ACL drawer test

[Breck]

Right Dr Ed I didn't mention weight pulling. But both using backpack with weight indoors on the treadmill and pulling heavy chains outdoor are useful. After a serious rehab my dog looked like Arnold! An important aspect of rehab is to develop balanced mussel mass.
For weight pulling later on outdoors I have a Pull Harness, tie down bungies with caribiner clips. Make sure you setup lengths of bungies and clips so they won't rub on dogs ankles. and a I cut 10 3' lengths of heavy chain each length weighing 5 pounds. Start with 1 length clipped on per side the increase as needed.
I would slap on the harness a few lengths of chain an go for a walk.

[claimsadj]

Will this harness support the tear of the dog very well?

I did most of the rehab myself from the TPLO.

First, I would recommend buying a harness. I like the ones made by Ruff Wear. http://www.ruffwear.com/Web-Master-H...&category=1131

The harness makes it easier to make sure that the dog does not bear unnecessary weight on the repaired leg - like when you air the dog 4x a day. It also helps to when you have to lift the dog into the car to take it to the vet.

Second, I dedicated the kitchen to the dog. I left a bed in the kitchen. At my house, the kitchen feeds into the back yard, so it was easier to help her into yard when she had to air. Also, it made it convenient when I had to ice her leg down 4x a day.

Third, once a week, I took her to the rehab facility, where they put her on the underwater treadmill.

Fourth, I walked her 4x a day (increasing the length gradually) and stretched and iced her afterwards.

If you want to do it right, it's alot of work.

Ted

[Breck]

If Ted used this harness I would say yes go ahead and order one. Looks like you can support dog by holding onto the loop on top and clip a lead onto the D ring.

[Ted Shih]

Will this harness support the tear of the dog very well?

After surgery, you will initially need to keep weight off of the repaired leg. The harness has a handle that makes this easier up and down steps. I bought (2), rotated them, and always kept one on the dog, so that I never had to rush and put one on if the dog needed to air. You can also hook chains on the harness for weight pulling exercises.

[Ted Shih]

Most surgeons would be reluctant to do both at once fearing the consequences of complications the odds of which are effectively doubled. My dog lost one year at a very critical point in his training because the second tear occurred after he was fully recovered from the first. If I have the same scenario again, a relatively young dog with a CCL tear, I would try to get my surgeon to do both at the same time. In a young athletic dog I suspect the likelihood of a second tear may approach 75%.

If you did two, you could minimize anesthesia cost, and consolidate rehab. Downside, insurance probably wouldn't pay for the second.

[claimsadj]

I'm assuming the ligament should be stronger after repair? If not I wouldn't see why you have it done in a knee with no injury. I would be willing to do both at once if dr Milton would go for it. That's assuming the chance of another tear is decreased by doing so. Can someone shed light on why do both other that the decreased cost of two separate operations and less rehab time. How for it benefit the I injured leg?

[claimsadj]

Should the ligaments be stronger post repair? I'm more concerned with the good ligament. Will it be better off post surgery? If not why even touch it?

If you did two, you could minimize anesthesia cost, and consolidate rehab. Downside, insurance probably wouldn't pay for the second.

[Ted Shih]

My experience with Field Trial dogs is that if you blow one, you will blow the other.

The repaired joint is stronger - if you rehab properly and the bone heals properly.
The other joint remains the same.
You repair the other joint as preventative medicine. You repair it because: (a) you believe it is a matter of time before it goes; (b) the dog is much less likely to have arthritis later in life if you repair the joint before there is a complete tear (and the associated damage of cartilage); (c) you want to minimize time off from training

But, I would tell you that rather than talk to me or the others on this board, I would find a couple of orthopedic specialists and ask them for their opinions.

I have spoken with a ton, but you would be better served to do the same yourself

[claimsadj]

Thanks that makes sense. If it will be for the better I'm willing to do both now. Just not sure if dr Milton will go for it. Can anyone that has gone that route comment on how you convinced the doc to go through with it?

[Breck]

The whole point of the TPLO technique is to replace the function of the ligament. The remaining torn ligament is probably debrided in surgery because it no longer serves any purpose.
One reason doing two at same time is rehab can be easier as dog can't really "favor" on leg over the other or cheat.
If I chose that route I would use a rehab pro personally.