Colrain Posted November 18, 2015 Report Share Posted November 18, 2015 Not a good day today. My 4 year old Siberian Ciba has been dealing with a damaged CCL over the last 4 weeks and has been making some big improvements with lots of rest. When getting ready for work this morning he saw a cat on the fence and tried to jump and get it. The next thing I heard was possibly the worst sound I've ever heard come from an animal. He was crying, trying to run around and eventually fell to his side where he calmed down after about a minute or so. I managed to get him inside as he hopped in on three legs and later brought him to the vet. I was told he probably did tear the CCL and would require surgery (TPLO). I left with a referral and an Rx for Metacam. He's sleeping in his crate while I'm at work for the next 4 hours and I don't know what to do. I've read a lot today about dogs with CCL injuries. About all the different treatments, pro's and con's of each and about opting not to do the surgery. I guess the reason why I'm posting here is to ask the community for their experiences and if anyone has any advice. In the mean time I've gotten some RecoverySA to try and help - only because we used to have an Arabian horse and it worked wonders when he damaged his knee. Thanks Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mazz Posted November 18, 2015 Report Share Posted November 18, 2015 Oh how I feel your pain Justin. Welcome to the forum by the way. Our Zoya tore (ruptured) her cruciate ligament in her right leg, last December 31st. Our vet did the exam a few hours later and confirmed the injury. We kept Zoya, who was 6-1/2 years old at the time, on Rimadyl for ten days, along with a pain medication that we gave to her three times daily. The vet wanted her to get accustomed to maneuvering on three legs, and to let the pain from the injury subside. Following the initial exam, he gave me information on the three types of surgery they do in our area. After ten days, he re-examined the knee, and we scheduled surgery. Of the three types of surgery, not sure of the names, two of them involved cutting the bone, screwing either a plate or a wedge, and have a recovery time of about 4 - 6 weeks. The other method, which is what we opted for, is much less expensive because there is not a patent fee involved, and involves wrapping the joint with a high-strength suture material. This third, less expensive procedure, has a 4 - 6 month full recovery period. I spoke to our vet and several other vets in our area. (Our vet does not do surgery on this type of injury.) Our vet and several others said the surgery that involves the plate, they use an arced saw and cut the top of the lower bone off, rotate the top forward, and screw the plate to both parts to secure. The surgery that involves the wedge, they cut vertically down through the lower leg bone, insert the wedge, and secure with two screws. The traditional method, using the high-strength suture works well for dogs that are small to medium size. Huskies fall into the medium size arena. Both our vet and the vet that did the surgery on Zoya, indicated the other two methods, while more expensive, have about the same success rate as the traditional method. Both also told me, that 50% of the dogs who tear one cruciate ligament, eventually tear the other. So, like I stated, we opted for the less expensive, high-strength suture surgery. Our cost was $1400. The other two methods ranged from $2800 for the wedge to $3400 for the plate. Zoya was back to using all four legs by about two and a half months, except when running. At about four months, she was back to her normal active lifestyle. I spoke with several people I know that had the plate type surgery done on their dogs, and they both indicated the winter time was a bit uncomfortable for their dogs, and that they could not let them be out in the cold for very long. They also said that at times, the screws or plate, seems to bother their dogs. It is a traumatic event for both you and your dog. But, after the surgery, you just have to take things slow, and let the healing take affect. We used cold packs on the surgery area, followed by warm packs. That helps draw the blood to the area. The vet that performed the surgery, also did after surgery laser therapy on Zoya's knee to help promote quicker healing. I'm not saying that the type of surgery we opted for, is better than the alternatives, or that you should go with the procedure we chose. That decision is between you and your vet. I just hope that I've given you helpful information so you can make the best decision for Ciba. If you have other questions or concerns, please post in this thread, and I or someone will try to address those questions or concerns. Good luck on everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colrain Posted November 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2015 Thanks for the information. The vet mentioned the different types of surgeries and I had done some research into them before going this morning. They are suggesting the TPLO surgery (more expensive, cutting of the bone and plate attachment) due to his size and I'm currently waiting for a referral to the specialist. Ciba is resting in his bed (crate) in our living room so he won't be by himself. Its almost like he knows something is up and he needs to rest. I've read about using medication to gentle sedate the dog so he can recover but nothing like that was mentioned at our appointment. Would asking for something like Rimadyl help? I've also found lots of information saying these surgeries are largely unnecessary and are cash cows for vet specialists. I have a medical background so I know you can't believe everything you read online and rely mostly on peer-reviewed reputable studies. Having personal emotions mixed in never makes things easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mazz Posted November 20, 2015 Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 Zoya weighs about 60 pounds. The vet that did the surgery, does seminars for the Veterinary College at Iowa State, on the traditional procedure. So he's considered one of the best at performing this type of surgery in our area. That is why I felt confident in going this route. If it were some other vet, I probably would have gone with the TPLO procedure. Please keep us updated on Ciba if you don't mind. It must really pull at your heartstrings to see him like this. Brighter days are ahead, however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goingsolo Posted November 20, 2015 Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 Can only offer a welcome and a hug. Hope Ciba recovers soon xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colrain Posted November 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 Specialist appointment is on Wednesday so it'll be good to see what she says. Ciba is doing ok. Still lots of smiles but he knows something is wrong. This morning he took a few hobbled steps on his bad leg and a few more this afternoon. Not sure if that's a good sign. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks for the support. Here re he was yesterday little tired and not too happy :/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mazz Posted November 22, 2015 Report Share Posted November 22, 2015 I will be interested to what you find out from the specialist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted November 22, 2015 Report Share Posted November 22, 2015 Hi and welcome to the pack. poor Ciba, at least he is resting and not over exerting himself . I hope all goes well at the specialists x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colrain Posted November 25, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2015 Just back from the specialist appointment this morning and I must say the Vet was superb. She spent a lot of time with Ciba and us and explained everything in detail along with different surgical and non-surgical options and the possible outcomes, risks and benefits of each. He really liked her and didn't mind the examination either. She confirmed what I had already though; he had a complete rupture of his CCL. We decided that the TPLO surgery was the best option to ensure a high standard quality of life for the pup. Outcome looks like he'll be back to normal in 12 weeks and fully healed in 6 months. Unfortunately occurrence of a tear in the other knee is up to 80% in dogs who have had one CCL damaged. Surgery is booked for this coming Tuesday morning and he will be staying overnight at the hospital. I'll keep this thread updated regarding the procedure and recovery. Thanks for the support Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted November 25, 2015 Report Share Posted November 25, 2015 Best of luck for Tuesday, sounds like you've got a good vet xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mazz Posted November 25, 2015 Report Share Posted November 25, 2015 Sounds like the appointment went well and you've made a good decision. Good luck and swift healing for Ciba. We will be thinking about him next Tuesday, so please let us know how the surgery goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBava Posted November 25, 2015 Report Share Posted November 25, 2015 Hi Justin, My girl Nana had a TPLO surgery in May. Seems Ciba is good in a crate -his fast and great recovery will follow ! Good luck for Tuesday ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colrain Posted December 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2015 Ciba just got out of surgery. He did really well. No complications. They had to remove the meniscus due to damage but they thought that would be the case. Recovering now from the anesthetic, not awake quite yet. The vet did find he has a partial tear of his CCL in the other leg. I declined a bilateral TPLO cause I thought having both legs done would just be too much. They'll update me when he wakes up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted December 1, 2015 Report Share Posted December 1, 2015 Glad to hear the surgery went well. Sorry to hear his other leg is starting to suffer from the same condition too. I agree with you, two back legs out of commission at the same time could be extremely awkward for him to deal with. Hope he's come round well from the anaesthetic now. Keep us updated. Xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mazz Posted December 1, 2015 Report Share Posted December 1, 2015 Good news so far. Hope recovery goes well and Ciba can get back to his regular routine. He's lucky to have you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted December 1, 2015 Report Share Posted December 1, 2015 I'm sure he is letting everyone know by now that he is awake! Sounds like he is being well cared for. Get better soon Ciba xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colrain Posted December 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2015 Hah Im sure he's talking to everyone in there. He came round from the anesthetic without any issues. Just waiting on a night time status report before he goes to bed. Hopefully it'll be home time tomorrow afternoon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colrain Posted December 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2015 Just brought Ciba home a little while ago. He's still very groggy since they gave him Tramadol, Trazadone, Metacam and some antibiotics and more to take over the next week or so. Everything seems to be going ok and now hopefully the healing can start. Thanks for all the support and if we're lucky I'll be putting up pictures of him running around and on hikes in no time. I'll add a picture of him resting in bed now. I'm going to document his recovery and see how things go. We have a physio schedule to stick with to try and help everything get better. His poor shaved bottom tho, that's gonna take forever to grow back lol (I know, least of my worries). I don't think he'll like the snow as much as previous years now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emma Posted December 2, 2015 Report Share Posted December 2, 2015 Oh bless him. Good to see him back home. Sending him all the best for a good, full recovery. Xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted December 2, 2015 Report Share Posted December 2, 2015 awwww poor lad he looks so sad bless him He will feel the cold more on his leg for a while but he should get some growth back there soon I would think. Chin up Ciba - make sure you play the sympathy card often for extra snuggles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mazz Posted December 2, 2015 Report Share Posted December 2, 2015 Reminds me of Zoya's leg last winter. It will take some time, but hopefully the worst is now behind you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colrain Posted December 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2015 The recovery continues... The vet and I decided to really cut back on cibas sedatives since he's been having problems controlling his bladder and bowels when he's doped up. Luckily he doesn't mind being in his crate so I think he'll be ok. He's been walking on his leg when I take him outside which is great. It's so sad to see him outside when he looks at you and is begging to play in the snow lol IMG_1629.MOV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted December 6, 2015 Report Share Posted December 6, 2015 aww bless him He is walking better than i thought he'd be able to though Justin. Poor guy must be confusing for them as they don't understand why their leg is suddenly cold - needs some PJ's for xmas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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