Hello...first post and looking for any feedback, experience or insight to our situation. We have a 14 month old chocolate lab that began limping on her back left leg about 6-8 weeks ago after playing with other dogs at day care (something she did about once a week). We figured she probably just had some rough play with other dogs and had hurt it a bit. She was good the next day and everything was fine until she had similar behavior a few weeks later. We took her to our vet and she did an X-ray to look at her hips and those looked good but identified she had spondylosis (bone spur in her back near pelvis) and it was recommended we do an MRI to make sure there was no infection (spondylitis). We did that and it came back as a mild version of spondylosis, no apparent infection, but also a bulging disk. Initially told us that we should be able to address with pain medication as needed and should be fine. About a week later the limping happened again, after a walk, and we took her to an ortho to get his opinion on her back and what options we had if this continues. After doing an external exam of her, he stated that the limping is actually from the fact that she completely tore her ACL on her right leg (not the original limping leg) and partially the other. He recommended we do TPLO surgery on the right (completely torn) and see how things go with the left after she recovers (12 weeks recovery). He could not say how much the back is playing into her limping, but stated we needed to either commit to surgery or commit to saying goodbye, because she will try different things to compensate for the torn ACLs and that could cause additional strain on her spine. So we are scheduled for TPLO surgery on back right leg on 4/24. She has been on galliprant and it seems to help her (sometimes you wouldn't be able to tell she has any problem at all). The issue is she has thrown up the last few nights - which is a side effect, so I did not give it to her today. Well, today she got up from a laying down position and she stumbled forward. After that she has tried on a few occasions to walk around but she will not put ANY weight on her back LEFT leg (the partially torn ACL). She actually is walking on 3 legs with her left leg completely lifted high off the ground and only walks for about 5 feet then lays down. I gave her tramadol for pain just a bit ago. While we will be calling the specialist again in the morning, we just don't know what we are faced with here. Just curious if you have been faced with anything similar. TIA
Welcome and I'm very sorry that you and your pup are going through this at such a young age. My dog (now passed at the respectable age of 13) had similar problems, but at a much, much older age. He was diagnosed with ED at 10 months, then tore both cruciates at five years and diagnosed with spondylosis at age ten. I suspect the problems in a younger dog are much different, especially in treatment. However, I did want to say that his TPLOs turned out very well and he was able to use both legs normally and stayed arthritis-free for the rest of his life. Despite dire warnings about the ED that he would need an elbow replacement, he also remained pain-free except for the occasional over-do day. The spondylosis slowed him down in his last years, but again did not have the dire consequences predicted by his vet. We were very lucky and I was very thankful for the many years of quality life the TPLOs gave him. One thing I would suggest is getting at a minimum a second opinion on the torn ACL. You will surely need surgery, but there are different alternatives now apparently to TPLO worth considering. Also some surgeons prefer to do both legs at once...I personally can't imagine dealing with the recovery on that, but at the same time, at least the recovery time is shorter so in the long run that may be better for the dog. Mine did one after the other simply because he tore the second right six months after the first...this meant one year of limited activity, which was rough. I do think you need to come to terms with the fact that you are looking at surgeries on both legs and not just one. My surgeon told me that over 50% of dogs who need one TPLO end up needing the other done as well and this was true of both my dogs who had the surgery. Best wishes to both you for a good recovery!
Hello and welcome to the forum. So sorry about your dear dog. I can not help you, but just wanted to welcome here.
So sorry to hear about your dog. I've nothing to add to Emily's comments but the fact that she is so young is a positive one, although the recovery period will be challenging and crate rest is the crucial part. A few years ago my then eleven year old collie cross had successful cruciate ligament surgery and, although we agonised about putting her through the operation, she had a further two years of active life. Do keep us posted - i hope all goes well.
Thank you for the welcome and kind words. Spoke with the associate doctor on the phone today and he suggested to stick with the Tramadol and stop the Galliprant. We have an appointment for Thursday to have ortho look at her to see if it may be her other leg has a full tear of ACL or if this is back related. She is still just using 3 legs except for when I take her out on her leash to go to the bathroom and she will gingerly put weight on it. Have used a towel for a sling but she isnt crazy about it. So hanging on for the time being. Thanks again.
So sorry you are having a rough time. There are forum members who have gone through this successfully but it's a bit of a tough slog at times. Keep us posted as to what the specialist says and we will do our best to be a sounding board.
The update after the doctor visit yesterday is fully torn ACL of the left leg. As mentioned above, this leg was only partially torn when we first found out that she needed to TPLO of the right leg. Well, the surgeon has called an audible and has suggested we operate on the left one first as it is the most current tear and seems to be causing her the most pain. We are scheduled for this Monday. I will report back as we go through this first surgery and recovery.
Please keep us updated! You've got a journey ahead but it will result in a healthy dog, so hang on to that in the days to come!
Quick update...TPLO surgery completed yesterday on the left leg and she spent the night at the surgeon's office. It is a 24 hour emergency facility as well so that was comforting to know someone was always there. They called this morning and said she had a good night and will be ready for pick up at 4pm today. 2 weeks with the cone and then on to rehab. Looking forward to getting started and getting her back to good health (of course after the second TPLO in a few months!).
Wishing your girl a good recovery. I am sure if you follow all rehabilitation instructions she will be fine. A long road. Please keep us updated xx
You'll have her back by now, so I hope she's comfortable. I'm glad the operation went well - first step on a long road, but worth it in the end.
We are home. She was happy to see us at the ortho and tail was wagging. That excitement wore off , and now resting in her confined space with her very fashionable head attire. She is having trouble getting comfortable - standing up and then laying down with some panting but laying down now. Here's to a restful night (fingers crossed) Thank you for all of the well wishes, we all appreciate it.
Oh I'm so sorry to read about your situation .I'm glad the first operation has gone well and you sound very positive as you approach her rehab.I hope she had a comfortable night and you all got some rest . Best Wishes Angela
