Blown ACL :-( - Page 1

 Last Sunday, my 13 month old slipped getting into the back of the vehicle.  Fell down, gave a little yipe, and then acted fine.  He then played around in a large yard with two other young pups, tear assin around.  While they were playing, he yelped again and started limping.  He would still try and run, but limped badly, and when standing still would not put weight on it.  I thought he pulled a muscle, or had a sprain.  We tried to keep him quiet, no ball, no training...and he continued to limp a little, but wasn't whining at all.  He slept fine at nights, and even when limping did not act like it hurt that bad just wouldn't use it.  On Thursday night, I checked him over really good, looking for stickers, manipulating bones in the foot, etc.  He whined a couple a times while doing this but not bad.  Not any more so than when trying to trim nails, cause he hates his feet messed with.  That night he hardly slept at all whining, moving around in his crate.  We took him to our vet yesterday.  She checked movement in each leg, and said "it's his knee".  She then took x-rays and said that he has blown his ACL.  I spent the day yesterday researching vets/hospitals in Colorado.  I talked to CSU, our vet, and some K9 handlers.  We've decided to use Wheat Ridge Vet Hospital for the TPLO surgery.  The surgeon there has done the same surgery on 3 separate occasions for Lakewood PD.  Two knees on the same dog, got one fixed and then blew the other, and one knee on another dog.  Both dogs were able to return to duty.  We are taking him to Denver the 20th for the surgical consult and surgery on the 21st.  Wish us well.  Has anyone on the board here had a dog return to working status after this surgery?  I'm hoping his age and health will help the odds of a successful return. 

 JFA,

I have direct experience with Wheatridge and depending on who is doing the surgery, you should have a good outcome. However, my suggestion is know who is doing the surgery and talk directly to him/her during the consult about how many times this vet has actually done the surgery. Then talk to a surgeon at CSU or even in some of the other clinics that have ortho specialists. You have the option of getting the best one to do it, and the best involves someone with lots of experience. That gives your dog the best possible outcome I think along with following the prescribed regimen after the surgery.

I wish you luck.  Hopefully, he will recover and do fine.

 Hodie,

Dr. Peterson from Wheat Ridge is the surgeon I read the bio on.  I also spoke with a surgeon at CSU yesterday.  If Dr. Peterson cannot do it, then I will be going to CSU.  I spoke with a surgical tech yesterday from Wheatridge and hadn't decided between the two until later in the evening, so when I call back to the clinic on Monday, I will make sure it's Dr. Peterson before scheduling.

 JFA,

I don't know that surgeon, but the clinic is, in general, very, very good. I have had, in past years, a lot of direct experience with them and staff, down to the vet techs, were all very competent. Best of luck.....whatever you decide. I am sorry your dog was injured and hope he will be well again and able to do the things you and he want to do.

Wheat Ridge is REALLY expensive...

Before you commit to that, call Dr Rouse at Colorado Veterinary Specialists (near Highlands Ranch.)
(303) 794-1188 

He is a surgeon who specializes in these kinds of injuries...

They also have an ER in the building.

A "house-sitter" broke my pup's spine when he was 6 months old..  Dr Rouse and his staff did 2 surgeries on Dante.  He is now 3 and is fine. I compete with him in the sport.
I had over 3 months of down time with him, but really put in time on his rehab. 
Dante was extreme, but I am fairly sure your pup will recover.. Don't wait too long.

Good luck!

For what it is worth, Wheatridge also did several FREE and otherwise very expensive procedures for me on dogs who were rescues with broken hips, legs etc. I also used them for normal services and did not find them out of line. But it is good to know there is a positive elsewhere. 

Denwolf, how on earth did someone break your dogs spine?

 DenWolf-

I looked up Dr. Rouse on the ACVS Diplomate search and he is not listed.  I have been advised my many to stick to Dr.'s listed there.  Wheat Ridge is pricey, but not much more than CSU quoted me.  Also, we are working with Justice towards K9 certifications.  Wheat Ridge gives law enforcement discounts, which we are hoping for, but not planning on.  That will not keep us from doing it there, just an added bonus.

And I second the question..."How did they break your dogs spine?"

Hodie,

Only poor Dante knows what happened...

She denied knowing anything about it..  I just got this rather odd phone call at the airport on my way home....
She was stammering on and on  "uh, your puppy can't walk... "

When I got home later that night, it seemed he could walk a bit, but also would start crying when resting for no reason.
It was during the holidays in winter, and was really difficult to get a diagnosis.

I had x-rays done at a different clinic, and no one saw the fracture (growth plate of the last vertabrae)

The specialists and the radiologist saw it immediately.. they dropped everything they were doing and he had surgery that afternoon.

What a horror... 

Needles to say, I'm not friends with the "house-sitter" anymore!

Words of wisdom from this?

1. Definitely find a specialist
2. ALWAYS hire a professional to watch your animals (I didn't)

Justice,

There is also a clinic of specialists in Denver called VRCC. Also a lot, but they have many vets.
There is a dog swimming pool with all kinds of rehab around the corner from that facility, if you need the link.

Wheat Ridge is a big, fairly new facility. I know they do a lot of the abuse cases and rescues.. I did a lot of stories with them when I was with CBS.  (Westy the burned cat, etc). 
Go meet and talk to the different vets. Go with the one you like.. I always want to know HOW many surgeries they have done, and what was the success rate of them.

Hi Justice

Here's the website..

I think Dr Wykes is.. they are a husband-wife team, and I know both did the surgery on Dante.

If you're coming into Denver for an evaluation, it might be worth talking to.

I have seen K9 from other states there.. not sure about the discounts.

www.covetspec.com/vets-surgery.html

Good luck with your dog, best wishes for a happy outcome! My son's dog had ACL repair with extensive joint remodeling in a clinic just outside Portland, Oregon; there was a physical therapy program that was included in the cost of the surgery. The surgeon wanted to make sure the dog participated in the therapy afterward, so that the dog had the very best chance of an optimal outcome. It was a long, tough haul for both my son & his dog, but Luka is now an old lady, & still accompanies my son & his wife hiking, camping, climbing, & biking....she leads a vigorously active life....without ever even a limp. Best wishes to you both. jackie harris