Evening everyone, Cortex got injured this morning (I’ve seen two different vets just to be sure) but it is what it is: a ruptured cruciate ligament in his left knee. The first vet told me it would take 4 to 8 months of rehab, whereas the second says the dog should have recovered well within 3 months. The prices are also worlds apart; one quoted around £850, the other about £350 (money isn’t an issue). In both cases, they told me that no matter what happens, Cortex will develop arthritis and the joint will become painful as he gets older.
I’d like to know if any of you have dealt with this kind of setback before. How did the surgery go? Was the recovery good? Is there anything we can do to make sure he doesn't suffer too much later on?
I’m so worried about Cortex (he’s on anti-inflammatories until the operation, which is scheduled for Monday at 8:45 am). I still don't know which vet to go with, but since both have given me an appointment, I need to cancel one of them...
I’m completely lost 😞
Translated from French
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"I'm going to murder him!" Oh, wait! I shouldn't even think that, let alone say it! 😁 Actually, the more I think about it, the more I'm sure it's wiser to wait until he’s fully recovered before adopting another one! 🙄
I definitely thought it, though! 😅
That’s exactly why I decided to back out of it. It was all planned before Cortex’s accident, but I didn’t want to risk his recovery – his well-being comes before anything else.
What a nightmare... and right in the middle of recovery 😥
Tell me about it, I thought it was some kind of sick joke 😑 it's so ridiculous it's like something out of a cartoon 😩
I think it’s just clicked… Cortex has been whining since this morning (even though he’s perfectly fine). I’ve just bumped into my neighbour who mentioned that his dog is in season 😑 so now I get what’s going on with him, but I didn’t realise it could happen while he’s still this young 🥵
I’m going to murder him! 😠 He’s been an absolute angel since his op, but today I’ve had to keep him on crate rest. The little madam/sir decided to have a bit of a skid on his bad leg (I’d given him a bit of leeway while I was there as he’d been so well-behaved). Then, I nipped to the loo for literally two seconds and—bam!—he’d ripped his dressing off and was busy ‘cleaning’ his wound. Honestly, for crying out loud, the little monster! 🤬🤬 (Well, he’s back in the cone of shame now for his troubles 😡)
Good evening and thanks for sharing your experience. A TPLO was suggested to me, but I felt the procedure was far too invasive for a puppy. When the lateral suture technique was offered instead—along with an explanation of the risks, like implant rejection, the suture snapping, or even the other ligament going—I decided to go with that. I’m sticking strictly to the vet’s recommended protocol: total rest. Until his stitches are out, he can walk around the house, but there’s no running, no stairs, no jumping, and no sudden movements. He’s started putting a bit of weight on it since this morning and I’ve been giving him gentle massages. I’m really hopeful that everything will be okay, but I’m keeping a very close eye on the little rascal.
I hope your girl continues to make a good recovery.
Hi there,
Personally, we opted for a TPLO with a plate and screws. According to the vets we spoke to, it's a much more reliable method, especially since we have a 2-year-old Staffie. I have to say, we don't regret it at all; she was already putting weight on her leg 8 hours after the operation. Now, 4 weeks later, the bone healing is well underway and she's not limping at all. We're doing 45 minutes of walking throughout the day (three 15-minute walks plus two 5-minute toilet breaks morning and evening).
In terms of advice, rest is key, obviously, but a snuffle mat has been a real lifesaver for us. The main worry is making sure they don't put too much pressure on the other leg, as the second ligament can often snap... but we were always told to keep up with at least 5-10 minute walks so she doesn't lose muscle, as long as she's putting weight on it. Also, remember to reduce their food portions since they're getting less exercise. To be honest, our girl seems to be getting used to the routine without giving us too much of a hard time.
Best of luck with the recovery (it's a long haul)!
I’m on my last legs (no pun intended 🤣). The little man was stuck to me like glue for the first two days (sensing my pain, I suppose) and, being a total worry-wart, I didn't sleep a wink so I could keep a close eye on him (thank God for the Xbox and Dragon’s Dogma); must be a good 5 years since I last turned it on lol.
Yeah, I’m so glad he can manage on his own now; it’s really no fun for him (or for me) having to help him stay upright XD.
No issues there – that very same evening he was already doing his business 🍑. He’s still got a great appetite, maybe too much! 😂😂
I'm fine, thanks! ^^ And how about you, not too exhausted?
It's good to know you can stop one of those two! And it’s brilliant that the wound is looking good, it's a positive sign, and it must be such a relief that he can go to the toilet on his own. Any issues with his digestion following the surgery?
