Torn ACL on my Chocolate

Just found out my Chocolate lab has a torn right rear ACL . She is 2 years 4 months old. Best darn dog I have ever had. No hunting just a family pet she doesn’t like loud noises. Anybody else dealt with this? Surgeon says around 2700. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I personally haven’t, but I’ve got two friends with labs that had to have this done. Once on one dog, and twice on another.

The dog that had it twice had to have artificial tendons put in because his tore so bad. That price sounds about right, both dogs had the same vet perform this procedure in st. cloud.

After the surgery, had to make sure to keep the dog inactive for a long time, then slowly get them back to exercising, swimming was the best exercise, no shock on the joints.

Both dogs are normal now, running and being labs. The dog that had to have 2 done is now 9 and is stiff and limps, but once he gets warmed up he’s good to go.

Jami

Checkout this board, I know this is a German Shepherd Board, but these people could be very helpful. Just go to the health section. http://www.germanshepherds.com

You may also want to contact Minnesota Dock Dogs. Their dogs, mostly labs, are involved in competitive events and stuff like this happens at times. They may know someone that is good and more reasonable.

Finally, if you happen to be from the Eastern part of Wisconsin send me an E mail, and I have a few recommendations.

First be sure it is a torn ACL. Get a second opinion. We were told our dog blew out its ACL and they wanted to do surgery. Well less than a week later he was fine.

My sister’s lab had two surgeries and they didn’t cost anywhere near $2700. I think the surgery was done in Hastings but I am not positive.

I would check into the price, if I remember correctly we paid just under $2000 about 1 1/2 years ago. Diddo on the second opinion unless your vet has alot of experience with these issues.

I had my hunting dog that had the same thing. He is 8 so I am for sure not getting it fixed and they also told me that it has to be done very soon after they tear it. Our dog limped and was different for months until we gave him baby tylenol or asprin, im not sure which one but it works like magic. Put it in his or her food dish and it will work wonders. Trust me. Try this and let me know if it works

I have a lab shepard mix who tore her bilateral cruciate legiments when she was 2.You should get a second opinion on this.We ended up taking her to the U of M for surgery.It was spendy but she is now 9 and doing well.2700 doesnt sound far fetched.I was very pleased with the staff they have at the U.

My previous lab tore his ACL and we did a TPLO surgery on him through the Inver Grove Pet hopital – it was ~$2K back in the summer of 2003. He recovered fine in ~4 months if I remember correctly. I didn’t hunt that dog but he was an active family companion and I made the decision to pay for the surgery for his quality of life. Here’s a good link to learn more about the surgery: http://vetsurgerycentral.com/tplo.htm

Good luck with your choice for your buddy!

ted