My English bulldog tore her ACL running down some stairs, bullies don’t do running very well. Vet told me she needed ORTHO and surgery that cost $3000, I didn’t have that kind of money, so I kept her confined and only light walking for 6 months and she recovered completely.
Do you light walk her while she limped or did you use some sort of brace? I want to walk my dog but almost seems he’s bearing all his weight on his healthy leg and is struggling. It did just happen last night however. Just not sure if I should even have him attempt to walk even little amounts on his own
My corgi mix had this injury and it took a very long time to heal because everytime she was better, she’d re-injure herself with those fast takeoffs. She has only one speed. She used a brace which helped a lot. And she’s fine now... a few yrs later, so don’t give up or get disheartened if they don’t heal as quickly as you’d like.
This works great and is by no means a gimmick of any kind. My now 15-year-old lab had a torn ACL at the age of 12. We used this for a few months on her and the injury healed. It was especially good for us because she was too old for surgery. She has had a great quality of life for the last three years because of this. I would recommend this to anyone with an older dog that cannot get through surgery due to age or anyone looking for a non-invasive option.
I looked into getting this brace for my then 12 year old dog back in July, but ended up doing hydro therapy on a treadmill, and it did wonders for her, but it can be pricey, too. My dog injured her other ACL about three weeks ago, and water therapy in winter does seem good to me, plus getting her (74 lbs) in and out of the car impossible. I think this brace, now for both legs would help. Tip: if you cut down the sides of a strong tote bag, it makes a great lift to help get you dog up and down stairs, or to help support them walking.
Bless little Heather 💖💖💖 thank you Doc, I'm saving up for my dogs surgery and I'm going to try this in the mean time. This relieves me of so much stress from worrying about him
I just took my 2 year old pitbull girl into the vet yesterday for a limp on her back right paw. She had another injury on her back left paw a month ago but that healed on its own. They took x rays and said she needs surgery on BOTH knees even though they didn’t see any tears, just some fluid and soft tissue. $8,000 to we the estimate. Starting her on some omega 3s and natural anti-inflammatory and will be watching your videos for all the alternative options! Thanks!
Thank u sooo .uch doc.. my beagle had 2,000 dollar surgery 2 years ago ,,the amount of pain he was in ,was really saddened,,,a few days ago he tore the other side,,5 to 6 thous,,,i dont have that kind of money,,,,this morning was very emotional to what my options r for my boy,,,u have put hope back i. Our lives again,,,u r wonderful.
Love your informative videos. My English bulldog did the exact same thing. The vet wanted to do surgery. I did not have that kind of money. Rest rest rest and more rest. And 8 weeks later she was as good as new. I still kept her as calm as possible. She healed perfect. In time.
My bull dog healed with no brace, just rest rest rest. No jumping, no running, no steps. I took her out on a leash so she could not run in the yard. She healed perfect. Then a year later she hurt the same leg again. Not as bad. I did the same thing and she was fine in 6 to 8 weeks. My neighbor had put his dog through the surgery . But 8 months after the surgery the dog had injured her leg again. So money down the drain. Don't rush to surgery.
Thank you for recommending this brace. I never know what product to try out. And some are so expensive. My dog tore his CCL and my Vet would not recommend a brace. Only surgery. Hes 11 and we dont have thousands of dollars just sitting around. So thank you!
My dog tore her ACL jumping a fence and I paid over 3k for her surgery. She tore the other one 2 years later and I had done research and my Doc and I talked about alternatives. I decided to restrict her to my bedroom for most of the day for a month. . I put my bed on the floor & places baby mattresses all over the floor so every where she went she was cushion. Only time she went out was to the bathroom. She was given Dermaxx and Tramadoyl during the healing period. Leg healed and the only one that bothers her from time to time is the one she had surgery on. She weighs 75 lbs.
Our 65lb pit tore her left acl and we went ahead with the surgery but (4 ish months later) it seems that she’s been limping on the other knee so we’re looking to try and have her rest for this knee. She limps after laying down for a while and it’ll get better and then worse again. Is this something y’all saw as well? And how is this approach long term?
This is an Amazing Video Dr. The Surgeries For Our Pets is Unbelievable Expensive!! Thank You Sooo Much For Giving Us Other Options!! Hoping Heather Has a Speedy Recovery!! Thank You Once Again For a Perfect Video as Always!!!
This is so scary. We want to keep our dogs active, but sometimes they don't help themselves. I don't feel so bad for putting limitations on my dogs now, after hearing stories like this.....thank you for giving an alternative, to that costly surgery. Safe travels Dr. JONES ♡
Thanks Doc...exactly what I need to learn. I asked my vet regarding a brace for my 50lb dog with a partial tera and he told me there there was no point to it. I feel that Zeke could benefit since I hate giving him anti inflammatory arc indefinitely. I’ll check out this brace. Thank you so much.
@@redrumax That's cause it's good cash, I just don't trust vets in my area, they always say there's no fixing unless you do it their way and then I look online and there's plenty of ways to treat them.
@@TheEtherny Been 2 months for my dog. She runs and jumps with her brace on and limps a bit without. I give her cod liver oil, green lipped mussle extract , turmeric and glucosamine daily and cook her food with high protein and bone broth. Hopefully she will fully recover.
Hello , hope you’re doing well my friend. What is a good brace that you recommend for mastiffs. The last knee brace i bought him was squeezing his private parts too hard 😞
I have a Boxer Jax that has had ACL surgery for both his left and right knees. He just re-injured his left knee again. That was first ACL tear. Jaxon has a metal plate in the left knee. We did everything to the T for his entire recovery period! We had to go to a different veterinarian for surgery for his right knee injury because of COVID and my regular veterinarian's office would not do surgeries at that time. They did a suture method. No metal plate. It has held up, but is being over used again to compensate. He doesn't limp much, but enough to make this fur mom know not all is good.
Maam angela breedlove, do you still use to your dog the braces? If its not no more, Can i buy it? My dog have hips dysplasia and now his injured his knee, please can i buy it for you🙏
I just got Drake’s orthodog brace. I have gone to two vets, all they recommended was crate rest with meds/ surgery.Thank you for your advise.I hope this helps him
You’re welcome! Let me know how it goes! Also, consider adding Ultimate Canine Advanced Health Formula. The curcumin and omega3 will greatly help with the pain and inflammation. drjonesnaturalpet.com/supplements.html - Dr. Andrew Jones Get free ebook here: www.veterinarysecrets.com
I have a 115 lb four year old brown lab and a couple days ago, we were playing with him and he yelped and cried for a bit. You could tell that one of his back legs was hurt. I took him to the vet and they said that he could have either torn soft tissue or has a partial/torn acl. They wanted to sedate him and do x-rays because he was super tensed but it would have cost $700. I decided to just take the pain medication and keep him as inactive as possible. The first two days he was super sad and laid in his bed all day. He didn't even want to get up to go to the bathroom. Today is the first day that he started acting like himself. Although I'm still trying my best to keep him calm, he's walking a lot more and doesn't seem like he's in pain. He never limped like Heather. Whenever he lays down, he switches between sides, I have seen him scratch his head with his right leg, he's acting like himself again.. Could it be possible that he just tore some soft tissue? Or do you think, he just doesn't feel the intense pain because of the medication? I'm desperate for some help and advice! I think I might go through with the x-rays, just so I can know what is wrong with him.
This is a great video. Thank you for this. It has given me lots of information and helps to ensure that I make the correct decision for my very active dog who has injured his leg. Heather at the end of the video looks great. I hope my dog will too.
My 12 1/2 year old Norwegian Elkhound should benefit from your informative video. She has two braces and now I know they should stay on all day. She was panicked with them on. Now with a futon on the floor she can plop down without getting hurt. I hope this works, into week 3... Thank you. Please send good kudos to Marti Dog.
My lab tore her acl this month. It’s $4000 USD to fix at her regular vet but as you say people don’t always have it. We are using a slightly less expensive brace. She tries to stand on her leg now but also tries to run. She’s 11 almost 12 so we do worry about surgery at this age, and her spine is fused they found.
My dog is a Husky Aussie mix so he likes to male sharp turns at full speed as if he was herding sheep. He was chasing three other dogs and came up lame last August. He healed for awhile he was OK but last month he was running in our back yard, slipped on wet leaves and ruptured his CCL. We are going to have the TPLO surgery done. He is three years old. My wife is a Certified Ortho nurse for humans and researched the surgery and is totally onboard with the procedure.
My dog tore both ccl’s and had surgery on one and not on the other and the most helpful thing I have is a harness with a handle over his back hips to hold for support when walking and especially when raising leg to pee
Hello Dr. Thank you for your fantastic video it is so helpful. Our 10yr old lab will be having surgery on his acl this week. We are planning his rehab and looking at getting a dual brace. Unfortunately Iin Australia we cannot get the other brace. I am reaching out for advice on choosing an alternative system. We cab get Balto dual jump, or a Lispoo on Amazon. Hoping you can help. Nicole
My border collie tore the ligament in her ankle. The first surgery did not work. After going through all that intense pain and “recovery time”she needed a second surgery. Now her foot is twisted to one side. I cannot imagine what this does to her hip and back. I had to fly her to the surgeon both times because we live in an isolated part of the country. Now my doberman has a tear in her ACL. She has DCM and cannot fly. Even if she could fly I still think I would try the conservative route. Thanks for the video It gives me some hope and confidence to try the brace
Doc Akers in Sun Valley Idaho did our German Shepard/german shorthair/And pittie mixes...both back knees. He is a fantastic vet, and an all around artist and scientist. He holds the patent on the artificial dog elbow. The surgery gave us 8 more years with her.
He thinks it was the mix of breeds...just didnt blend. When she was 11...we had to put her down. She had developed an odor from her legs. Something shifted in her back legs, and tissue was dying I still miss her....she was my PTSD dog
Hello, my friend! Could you please tell me if this is going to be ok for my 12-pound poodle, I am so anxious to get the right size? Or does a small dog still do well with this? Thank you for your help. God bless you how good it but to feel you have found your porpous and gift in this lifetime! Joy! xoxo Ava
Thank You so much for ALL your videos and COMPASSIONATE ATTITUDE towards our pets vs the average everyday vet’s profit-oriented attitude (at least from my perspective visiting 3-4 other vets)! I’m trying to help my dog Kiko, a 10year old very active(prior to his torn or partially torn ACL/CCL) 130lb. black lab Kiko. QUESTION: Do you or anyone know if TAILWINDS is as good as OrthoDog for braces for torn ACL/CCL?
Just got diagnosed last week. After showing me the x-ray and explaining how God made the skeletal system to work, the next words out of her mouth was "we can refer you to surgeon. Can cost $1900 - $5000 and crated for six weeks after surgery". The cost, of course eliminates it for me, but to crating her would be hard on us, plus dog #2. Thank you for this! Also giving glucosamine and rimadyl pain meds.
My 120 lb. livestock guard dog has a complete tear of his CCL per the vet. Outside of the fact that I can't afford any of the surgeries and couldn't even if it was my own knee (I'd be buying a $25 brace from Walmart), I read a slew of scientific articles about these surgeries. One won't work for large dogs, one has a 40% infection rate in large dogs, and the other two require 12 weeks plus of crate rest with only leashed walks for bathroom breaks. Not possible with this dog. Also there are a LOT of long term reports of side effects including bone cancer, and continuing lameness/no improvement after the TPLO (most expensive) surgery on large dogs. I bought a Balto brace after a lot of emailing photos and information back and forth with the representative to figure out what size. As soon as I put it on him, my dog started using the injured leg. I turned him loose in a fenced yard and he voluntarily went up and down steps 3 times using both hind legs equally, and twice he stood on the injured leg by itself to lift the other one and pee. The vet said she has no experience with braces but that she was very surprised to see how well he was moving with "such a severe injury", and to keep it on him. I am fortunate in that this dog doesn't try to remove the brace. This is a working dog, once again outside 24/7 (access to shelter when he chooses) actively patrolling his territory. This brand of brace does slide out of position when the dog sits, however it goes right back where it belongs when he stands up and the vet said it wasn't a problem. I do plan to put a wool fleece or felt pad on the back strap to prevent possible chafing. So if somebody says your only choice is $5K surgery or euthanasia, so elsewhere!
My dog was just diagnosed on Wednesday with a tear and they want to do surgery. $3500. She first injured it last July so I bought the Balto leg brace which did not seem to fit right so she wasn’t wearing it. This brace seems to take the whole body into consideration. May try this before we opt for surgery. Especially because the vet said she could tear her other one within a year? She’s only three so I want what’s best long term for her.
For dogs 50lbs and up surgery may be the best option, but not all need it. The heavier the dog the more difficult it is to heal without surgery. But many dogs still heal if you are very strict with care, and do some physio as well
Thank you for telling us this stuff and sharing with us. You are a good man. We really are listening and going to try and heal our dog's issue. Our Pupper is named Oreo who is an Australian cattle dog / blue heeler that has a Vet-confirmed CCL tear / ligament injury. Vet is suggesting surgery on one side, then plan for it on other. But, I think we will try to heal it ourselves. Now, it's not severe at all. Oreo is nothing like that dog above. Oreo seems to have like a tender paw once in many steps. It was bad one day, then I got her off her feet and waited for a week. Now, it is barely noticeable -- if, at all. But, took her to Vet to just check her and spent $500 in xrays to have the confirmation. But, I am glad that I did. So, we plan to intervene conservatively: ortho CCL dog brace, taping it, glocosimine, restricting movement, and no more daily walkies. So, I hope that it will heal her. Like you said, we don't have $4k for one side than $4k for other side. She is 14 yoa, and vet even said that the knee might outlast her. So, I tend to agree with that. If it was a sure thing, I'd do the surgery, but $8k is a lot of doggie treats and Jack-in-Box hamburgers for my pupper. Again, thank you, Dr. Jones for sharing this. I've watched your videos before, and I never would have believed in holisitic approach. But, I went to chiropractor for my back, and I am now more open to more holistic approaches versus first-step being surgery. So, please, keep making videos and sharing your knowledge. You are makign the world a better place, especially for our little ones.
Wonderful video, Doc, and I stumbled across it (or it found me) at just the right time. We’ve been down this road before, many years ago, with a Jack Russel X Cattle Dog (8kg); she only tore one side of her knee and doing all the right things with her home care, her knee healed very well in about 6 - 8 weeks, without surgery or braces. I’ve now got a 36kg Dobermann who has completely wrecked one of her knees. Unfortunately, a knee brace - by itself - is inadequate for a dog of her size and level of activity. She’s having the “gold standard” surgery done next week ($4k AUD for the surgery, alone), and we’ll be providing her with the best possible post-op care at home. But I am also prepared to spend another $2k (AUD) to get a custom-made orthotic brace made for her, as I envision her not wanting to stay quiet for too much longer (although she will have to comply, being satisfied with short, quiet walks on a harness and very short lead). The orthotic brace that our vet was promoting is made in the US (and I’m in Australia), and with the havoc that COVID has created, it will probably take up to two months before we receive it. That timing may not be such a bad thing, after all, as I think it will coincide with her ability to get around on her own a bit more and I hope I’m right in thinking that exercise is just as important for her recovery as it is for post-op people. But I have no real idea how helpful (or not) a full leg brace will be, e.g. will she go out and hurt her good knee while maybe bearing a prolonged extra load? And is it going to impede healing because of the even greater loss of range of motion because it immobilised a greater portion of her leg? If the orthotic brace is a good back-up, I’d like to know - sooner rather than later - as I believe the process involves mildly sedating my darling and the technicians will then make a plaster cast of her leg while she is standing. When it’s dry, the cast is removed and sent overseas for the orthotic to be made to measure. Again, if it’s worth getting the brace, I can arrange for the template to be done just before the surgery. But I have no want to waste anyone’s time, money or effort on something that will be either useless or - even worse - detrimental. And there’s something I’d like to bring up, while talking doggy ACLs. Pet insurance! I pay a pretty penny for pet insurance for my Princess (none of my immediate family of humans has ever had health insurance, mind you) but it was only when I rang to make inquiries for my dog’s imminent surgery that I was informed that they do not cover cruciate ligament “disease”… and nor do any other pet insurance providers (including the RSPCA… our version of the ASPCA). I believe cruciate ligament damage in dogs is one of the most common injuries that they sustain which is why I’m gob-smacked that even institutions established for the prevention of cruelty to animals are so profit-driven that they’re happy for animals to suffer because many owners cannot afford the costly treatment. Is that not animal cruelty, or am I missing something? All I know is that I hate seeing my beautiful fur-baby watch life going by as she’s confined to bed-rest (which is not an easy thing for a young Dobie to do, but she has been a real star!). And I hate it even more that I don’t know what the best course of action to take is. Our vet is a nice enough guy, but I think he prefers working with animals and doesn’t know how to communicate with pet parents. Given that the cost is fortunately not an issue in our case, I was not happy that he suggested the insertion of an artificial ligament for a large, strong, on-the-go kind of dog; the pamphlet he gave us to take home even stated that this method was only suitable for smaller, less active canines. After much ado, hubby eventually pinned the vet down and asked what course of action he would take if our dog was his; and he still hasn’t said much about the after-care, which is just as important to know now as it is after she comes home… I need to have everything I’ll need BEFORE I need it (I should’ve been a Boy Scout 🤣). Any advice or words of comfort that anyone has to offer, I would be most grateful and thankful to read them ❤️
hello.. came across your comment and just curious what your home care for the first dog that you mentioned entailed. I just found out a couple days ago from my vet that my baby has injured her ligament. I was trying to save her from evasive surgery as this is what he said was a possibility if she does not heal properly in 4 weeks. She is a 20 pound dog, 5 years old and is on a joint supplement for a month and a pain medicine for the next 5 days. And I am limiting her time on her legs. Would you recommend adding anything to the home care?
@@glitterxmilk4164, I can’t say that I had the knowledge and resources going into our little dog, Harpo’s, knee injury, and I’m trying to think what we did. I’m sure I tried to bandage her leg to try and immobilise it somewhat, but that was a waste of time. I believe that there are some really good, comfortable, adjustable braces on the market. As a matter of fact, go check out some of the good doctor’s prior videos and you’ll see him demonstrate one on his brother’s injured border collie, I believe. Rest is absolutely crucial! It’s too late to ice the joint now, I dare say, but it’s worth a go (ice pack wrapped in cloth and applied intermittently for short periods of time, a few times a day). Fish or krill oil (with chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate, if you like) are a good start, and your pup will probably love it… just puncture the gel-cap and squeeze the contents on your pooches food (one capsule twice a day should be fine, but read the label and consult the vet if you’re unsure). I’m sure that the vet has given your baby some anti-inflammatory medication, but natural anti-inflammatories won’t hurt. Any of the curcuminoid spices have such properties (just about any and all the spices that go into blending curry; turmeric is a main player, but so are cardamom, cumin and caraway). The biggest key to unlocking their potency is by adding black pepper. You don’t have to make it eye-watering, mouth-burning and gut-exploding, but even a bit of these things in your dog’s meals will help (along with the fish oil). The hardest thing to do is keep your pampered fur-baby calm and amused during the recuperation period. My little dog was not far from being healed in about six weeks. By eight weeks she seemed as right as rain (as much as possible for a dog with a heart condition). Harpo was easy to keep quiet, and to entertain. She was a very timid dog who hadn’t even made it to a shelter, and was taken off the streets… and not by us. She grew very fond of my husband and was quite contented to snuggle with him as much as possible. It was also very handy that she was so small, so that we could pick her up and put her on the bed or couch, and she was smart enough to tell us when she needed to be toileted. She was a very compliant little darling, which aided her recovery greatly. I made a short video of her progress to send to her vet, to keep him posted on both her knee injury and how her little ticker was holding up. You can see when I originally made the video, and the description tells you when she hurt herself, so you can gauge the time-frame of her recovery: ruclips.net/video/IndYH4TgShg/видео.html I believe that “crating” dogs with injuries to their CCL is popular, in a crate big enough for them to stand up, turn around, lie down and stretch out… with room for food and water, too. But I’m afraid I could never subscribe to that other than after my dog coming straight out of surgery and spending the night in confinement, while under the influence of heavy medication… even then, I really want to spend the night at the vet hospital with my baby, later this week, but I know it won’t help either of us. But your baby MUST be stopped from running, jumping or any other strenuous movements (I think we made a ramp up to our bed for our little doggo as it was a long way for a short dog to jump up… and she was smart enough to use the ramp). If constant company and care cannot be afforded, and crating isn’t for you, you may have to resort to turning a small, boring room into something boring, yet comfortable, as a sick bay. Chew toys and food puzzle toys can provide some much needed entertainment for your baby while you’re away. Kongs and other food dispensing toys can be invaluable, as long as it can be used with minimal movement from your dog. Snuffle mats are a good thing, too. But I strongly suggest you go search Dr. Jones’ previous videos because I know that he has covered this topic a couple of times, from different perspectives. I have no doubt that your baby will be fine; the smaller - and less active - the dog, the better the recovery, so it seems. Keep me posted ❤️
@@lindajohnson9282 You are so nice for your generous response back to me. Yes, as a matter of fact the vet gave her some anti-inflammatory to last her for 8 days, as well as a supplement for mobility. He wants me to bring her back in in about a month. I may wait and do that around 6 to 8 weeks though. He also said basically bed rest for this time period. I really want to avoid the surgery thoughts at this point as it seems so drastic and its not totally fail proof. Ive always been led to believe that surgery no matter what, is the very last option. I will do my best to keep from going down that road. I have seen some braces fishing around on amazon just since I last asked your advice. I found one that gets really good reviews for a torn acl. It is specfically for that type injury so its a full knee brace. Id like to use this on her as well to the bed rest and supplements. Its pretty easy to keep her stationary as she likes to hang around me, but there are times when she gets ahead of herself and just takes off full force, which i suspect is what got her into this position in the first place. She is a squirrel and opossum back yard patrol pooch. She just shoots out like a lightning bolt full force ahead when she sees one. This morning she scarred me to death because as I was letting her out in her yard to potty, she noticed a squirrel climbing up the tree before I did, and she was off!!!! Ugggghhhhh, my heart dropped. I felt like everything i had been doing since her injury last week was all in vain. So Im thinking the brace will help fool proof moments like that. She is a smaller type dog (2oLBs) so Im hoping her chances of recovery without surgery is a bit greater. Thank you for your help. I will def come back and give you some updates soon.
@@glitterxmilk4164, it’s the least I can do to try and provide you with some information that may ease your mind a little. Personally speaking, I’ve been in tears a lot in the last two weeks while assessing her situation and waiting for the vet to be available to do the surgery. And I’ll be in tears a lot during her recovery. I’m not as tough as I used to be… and definitely have never been tough when it comes to animals. And Amber tore the other side of her knee when she got away from me while on her harness (chasing a car) so I feel even more foolish than I already did. Our (late) little dog, Harpo, bounced back so well, and we didn’t have money for top-notch treatment or accessories back then. I have no doubt that your baby will be fine in no time at all; you are obviously a very kind, caring, observant owner who loves their fur-baby with all their heart. Loving, comforting and waiting hand-and-foot on your doggo is what’s required of you, now, and I’m sure you’re well equipped for that 😉❤️
After the initial treatment of anti-inflammatory medication, what do you recommend giving for pain? I wasn't quite sure what you said in the video. I have been looking at the same brace and found your video very informative! Thanks so much!
I have a 6yo Peek a poo that weighs 15 lbs , this treatment worked great for me with no problems developing in good knee. For 3 months i kept her fenced on the couch during day and my bed at night only setting her down 3-4 times a day to take 5ish hops to her pee/ poo area behind the couch. i carried her 100% of the time. At 3 mo i began walking her on leash in house verv slowly, slow enough so she wouldnt hop, for 2 weeks. Then outside on leash for slow longer and longer walks. at 6 months she was walking a mile a day, as before she was hurt. no running or jumping up for that 6 months. now at 1 year she is perfect as far as i can tell. never seems to be in pain or limping. This was a terrible experience with a wonderfull ending. GOOD LUCK. Dont have surgery!
So glad we found your videos. Our Maximus 🐾🐾Lab , wild boy...started limping...better...limping...complete non weight bearing started. TPLO surgery was recommended!!💔🐾 Not just all a $$$$ issue, but he just turned 3 yrs old..dreaded doing that to him. So researched we did. Purchased brace, vet asap pit him on Rimidyl and started Series of injections. That's when we braced his left rear leg in a ortho snug brace. ( crate time a bit more in the beginning, as he extremely active). Gated a area he could be with us. Went back to a old vet we used years ago for another opinion. He confirmed The TPLO standard, but what did we think of LASER TREATMENTS? Assist with healing...worth a try.. 💞💞🐾OMG...MAXIMUS IS GETTING BETTER💞🐾 walks only with support brace, treatments started 2xweek... Weekly...12 treatments now...we are trying 2 weeks in between 🙏💞 meds too. He is under 100 lbs now...big muscular English Lab. Vet told us keeping him calm...🤪JOKE! We are doing good, thanks to meds. After watching your videos massage therapy I am starting with him. ( looking at 6 months for him...on month 4 now 👍 Definitely needs massages, tell muscles bother him, other legs have been over worked. Think we may brace other rear knee now on walks too. THANK YOU FIR SHARING..
Thank you for all the information. It has helped me with my decision. It wasn't the money for surgery, it her age. I have a rottweiler, 12 years old, and I didn't want to confide her to a sofa. I ordered the ortho brace and at least she will be able to walk during day.
Veterinary Secrets thank you again! My dog has been with the tear for a year and he re injured it a week ago.. now he will be 8 weeks in movement restriction and i am hoping to buy that brace you suggest.
My lab tore both ACL's before he even turned one. We chose the TPLO surgery, cost me $6000 and he is perfect now and has a great quality life. I would do it again if I had to.... I love my fur baby!!
Sounds like the most expensive surgery is the one that works, then. Haven't seen good results from surgery. I love my dog too but that is a gamble. Going with alternative first.
Can the passive therapy work on atrophy that has been going on for 2 years, or is it too late for any type of physical therapy to work to get muscle back?
Also look for a vet or rehab that has a CLASS 4 HILT laser. I have had several dogs with ligament tears and didn't have to have one surgery. This was one consideration but didn't end up needing it because the laser healed it in a few treatments
Do you know of a brace that works for smaller dogs? I put my dog’s measurements in the ortho website and he is not tall enough. Other measurements are fine but the height for the brace has to be 19” and our dog is 17” tall. Thank you.
Thank you great info my dog hurt his knee a few days ago we have ordered a brace for him and giving CBD oil and turmeric would like to know did your brothers dog recover
Hello doctor Our 2 year old was just dx- CCL injury. Your content was just what the pet parents needed. Can you provide a link for the brace Again thank you
my dane tore his first ACL, and we went with the brace, then 3 motnhs later tore the other, got braces for that one as well. we rested wore the brace but unfortunately almost 9 months later he was getting worse. he got the 6500 surgery and his miniscus was also torn, well he just went thru his other leg and that miniscus was also torn as well and they found a mass in the leg as well, firbolipoma - rare tumor but benign. thank goodness. so if they dont tear the miniscus the brace can help, but if they tear the miniscus surgery is a must i was told. he is 2 weeks post op today and is struggling but healing. a 4 month recovery and he should be like a new dog. yes tons of money but at 175 lbs he needs good legs. blessings.
I'm going through that with my St. Bernard. At a year old, she's already 150 pounds. She's getting the surgery today. I've been through this with my Saints and Mastiffs, and it's the best option for a large breed dog. Arthritis will continue to develop but more slowly. Best of luck with your Dane. I hope he's doing well.
@@novelist99 thank you. he had his final xrays tuesday. thats when i found out the surgeon broke a drill bit off in his bone. he has nOT done well this time at all. he has lost so much muscle even with the pt and underwater treadmill. he is actually worse now than before. he only wants to sleep and lay down. i was VERY upset when i saw the xrays because the surgeon NEVER TOLD ME about the bit being left in his bone. 15 thousand dollars for 2 legs surgery and then the cost of pt, and he has actually done not as well as he was before the surgery. i am still hoping he can regain his strenght he is 6 175 lbs, and i am now thinking i made a mistake. only time will tell but as of right now, i am sorry for doing it. i talked to a vet tech and she wont ever do it, she said things will heal, yes he has arthritis but this has regressed him. its been almost 2 yrs of dealing with his legs, and so much pain and agnony. i hope you have better success then mine has. blessings
We have an 8 year old pitbull, chocolate lab mix 80 lbs. She was injured while playing (we couldn't tell which leg as she would tripod on alternating legs). A few weeks went by & it was apparent that it was the rear right leg. It cost $900 for xrays. Our vet called & let us know that the injuries showed on the xrays & referred us to a surgeon who said the injuries didn't show up on the xrays, but suggested the $9k surgery... My concern is the surgeon saying this is a degenerative issue & she may need another surgery as her other side could be affected. I'm opting for no surgery & weighing our options. Thanks for your informative videos.
I love your channel. I did get the brace, but it did not work out for my Mountain Cur. My fur baby is on Quercetin and I have changed her diet Regards,
Can you show/instruct on making/applying of soft material "koban and kerlix" brace since a tiny chihuahua can't tolerate the hard brace..PLEASE!!!!! HELP!!!! tiny dogs 2 both coincidentally had torn ACl's..surgery for one chuhuahua went fine. other dog (acl tear and meniscus tear?) unable to have surgery due to pulmonary hypertension..Leg wrapped in standing position by DVM which allowed her to walk fine..weeks later when unable to walk easily, wrap removed with open sores under bandage...Have you heard of that Kinesiolgy tape working? I watched the YT video that uses it but not sure if it applies to my one little dog...Fran
It’s been two weeks since our 12-year-old Rottweiler had a complete tear of her ACL however she’s a high risk for surgery so we are going non surgical route. She shows no pain whatsoever just a limp rear right leg. Our veterinarian is completely against wrapping or bracing the bad leg and I just can’t understand why although I’ve asked and I understand the explanation but yet I still don’t lol. Is it too soon? She favors the rear left and I’m scared she’s going to eventually hurt that as well. Please help me make the correct decision please we are desperate. I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!
Most Rotties don't make it pass 10. Is your Rottie still living? I like to know what you feed him? For a 12 year old Rottweiler I wouldn't do surgery. I would do a brace or wheel chair. Anyways, happy to hear your Rottie made it to 12.
My English bulldog tore her ACL running down some stairs, bullies don’t do running very well. Vet told me she needed ORTHO and surgery that cost $3000, I didn’t have that kind of money, so I kept her confined and only light walking for 6 months and she recovered completely.
Did she just stop limping or did you get an x-eat confirming she had healed?
How cool...wish best things with her. :)
Same with my Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Thanks for sharing
Do you light walk her while she limped or did you use some sort of brace? I want to walk my dog but almost seems he’s bearing all his weight on his healthy leg and is struggling. It did just happen last night however. Just not sure if I should even have him attempt to walk even little amounts on his own
My corgi mix had this injury and it took a very long time to heal because everytime she was better, she’d re-injure herself with those fast takeoffs. She has only one speed. She used a brace which helped a lot. And she’s fine now... a few yrs later, so don’t give up or get disheartened if they don’t heal as quickly as you’d like.
hello...which brace did you use?
My dog was better after 3 months but she just ran and hurt herself again. She is a really big Rottweiler.
This works great and is by no means a gimmick of any kind. My now 15-year-old lab had a torn ACL at the age of 12. We used this for a few months on her and the injury healed. It was especially good for us because she was too old for surgery. She has had a great quality of life for the last three years because of this. I would recommend this to anyone with an older dog that cannot get through surgery due to age or anyone looking for a non-invasive option.
I looked into getting this brace for my then 12 year old dog back in July, but ended up doing hydro therapy on a treadmill, and it did wonders for her, but it can be pricey, too. My dog injured her other ACL about three weeks ago, and water therapy in winter does seem good to me, plus getting her (74 lbs) in and out of the car impossible. I think this brace, now for both legs would help. Tip: if you cut down the sides of a strong tote bag, it makes a great lift to help get you dog up and down stairs, or to help support them walking.
Oh that's a great idea
Thank you for this! Headed to resale stores tomorrow to find one!
Bless little Heather 💖💖💖 thank you Doc, I'm saving up for my dogs surgery and I'm going to try this in the mean time. This relieves me of so much stress from worrying about him
I just took my 2 year old pitbull girl into the vet yesterday for a limp on her back right paw. She had another injury on her back left paw a month ago but that healed on its own. They took x rays and said she needs surgery on BOTH knees even though they didn’t see any tears, just some fluid and soft tissue. $8,000 to we the estimate. Starting her on some omega 3s and natural anti-inflammatory and will be watching your videos for all the alternative options! Thanks!
Thank you so much for these other alternatives to help our dogs naturally.
You really are a blessing!
Hope Heather has a complete recovery.
Welcome
Dr Andrew Jones
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www.veterinarysecrets.com/news
Thank u sooo .uch doc.. my beagle had 2,000 dollar surgery 2 years ago ,,the amount of pain he was in ,was really saddened,,,a few days ago he tore the other side,,5 to 6 thous,,,i dont have that kind of money,,,,this morning was very emotional to what my options r for my boy,,,u have put hope back i. Our lives again,,,u r wonderful.
How is your baby?
From what I read, there is no healing of the ACL.
Love your informative videos. My English bulldog did the exact same thing. The vet wanted to do surgery. I did not have that kind of money. Rest rest rest and more rest. And 8 weeks later she was as good as new. I still kept her as calm as possible. She healed perfect. In time.
Did you use the brace or just have your dog rest? How is your dog doing now? Thank you!
I have an English bulldog in the same situation too, did you use a brace? And if so what kind?
My bull dog healed with no brace, just rest rest rest. No jumping, no running, no steps. I took her out on a leash so she could not run in the yard. She healed perfect. Then a year later she hurt the same leg again. Not as bad. I did the same thing and she was fine in 6 to 8 weeks. My neighbor had put his dog through the surgery . But 8 months after the surgery the dog had injured her leg again. So money down the drain. Don't rush to surgery.
@@copycatcraftsbyjill3008
Did your neighbor have the ligament replaced with nylon ? Or have the TPLO surgery?
@@pozmarciv she did not have the nylon... so it must have been the other. Unfortunately I have moved and can not ask her.
Thank you for recommending this brace. I never know what product to try out. And some are so expensive. My dog tore his CCL and my Vet would not recommend a brace. Only surgery. Hes 11 and we dont have thousands of dollars just sitting around. So thank you!
You're most welcome.
My 9lb, 11 year old Maltese just tore his ACL. We are going to go conservative route. Thank you 😊
Excellent video you are always full of useful information, thank you so much and fingers crossed Heather makes a full recovery. Keep it up!!!
My dog tore her ACL jumping a fence and I paid over 3k for her surgery. She tore the other one 2 years later and I had done research and my Doc and I talked about alternatives. I decided to restrict her to my bedroom for most of the day for a month. . I put my bed on the floor & places baby mattresses all over the floor so every where she went she was cushion. Only time she went out was to the bathroom. She was given Dermaxx and Tramadoyl during the healing period. Leg healed and the only one that bothers her from time to time is the one she had surgery on. She weighs 75 lbs.
thank you!! I needed to hear that
How is your dog now? I was considering surgery, but i' m afraid of the technique.
@@pablollumiquinga9775 she’s great! The vet was really pleased with how well she healed
Interesting- now doing research for my cattle dog 😢 quoted 4K for surgery- really hoping I can avoid it
Our 65lb pit tore her left acl and we went ahead with the surgery but (4 ish months later) it seems that she’s been limping on the other knee so we’re looking to try and have her rest for this knee. She limps after laying down for a while and it’ll get better and then worse again. Is this something y’all saw as well? And how is this approach long term?
This is an Amazing Video Dr. The Surgeries For Our Pets is Unbelievable Expensive!! Thank You Sooo Much For Giving Us Other Options!! Hoping Heather Has a Speedy Recovery!! Thank You Once Again For a Perfect Video as Always!!!
This is so scary. We want to keep our dogs active, but sometimes they don't help themselves. I don't feel so bad for putting limitations on my dogs now, after hearing stories like this.....thank you for giving an alternative, to that costly surgery. Safe travels Dr. JONES ♡
Thanks Doc...exactly what I need to learn. I asked my vet regarding a brace for my 50lb dog with a partial tera and he told me there there was no point to it. I feel that Zeke could benefit since I hate giving him anti inflammatory arc indefinitely. I’ll check out this brace. Thank you so much.
Hi Nailah, can you tell me if you had any success?
got the same from my idiotic vet, they all want surgery.
@@redrumax That's cause it's good cash, I just don't trust vets in my area, they always say there's no fixing unless you do it their way and then I look online and there's plenty of ways to treat them.
@@TheEtherny Been 2 months for my dog. She runs and jumps with her brace on and limps a bit without. I give her cod liver oil, green lipped mussle extract , turmeric and glucosamine daily and cook her food with high protein and bone broth. Hopefully she will fully recover.
@@redrumax Hi just wondering how your dog is now?. Trying to figure the best route to go with my dog. Of course my vet said no to brace. Thx
Hello , hope you’re doing well my friend. What is a good brace that you recommend for mastiffs. The last knee brace i bought him was squeezing his private parts too hard 😞
I have a Boxer Jax that has had ACL surgery for both his left and right knees. He just re-injured his left knee again. That was first ACL tear. Jaxon has a metal plate in the left knee. We did everything to the T for his entire recovery period! We had to go to a different veterinarian for surgery for his right knee injury because of COVID and my regular veterinarian's office would not do surgeries at that time. They did a suture method. No metal plate. It has held up, but is being over used again to compensate. He doesn't limp much, but enough to make this fur mom know not all is good.
heather is a very cute dog i hope she feels better soon poor girl
I used this brace years ago for my lab, worked great!
Angela Breedlove hi what’s the name or detail of the brace ?
vincent thorne ortho dog
Maam angela breedlove, do you still use to your dog the braces? If its not no more, Can i buy it? My dog have hips dysplasia and now his injured his knee, please can i buy it for you🙏
Where do u get this
Hello Dr Jones never heard of this so thank you for sharing this is really useful. Oh dear surgery is what I won’t do and really appreciate this
I just got Drake’s orthodog brace. I have gone to two vets, all they recommended was crate rest with meds/ surgery.Thank you for your advise.I hope this helps him
You’re welcome! Let me know how it goes! Also, consider adding Ultimate Canine Advanced Health Formula. The curcumin and omega3 will greatly help with the pain and inflammation.
drjonesnaturalpet.com/supplements.html
- Dr. Andrew Jones
Get free ebook here: www.veterinarysecrets.com
I ❤️ the fact your socks are full of fur yet you don’t mind! Lol
I have a 115 lb four year old brown lab and a couple days ago, we were playing with him and he yelped and cried for a bit. You could tell that one of his back legs was hurt. I took him to the vet and they said that he could have either torn soft tissue or has a partial/torn acl. They wanted to sedate him and do x-rays because he was super tensed but it would have cost $700. I decided to just take the pain medication and keep him as inactive as possible. The first two days he was super sad and laid in his bed all day. He didn't even want to get up to go to the bathroom. Today is the first day that he started acting like himself. Although I'm still trying my best to keep him calm, he's walking a lot more and doesn't seem like he's in pain. He never limped like Heather. Whenever he lays down, he switches between sides, I have seen him scratch his head with his right leg, he's acting like himself again.. Could it be possible that he just tore some soft tissue? Or do you think, he just doesn't feel the intense pain because of the medication? I'm desperate for some help and advice! I think I might go through with the x-rays, just so I can know what is wrong with him.
How did Lab. do ? Marisol
This is a great video. Thank you for this. It has given me lots of information and helps to ensure that I make the correct decision for my very active dog who has injured his leg. Heather at the end of the video looks great. I hope my dog will too.
This helps a lot and I would love a copy of your book.
Hi Jordan, here's a link for my free book: veterinarysecrets.gr8.com/
excellent information
My 12 1/2 year old Norwegian Elkhound should benefit from your informative video. She has two braces and now I know they should stay on all day. She was panicked with them on. Now with a futon on the floor she can plop down without getting hurt. I hope this works, into week 3... Thank you. Please send good kudos to Marti Dog.
How did Marti do?
How did you dog do?
You saved us about 3 years ago with your bracing vids... She has done great but blew it out again this weekend
I'm sorry to hear that, I hope it heals well.
My lab tore her acl this month. It’s $4000 USD to fix at her regular vet but as you say people don’t always have it. We are using a slightly less expensive brace. She tries to stand on her leg now but also tries to run. She’s 11 almost 12 so we do worry about surgery at this age, and her spine is fused they found.
Thanks
(299k subscribers! 😉 you're on the brink of another huge landmark!)
Hi where l can buy the brace please let me know
My dog is a Husky Aussie mix so he likes to male sharp turns at full speed as if he was herding sheep. He was chasing three other dogs and came up lame last August. He healed for awhile he was OK but last month he was running in our back yard, slipped on wet leaves and ruptured his CCL. We are going to have the TPLO surgery done. He is three years old. My wife is a Certified Ortho nurse for humans and researched the surgery and is totally onboard with the procedure.
My dog tore both ccl’s and had surgery on one and not on the other and the most helpful thing I have is a harness with a handle over his back hips to hold for support when walking and especially when raising leg to pee
Hello Dr. Thank you for your fantastic video it is so helpful. Our 10yr old lab will be having surgery on his acl this week. We are planning his rehab and looking at getting a dual brace. Unfortunately Iin Australia we cannot get the other brace. I am reaching out for advice on choosing an alternative system. We cab get Balto dual jump, or a Lispoo on Amazon. Hoping you can help. Nicole
Your awesome bro .also my beagle walks on his leg so im debating weather or not its torn it began from his regularly back rolls he got up wrong .
As always great advice
Please feel free to share my videos!
- Dr. Andrew Jones
Get free ebook here: www.veterinarysecrets.com/news/
Great video Grace looks good I can’t find a link to it. I have no idea how to find this. Can anyone help?
My border collie tore the ligament in her ankle. The first surgery did not work. After going through all that intense pain and “recovery time”she needed a second surgery. Now her foot is twisted to one side. I cannot imagine what this does to her hip and back. I had to fly her to the surgeon both times because we live in an isolated part of the country. Now my doberman has a tear in her ACL. She has DCM and cannot fly. Even if she could fly I still think I would try the conservative route. Thanks for the video It gives me some hope and confidence to try the brace
Doc Akers in Sun Valley Idaho did our German Shepard/german shorthair/And pittie mixes...both back knees. He is a fantastic vet, and an all around artist and scientist. He holds the patent on the artificial dog elbow. The surgery gave us 8 more years with her.
He thinks it was the mix of breeds...just didnt blend. When she was 11...we had to put her down. She had developed an odor from her legs. Something shifted in her back legs, and tissue was dying I still miss her....she was my PTSD dog
Do you have this for both knees ad the same time?
Thank You
Where’re do you get the brace’s ?????
Hello, my friend! Could you please tell me if this is going to be ok for my 12-pound poodle, I am so anxious to get the right size? Or does a small dog still do well with this? Thank you for your help. God bless you how good it but to feel you have found your porpous and gift in this lifetime! Joy! xoxo Ava
Thank
You so much for ALL your videos and COMPASSIONATE ATTITUDE towards our pets vs the average everyday vet’s profit-oriented attitude (at least from my perspective visiting 3-4 other vets)!
I’m trying to help my dog Kiko, a 10year old very active(prior to his torn or partially torn ACL/CCL) 130lb. black lab Kiko.
QUESTION: Do you or anyone know if TAILWINDS is as good as OrthoDog for braces for torn ACL/CCL?
What brand is the brace
Just got diagnosed last week. After showing me the x-ray and explaining how God made the skeletal system to work, the next words out of her mouth was "we can refer you to surgeon. Can cost $1900 - $5000 and crated for six weeks after surgery".
The cost, of course eliminates it for me, but to crating her would be hard on us, plus dog #2.
Thank you for this!
Also giving glucosamine and rimadyl pain meds.
How is she doing now.
My Beagle is in this situation now. We do not have money for surgery so was just searching for a brace this morning. Thank you for all you do for us.
forget the brace, no hopping for 3 months
where can this be bought for large mastiff in Australia thank you ...
Where do you buy this
I should have known you would have a video on this. Thank you!!! 👍🏻❤️
My 120 lb. livestock guard dog has a complete tear of his CCL per the vet. Outside of the fact that I can't afford any of the surgeries and couldn't even if it was my own knee (I'd be buying a $25 brace from Walmart), I read a slew of scientific articles about these surgeries. One won't work for large dogs, one has a 40% infection rate in large dogs, and the other two require 12 weeks plus of crate rest with only leashed walks for bathroom breaks. Not possible with this dog. Also there are a LOT of long term reports of side effects including bone cancer, and continuing lameness/no improvement after the TPLO (most expensive) surgery on large dogs.
I bought a Balto brace after a lot of emailing photos and information back and forth with the representative to figure out what size. As soon as I put it on him, my dog started using the injured leg. I turned him loose in a fenced yard and he voluntarily went up and down steps 3 times using both hind legs equally, and twice he stood on the injured leg by itself to lift the other one and pee. The vet said she has no experience with braces but that she was very surprised to see how well he was moving with "such a severe injury", and to keep it on him.
I am fortunate in that this dog doesn't try to remove the brace. This is a working dog, once again outside 24/7 (access to shelter when he chooses) actively patrolling his territory. This brand of brace does slide out of position when the dog sits, however it goes right back where it belongs when he stands up and the vet said it wasn't a problem. I do plan to put a wool fleece or felt pad on the back strap to prevent possible chafing. So if somebody says your only choice is $5K surgery or euthanasia, so elsewhere!
Hey there just wondering how your dog is doing now that 6 months passed
is your dog better?
My dog was just diagnosed on Wednesday with a tear and they want to do surgery. $3500. She first injured it last July so I bought the Balto leg brace which did not seem to fit right so she wasn’t wearing it. This brace seems to take the whole body into consideration. May try this before we opt for surgery. Especially because the vet said she could tear her other one within a year? She’s only three so I want what’s best long term for her.
For dogs 50lbs and up surgery may be the best option, but not all need it. The heavier the dog the more difficult it is to heal without surgery. But many dogs still heal if you are very strict with care, and do some physio as well
Where can I purchase this dog brace?
Thank you for telling us this stuff and sharing with us. You are a good man. We really are listening and going to try and heal our dog's issue. Our Pupper is named Oreo who is an Australian cattle dog / blue heeler that has a Vet-confirmed CCL tear / ligament injury. Vet is suggesting surgery on one side, then plan for it on other. But, I think we will try to heal it ourselves. Now, it's not severe at all. Oreo is nothing like that dog above. Oreo seems to have like a tender paw once in many steps. It was bad one day, then I got her off her feet and waited for a week. Now, it is barely noticeable -- if, at all. But, took her to Vet to just check her and spent $500 in xrays to have the confirmation. But, I am glad that I did. So, we plan to intervene conservatively: ortho CCL dog brace, taping it, glocosimine, restricting movement, and no more daily walkies. So, I hope that it will heal her. Like you said, we don't have $4k for one side than $4k for other side. She is 14 yoa, and vet even said that the knee might outlast her. So, I tend to agree with that. If it was a sure thing, I'd do the surgery, but $8k is a lot of doggie treats and Jack-in-Box hamburgers for my pupper.
Again, thank you, Dr. Jones for sharing this. I've watched your videos before, and I never would have believed in holisitic approach. But, I went to chiropractor for my back, and I am now more open to more holistic approaches versus first-step being surgery. So, please, keep making videos and sharing your knowledge. You are makign the world a better place, especially for our little ones.
Thank you, I'm glad you found a solution and I hope your dog heals beautifully.
Wonderful video, Doc, and I stumbled across it (or it found me) at just the right time. We’ve been down this road before, many years ago, with a Jack Russel X Cattle Dog (8kg); she only tore one side of her knee and doing all the right things with her home care, her knee healed very well in about 6 - 8 weeks, without surgery or braces. I’ve now got a 36kg Dobermann who has completely wrecked one of her knees. Unfortunately, a knee brace - by itself - is inadequate for a dog of her size and level of activity. She’s having the “gold standard” surgery done next week ($4k AUD for the surgery, alone), and we’ll be providing her with the best possible post-op care at home. But I am also prepared to spend another $2k (AUD) to get a custom-made orthotic brace made for her, as I envision her not wanting to stay quiet for too much longer (although she will have to comply, being satisfied with short, quiet walks on a harness and very short lead).
The orthotic brace that our vet was promoting is made in the US (and I’m in Australia), and with the havoc that COVID has created, it will probably take up to two months before we receive it. That timing may not be such a bad thing, after all, as I think it will coincide with her ability to get around on her own a bit more and I hope I’m right in thinking that exercise is just as important for her recovery as it is for post-op people. But I have no real idea how helpful (or not) a full leg brace will be, e.g. will she go out and hurt her good knee while maybe bearing a prolonged extra load? And is it going to impede healing because of the even greater loss of range of motion because it immobilised a greater portion of her leg?
If the orthotic brace is a good back-up, I’d like to know - sooner rather than later - as I believe the process involves mildly sedating my darling and the technicians will then make a plaster cast of her leg while she is standing. When it’s dry, the cast is removed and sent overseas for the orthotic to be made to measure. Again, if it’s worth getting the brace, I can arrange for the template to be done just before the surgery. But I have no want to waste anyone’s time, money or effort on something that will be either useless or - even worse - detrimental.
And there’s something I’d like to bring up, while talking doggy ACLs. Pet insurance! I pay a pretty penny for pet insurance for my Princess (none of my immediate family of humans has ever had health insurance, mind you) but it was only when I rang to make inquiries for my dog’s imminent surgery that I was informed that they do not cover cruciate ligament “disease”… and nor do any other pet insurance providers (including the RSPCA… our version of the ASPCA). I believe cruciate ligament damage in dogs is one of the most common injuries that they sustain which is why I’m gob-smacked that even institutions established for the prevention of cruelty to animals are so profit-driven that they’re happy for animals to suffer because many owners cannot afford the costly treatment. Is that not animal cruelty, or am I missing something?
All I know is that I hate seeing my beautiful fur-baby watch life going by as she’s confined to bed-rest (which is not an easy thing for a young Dobie to do, but she has been a real star!). And I hate it even more that I don’t know what the best course of action to take is. Our vet is a nice enough guy, but I think he prefers working with animals and doesn’t know how to communicate with pet parents. Given that the cost is fortunately not an issue in our case, I was not happy that he suggested the insertion of an artificial ligament for a large, strong, on-the-go kind of dog; the pamphlet he gave us to take home even stated that this method was only suitable for smaller, less active canines. After much ado, hubby eventually pinned the vet down and asked what course of action he would take if our dog was his; and he still hasn’t said much about the after-care, which is just as important to know now as it is after she comes home… I need to have everything I’ll need BEFORE I need it (I should’ve been a Boy Scout 🤣).
Any advice or words of comfort that anyone has to offer, I would be most grateful and thankful to read them ❤️
hello.. came across your comment and just curious what your home care for the first dog that you mentioned entailed.
I just found out a couple days ago from my vet that my baby has injured her ligament. I was trying to save her from evasive surgery as this is what he said was a possibility if she does not heal properly in 4 weeks.
She is a 20 pound dog, 5 years old and is on a joint supplement for a month and a pain medicine for the next 5 days. And I am limiting her time on her legs. Would you recommend adding anything to the home care?
@@glitterxmilk4164, I can’t say that I had the knowledge and resources going into our little dog, Harpo’s, knee injury, and I’m trying to think what we did. I’m sure I tried to bandage her leg to try and immobilise it somewhat, but that was a waste of time. I believe that there are some really good, comfortable, adjustable braces on the market. As a matter of fact, go check out some of the good doctor’s prior videos and you’ll see him demonstrate one on his brother’s injured border collie, I believe.
Rest is absolutely crucial! It’s too late to ice the joint now, I dare say, but it’s worth a go (ice pack wrapped in cloth and applied intermittently for short periods of time, a few times a day). Fish or krill oil (with chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate, if you like) are a good start, and your pup will probably love it… just puncture the gel-cap and squeeze the contents on your pooches food (one capsule twice a day should be fine, but read the label and consult the vet if you’re unsure).
I’m sure that the vet has given your baby some anti-inflammatory medication, but natural anti-inflammatories won’t hurt. Any of the curcuminoid spices have such properties (just about any and all the spices that go into blending curry; turmeric is a main player, but so are cardamom, cumin and caraway). The biggest key to unlocking their potency is by adding black pepper. You don’t have to make it eye-watering, mouth-burning and gut-exploding, but even a bit of these things in your dog’s meals will help (along with the fish oil).
The hardest thing to do is keep your pampered fur-baby calm and amused during the recuperation period. My little dog was not far from being healed in about six weeks. By eight weeks she seemed as right as rain (as much as possible for a dog with a heart condition). Harpo was easy to keep quiet, and to entertain. She was a very timid dog who hadn’t even made it to a shelter, and was taken off the streets… and not by us. She grew very fond of my husband and was quite contented to snuggle with him as much as possible. It was also very handy that she was so small, so that we could pick her up and put her on the bed or couch, and she was smart enough to tell us when she needed to be toileted. She was a very compliant little darling, which aided her recovery greatly.
I made a short video of her progress to send to her vet, to keep him posted on both her knee injury and how her little ticker was holding up. You can see when I originally made the video, and the description tells you when she hurt herself, so you can gauge the time-frame of her recovery: ruclips.net/video/IndYH4TgShg/видео.html
I believe that “crating” dogs with injuries to their CCL is popular, in a crate big enough for them to stand up, turn around, lie down and stretch out… with room for food and water, too. But I’m afraid I could never subscribe to that other than after my dog coming straight out of surgery and spending the night in confinement, while under the influence of heavy medication… even then, I really want to spend the night at the vet hospital with my baby, later this week, but I know it won’t help either of us. But your baby MUST be stopped from running, jumping or any other strenuous movements (I think we made a ramp up to our bed for our little doggo as it was a long way for a short dog to jump up… and she was smart enough to use the ramp). If constant company and care cannot be afforded, and crating isn’t for you, you may have to resort to turning a small, boring room into something boring, yet comfortable, as a sick bay. Chew toys and food puzzle toys can provide some much needed entertainment for your baby while you’re away. Kongs and other food dispensing toys can be invaluable, as long as it can be used with minimal movement from your dog. Snuffle mats are a good thing, too.
But I strongly suggest you go search Dr. Jones’ previous videos because I know that he has covered this topic a couple of times, from different perspectives.
I have no doubt that your baby will be fine; the smaller - and less active - the dog, the better the recovery, so it seems. Keep me posted ❤️
@@lindajohnson9282 You are so nice for your generous response back to me.
Yes, as a matter of fact the vet gave her some anti-inflammatory to last her for 8 days, as well as a supplement for mobility. He wants me to bring her back in in about a month. I may wait and do that around 6 to 8 weeks though. He also said basically bed rest for this time period.
I really want to avoid the surgery thoughts at this point as it seems so drastic and its not totally fail proof. Ive always been led to believe that surgery no matter what, is the very last option. I will do my best to keep from going down that road.
I have seen some braces fishing around on amazon just since I last asked your advice. I found one that gets really good reviews for a torn acl. It is specfically for that type injury so its a full knee brace. Id like to use this on her as well to the bed rest and supplements. Its pretty easy to keep her stationary as she likes to hang around me, but there are times when she gets ahead of herself and just takes off full force, which i suspect is what got her into this position in the first place. She is a squirrel and opossum back yard patrol pooch. She just shoots out like a lightning bolt full force ahead when she sees one. This morning she scarred me to death because as I was letting her out in her yard to potty, she noticed a squirrel climbing up the tree before I did, and she was off!!!! Ugggghhhhh, my heart dropped. I felt like everything i had been doing since her injury last week was all in vain. So Im thinking the brace will help fool proof moments like that. She is a smaller type dog (2oLBs) so Im hoping her chances of recovery without surgery is a bit greater.
Thank you for your help. I will def come back and give you some updates soon.
@@glitterxmilk4164, it’s the least I can do to try and provide you with some information that may ease your mind a little. Personally speaking, I’ve been in tears a lot in the last two weeks while assessing her situation and waiting for the vet to be available to do the surgery. And I’ll be in tears a lot during her recovery. I’m not as tough as I used to be… and definitely have never been tough when it comes to animals. And Amber tore the other side of her knee when she got away from me while on her harness (chasing a car) so I feel even more foolish than I already did. Our (late) little dog, Harpo, bounced back so well, and we didn’t have money for top-notch treatment or accessories back then. I have no doubt that your baby will be fine in no time at all; you are obviously a very kind, caring, observant owner who loves their fur-baby with all their heart. Loving, comforting and waiting hand-and-foot on your doggo is what’s required of you, now, and I’m sure you’re well equipped for that 😉❤️
What's the name of the leg brace? Is it on Amazon? Dr. thx for yr Awesome content.
After the initial treatment of anti-inflammatory medication, what do you recommend giving for pain? I wasn't quite sure what you said in the video. I have been looking at the same brace and found your video very informative! Thanks so much!
I have a 6yo Peek a poo that weighs 15 lbs , this treatment worked great for me with no problems developing in good knee. For 3 months i kept her fenced on the couch during day and my bed at night only setting her down 3-4 times a day to take 5ish hops to her pee/ poo area behind the couch. i carried her 100% of the time. At 3 mo i began walking her on leash in house verv slowly, slow enough so she wouldnt hop, for 2 weeks. Then outside on leash for slow longer and longer walks. at 6 months she was walking a mile a day, as before she was hurt. no running or jumping up for that 6 months. now at 1 year she is perfect as far as i can tell. never seems to be in pain or limping. This was a terrible experience with a wonderfull ending. GOOD LUCK. Dont have surgery!
So glad we found your videos. Our Maximus 🐾🐾Lab , wild boy...started limping...better...limping...complete non weight bearing started. TPLO surgery was recommended!!💔🐾
Not just all a $$$$ issue, but he just turned 3 yrs old..dreaded doing that to him.
So researched we did. Purchased brace, vet asap pit him on Rimidyl and started
Series of injections. That's when we braced his left rear leg in a ortho snug brace. ( crate time a bit more in the beginning, as he extremely active). Gated a area he could be with us.
Went back to a old vet we used years ago for another opinion. He confirmed
The TPLO standard, but what did we think of LASER TREATMENTS? Assist with healing...worth a try..
💞💞🐾OMG...MAXIMUS IS GETTING BETTER💞🐾 walks only with support brace, treatments started 2xweek...
Weekly...12 treatments now...we are trying 2 weeks in between 🙏💞 meds too. He is under 100 lbs now...big muscular English Lab. Vet told us keeping him calm...🤪JOKE! We are doing good, thanks to meds. After watching your videos massage therapy I am starting with him. ( looking at 6 months for him...on month 4 now 👍
Definitely needs massages, tell muscles bother him, other legs have been over worked. Think we may brace other rear knee now on walks too. THANK YOU FIR SHARING..
Thank you for all the information. It has helped me with my decision. It wasn't the money for surgery, it her age. I have a rottweiler, 12 years old, and I didn't want to confide her to a sofa. I ordered the ortho brace and at least she will be able to walk during day.
@@fnobles9238may I please ask how you dog is doing. I have a golden who recently tore her acl and not sure the best route.
I REALLY like you and your videos!!! Thank you for all your help and advise!!
Thank you! Please feel free to share my videos. It’ll be nice to reach more people. 🙂
Veterinary Secrets thank you again! My dog has been with the tear for a year and he re injured it a week ago.. now he will be 8 weeks in movement restriction and i am hoping to buy that brace you suggest.
Hola donde podría comprarlo y que precio ? Gracias
how is she now? so can the acl heal or there is some kind of different repair going on inside of knee
Great video Doctor! ❤️
Thanks for watching!
- Dr. Jones
Get free ebook here: www.veterinarysecrets.com/news/
Thanks for watching!
- Dr. Jones
Get free ebook here: www.veterinarysecrets.com/news/
Have a staffy with luxating patella, and vet won’t operate on him, will this help him be able to put abit of pressure on the leg?
Thanks so much for this information. What's your opinion of Bromelain as an anti-inflammatory mediation?
How long after injury do you start exercises?!
Is this still the knee brace you recommend?
Can you also use it on the left leg ?
My lab tore both ACL's before he even turned one. We chose the TPLO surgery, cost me $6000 and he is perfect now and has a great quality life. I would do it again if I had to.... I love my fur baby!!
I agree. These braces won't work in the long term.
Sounds like the most expensive surgery is the one that works, then. Haven't seen good results from surgery. I love my dog too but that is a gamble. Going with alternative first.
What kind of ignorant stupid comment is this.
Can the passive therapy work on atrophy that has been going on for 2 years, or is it too late for any type of physical therapy to work to get muscle back?
Doctor my dog had acl surgery 😢 do you recommend I get this brace for him?
I would love a book
Hello Donna. You can get the free ebook here: www.veterinarysecrets.com/news/
Also look for a vet or rehab that has a CLASS 4 HILT laser. I have had several dogs with ligament tears and didn't have to have one surgery. This was one consideration but didn't end up needing it because the laser healed it in a few treatments
Would u suggest this type of brace for a slight acl tare? I'm deciding between braces and have no clue what to get
Heather’s expression the whole time is exactly like my Border Collie Chloe’s. That face!! 🤣
This video is great. It’s going to help me. I’m going to purchase this But how does she go to bathroom? I’m sorry I can’t tell
My vet said my dog needed surgery. I ordered a brace on Amazon and my dog is fine now.
That's great to hear.
Erica, which brace did you buy? Care to share. My dog tore her ACL and I can't afford surgery. Thank you
@@robinsoncajamarca7241 Ortocanis original knee brace on Amazon. I hope it helps ❤
@@ericae6903 Thank you so much!!! Honestly! God bless you
Just wanted to follow up on this message. How is your dog now ? Did the brace help ?
I would love a follow up on Heather and whether the combination of CM, physio and the brace allowed her to heal without surgery. Thanks
Thank you for this video.
Do you know of a brace that works for smaller dogs? I put my dog’s measurements in the ortho website and he is not tall enough. Other measurements are fine but the height for the brace has to be 19” and our dog is 17” tall. Thank you.
Would you recommend the brace if both legs are injured?
Thank you great info my dog hurt his knee a few days ago we have ordered a brace for him and giving CBD oil and turmeric would like to know did your brothers dog recover
Can you tell me where I can purchase the brace like Heather is wearing? My dog is at least 100 pounds Australian Cattle breed. Thank you
Hello doctor
Our 2 year old was just dx- CCL injury.
Your content was just what the pet parents needed.
Can you provide a link for the brace
Again thank you
my dane tore his first ACL, and we went with the brace, then 3 motnhs later tore the other, got braces for that one as well. we rested wore the brace but unfortunately almost 9 months later he was getting worse. he got the 6500 surgery and his miniscus was also torn, well he just went thru his other leg and that miniscus was also torn as well and they found a mass in the leg as well, firbolipoma - rare tumor but benign. thank goodness. so if they dont tear the miniscus the brace can help, but if they tear the miniscus surgery is a must i was told. he is 2 weeks post op today and is struggling but healing. a 4 month recovery and he should be like a new dog. yes tons of money but at 175 lbs he needs good legs. blessings.
I'm going through that with my St. Bernard. At a year old, she's already 150 pounds. She's getting the surgery today. I've been through this with my Saints and Mastiffs, and it's the best option for a large breed dog. Arthritis will continue to develop but more slowly. Best of luck with your Dane. I hope he's doing well.
@@novelist99 thank you. he had his final xrays tuesday. thats when i found out the surgeon broke a drill bit off in his bone. he has nOT done well this time at all. he has lost so much muscle even with the pt and underwater treadmill. he is actually worse now than before. he only wants to sleep and lay down. i was VERY upset when i saw the xrays because the surgeon NEVER TOLD ME about the bit being left in his bone. 15 thousand dollars for 2 legs surgery and then the cost of pt, and he has actually done not as well as he was before the surgery. i am still hoping he can regain his strenght he is 6 175 lbs, and i am now thinking i made a mistake. only time will tell but as of right now, i am sorry for doing it. i talked to a vet tech and she wont ever do it, she said things will heal, yes he has arthritis but this has regressed him. its been almost 2 yrs of dealing with his legs, and so much pain and agnony. i hope you have better success then mine has. blessings
We have an 8 year old pitbull, chocolate lab mix 80 lbs. She was injured while playing (we couldn't tell which leg as she would tripod on alternating legs).
A few weeks went by & it was apparent that it was the rear right leg.
It cost $900 for xrays. Our vet called & let us know that the injuries showed on the xrays & referred us to a surgeon who said the injuries didn't show up on the xrays, but suggested the $9k surgery...
My concern is the surgeon saying this is a degenerative issue & she may need another surgery as her other side could be affected.
I'm opting for no surgery & weighing our options.
Thanks for your informative videos.
I love your channel. I did get the brace, but it did not work out for my Mountain Cur. My fur baby is on Quercetin and I have changed her diet
Regards,
Elizabeth Calleja how can I order this brace? I cannot find a link to order it? Please reply. Thank you
can the surgery be decided 2 -3 months after injury?
My dogs other back leg has been amputated so what should I do
Thank you so much for this video!
You’re welcome! Hope it helped.
Is the brace good option for Bernese Mountain Dog 100lb ?
This just happened to my dog1 😭 How long a day do you leave this brace on for? Do they sleep in it to ??
Can you show/instruct on making/applying of soft material "koban and kerlix" brace since a tiny chihuahua can't tolerate the hard brace..PLEASE!!!!! HELP!!!! tiny dogs 2 both coincidentally had torn ACl's..surgery for one chuhuahua went fine. other dog (acl tear and meniscus tear?) unable to have surgery due to pulmonary hypertension..Leg wrapped in standing position by DVM which allowed her to walk fine..weeks later when unable to walk easily, wrap removed with open sores under bandage...Have you heard of that Kinesiolgy tape working? I watched the YT video that uses it but not sure if it applies to my one little dog...Fran
It’s been two weeks since our 12-year-old Rottweiler had a complete tear of her ACL however she’s a high risk for surgery so we are going non surgical route. She shows no pain whatsoever just a limp rear right leg. Our veterinarian is completely against wrapping or bracing the bad leg and I just can’t understand why although I’ve asked and I understand the explanation but yet I still don’t lol. Is it too soon? She favors the rear left and I’m scared she’s going to eventually hurt that as well. Please help me make the correct decision please we are desperate. I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!
Most Rotties don't make it pass 10. Is your Rottie still living? I like to know what you feed him? For a 12 year old Rottweiler I wouldn't do surgery. I would do a brace or wheel chair. Anyways, happy to hear your Rottie made it to 12.
Should I do the passive range of motion exercises twice a day right after diagnosis or should I wait? Thank you
PLEASE! WHERE CAN I GET THAT BRACE? WHAT IS THE BRAND? ANY LINKS ?
Can this be used on the good knee to prevent it from tearing after the other leg has healed from surgery?
Thank you
Welcome
Dr Andrew Jones
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Heartfelt thanks!!
Thank you too!
How is Heather doing now?