Anyone dealt with ACL injury in dog?

[mmp]

Join the yahoo group "orthodogs". I think there is another one called "conservative management".
I'd get a lot of bully sticks to keep him busy.
Good luck!

[gbck]

I'm in the midst of 2 blown rear ACLs and 10k worth of surgery(which we can't afford) reccomendations right now.

Trying to immobilize some dogs is...hell.
definately find 'busy' things that aren't active. play 'hide and seek' with toys instead of fetch. and start training tricks that are more sedentary (play dead instead of catching frisbees--learning to catch a lobbed ball that doesn't require running works too

[mrsd2006]

Someone on the old Pets board did- I think it's Boylema but can't remember if she changed her name or not.

[chessie]

Yes our bulldog, had both knees done. Within 2 years the other one went, i was glad I had an insurance, pretty pricey. I asked around for recommendations found a travelling orthopedic. It all started with something not as serious and within months, you could tell he needed it. I would check it out with another doctor.

[luvmygsp]

Haha yup its me! Yeah our GSP tore his CCL...then the other...which btw, is super common after 1 side tears, just to forewarn you.

Its super hard & frustrating to keep them inactive. But, its doable, you can do it, I wouldn't lie! German Shorthairs are notoriously hyper, & Cooper is no exception! If we can go through it 3x (yup, 3), anyone can!

I can try & PM you a link to my old nest posts if you want, but one of the 1st things I'd recommend is joining Orthodogs

HTH, GL!

[InBetweenDays]

Our SUPER energetic almost 11 year old lab/GSP mix had TPLO surgery to repair a partially torn CCL about 5 years ago. Do you have a place where your dog can go swimming? I would get the ok from your vet, but swimming can be a very good low impact way to get your pup some exercise (as long as you can them to enter/exit the swimming area without running or jumping).

Sounds silly but we also splurged on hydrotherapy at a nearby clinic as part of his post-op care. It seemed to help with his range of motion, and he loved it so it was great for him mentally.

We got him a buster cube and put some treats in it to keep him busy, and also used a kong (which he doesn't like as well). Plus we'd take him on casual walks - but a 5 mile run doesn't wear him out so no way a walk was going to. But getting out and still sniffing the neighborhood still mentally stimulated him.

When we were home we had him leashed at all times. We either have the leash attached to us, or to a nearby piece of furniture. This just kept him from jumping up and running around, or running up and down the stairs.

Good luck, and hope the R&R works!