[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel

My Jezebel has the same injury, and she is having surgery on Tuesday. You have a window of opportunity, if you wait too long your dog will be in pain for the rest of his life.

I hear you loud and clear regarding the wish to avoid the knife, but sometimes it can't be avoided. Did you actually see the surgeon, and what did they say? Did they take x-rays?

When I saw Jezebel's x-rays, there was no question what needed to be done. The tibia and fibula were completely shifted over and not directly under the femur like they should have been, and the patella was over to the side and not up front. It was easy to see just how unstable the joint really is when that ligament is ruptured. Within a couple of months with all of that instability, all of the cushioning structures would be worn away and she would be in pain -- and lame -- for the rest of her life. There is no way I could do that to her.

Great informative post!