Another torn ACL

[TazTalk]

The last few days have been very emotional and stressful. Gypsy injured her other ACL Thursday morning and immediately could not put any weight on her back leg. It was deja vu from 6 yrs ago. Back then she had a very succsessful surgery, but this time around she is too old to go through the ordeal. Both my husband and I were anticipating the worst when we walked into the vet's office yesterday. The vet had her a few hours for observation and when we went back she explained that she thought we could manage her pain over the next few weeks and that after 6 to 8 weeks she would likely be able to put light pressure on it.

At 15-1/2 Gypsy is getting frail and it breaks my heart to watch her limping and hopping. The vet assured us that it was not "her time" yet. I asked if she is / will be suffering too much and the vet said no. We just need to be sure she is kept calm and lots of TLC.

Has anyone else been through this with a senior? I would dearly appreciate feedback and recommendations!!!

By the way - the injury happened when Gypsy and Taz were chasing each other!

[cairnfan]

I am very sorry to hear about Gypsy's injury. It's never fun to see your dog hurting. I can't offer advice but I hope Gypsy can take it easy and has a speedy recovery. Just spoil her with lots of TLC and attention. Good luck and please let us know how she's healing.

[pindrop]

I'm so sorry for poor Gyspy - it's harder when they are older I'm sure. Longer recuperation as she is elderly but I hope it might be easier as she is less active. It's even harder on us, the parents, as we worry even more thinking their time is near but hopefully with lots of TLC she will pull through this. Unfortunately I don't have any experience in this area. Good luck and keep us posted on her recovery.

[Idaho Cairns]

Never had an ACL injury to my senior dogs but did have a couple of instances when they came up lame--rest and some pain killers tended to bring them back. Let's hope the injury is minor and your little girl recovers quickly.

[janis]

Hope Gypsy get to feeling better really soon! You are in our thoughts.

[ScruffynMag]

I hope Gypsy starts to recover soon, even if it's only slowly. I have no experience with this but my thoughts are with you both.

[Hawkeye]

Sorry to hear of Gypsy's injury - poor baby. I have no experience with an ACL injury, hopefully she will have a speedy recovery. As pindrop mentioned maybe with her age her recovery will be a little easier on her.

[cairnsby3]

There is a way of treating ACL called conservative management, there was a Yahoo group. Basically same rest and slow rehab as the operation, it works for some as you are still building the scar tissue around the joint.

[oscar's mom]

Taz very sorry to hear about Gypsy. Hope the healing starts soon and enjoys all the love and attention.

[TazTalk]

Thank you all for the well wishes.

Cairnsby3 -- thank you for the info. What you wrote is pretty much what our vet explained -- the results vary in each situation. It's not as good as having surgery obviously. Walks will probably be a thing of the past, but hopefully she will be able to get around the house and yard without much trouble in a month or two. We will do our best to keep her comfortable and loved.

[josie&holly]

Sorry to hear about Gypsy!

A friend's Cairn had the operation at 14 and was fine but even then because of age it took a while to recover and heal up. So I think you just have to give that healing time and keep her comfy.

[mrmchenry]

Best wishes to Gypsy for a good recovery.

[hheldorfer]

Poor Gypsy . . . I hope she recovers quickly and I know you'll take great care of her. Hugs from me and Buffy.

[TazTalk]

Gypsy had her 2-week follow up visit yesterday. Our vet said she's doing pretty good, all things considered. She can now put pressure on the injured leg when she is walking slowly, but if she increases her speed at all, she hops and skips. She is fearful of using the doggie door since this happened, so mostly we have been letting her in and out.

She sleeps a great deal and when she is up and about she paces a lot. Vet said the pacing is very typical for an older dog. We are keeping her quiet as much as we can. Taz will try to get things going with her and he very confused that we put a stop to his play. So we divert his attention to us, a ball or Wubba.

As mentioned in Shergry's OLDER DOGS post this week, it's all about comfort at this stage. Gypsy's hearing is gone, which makes me sad because I think dogs find our words to be soothing. But, I do it anyway

[shergry]

So sorry to hear you are going through this injury. Like Gypsy, our only boy was 7 when he injured his leg. He has actually had a few minor flair ups...where his leg was caught in the extended position causing a great deal of pain. DH is always massaging his leg and making sure it does not get stiff. And we live in our 5th wheel travel trailer..so lots of steps..pick up to go out/in and DH made a ramp for couch and bed.

As for Taz...well more up-right time is always a GOOD thing!!

All the things we do for our furkids is ALL well worth the time they give to us!

Please keep us posted on Gypsy's progress. Prayers to you all!