Cruciate Ligament

[Athebeau]

One of our Newf's about 7 years ago tore her ACL and we went the surgery route for her. There was a lot of down time for her, lucky for us she was a typical Newf that just liked to lay around a lot anyway. After surgery you have to make sure the dog has the time to heal so if you have a hyper dog a crate is going to be your solution and leash walks only. If your dog has a tendency to jump and get excited on the leash train for proper walking now instead of waiting till after the surgery.

With one of our current Newf's Dylan our Vet gave us the option of a brace instead of surgery. The brace was cheaper, plus there is no down time. The dog can still do all their activities while recuperating (for a Newf, if you do agility and sport then no they won't be able to do normal activities). Dylan can still go for hikes with his brace on, he did not have to be crated, he can run and play.

Currently we are doing hydrotherapy with him. He is on a good glucosamine supplement and always has been. He is also getting flexxil which is an excellent supplement/anti inflammatory. He gets some acupressure and massage as well. He seems to be healing quite nicely and the Vet is quite impressed. A lady from another dog forum I belong to went with a brace before our Newf ruptured his ACL and she too had success and she has a sporting breed so not laid back like a Newf

Here are some pictures of Dylan with his brace on.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...ach0923074.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...errun08063.jpg

Getting out of the truck
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2.../magnum826.jpg

Oops I almost forgot, the lady from the other forum encouraged me to join this yahoo site to talk to other dog owners going through the same experience and what they found worked best.

ConservativeManagement : Canine Conservative Management

It would be a good idea to log on there and talk as they are a great support.