So I found out what I have been dreading for the past couple of months. Chloe has torn her left cranial cruciate ligament.

She started limping about 6 months ago mostly after running around chasing Malikye so I didn't think too much about it. I gave her the occasional Deramaxx and it seemed to be a super pill for her cuz she was running around chasing Kye like she was a young pup again. Since the meds were working so well we contributed it to her being older and she also is overweight. Well about 2 months ago it seemed she was getting the Deramaxx almost daily and still limping, since it was when the weather started getting colder we figured it may be the weather causing her to ache more so I added Tramadol to see if the extra pain control would help. It seemed to help a little but I was not seeing the same results I saw when first starting the Deramaxx. We do alot of cruciate repairs at work so in the back of my mind I was praying that she didn't have that. So we decided it would be best to sedate her and have Dr palpate her leg, and unfortunately there was looseness It isn't so bad that the Dr feels she needs the surgery immediately, so we decided that working on weight loss is going to be real important for her recovery from the surgery. She currently weighs about 71lbs, and our goal is to get her closer to 60lbs so if all goes as planned she should be ready for surgery in late Jan early Feb.

I hope to keep you guys updated as an accountability opportunity because her loosing the weight means that I have to too lol...cuz we sure love veggin out on the couch eating cheetos, so only way she won't do it anymore is if I don't! Now that time fell back for fall I get home from work and it is already dark out...so I'm not sure exactly what to do to start taking her for walks in the dark. I'm already taking Malikye for walks in the morning before work, and I have tried taking her along but he goes way to fast for her bad leg. We live on a really busy street but there is a sidewalk. Anybody have any suggestions for walking at night?

Sorry to hear your dog needs surgery. We walk every night and wear reflective items. We have vests, gloves and blinking stobe light clips. Picking up waste is tough in the dark so I keep a little mag light in my pocket. My husband has a headlamp that he likes. I noticed that Walmart had a lot of safety products in the men's department by the work clothing. It's like of nice no squirrels at night.

I have done the surgery and not done the surgery - and liked the non surgery healing better - just an FYI! Dont put the metal in them if you dont have to. My girl came up with cancer 1 year after her surgery with the ACL plate repair. Coincidence?? Ill never know - but would not have done it if I had any clue that it would cause cancer, possibly. sounds like you work in a vets office?

im quite sure surgery doesnt cause cancer... but u never know nowadays. i like walking at night. peaceful walks. hope she gets well soon. all the best.

eluke81 wrote:

I have done the surgery and not done the surgery - and liked the non surgery healing better - just an FYI! Dont put the metal in them if you dont have to. My girl came up with cancer 1 year after her surgery with the ACL plate repair. Coincidence?? Ill never know - but would not have done it if I had any clue that it would cause cancer, possibly. sounds like you work in a vets office?

I think the chance of cancer would depend greatly on the metal placed in the dog.

But cancer can happen from food, environment, and many other things. I would worry little about that and worry about getting her out of pain...if you want a second opinion see a holistic vet. They will most likely suggest the same thing, but give you different pain management options.

Good luck dear! Keep us posted.