should we let them operate?

[craigiep]

We have a male Weimaraner who was born in April 2002. Lately he has stopped putting weight on his right back leg, though he doesn't seem in any pain. Our local animal hospital X-Rayed it and have diagnosed cruciate ligament damage, recommending we have it operated on asap yet warning that the surgery is 'controversial' (let alone expensive at about �5000, though we are insured), and that his other back leg also shows similar signs. What's your knowledge of this ailment and what would your advice for us be?

[pmjblue]

I would take your vets advice as if it is not treated surgically it could lead to arthritis of the joint and eventual inability to use the affected leg. However, I would ask if your vet has performed this kind of operation before, and apart from the usual risks associated with general anaesthetic, ask if there are any others. I believe he will be limited to exercise on a lead for around a month afterwards. hope this helps. good luck.

[cruella]

Hi craigiep
My last dog, a Westie suffered from the same thing. We were given the same advice as you have been given. I decided to have the op done as soon as possible. He made a good recovery after I gave him gentle massage a few times a day when he was on the road to recovery as he was very stiff in his back leg.
I think the fees for this op is a bit high, but then my dog had the op a few years ago.

[Clanad]

One thing to consider, is that the Weimaraner, like all other large, fast developing athletic field dogs, has a life expectancy of about 10 to 12 years. Fully realizing the problems in asking you to consider the situation realistically, you may wish to consider your alternatives should the other stifle require the same surgery. As you know, this dogs lives to run and hunt. That, along with their high level of intelligence would cause me to fully discuss with my vet the probable prognosis if the problem presents itself again.
They are beutiful dogs, and I sincerely hope this can be worked out to his benefit.... when all aspects are considered... Best of luck!

[lankeela]

I don't know what controversy there is surrounding cruciate ligament operations, as I have known many large breeds such as Rotts and Labs who have been operated on. It is true that the other leg will probably need operating on also, as they put more weight on that one while the other one is painful or recovering.

It will need complete rest for several weeks, and then a gradual return to exercise over several months, but other than euthanasia I don't know what else you can do. You certainly cannot let a dog go on in pain and this is a very painful condition. If you google cruciate ligament it will give a lot of sites with information.

[lankeela]

Here is an extract from an article on ruptured cruciate ligaments:

Dogs may take up to 4 months to fully recover from cruciate surgery. The first 6 post operative weeks require the greatest degree of restriction in the dogs' activity levels. Animals should be confined to one level of the house, taken outside on a lead for toilet purposes and short walks and be restricted from activities likely to overload the repair. This would include free running, jumping up, climbing stairs and running on slippery surfaces. Some people with laminate floors have temporarily carpeted this for the post operative period and I've known some owners to sleep downstairs during the recovery phase so their dog can avoid the stairs!

Clinical and possibly radiographic examination of your dog is usually required 6 weeks post operatively. This will allow clinical assessment by your veterinarian and discussion of your dog's progress and future plans. In the vast majority of cases animals can usually start to increase their activity levels following this visit and also may benefit from hydrotherapy at this stage. The aim is for a full return to exercise 3 to 4 months following surgery.

What level of function can I expect?
Although dogs will inevitably develop osteoarthritis following CCL failure, most dogs return to excellent function following surgery. We have operated on a number of working dogs that have had bilateral cruciate surgery (both hindlimbs affected) and have gone back to full work. Maintaining a light body weight and active lifestyle are important parts of the post operative management.

[lugus]

Cruciate damage can take years to heal without surgery. All the time the operation is put off will be putting more strain on the ligaments of the other knee and the longer that happens, the more likely he is to suffer the same injury in both knees. This would seriously cripple your dog. I would whole heartedly reccomend that you have the operation, though I would seek a second opinion as the price seems very over the top (last time I paid for one of these it was �275, two years ago).

[yizzy]

had jack russell with same problem dont know if op was available then as it was 1998 but we were told to keep her rested only to be taken out if ness she was also given med it took about 6weeks but she was fine after

[lankeela]

Its much easier for small breeds to manage without putting weight on one of their legs, but with the bigger breeds they will do untold damage to their other leg if they put too much strain on it.

Although you say he is not in pain, not putting weight on it is a sign that things are not right. He is not putting the weight on it because it would be painful if he did!

[clair3934]

http://www.weimaraner.tv

May I suggest you pop along and talk to some of our Weim specialists here were all very friendly!

as for the op yes you should have it done and yes it does work, my friends Bern had the op and he recovered really well with some hydrotherepy

[clair3934]

By the way Hi from me and my Boy Weim Jackson born in 2004

[m22]

Homeopathy can really help with ligament and tendon injuries, so I would advise seeing a Homeopathic Vet before deciding on surgery, to find one try here
http://www.bahvs.com/

http://www.trusthomeopathy.org/trust/tru_over. html

There's also this that I came across the other day.......

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?in_ar ticle_id=38017&in_page_id=34

Googled and found the company
http://www.acell.com/

[clair3934]

http://www.weimaraner.tv/viewtopic.php?p=23653 6#236536

I started a thread for theres already some good info for you.