Re: Surgery for Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament

[balkis]

Hi Mike,

I just wanted to give an update on Kaila’s progress. She is doing GREAT! She had her surgery on 6/23 and the staples were removed on 7/3. Her surgeon told me that she was healing about ONE MONTH ahead of the average time for dogs who had the same type of surgery.

Just to recap, I ended up having the “Imbrication” or “Lateral Suture” surgery done for her. I decided on this type of surgery vs. the TPLO because of two things: 1. Kaila’s age – she is about 10 1/2 years old and 2. her activity level – she was never a hiker but more of a short walk type of girl.

Like I mentioned before, she had been on the Glycoflex III for a couple of years. Around the first week of June I switched her over to the Agility. I would like to point out that Kaila’s other ACL is also torn but at this time that knee seems to be holding up quite well. However, for the time being we are keeping her activity level to a bare minimum (per the vet) because she needs to build scar tissue around the wound site. It may only be the other knee looks better than it really is because she isn’t using it to full capacity. Once we start to increase her exercise and movement (in another 3-4 weeks) I will be able to see how BOTH knees are doing.

I will keep her on the Agility for another couple of months. Then I’d like to switch her back to the Glycoflex III and monitor her closely to see if there is any change – especially in the knee that did not have the surgery. If I don’t see any negative changes I will keep her on the Glycoflex since it is about 1/3 less the cost of the Agility. Of course, if there is any negative change I will put her back on the Agility.

That’s the closest I can come to doing an experiment – Agility vs. Glycoflex – (sorry Mike)
but I guess that’s why I’m an accountant and not a scientist. 🙂

I’ll keep you posted. And all kidding aside, even though I was nervous about having the surgery done I am soooo glad I did. Kaila is really looking great and she is already reaping the rewards of the surgery.

Take care,
Linda

PS – thanks for the good wishes Steve – hope this info is helpful to you.