Jan
2013
Sherman And The Cruciate.
It happened on a Friday morning, December 14th to be exact. I was on my way out the door to a dog show with Leroy and I let Sherman outside to go potty. He walked out on four legs and five minutes later he came back in walking on three legs.
As soon as I saw him not putting weight on his right rear leg I knew.
He had torn the cruciate ligament in his knee.
I’m going to be honest here, I don’t know much about cruciate ligaments. I know that they are a ligament in the knee and I know how a dog walks when they tear one. That’s it, and I knew in my heart that it was torn.
My first thought was to skip the dog show and take Sherman right up to the vet. Interesting enough, the tiny little voice that sometimes makes an appearance in my head told me to get it together and proceed on to the show because maybe, just maybe Sherman just stubbed his toe and maybe he would be fine in a few hours. I had already given him some Carprofen for his injured shoulder so I knew that the pain aspect was covered and he did not to appear to be painful.
It was wishful thinking because a few hours later when I got home from the show he was still limping. Not as bad, but the limp was obvious. I had called the vet from the show and told her the story. She was already done for the day but offered to run back up to the vet to check him out but my thoughts were that there wasn’t anything we could except confirm the injury. She said as long as he didn’t seem painful just to keep him quiet, continue the Carprofen and bring him in on Monday.
Well Monday came and so did the flu and then hubby was admitted to the hospital. That whole week, even though there was a ton of other things whirling around me, the fact that I didn’t have confirmation of the tear was killing me. Sherman seemed to be managing fine and was now putting some weight on his leg but still had an obvious limp. By Friday I finally made the trip to the vet where she confirmed the tear, which still, even though I knew it in my mind, was a crushing blow. Then came the real kick in the ass when she palpated his left knee just for comparison. She did her extension and palpation and then set the knee down and looked at me with kind of a surprised look on her face and then she said, “I’m pretty sure I feel a partial tear in his left knee.” With those words I threw my body down on Sherman and started sobbing hysterically.
No I didn’t. In my mind I did, but not for real.
So let’s get this straight:
Sherman has a full cruciate tear in his right knee and a partial cruciate tear in his left.
That is anything but awesome.
So just to make sure those of you, like me who do not know a lot about the cruciate ligament here is a diagram that may help you visualize it.
photo courtesy of http://www.dog-health-handbook.com/dog-knee-injuries.html/caption
Often referred to as the ACL, anterior cruciate ligament or cranial cruciate ligament, the ACL is one of two ligaments that cross inside the knee and prevents the tibia from slipping forward out from under the femur.
ACL tears can happen suddenly or can happen when a ligament is becoming increasingly weak over time. Most of the time a dog is running and makes a sudden change in direction and the ligament tears, which is what I assume happened to Sherman on December 14th at around 7:10 a.m.
The rupture of the ACL is the most common knee injury to dogs and can happen to any size dog but large and giant breed dogs seem to be more prone to it. Newfoundlands are prone to this injury.
Jana from Dawg Business has written many fantastic articles on the ACL including a great post Talk To Me About ACL Injuries. Her dog Jasmine suffered from an ACL tear a few years ago and Jana’s articles on the subject have been of great reference for me over the past few weeks.
We have many options available to us to as how we plan to deal with Sherman’s ACL tear, but have not made a decision on which route we will take. There are concerns because along with the full tear in the right he also has a partial tear in the left. We have also been dealing with creptious in his right shoulder, so before we make any final decisions we have decided to wait until after x-rays are done next week and then meet with an orthopedic specialist.
Sherman is doing fine. He is on pain medication and is weight bearing on all four legs although he does have a slight limp. He, of course, is on restricted activity and the hardest thing for him to cope with is the fact that he can’t romp around in the snow.
This post will be the first of many as I write about this journey with Sherman and his cruciates. Please keep in mind that this is all a learning process for me as I am new to the cruciate game. I have had a lot of suggestions offered my way so far and welcome many more!
Next week I’ll talk about our options, of which there are many, some less obvious than others.
78 Comments on Sherman And The Cruciate.
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Kenzo
January 4, 2013 at 1:33 am (167 days ago)Poor Leroy. ACL tears are bad news. It heals, but it is such a long way. Take care and keeping you in our thoughts.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 9:45 am (167 days ago)Thank you:) I always knew that the Newfs were at risk for a tear and it was one of my biggest fears because it is bad news. I’m confident that once we have all our questions answered that we find a good way to deal with it.
rhonda
January 4, 2013 at 10:10 am (167 days ago)Thanks goodness Sherman is in good hands. Give him fur-filled hugs from me and and a few slobbery kisses from Coco-Puff. Take care.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 10:19 am (167 days ago)Thank you:) Hugs and kisses passed on:))
Diana Stoll
January 4, 2013 at 1:35 am (167 days ago)Poor Sherman. I know you’ll take good care of him. Glory had total hip replacements on both hips, so we are familiar with surgeries and restricted-activity recovery periods. If I can offer moral support in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Best wishes, and HUGS to Sherman.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 9:54 am (167 days ago)Thank you so much Diana for the kind words! Total hip replacement on both hips, wow. I can only imagine what that was like for you and Glory. The restricted activity has been hard on Sherman, he brings me his toy all the time to play, but we have to turn him down and offer belly rubs instead! Thank you for the moral support, it means a lot!
Elizabeth
January 4, 2013 at 1:41 am (167 days ago)Oh boy, that is not very good news. I wish you luck with this journey – it sounds like you already have a good support team set up already.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 9:55 am (167 days ago)Thank you! I do have a great support team, I just hope they don’t get sick of me and my thousands of questions and concerns!
Olivia Rubin
January 4, 2013 at 1:58 am (167 days ago)So sorry your Sherman has to endure this. He probably knows that you are taking care of him. I think they understand when we know something that they can’t speak of and that alone gives them some peace.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 9:55 am (167 days ago)I sure hope he does. He certainly does not like the fact that Leroy gets to go on walks and he does not:(
Kolchak, Felix & Jodi
January 4, 2013 at 2:13 am (167 days ago)Awwww, Sherman I am so sorry to hear that. I can completely understand why you wanted to throw yourself into his fur and sob. (I bet newfoundland fur soaks up the tears smashingly, right??) We’re here to listen as you figure out where to go from here. No advice or great wisdom, but consider us your own cheering section.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 9:58 am (167 days ago)LOL, Newfie fur doesn’t absorb the tears, they have a waterproof coat so the tears just sit there:)
Thanks for the kind words Julie, it nice to know that so many don’t mind listening to my ramblings and this is something that I need to ramble about so it’s not all stuck in my head, confined to one area, because that could be trouble!
I’m also hoping that through us sharing our story, it may help someone else who has to go through it!
Jana Rade
January 4, 2013 at 3:51 am (167 days ago)So sorry about Sherman!
I know exactly how you felt, first trying denial (I remember hubby even suggesting maybe Jasmine’s leg fell asleep … he tried that both times!). Then the heartbreak. Then figuring out what option is best.
I’m glad our experiences were helpful to you and thank you for the plug to my blog! If you want to talk about things, shoot me an email.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 10:01 am (167 days ago)Thank you Jana! and thank you so much for the wonderful articles that you provide on subjects like this! You and the references that you provide have really made this process a little easier. Now we just have to figure out the next steps. My biggest concerns right now is the recovery time of a surgical repair. This is something that I don’t think Sherman would do well with. We are looking into so many options it is getting a little overwhelming!
bichonpawz
January 4, 2013 at 4:25 am (167 days ago)We got some of that going on with both the girlz Jen, and have decided to do our best to endure without going through surgery…we are treating with meds and rest as best we can. Chloe knows her limitations and we have LOTS of ramps and steps around here. The steep ones she gets carried up! I agree with Jodi…we are your cheering section! If you are feeling down or just need something…ask away!! We are all here to help!! Glad Sherman is not in pain!! xo Jeanne, Chloe and LadyBug
dawn
January 4, 2013 at 5:23 am (167 days ago)Owwee! Poor Sherman. There’s an online Group called orthodogs http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/orthodogs/ to help provide support and information for those dealing with ortho problems with their dog. I’ve never been a member, but I tend to go into nerd overdrive when faced with a health problem and join groups like this even if it’s to lurk and look through their resources.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 10:03 am (167 days ago)Thanks Dawn! I saw that group the other night when I was stalking another forum! I’m going to look into it more because I do need a support group with this! I hear you about going nerd over things like this, you should see me! While it has totally bummed me out I am so geeked up about learning all this new stuff! It’s the vet tech in me!
we three doxies
January 4, 2013 at 6:21 am (167 days ago)Ah, man dis just sucks! We know nuttin’ bouts ligaments…though we do knows bout HELLbow tendons (I guess dat won’t help you much though). But we’ll be right heres while ya’ll go through all dis.
Puddles
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 10:05 am (167 days ago)Thanks Puddles! Tendons, ligaments, knees and elbows-all important parts of the body-right?
we three doxies
January 4, 2013 at 6:22 am (167 days ago)PS: If you happen to has to carry Sherman can you gets a pikture of it;)
Puddles
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 10:05 am (167 days ago)LOL-so you want a picture of me laying on the ground with Sherman on top of me?:)
Emma
January 4, 2013 at 7:07 am (167 days ago)Oh man, this is terrible news, poor Sherman! I hope that he will be able to get things back in order but I know it will be a long and tough road. Mom and I have him in our thoughts. On the bright side, I have something for you on my blog today
Maybe it will cheer you up, if even just for a moment.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 10:06 am (167 days ago)Thanks Emma! It may take a bit but I have faith that we will get Sherman back in fine working condition sometime this year:) That’s a promise!
Thank you so much for the award! That does make us smile!!!
2 brown dawgs
January 4, 2013 at 7:17 am (167 days ago)Oh man that stinks. Poor Sherman and poor you. I have heard many theories about what causes these injuries. I am not sure there is a hard and fast answer. Hanging out with the orthopedic vet so much, I know it is not at all uncommon. Of course we have seen it many times within hunt test circles as a result of injury. Costs lots of $$$ to fix if surgery is required, but most dogs I know return to competition. Best of luck to you.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 10:08 am (167 days ago)Uggh! I know! It’s taken me 3 weeks just to be able to actually talk about it because I was such a mess! I have a feeling we will be hanging out with an orthopedic vet a lot this year and working extra hours!
melF
January 4, 2013 at 7:47 am (167 days ago)Oh Jen. I am so sorry. This just plain sucks – for you and for Sherman. Yes. It is quite a common injury and one I worry about with my dogs. I know you have some difficult decisions ahead. ACL injuries are such quirky things. They can reoccur, they are expensive and they require a lot of restriction for Sherman after the surgery – as I am sure you know.
Please know my heart is with both of you. I just hate that these happen so often and so easily. Ugh!
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 10:10 am (167 days ago)Sucks is exactly the word I used along with other not so pleasant words! I knew it was always a possibilty and I have yelled at the dogs before, “You’re going to tear a cruciate!” several times when they go running out of the back door. My nightmare came true:(
HoundDogMom (Sherri)
January 4, 2013 at 8:24 am (167 days ago)We are sorry to hear about Sherman. Our bloodhound when she was 2 tore her ACL and we actually had it repaired. They placed 200 pound fishing line doubled over 4 times to replace her ligement. She spent 10 days in a full cast and then limited activity for 6 weeks (leash walks outside only). She fully recovered and lived to be 13 years old and hardly ever limped except when she got older and it was cold out. We were very impressed how the surgery went and she recovered. We have a Vet School about an hour away and they completed the surgery for her it ran about $2,000 but that was years ago. If I can answer any questions for you please let me know. Sniffs, The HoundDogs and Mom (Sherri)
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 10:11 am (167 days ago)Thank you for the kind words Sherri! I’m sorry to hear that you and you dog have had to go through this too. It is great to hear that she had such a wonderful recovery and lived a nice long life!
Thanks so much for sharing your story and for the support:)
linda
January 4, 2013 at 8:53 am (167 days ago)Oh poor Sherman. One of our labradoodles Jack, (a very big boy) tore his ACL about 4 ears ago. At the time we chose not to do the surgery our vet recommended and believe it or not he has been slowly improving on his own. He goes on long walks 3 – 4 times a week and is definitely in much less pain than when I first took him in.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 10:13 am (167 days ago)Hi Linda! Thank you:( I’m so bummed. Sorry to hear about Jack and thanks for sharing. Conservative therapy is something that we are looking into along with other suggestions. One day hopefully we will be able to make a decision!
Nichole
January 4, 2013 at 10:25 am (167 days ago)Sending good vibes Sherman’s way… we’ve been there, done that (though not two), as you know. Hugs!
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:13 pm (166 days ago)Thank you! I am sending those good vibes right back to you for yours:)
Houndstooth
January 4, 2013 at 10:32 am (167 days ago)I am so sorry! Poor guy! My mom has an elderly dog who’s been battling cancer. He recently tore both his ACLs and they were given no options for him. I’ll be interested to see what your options are and how you move forward!
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:16 pm (166 days ago)I’m sorry to hear about your Mom’s dog. While we are looking into the surgical options we may have to do other things first before we go that route due to other orthopedic issues, and some of those are cold laser therapy, acupuncture, maybe hydrotherpay, and maybe stem cell. We are looking into all of them and I will be sure to let you know!
Roxy the traveling dog
January 4, 2013 at 10:43 am (167 days ago)Poor Sherman, and poor poor you. I hope you can find a good option for him, and you.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:17 pm (166 days ago)Thank you! I will be fine as soon as we figure out what to do. Thank you so much for the concern:)
Jodi
January 4, 2013 at 10:52 am (167 days ago)Oh honey, I’m so sorry. I know you will stay on top of this and won’t rest til Sherman is as right as he can be!! Let me know if you need anything, ok?
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:18 pm (166 days ago)Thanks Jodi, I need that girls night out that we have been talking about!
Jodi
January 6, 2013 at 4:57 pm (165 days ago)Oh yeah!! What’s your schedule look like? :=)
Bailey
January 4, 2013 at 12:02 pm (167 days ago)I wish you and Sherman the best as you walk this journey. As a human with shoulder issues and not great surgery options you have my greatest compassion.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:19 pm (166 days ago)Thanks so much! I’m sorry to hear about your shoulder issues:)
Julie
January 4, 2013 at 12:26 pm (167 days ago)Poor sweet Sherman
So sorry you have to go through this. Big hugs to you both!
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:19 pm (166 days ago)Thanks Julie!
Vicki
January 4, 2013 at 1:25 pm (167 days ago)Jen, don’t you wish, at times like this, that our dogs could talk? He could ask you why you won’t play with him, he could ask you why he can’t go on walks, he could ask you why his leg feels funny. {sigh} The best you can do is not get freaked out (cause that they get) and stay calm. Definitely do the nerd thing (cause that’s exactly what I do) and find out all you can by talking with others. Knowledge is power ya know? Maybe time and caution will help his body repair.
Both Buddy and Bea have limped a few times over the past two weeks. Buddy will not come up the back steps since his limping episode on Christmas day…These two are 9 and almost 8 so we watch them like a hawk.
Definitely keep us posted!
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:22 pm (166 days ago)Oh, I sure do Vicki! I was freaked out for a few weeks but I think that was because I didn’t have conformation of the injury, it was just my guess. Now that I know for sure it has been easier! I am so doing the nerd thing now!
I’m sorry to hear about Buddy and Bea, it is so hard with these Newfs, I wish we could keep them young forever! Makes sure to keep me up to date on them, and I will do the same! Newfie hugs!:)
The Heartbeats
January 4, 2013 at 1:53 pm (167 days ago)Calhoun tore his ACL when he was 2 not long after I’d spent $1500 on entropion surgery. The estimate for the ACL was $2500 but they said he could walk out of the surgery and tear it again (after healing). SOOO I said a) I CANNOT afford another $2500, b) Calhoun, you need a job. and c) lets treat with meds and rest. The specialist said he wasn’t in pain but it just felt unstable which is why he wasn’t putting weight on it. So no surgery and he’s pretty good these days. Unfortunately, those same xrays showed arthritis in his spine- AT 2 YEARS OLD! THAT made me want to sob. Luckily, I made it to the car before I lost it but in hind sight, the specialist was pretty hot. Him comforting me could’ve led to a vet as a husband… damn. Anyway, the point is, it isn’t the end of the world. Just let him rest and he’ll be ok. If you do the surgery, he’ll be ok too. You are a great Newfie mom so do what you think is right and just love Sherman’s big furry behind!
Mamma Heartbeat
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:27 pm (166 days ago)I’m sorry to hear that about Calhoun! I’m glad he is doing well. It is so frustrating when one thing after another happens, especially when we are doing our best to keep them healthy and the odds are stacked against us!
We just want the best for them all the way around!
Thanks for sharing you story and for the awesome support!
Gizmo (@GizmoGeodog)
January 4, 2013 at 2:15 pm (167 days ago)Poor Sherman! Poor You! With a large dog this must be a particularly devastating injury…I wish you best luck and will be following your & Sherman’s journey through the healing process
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:28 pm (166 days ago)Thank you so much for the good wishes, Sherman and I really appreciate it!
Kristine
January 4, 2013 at 2:36 pm (167 days ago)I am so sorry, Jen! I recently attended a conference session on ACL injuries and dogs and from what I learned they are just not fun at all. Hopefully you have some good options for Sherman and the recovery won’t be too arduous for you all. Poor guy.
It’s something I worry about as from what I’ve learned ACL injuries are on the rise and no one seems to know exactly why this is. With a wild and crazy dog I know she is at risk for such a thing but have no idea if there is a way to prevent injury other than keeping her locked up in a crate 24/7.
Good luck! My thoughts are with you!
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:30 pm (166 days ago)Thanks Kristine! I hear you about keeping them locked up! I always knew in the back of my head that this could happen and I’ve even yelled at both the Newfs about it when they are running around like crazy dogs! “You;re gonna tear you cruciate and then I’m gonna be pissed!” Seems to be though I was way more crushed than pissed:)
jan
January 4, 2013 at 3:04 pm (167 days ago)We were so very sorry to hear the bad news. This happens to quarterbacks quite often and we understand that doctors and vets are learning more and more about how to treat it. Hoping everything goes well.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:32 pm (166 days ago)Thanks Jan! You are so right that it happens to football players a lot! Just the other day my husband was watching football and I kept hearing torn ACL, I heard like 20 times and I told him to turn the darn game off!
Taryn
January 4, 2013 at 3:57 pm (167 days ago)I am so sorry to hear this! An ACL tear is hard with any dog, but one as large as a Newf is extra hard if you have to help him get around after surgery. My friend’s active lab had the TPLO surgery and recovered quite well. The exercise restriction was very tough though. He was a big 90lb-er so helping him get around was no picnic.
Good Luck!
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:34 pm (166 days ago)The restrictions and getting around are defintley a concern the way our house is set up. We will have to make some modifications if we do the surgery or not.
Glad to hear that your friends lab recovered well from the TPLO repair!
Jackie Bouchard
January 4, 2013 at 4:07 pm (167 days ago)Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear this. Poor Sherman. Poor you too! I don’t know anything about this as we’ve been lucky on this front (not so lucky with canine cancers, mind you, but lucky w/ the ortho stuff at least!) so no words of wisdom, but Rita and I are sending our best pawsitive thoughts for Sherman’s recovery. Having a hubs who just had double knee surgery for meniscus tears, I know how sucky this whole situation is!
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:35 pm (166 days ago)Oh gosh Jackie, I’m sorry about the canine cancer illnesses. Never, ever easy.
Thank you for the pawsitive thoughts! Hope that your husband is doing well!
Amy@GoPetFriendly
January 4, 2013 at 6:57 pm (166 days ago)I’m so sorry for you both! I’ve been through an ACL surgery, though it was with a Shar-pei and she was a lot easier to lift/carry than Sherman. Remember, we’re here for you. We’ll be sending our love and healing thoughts, but if you need anything more specific don’t hesitate to reach out.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:39 pm (166 days ago)I’m sorry to that Amy!
Thank you for the love and healing thoughts, that is so appreciated!
Jen K
January 4, 2013 at 8:41 pm (166 days ago)That’s terrible news! I hope all turns out well and I will follow closely.
I know I always say Moses would be the absolute perfect dog if not for his health history – I’m sure you say the same about Sherman.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:40 pm (166 days ago)Thanks Jen. I thought about Moses and all that him and you have had to go through. Never, ever easy.
KB
January 4, 2013 at 11:21 pm (166 days ago)I am fortunate in that torn ACL’s are not something that I’ve experienced yet with my dogs. But, I have known dogs who have had surgery on both knees, and have ended up romping and running very happily. I hope that’s the case for Sherman.
As for throwing yourself on the floor and sobbing, I’ve done that before so I’m pretty sure that nothing will surprise a vet. I once punched a wall (when K was diagnosed with bone cancer – but I didn’t put a hole in it – thank goodness that I’m not very strong). Yes, I think that I’m one of their more demonstrative clients…
I hope that you can figure out the best route for Sherman. We’ll all be here cheering you on.
Jen
January 4, 2013 at 11:42 pm (166 days ago)It’s so nice to hear that many have known or had dogs that have recovered well from the ACL surgery.
I don’t think anything I could do could surprise my vet, well maybe punching the wall:) but seriously I understand your frustration, especially with what you went through with K.
Thank you for the kind words:)
sprinkles
January 4, 2013 at 11:42 pm (166 days ago)I’m so sorry! My dad’s beagle pulled her ACL a few years ago. She was really ancient by then and the vet didn’t think she’d make it through the surgery since she was so old, so we just kept her comfy with pain meds. She was a super lazy beagle, so keeping her calm wasn’t an issue. We never did figure out how she did it. She did heal over time, but still limped now and again. I hope things are getting better with Sherman now.
And I hope you’re having a happy new year!
Jen
January 5, 2013 at 10:21 pm (165 days ago)I’m sorry to hear about your Dad’s beagle. It’s so tough when they are injured. Glad to hear that she healed with some TLC.
Happy New Year!
Sue at Talking Dogs
January 5, 2013 at 6:13 am (166 days ago)You gave a terrific description! And, unfortunately, I know more about ACL than I’d like to. Our Tucker had ACL surgery on both rear legs – however not at the same time. My heart goes out to you and the choices you’re going to have to make. Tucker had two types of repair, 5 years apart. both surgeries were successful, but the first more (if that makes sense). I credit water therapy for his remarkable recovery the first time.
Jen
January 5, 2013 at 10:22 pm (165 days ago)Thanks Sue!
So sorry to hear about Tucker. It sounds like their is a lot of dogs who have had both knees done. I’m glad that both surgeries went well for him!
Hydrotherapy is one thing that we are looking into!
Eva or sometimes Priscilla
January 5, 2013 at 7:37 am (166 days ago)Oh dear, I’m so sorry to hear that both of you have to go through this rough time and hope you find your options. I am sure Sherman also knows that you will be always there with him.
Jen
January 5, 2013 at 10:23 pm (165 days ago)Thank you Priscilla for the kind words. I really do hope that Sherman knows I am there for him:)
Karen Friesecke
January 5, 2013 at 1:21 pm (166 days ago)Well you got a bunch of fab early Christmas presents, didn’t you? Wishing Mr. Sherman a speedy and trouble free recovery.
Jen
January 5, 2013 at 10:24 pm (165 days ago)I know right? When it rains it pours around here, its all or nothing. I’m getting to old for this!
lauren
January 7, 2013 at 11:19 am (164 days ago)jen, i’m so sorry to hear about sherman’s knees. i have absolutely nothing to offer you in the way of advice, but i can send my positive vibes your way. i hope you get more info soon and can get on the road to recovery or management.
Tori
January 7, 2013 at 12:59 pm (164 days ago)Oh no! Poor Sherman! My sisters dog just had surgery for a torn ACL. She is on the mend but it is a long road to recovery. Wishing Sherman all the best on the road ahead. xxx
Robin
January 9, 2013 at 2:28 pm (162 days ago)Aw, so sorry to hear. We’ve been through two with Foyle so I know the “sinking” feeling in your stomach when you find out. We did physical therapy after the second one and it seemed to help with movement and arthritis but each vet feels different about therapy right after or rest for 8 weeks. Apparently there is a new locking plate that is good for Newfies, much stronger so ask about it. It’s a long 8 weeks but he’ll be much stronger after he’s done. Email me if you have questions!(you’ll need a strong harness and the dog socks really help!)
Mango Momma
January 11, 2013 at 6:35 am (160 days ago)Not what you want to have in any dog, but so much more complicated in a giant breed. I hope that Sherman’s respiratory issues clear up so you can tend to his mechanical problems. Oh Sherman.
Mango Momma
Val
January 12, 2013 at 9:18 pm (158 days ago)HI Jen, My gracie was just diagnosed with a possible ACL injury (right knee) and severe DJD in both knees so we are in the same boat. I will be following your posts concerning Sherman and his treatment–need all the direction I can get. You can read our situation on my Jan. 12 post. Sending lots of healing hugs to you and Sherman for the knees and lung situation.
Val