Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3320 Posts
Posted - Oct 15 2018 : 10:58:29 AM
Anyone out there experience ACL tear and hip dysplasia in their dogs?
Sedation x-rays today to get a better picture of what is going on.
Hildegard is only a little over 2 years old. That's a baby pup photo which completely shows her true nature-sweet thing. She is 71 pounds and developed limping after strenuous excercise which we treated with aspirin and checked it off as inactivity and then vigorous excercise. Just over the past two weeks or so she is limping every day even after getting up after a nap. At the clinic, while we were leaving she lunged at another dog and fell flat on her stomach and could NOT get up. She was splayed out on the floor and husband had to pick up her hind end to get her to her feet.
We are heartbroken.
I know there is surgery but it is unimaginably expensive---
Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced this with their pet.
Thank you!
Edited by - melody on Oct 15 2018 8:55:48 PM
YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
6994 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
6994 Posts
Posted - Oct 15 2018 : 11:29:51 AM
I am so sorry Melody. I have no personal experience to share but a neighbor who is a retired physical therapist fostered and worked with a shelter dog with hip problems. She devised a therapy routine for him and in time his hip was strong enough for him to be adopted. I hope you are able to find help for Hildegard.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14 FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015.
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth.
Tumbleweed
True Blue Farmgirl
1029 Posts
Nancy
Texas
USA
1029 Posts
Hi Melody I found a couple links for you that may help. My son Diesel torn his knee joint. The vet advised a lot of rest with little to no activity. What happened is the tear mended in an X formation which actually secured it. I don't understand it all completely but he did get better after a few weeks of rest.
My other son Cody had bad hips. We just had to keep an eye on him and kept his weight down. Moderated exercise kept the muscles around his hips strong but we didn't play chase the ball with him and covered slick floors. Both were happy taking walks and being with us.
It is hard getting bad news like this for your little girl but she can still be happy and healthy otherwise.
Hope this was helpful and supportive for you.
God bless your whole household
TW
The fun begins where the sidewalk ends. Shel Silverstein
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3320 Posts
Posted - Oct 15 2018 : 8:54:27 PM
GOOD news! NO hip dysplasia---her back x-rays are excellent and there is just a tiny tear in her ACL in her right leg. Hildy has to watch her treats-and-lose about 5-8 pounds. Conservative treatment with NSAIDs and Glucosamine Chondroitin every day from now on. NSAIDs on hand at all times for flare ups and she must complete the 10 tabs of Carpofren (NSAIDS)Slow paced leash walking gradually but consistently. Dr. said to put away 5.00 a week in Hildy's ACL Fund because eventually due to her build and her breed she will probably end up with a complete tear which will require surgery, but not now.
What a HUGE relief...She is young and healthy and we are going to keep it that way for a long, long time!
Thank you ladies for the quick response and kind words---it is much appreciated!
YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
6994 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
6994 Posts
Posted - Oct 16 2018 : 03:22:10 AM
Good news! So happy for you and Hildegard.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14 FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015.
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth.
Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
6632 Posts
Debbie L.
Oregon
USA
6632 Posts
Posted - Oct 16 2018 : 06:31:24 AM
What wonderful news Melody. Swee, sweet photo above and the one you put on Facebook.
Big Hugs, Debbie #1582 Blessed in Colorado
Farmgirl of the Month September 2012 and February2018 “My altars are My Mountains and the ocean.” Lord Byron” Thank Women are Angels, and when someone breaks our wings We simply continue to fly on our Broomsticks. We're flexible like that!
Tumbleweed
True Blue Farmgirl
1029 Posts
Nancy
Texas
USA
1029 Posts
Posted - Oct 16 2018 : 07:06:10 AM
Great news Melody! I am so happy for Hildy! She for sure will have a healthy happy life.
TW
The fun begins where the sidewalk ends. Shel Silverstein
Awww, so glad she is going to be okay. I was faced with deciding whether to put my Goldie dog down at 2 years old or pay for a $1000 surgery. It's three years later and I have enjoyed 3 more years of love. They are soooo worth it.
good luck with your puppy, i hope she stays strong and healthy.
Farming in WI
Michele
MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7032 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7032 Posts
Posted - Oct 17 2018 : 12:00:30 PM
Hey Melody! My dog actually had the ACL tear and had the surgery. The surgery is massively expensive but it broke my heart thinking she could never walk again. And she was only a baby as well. We used care credit to pay for it. That's an option if your vet accepts the card. It was 2 years ago I believe and she is all good and back to normal now!! She would crawl under our bed and that's what tore hers. So now we keep it blocked off so she won't damage the other leg. The hardest part about it all was the recovery. They aren't allowed to do any running or playing for awhile after and she always was trying to play with her sister. I had to keep her on a leash to keep her from talking off running. Feel free to email me if you have any questions about it or want to know more!
Krista
MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7032 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7032 Posts
Melody, So glad to hear good news! Hope she heals and it's a LONG while before that possible surgery . . . maybe it won't be necessary. I certainly understand your relief! CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665. 2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year