Thank you, buddy's Mom Forever -- and I thank everyone who took the time to respond to the question I raised vis a vis TPLO surgery vs. rehab. After agonizing for days about this and reading all the responses here as well as researching the net thoroughly -- I have decided to put Eddie through an 8-10 week rehab program first to see if that provides relief - and allows Eddie to run and play without pain. The owner of the California Animal Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Waldman, feels that with Eddie's history, rehab is the more prudent way to go -- and that rehab will provide positive results. I can always go the surgery route if, in the end, it is necessary. But thank you all so much for your time and your advice...Sheila

I know you are very anxious. I hope you will make the best decision. You love Eddie so much.

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Thank you -- I will keep everyone posted on the status of the rehab treatment -- I am hoping that with that and diet, he will regain almost full (if not full) use of his leg. Surgery has been terribly traumatic in the past -- if something could go wrong, it did -- and for me, it is a very last resort. We have the first evaluation on Monday -- so will be back in a couple of weeks to report progress.

It sounds like you have a good place for this treatment. Sending prayers and best wishes. Please keep us posted.

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9 & half short years in my life but forever in my heart http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...-my-buddy.html
"He took my heart and ran with it, and I hope he's running still, fast and strong, a piece of my heart bound up with his forever" - Patricia McConnell

Charlie could watch birds for hours and I could watch Charlie for hours too http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...n-morning.html

I just sent you a PM with the email of someone who is (successfully so far) managing this conservatively, due to health issues her dog has. Her husband is a canine rehab therapist.

She also suggested joining this Yahoo group:

conservative management of acl

Some members have been very successful, with one dog even returning to dock diving and agility.

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Linda
Tahnee Golden Retrievers

Tahnee GR -- thanks so much -- I have been very anxious about this -- as the surgeons say (as do some of the very experienced forum members) that surgery is really the only way. Will take a look at your PM and the Yahoo group --Sheila

Buddy's Mom Forever: Thank you! I pray every day too, that I'm doing the right thing..

Just checking in how Eddie is doing in his rehabilitation program. I hope results are good and he is doing better.

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9 & half short years in my life but forever in my heart http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...-my-buddy.html
"He took my heart and ran with it, and I hope he's running still, fast and strong, a piece of my heart bound up with his forever" - Patricia McConnell

Charlie could watch birds for hours and I could watch Charlie for hours too http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...n-morning.html

He is doing ok--and much better than when he started. I've had him on a special home cooked diet and he has lost about 12 pounds, so there is much less weight on his legs (he needed the weight loss! -- has gone from 100 pounds to about 88). He is off painkillers altogether, and the muscle mass is much better in his leg. He has no limp when he walks -- but not completely stable when he tries to trot or run. The doctor said he will never be 100%. He is still getting laser, acupuncture and passive exercise. I'm icing his leg every day and watching him closely when he's out in the yard -- most of the time on a leash. He has 6 more sessions to go. Just waiting for the scar tissue to stabilize his leg enough to run without pain.

Thank you so much for asking. As I see it, he's not out of the woods yet -- but I'm glad I didn't choose surgery. Too many risks for me..

With surgery, he would be 100 percent by now, just saying........

I am not trying to be mean, I am just going by my experience with my Golden having TPLO a year ago and he is doing so great on that leg, did great by week 8. He was 8 years old at the time.

I do wish your furbaby all the luck in the world and that he can run freely without complications soon.

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My boys from left to right:
Thunder Dachsi Toby




http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...is-issues.html

My Toby, my heart dog 3/12/2003 - 3/30/2013, I miss you Toby!


Christa