having surgery.
And - you are right - a luxating patella and a torn anterior cruciate ligament are two entirely different problems. Luxating patellas are common to small dogs and something they can just live with them -- but a torn ACL is a bad injury caused from twisting. It is often called the "athletic injury" (for people) because it is so common to basketball and football players as well as skiers, etc. Every time you see a football player fall down on the field and grab his knee - he may have done what your little dog did - and he won't be playing football for a long time!
My little dog tore both his ACLs running around and playing out in the pasture. I suspect he stepped into some sort of a hole and his body kept going, but his little leg didn't. However, it can also happen from just a sudden twisting or turning.....which he does constantly!!!!
Again - I'm glad you're going with the more conservative treatment. I'm sure your pup will do just fine. It's just unfortunately that these injuries take so darn long to heal. But, not much we can do about that! He's little though and I'm sure you can keep him very happy and spoiled in the house.
Carol Jean
Good luck. |