Would a dog with a torn CCL eat his supper? Is there a chance an injured dog would believe his owner caused the pain?
Oh no! What has happened? I think a lot is happening from a psychological perspective when a dog experiences pain, through trauma, surgery or even a shock (think fireworks, vet visit...) Whilst our dear companions are very resilient in recovering, these take time, especially as some dogs are so sensitive to our own levels of anxiety. If I have to leave one of mine as the vets for any length of time I am a blubbing mess...it's so embarrassing. Have a read of this interesting article written by Patrica McConnell, author of the other end of the Leash http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/can-animals-blame-others
Dogs can easily make associations between two things that occur together or in quick succession in time and place. Especially when one of them is something that occurs just before or simultaneously with pain or fear. I have not ever heard of a dog being wary of a human who was simply in the general vicinity when something bad happened.... What's happened and what sort of behaviour are you seeing, Johnny? (Other then the not eating issue).
Well, just dropped poor Duggan off at the Vet. He ate his supper and his breakfast after a long night of whimpering. He is completely lame and non weight bearing on his rear left leg. He’s scheduled for x rays in a few hours after his breakfast settles so he doesn’t vomit with the sedative. Dr. Fears the worst. CCL and possible more soft tissue damage and maybe torn meniscus. Know more later. They want to rule out dislocations and breaks, apparently he was more reactive to the inspection than most so he expects more damage than just a torn CCL. Poor guy was just running in a straight line mid retrieve then balled up and started screaming bloody murder. Duck season is over for this year for him. I feel so bad for him. Very attached to this guy. He is my daughters best friend and I can’t imagine him not being with us. She would be devastated. Anyhow. Not to complain but the quote for the surgery is such a blow to a newly wed single income family. Wow. As much as it sucks it’s funny how there is no hesitation. Find out more around 16:00 UTC. ( three hours ) I can only imagine how he’s feeling, he’s never been left anywhere alone before. He can’t even sit outside for very long before he wants to be with us. Anyhow. Praying for a torn muscle as odd as that sounds. Praying
Oh, God! @Johnny Walker my heart goes out to you, everything crossed that the outcome is not as bad as you feel though. Poor wee guy.
Thanks for the concern @Beanwood. I never would have thought this was something that could happen or something I should even be concearned about till now. Hope the other one doesn’t go too (if that’s the issue)
Sorry to hear this Johnny. Poor boy! Sad to say, if it's the cruciate, the chances are very high that the other one will go at some point Fingers crossed for a torn muscle, as you say!
So sorry to read this, poor Duggan. I'm sure you must be beside yourself, I really hope the outcome is not as bad as you fear.
I am so sorry to read this, it is horrible when they are in pain and disappointing for you to miss the duck season, though of course Duggan is more important. I hope there is an element of some better news when you see the vet this afternoon.
Cruciate disease is something there is no test for yet, I believe. Although I may remember @Oberon knowing more about this - she's far hotter on the genetic stuff than I am. If it does turn out to be his cruciate, you should contact your breeder to let them know, because it may affect their future breeding choices.
Oh my goodness no, that's every lab owner's nightmare... Poor Duggan, poor you!!! Hoping it's not as bad as feared.
I was under the impression Cruciate Disease was gradual onset not instantaneous. Perhaps his high speed power turns had been accumulating without signs.
Well, I'm certainly no expert in this, but I believe JulieT's Charlie had cruciate disease and he had one go when he was still a young puppy and the other when he was about 2 or 3 years, if I recall. From here: https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/labrador-retriever-cranial-cruciate-ligament-rupture "Some sudden, complete ruptures of this ligament occur due to trauma (injury), particularly in active young dogs; " "The acute form of the disease causes sudden non weight-bearing lameness in affected animals whilst the degenerative disease tends to cause more chronic (long term) intermittent lameness which rapidly worsens if the ligament completely ruptures. If left untreated (and also often with treatment) joint inflammation and instability lead to arthritic changes and permanent pain, lameness and disability. In many cases both knees become affected – occasionally at the same time and often within a year of each other." And I think they believe there is a genetic component in this. Like I said, I'm no expert, just trying to remember bits and pieces of what I've heard.
I think I read a big story by a vet last night using a “Charlie” as a case study. I couldnt help wonder if it was the same Charlie.
So he has a complete tear, not just partial and the Dr. suspects more damage. Now I get to research surgery options.
I am sorry. Do the best option you can after research. However, times have changed, as when I worked for a vet, he did the repairs himself and they were successful I seem to remember.
