Limping for Months

Dexi is an American Bandogge Mastiff.  She will be 2 years old in June.  About 8 months ago, Dexi fell down a hill.  After that, she began limping... sometimes not putting weight at all on her left leg.  After a month of intermittent limping, we took her to the vet for x-rays.  Our vet said that she may have partially torn her ACL.  At that point, we had 2 options: have surgery done right away or let her rest with hopes of recovery without surgery.  We chose no surgery.  

Before, we would go on 1-2 walks/day, usually about 1 hour long each time.  We totally stopped all of that for about 4 months.  When the 4 months were up, we slowly began walking her again, building up the distance.  She then began limping on the other side...sometimes not putting any weight on her right leg now.  We took her back to our vet, who examined her and said she probably injured the other leg from over compensating.  

On May 1, 2013, we took her to MSU Small Animal Clinic (http://cvm.msu.edu/hospital).  They examined her and knew right away that she had torn both ACLs and that the meniscus in each knee may also be damaged.  We left her at the office for blood work, etc... 

We chose to do TIBIAL PLATEAU LEVELING OSTEOTOMY (TPLO) surgery, as it is best for larger dogs.  Info: http://cvm.msu.edu/hospital/services/orthopedic-surgery/client-education-materials/orthopedic_client_education_materials.pdf/at_download/file

We had the best customer service at MSU that day.  The consult took about 2 hours..they are very thorough!!!  The vet (orthopedic surgeon) was very good with Dexi.  He was patient and really took his time.  We were really happy with the visit.  I would highly recommend this clinic!



                             Dexi at the MSU Small Animal Clinic

VIDEO Link: Day of Surgery...hard to tell she needs it!