[harleysmama]

Originally Posted by bobohyde

Hi. My boy, Columbo just turned 9 in October. If Harley doesn't walk on the leg the next day, then he likely tore his ACL this time. Columbo had LP and never had any problems until earlier this year. We had a couple episodes late winter - early spring where he started limping and was walking on it again the next day. In April, it happened again and he didn't get better after a couple days. This time it was what the surgeon called the "catastrophic event" and he tore his ACL. If it's just LP or just a torn ACL, many times they will prescribe rest and physical therapy. But if a dog tears his ACL and has LP, he has to have surgery for both. In August, it happened to his other knee and back to the surgeon we went. I can tell you that his recovery on the first leg was fast. The second leg took a couple months longer than the first, but he has recovered well and although it was expensive, it was well worth it. I have absolutely no regrets and it was the right thing to do. He is basically back to normal now, although we try to limit any "explosive" movements as he is still working back up to pre-injury strength. A yorkie's life expectancy is 14-15 years. They often live longer than that and I hope Columbo does. If Harley needs surgery, I recommend you go to an orthopedic surgeon like Columbo did. It looks like you are 3 hours from me, so if you don't have one in your area, mine can refer you to one or you could drive (many do) to him. Virginia Veterinary Specialists, Dr. Kevin Stiffler. He is absolutely fabulous. Dr. Wheeler is great, also. If you have any other questions, let me know. I have a lot of information having just gone through this and especially since our dogs are the same age.

I think a read an older thread form you last night, I was up late doing A LOT of reading on the surgery. Thank you for responding!