UKC Forums (http://forums.ukcdogs.com/index.php)
- UKC Coonhounds (http://forums.ukcdogs.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=4)
-- ACL ligament surgery on hound? (http://forums.ukcdogs.com/showthread.php?threadid=415814)

ACL ligament surgery on hound?

I have a 4 month old female that has ligament problems. Was wondering if any one has had the surgery done on there hound. If so how happy are you with the results.

Don't do it! At least, not without more info!
ACL surgery can be very successful, IF the owner is willing to commit to the nursing/rehab work, which can be time consuming. There are several different procedures they can do, most surgeons now favor the TPLO surgery, with good results, and a return to work/running.
However, most ruptured ACL's are in older dogs, and are the result of deterioration/arthritis or other damage to the knee joint. ACL problems in a puppy are more likely the result of injury, and are much more likely to heal back up to normal without the need for surgery.
Get a second opinion, or ask for a referral to a good ortho vet, have them do an ultrasound or MRI to get more detailed info on the scope of the injury, and don't lean toward the surgery unless the ACL is completely ruptured - a 4 month old puppy can recover from some pretty serious injuries without surgery.....
Keep the puppy confined with no running or jumping in the meantime - crated and walked on leash is the best option...
Laurie

OK thanks for your advice and info. i been reading alot about all of it. most pionts toward letting dog heal on its own and thats what im leaning toward. Just was trying to fing out if surgery would even hold up to a active hunting dog or if if just a problem that is going to happen again. Thanks again

I had a friend who had ACL surgery done on a 5 year old bobcat dog.. No other options for him.. That was 3 years ago and the dog made a full recovery and is still hunting hard..

I have no clue what the correct thing is for you and your pup.. but.. to let you know.. I do know someone who had it done on their dog and they made a full hunting recovery..

__________________
~Melanie Hampton~
OutWest Big Game Hounds

You've only got 3 choices in life, give in, give up, or give it all you got.