My Beauty isn't doing so well.

Saturday morning my oldest dog Sable, a shepherd mix, came home from a routine walk with my husband and started limping on her left hind leg. It became progressively worse throughout the day to the point that she was unable to support any weight on that leg without considerable pain. I took her to the vet this morning and found out (after a ridiculous vet bill) that she has a partial tear in her ACL. The vet said that those require surgery to get better. But Sable is almost 11 years old, and my personal risk-benefit analysis of surgery on a geriatric dog doesn't bear out a strong case in favor of the procedure. Besides that, it was going to be VERY costly to have it done and I don't have very much costs to be sharing (unless my children will give up food, cell phones, and electricity for a couple of months!).

Anyhow, we've got her at home with some medicine for pain and are trying to take the "conservative" route for a while, keeping her confined (she hates it), quiet, and pain-free as much as possible. I just hoped y'all might send her some "be-well" vibes or prayers, or whatever it is that you do. I have a feeling this will not be ending well, and it's not going to be easy for any of us.

Anyway, here's a picture of my Beauty... And thanks.

Don't think negative, you never know. About 3 years ago vets was giving for my bf'dog max. couple of months. Then later they offer radiation as a treatment- he refused. She is still with us.
Of course I'll keep my fingers crossed for Sable! Poor dogie...

I understand and am supportive of your risk/benefit analysis. Our ankle biter dog had a mammary tumor removed last year. We didn't have it tested to see if it was cancerous because even if it was we weren't going to do chemo on an older dog. We love her for whatever time we have for her.

Since you're a nurse, maybe you can ask an orthopedic surgeon alternatives for torn ACLs in humans?

All the best for your Sable and whatever you decide to do.

My brother's dog had a torn ACL and we did end up putting her in for surgery. She was younger, though, and honestly my family might not have even been willing to spend so much money on it if she weren't my brother's one and only. I completely understand - but like Margaret said, we've had a lot of animals where we simply didn't have the money to put up for whatever procedure they recommended so we casted/braced/rested/changed diet, and spent many more happy years with it. I hope Sable makes a speedy recovery - she's beautiful!

Hoping for the best, please keep us updated.

His picture makes me sad, I hope he gets better!

patdbunny wrote:

I understand and am supportive of your risk/benefit analysis. Our ankle biter dog had a mammary tumor removed last year. We didn't have it tested to see if it was cancerous because even if it was we weren't going to do chemo on an older dog. We love her for whatever time we have for her.

Since you're a nurse, maybe you can ask an orthopedic surgeon alternatives for torn ACLs in humans?

All the best for your Sable and whatever you decide to do.

As it turns out, I'm very familiar with ACL options in people. My ex-husband was a physicians assistant for an orthopedic surgeon who specialized in ACL reconstructions, then I ended up working on the ortho/trauma floor as a Case Manager. I've got enough general ortho knowledge to get by, and back and knee knowledge to hold a semi-intelligent conversation. Apparently there are braces available for dogs, but they have to be custom made and they wear them when they're going out for their walks or runs, etc. We may look into that, but I don't know. There are a lot of things to consider. It will still be quite costly and wont help her day to day, but it will make a difference in her quality of life... she'd be able to go on the walks that she's always really enjoyed going on. She's a member of our family, just with four paws and fur instead of hands and hair. These aren't easy decisions to make.

I really appreciate y'all's support. It means a lot to know there are people out there who care.

It always hurts I know I think you are very responsible to analyze instead of taking the easy way out. At her age the healing will most likely be harder on her than learning not to stress it and she will favor it instead of hurting herself more. I will most certainly pray for both of you

Here's some info on alternative therapy on dogs for torn acl:
http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/ACL.HTM

It's hard having to think ahead about risk/cost/benefit, especially when a much-loved pet is the one in question. I'm sorry I have nothing helpful to add, only that I wish the best for you all and for Sable.

Big hugs and prayers going to you guys.

It sucks to have to make those choices about loved family members. I'm sure with the knowledge you have you can help her through. She's loved and well cared for...there's nothing more a good faithful pet needs

How's your girl doing?