Everything your vet said is correct only thing I would add is ~50% tear the other hind leg within 12-24 months. Pet insurance is great but it's to late it's a pre existing condition now. Three surgical options TPLO, tight rope, and extra capsular repair, I like the TPLO better for active and performance dogs but all three work great. You will deal with arthritis with or without surgery. Any competent vet can perform the surgery but I like boarded surgeon better espicially if having the TPLO done.
We have a 100 lb American bull with crazy prey drive that tore her right acl. We leashed her for 3 months, then light play, and now back to full duty. No surgery. We use glucosamine/conddroitin with fish oil to help with the joints. From the timing I think the damage is too far gone for macy. Sorry, but make sure you find a way to keep her slowed down while it heals.
Thanks for all the advice and info guys. Macy got the TPLO surgery yesterday. It was definately the best choice for her being as active as she is. She's doing well but definitely feeling the effects of the surgery and the drugs. She's not used to being leashed but so far cooperating. She's already good at favoring that leg so that helps out. DNH my wife's friend has his own practice and he has a surgeon that he uses specifically for orthopedic surgeries. Im certainly crossing my fingers that the other leg will stay fine. I'm going to look into getting her on a join treatment like you mentioned bobdog2o02 . Here's what a drugged up ridgeback looks like. Poor girl, but those eyes!
Glad Macy's surgery was successful...now you have 2 months of inactivity, this is the hard part. Just took the stitches out of my pooch last night.
I hope all your Buddies are doing well, lets hope for a speedy recovery! It's sad to sit and watch almost helplessly, but you know they'll be better down the road.
Wow, two of the fur friends had repairs. We went through that with Max some time ago. He was two then. Now 9, walks like a fat old man, (like me!) He acted whole for a few years, but when he got heavy, he just scuffs along. Not able to run at all. He will go for fairly long walks. But at night, he wants his orthopedic mattress. He'll go to bed early so Molly doesn't claim his bed before he can. Good luck with the post op. I have to tell you it is hard trying to keep them quiet and not running up the stairs. But you have to unless you want to undo all that expensive surgery.
Thankfully we only have 3 or 4 steps into our house ( raised rancher ). But im still being cautious with her even on the little steps.
They say a couple of steps is fine, Mine keeps picking up toys and wanting me to throw them!! This is her second leg within a year and a half. Hoping that your pup never tears the other one Smokinpiney.
Crossing our fingers! I'll give her a wheel if she tears the other one. It's definitely tough having to tell her no play time. Just eat,sleep, and potty breaks.
Hopefully the meds keep her somewhat tired. When she gets off the meds, and has to much energy, don't hesitate to inquire the vet to get more.
You should see her when the meds start workin! She starts wandering around and gets this goofy sorta smile on her face. Then plop, down for the count
I ran into problem with the meds making my dog too comfortable so he wanted to play even more. So the vet had me back off the meds so he would feel his body telling him to take it easy.
Forgot to mention an alternative to the cone of shame (e-collar) look into Bite-Not collar or inflatable collars a lot of dogs are more comfortable with these.