Got some bad news about my dog today. After a long hike a few weeks ago, he started limping and not using his left rear leg. After a few days he started using the leg again, but re-injured it while playing fetch. I took him to the vet today and after $500 worth of tests and xrays, they determined that he had a torn ACL. The vet recomended a surgery called a TPLO. She said it is a major surgery and will cost about $4000.00. P-nut is a 5 year old pitbull and a very active dog. I would never imagine letting him live in pain or with the limp. Has anyone had this procedure done? Are their any other alternatives?
Sorry to hear that, poor pup. :(
There is a yahoo group on orthopedic issues in dogs, it seems to be quite active. You might want to post some questions there.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/orthodogs/ (http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/orthodogs/)
Also here is someone's personal page with what looks like useful links: http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/cruciates.html
Best of luck.
That sucks man. No FHE, but that is exactly why I carry insurance on my lab/pit mix. I hear that's a fairly common injury in active breeds. :-\