our 6mth old lurcher pup has a dislaced stifle, can you tell me treatment options and outcome please
Symptoms:
Lameness
Three Response(s) to “dog stifle injury”:
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Allison Williams, DVM says:
January 07th, 2009 at 11:50 AM
By displaced stifle, I'm assuming you mean a cranial cruciate tear which can only be diagnosed at your veterinarian. This is a ligament that provides stability in the stifle joint. Treatment for this is often surgical although your vet may advise strict cage rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for (Rimadyl, Metacam, Deramaxx, etc) **Remember - NEVER give an animal tylenol or ibuprofen - it is toxic and lethal to them**
Anyhow, 6 weeks of cage rest with leash walks only and anti-inflammatory medication is the conservative route to help (but not resolve) the problem. If your puppy truly tore the ligament, he will need surgery. There are several different surgical procedures to repair the stifle. All are aimed at removing the damaged ligament and providing a source of stability through an implanted device. The most commom procedures include an extracapsular repair and TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) and both are aimed at providing an implant to stabilize the joint. Extracapsular repairs can be done at your local vet (if they are comfortable doing the surgery) and TPLOs are usually done by a board certified veterinary surgeon due to the equipment used and the techinical nature of the procedure.
The surgery is half the healing - the other 50% depends on how you manage your dog at home. By allowing them to exercise within the first 6 weeks you risk implant failure and having to have the surgery redone (at your expense) so I highly recommend sticking to the rules. The first 6 weeks are critical - your dog MUST have strict cage rest and let out only to go potty (on a leash). No exercise is allowed and no jumping whatsoever. If it is difficult for you to keep him quiet, your vet can provide medication for him to sedate him. Again -this is CRUCIAL, rest is the best therapy for a full recovery. During the second 6 weeks you can increase the duration of your leash walks and also initiate some physical therapy (bending and extending the legs - your vet can show you how to do this). After 12 weeks, he can assume his normal routine.
Please keep in mind that the longer you wait to initiate therapy on your dog, the more likely he will to develop arthritis in that joint. Arthritis is a progressive, non-reversible condition that causes a lot of discomfort.
My dog has had both her cruciates operated on in the past 3 years. When they injure one, it is likely that the other one will eventually need surgery too. The recovery period is a pain in the neck (I'm just being honest) - but trust me, it goes fast and it's really encouraging to see them improve.
Best of luck to you - Allison Williams, DVM
Please let me know if I was able to help you. There are "star ratings" under my comment. Please click on the 10th star on the right if my advice was helpful to you today (10/10).
Current Rating:
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User says:
January 08th, 2009 at 08:20 AM
Thankyou so much for your advice, It is reassuring to get a second opinion. At least I know clearly what we are in for but it is worth it as my pup is fantastic!
Current Rating:
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Allison Williams, DVM says:
January 08th, 2009 at 09:30 AM
I hope all goes well! :O) Allison
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