Paddington has a CCL injury :(

[paddys mom]

Hi All,
Its been awhile since I've posted here but I need some advice. My poor Paddy tore his cruciate ligament His regular vet said small dogs do just as well without the surgery, but of course the ortho doc was ready to do the surgery that day. (we weren't). My Paddington is 9 years old and between 7 and 8lbs (probably closer to 8 now that he's not walking much lol) and I am freaked out about putting him through surgery or even putting him under anesthesia for a teeth cleaning. Then again, his luxating patella is worse now on that leg due to atrophy of the muscles. So if they could fix both things that might make the surgery worth it.

I can't stand to see him limping horribly. He won't put much weight on the leg after just a few min of walking. I am a physical therapist so I know about human ACL surgeries and rehab very well and I want to apply that to him, but I don't think he is ready for it the way he is favoring that side. Did anyone that chose not to do the surgery invest in a knee brace? I was thinking, rest plus using a brace when walking outside might be a conservative option.

Thanks, and hope you have all been well!!

[107barney]

A torn CCL should be surgically repaired for the best long term outcome. My dog was 11.5 when he had his torn CCL repaired along w/ his patellar lunation. He's about to turn 15 and has had a pain free and better quality of life because of the surgical repair. I hope you decide to do it and hope for a good outcome for your pup.

[paddys mom]

Originally Posted by 107barney

A torn CCL should be surgically repaired for the best long term outcome. My dog was 11.5 when he had his torn CCL repaired along w/ his patellar lunation. He's about to turn 15 and has had a pain free and better quality of life because of the surgical repair. I hope you decide to do it and hope for a good outcome for your pup.

Thanks, I am definitely leaning that way more every time I see him struggle to walk I don't wan't him to get horrible arthritis in a few years either. Just need all the reassurance he won't have problems with anesthesia. He has survived it before but I had two patients tell me their dogs did not wake up after going in for teeth cleanings.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by paddys mom

Thanks, I am definitely leaning that way more every time I see him struggle to walk I don't wan't him to get horrible arthritis in a few years either. Just need all the reassurance he won't have problems with anesthesia. He has survived it before but I had two patients tell me their dogs did not wake up after going in for teeth cleanings.

Mine were 14 and have had procedures. Most surgeons are doing monitored gas anesthesia and checking their blood values before. If it makes you feel any better mine have undergone dentals at age 14 and one had a three hour MRI under anesthesia. It is very safe if they're using gas (isoflurane) and doing monitoring. Good luck!

[ladyjane]

Agree that surgery is the best option. A cruciate tear in dogs is very different than in humans.
Severe arthritis is a result of not repairing a torn cruciate in dogs and that starts almost immediately...not years. Here is a link to an article my ortho surgeon wrote:
http://yorkiehavenrescue.com/cruciateligament.html
I have had quite a few yorkies who had this surgery and they did very well. My own personal pup, Cookie, had it and she is a very active girl.
Good luck with your baby and please let us know what you decide...