[biscuit27706]

I found out yesterday my 5 year old husky, Loopy, has torn her Anterior Cruciate ligament running in the sand on the beach, she jumped off a sand dune and misjudged her landing chasing a rabbit..After initial advice of rest for what the vet thought was probably a sprain, it didn't wear off and having picked her up from the vets yesterday after a day of exams and xrays her left hind leg apparently needs ACL surgery. I am in the UK so I am not familiar with all the different treatment options that seem to be mainly available in the US, but looking on the internet some articles say the results aren't good for surgery in this type of injury- am I doing the right thing? Would I be better opting for conservative treatment?

She's on Carprofen until she goes in next week, but the anaesthetic for the exams and Xrays really hit her hard and she is really not herself- she is a big heavy dog so carrying her around isn't an option but I don't want to put her through something that isn't going to work, huskies are born to run and it's awful seeing her miserable. Looking on the internet there seems a high prevalence of Huskies and German Shepard Dogs with this type of problem so maybe it is something with the breed?

Is there anything I can do for her in the meantime as I am worried she will develop arthritis afterwards, though I am told she may anyway...She's always been really fit before so I am lucky enough never to have had her ill or injured i feel so sorry for her. What is the recovery time for this type of surgery and how long will she need to stay as an inpatient as she really freaks out in a cage and away from us, she is very much a family pack dog. I would appreciate any advice from people who have been through this and know what to expect,

Many thanks.

[CorkyMax]

So sorry to hear of your dog's problem. Afraid I will be adding to your concerns when I give you this link about carprofen/rimadyl. Please read it: Please Do not Give Rimadyl (carprofen)--CAN KILL

[quinys]

There are lots of things you can do. I think one of the best is swimming. Maybe, try and find a canine hydrotherapy pool near you by entering 'dog swimming' on google and see what comes up. Here you can get more information about what swimming does. Then try and find a local one to you.

I have been swimming dogs since 2002 and have treated lots of different dogs with all kinds of aliments. The most common being cruciate ligament injuries, arthritis and Hips.

My own website is quite informative, and is called hydrofordogs.

Good luck.

[Lunareclipse]

I hope things get better for you.