Tplo surgery vs rehab/conservative management of cruciate rupture - Page 4 - Golden Retrievers : Golden Retriever Dog Forums

**mylissyk** · #31 (**permalink**) 02-02-2013, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheilajgw

UPDATE ON EDDIE AND HIS TORN CRUCIATE: So it turns out that about 10 weeks into the conservative management I stopped being so vigilant in keeping him quiet -- and one afternoon he tore his cruciate clean through (before, it was a 2+ rupture). This time he could hardly walk and when he did, it looked terribly painful and slow -- hobbling.

So I decided to bite the bullet and have the TPLO surgery done. I was a nervous wreck -- reading all the horror stories on the internet with possibility for infection or worse. But I felt that this time, we had no choice.

He is now 5 days post op, and the jury is still out. On heavy pain meds, but toe touches and sometimes bears weight on potty breaks. Either I or my husband are with him 24/7 -- we never leave him alone. He gets his sutures removed in 9 days -- so will know more at that point.

I want to thank everyone for their support and advice in the months leading up to this. It is going to be a long road --but if he will be able to run and play again, it will have been worth it..

I'm so sorry it didn't work! But toe touching and putting some weight on is great! He will heal with time and get to be an active dog again.

ShannonL · #32 (**permalink**) 02-03-2013, 09:06 AM

My Honey is scheduled first thing tomorrow morning for her TPLO. I am so nervous as well. But hearing all of you talk about how the quality of life for your dogs is 100% makes it worth it!
Thank you:-)

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**sheilajgw** · #33 (**permalink**) 02-04-2013, 01:22 AM

thank you...I hope so.

**sheilajgw** · #34 (**permalink**) 02-04-2013, 01:31 AM

I talked about a tightrope procedure with the surgeon -- he felt that a TPLO on a dog of Eddie's weight and size would be the best hope for full recovery. He does a lot (hundreds) of TTAs and TPLOs -- is considered one of the best surgical hospitals in West L.A. I agonized so much over this, for weeks in advance -in the end I felt I just had to put my faith in the surgeon -- who has an outstanding reputation here.

We're now on Day 6 and the leg looks to me like it is healing well -- bruising and swelling almost completely gone -- but he still holds his leg high when rising from a lying down position -- and bears some (looks like painful) weight when walking baby steps. Significant head bobbing when he walks -- and I take very small steps with him.

Just hoping it will improve next week.

**sheilajgw** · #35 (**permalink**) 02-04-2013, 01:44 AM

Shannon -- good luck. Will be thinking of you. Please let us know your progress -- look forward to comparing notes...Sheila

ShannonL · #36 (**permalink**) 02-04-2013, 08:46 AM

Today's the day. Honey goes in in 45 minutes. I'm super nervous:-( My husband says he'll hopes our kids will never have to have surgery, he'd hate to see me then... I agree!
I'll keep you all posted.
Sheila, thanks for posting your experiences. It helps.
Pray & wish her luck!

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Buddy's mom forever · #37 (**permalink**) 02-04-2013, 08:55 AM

ShannonL wishing your Honey all the best today, will keep her in my prayers. Please let us know how she is doing. Hugs.

ShannonL · #38 (**permalink**) 02-04-2013, 04:29 PM

Whew! It's done. Spike to the doc, her surgery was delayed a bit for an emergency, but when all was done, it went perfectly. I get to take her home tomorrow morning & then the real worrying begins.
Until then, here's a pick of my love...