Looking for advice on cruciate ligament surgery

Rinrin

29/12/2021, 18:59

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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 😞

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Emla

01/01/2022, 22:48

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Cortex sounds like such an amazing dog!

Hang in there, in a few months' time this will all be a distant memory and the two of you will come out of it with an even stronger bond.

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Rinrin

01/01/2022, 21:20

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Cortex is still being such a good boy. We’ve been chilling on the patio while he gnaws on his pig shoulder bone, watching people go past the house, or settled in with a good film while giving him some fuss (grooming day lol). I’m sure it won’t last the whole time, but he’s an absolute sweetheart at the moment.

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Rinrin

30/12/2021, 19:52

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Hang in there, Rinrin! You’re really doing your absolute best for your companion and I think you’re in good hands; everything will turn out fine with a bit of patience during the recovery.

A huge thank you, Jazz, for your encouragement and support! It’s so lovely to find a bit of comfort on the forum. I’m still not completely at ease and, knowing me, I’ll be panicking like crazy this weekend and Monday, but I’m trying not to let him pick up on my stress.

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Rinrin

30/12/2021, 19:51

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Yours doesn’t seem to be like that, so no need to panic! Mine actually improved once I stopped the painkillers (on them, he couldn't feel a thing so he was overdoing it like a total idiot), but it wasn't the same injury, and my dog is very high-energy. He’s either fast asleep or tearing about; there’s not much of a middle ground. He never really gets hyper, to be honest, except when he’s interacting with me, going out, or chewing on one of his toys—he’s a very calm dog. But he’s a proper clown when we’re out on walks; he’s certainly done a job on himself this time! 🤣

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Jazz17

30/12/2021, 19:39

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Hang in there, Rinrin! You’re really doing your absolute best for your little one. I think you’re in great hands and everything will turn out fine; it’ll just take a bit of patience during the recovery.

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Lewina

30/12/2021, 19:20

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Yours doesn't seem to be like that, so don't panic! Mine actually started doing better once I stopped the painkillers (on them, he couldn't feel anything so he was overdoing it like a right idiot), but it wasn't the same injury, and my dog is very high-energy. He’s either fast asleep or tearing around all over the place; there isn’t much of a middle ground with him.

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Rinrin

30/12/2021, 19:10

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Lewina, you’re scaring me 😰 I can’t even imagine if he were a handful. I’ve gone and stocked up on rope toys, rope balls, squeaky toys and chews to keep him as busy as possible. I sat on the doorstep with him just to watch the world go by; he stayed lying down, watching and sniffing, just to give him a bit of mental stimulation without any proper exercise. At his age, I wouldn’t want him to lose touch with the outside world.

Thanks for the fusses! Knowing him, he’d love it (he’s everyone’s best friend).

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Lewina

30/12/2021, 19:02

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Hang in there Rinrin, I really hope you can both put this behind you soon. If he’s staying calm, that’s already a huge help. When mine had his only serious injury, it was such a struggle trying to keep him from moving around, and that was only for just over two weeks XD. Give the big lad some big fusses from me!

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Rinrin

30/12/2021, 18:56

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@Dundeemaya, @Tania, thanks for your messages 🙏

He’s being such a good boy at the moment; the vet gave him an anti-inflammatory jab and I have to give him one tablet a day to keep any issues at bay. I’ve already been to buy some joint supplements to start supporting his joints as he’s definitely going to need it (I did check with the vet first to make sure it was okay to give them to him).

He’s a lovely old boy and very, very calm, but I imagine it must be quite painful (he doesn't show it, other than the fact he isn't putting any weight on his paw).

I really hope with all my heart that he’s not going to be the type to keep getting injured! 😅

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