[nikz]

My 1.5 year old Boxer was running around playing and got C.C.L, my vet sent me off with x-rays and recommended a surgeon. I've been getting quotes for around $3,000.00. The poor guy is crate ridden cause I have another Boxer and there wild together, can only walk on 3 legs and looks miserable while waiting for mommy to come up with 3grand!! I guess Im borrowing the cash. But this whole thing is stressing me out cause I've heard it'll probably happen in his other leg, also arthritis so my little buddy is now a what 20,000 investment if all goes wrong. Anyone out there that kinda went through this whole thing that can give me some uplifting. And of course you always think everyone is out to rip you off too? Meaning is this surgery necessary? Every professional in the biz is using their scare tactics on me and it's working as my dogs are my kids!!! Thanks in advance..nicole

[nikz]

Ok, maybe I should have read all the other posts before posting. So what Im gathering hear is that when I go for my $175.00 one hour consultation tommorow, I should insist on an MRI to see how bad the damage is an go from there!!?? haha the MRI probably costs like a grand....should have got that pet insurance:)Well, I'll let everyone know what the Surgeon says!!

[Labadorer]

Just started down the road with my Lab's partial CCL repair...... are they talking a TPLO repair or what?
Talk to some other dog owners - if you are near an agility club or kennel club - you may be able to find someone that has been through it - even a field or hunt test club may have someone willing to talk to you as the field labs often will come up with the injury.
I am lucky enough to be close to VOSM in MD - just take a look at their website and you can learn a lot about the different options.
We had just the radiographs done and the doctoer was more than able to point out the difference in the left and right knee, a gait test which measured the pressure and stride alteration etc.
The whole journey will be a test of patience and love.
I too have more than one dog and the separation from the pack for recovery is being planned accordingly.
Good luck.

[audreyhwallace]

I have 2 boxers too! And my 4 year old has CCL tear in both his hind legs! Has anyone heard of Conservative Management. I found this website: http://home.earthlink.net/~tiggerpoz/index.html

And now I'm really confused. I definitely don't have the money for the TPLO surgery. Does anyone know anyone that this has worked for???

I am desperate! He walks a little stiff and doesn't whine, but my poor boy can't play like he wants to!

What do you think about this?

[Daveyo]

Hi Nicole;

You can get the surgery done for around 2 grand or less. Trust me it is not easy to have it done as it is like taking a rubber band and pulling it thru the bone holes and wrapping it around the knee joint and then having to sew it back on. Humans have 4 ligaments, whereas the dogs only have two.

In the meantime do wrap that leg in elastic like people do for sprains and limit the dogs movement until the surgery is performed lest you rip the last remaining ligament on that leg too. Understand. Do not let that dog roam around or get into any kind of physical activity that puts stress on the other remaining good leg. After the surgery you will be in for the long haul for about 7 months monitoring its progress and keeping things to a minimum as it recovers.

Where are you located

Daveyo