Gun Dog Forum

I note a number of posts on TPLO surgery, but some posts reference procedures of long ago, and no one seems to mention certified rehabilitation vets (designation of CCRT) and rehab clinics. Predominantly (imo) as a result of the popularization of the sport of agility,there are a lot more of these around and techniques for full recovery post-TPLO are much improved over even a few year ago.

Five months after TPLO surgery, my wirehair and I we got an all-clear on his recovery from the rehab vet. No sign of lameness, no heat in stifle, range of motion when stifle and hip are extended is good and both thighs are equal in circumference. A month ago, there was a 2 cm. difference. That difference is why under stress, a good percentage of dogs blow out the other knee.

Water treadmill, laser, acupuncture, home range of motion and strengthening exercises, 30 + minute walks EVERY day are all involved And that was after he could finally get out of his 24-hour-a-day crate. What a mess! And not cheap. But.. barring a bad break or stupidity on my part, he's OK. We still have to proceed gradually on jumps and walk 30+ minutes a day, but we're back at work and bird hunting and more competition in obedience (Utility level; he's been nationally-ranked) is ahead.

I hope no one ever has to go through,but if so, tell them to find a genuine certified rehab vet with a rehab clinic, and not just an orthopedic guy with a chick in his clinic with a water treadmill. A real specialist is your best bet to improve your odds, depending on your goals, your dog's age,your wallet and how important your dog is to you. Even if you have a partial tear, find a certified rehab vet. I think if I'd relied only on the orthopedic vet, my dog would never have fully recovered. Instead, we've got a future.

People who want to neuter should read this and especially the early neutering group needs to take into account. I am saying early neutering causes the problem but is pretty clear it increases the risk by large large percentage and no dog should have to go through this once let alone twice like often happens and no one should have to pay the bills. In my mind it is serious enough that I would be in favor of making early neutering against the law.

I am in agreement with Ezzy regarding not neutering male dogs in the absence of genuine medical necessity. Nevertheless, just so no one thinks my noble wirehair lacks his full complement of equipment, I would like to state that he is, as the phrase goes, an entire male. One dog doesn't change the sense of ezzy's post, however. Just standing up for my dog.. Original post was a public service announcement.

I am attaching a link to an interview that was done recently by Pure Dog Talk. These people interview a wide variety of major knowledgeable and interesting people in the sport of Purebred dogs. These vary from field trials to conformation to obedience to breeding to health and others. In this instance, it is Veterinary Voice and the subject is How to Avoid (and Deal with) Expensive, Painful Cruciate Ligament Rupture. It is a podcast (verbal),but there's a verbatim transcription at the link. Extraordinarily interesting for anyone, and it does wholly validate Ezzy's contention regarding early neutering. Highly recommended reading. Or listening.

https://puredogtalk.com/veterinary-voic ... ligaments/

Good read, although not the whole solution. My girl was neutered before her first heat, and TPLO needed at 5 years of age.