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Old 06-14-2012, 04:54 PM   #5
ladyjane
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Texas
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jnsdrexler02 View Post
I didn't ask about an MRI. My vet made it sound like he would have to put her "under" and do a type of "exploratory" surgery to see if it is torn. I really don't like the thought of unnecessary surgery so if I have to, I will go to a specialist to have the test done. Thank you for the suggestion.
An MRI is very expensive and is not the way a torn CCL is diagnosed. Sometimes a surgeon can tell by a physical exam if the ligament is torn; but sometimes not. They look for what is called a drawer sign. Sometimes the dog is very painful and it is hard to move the knee to look for that sign. What your vet most likely suggested is a light whiff of gas to put her under long enough to manipulate the knee to see if there is a positive drawer sign. It is done in a matter of minutes and is not an exploratory surgery. Hope this helps.
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