help! our soon to be 11 year old shepard has torn her crucial ligament in her back left leg, today it's that bad she's not even putting any weight on it at all. we've taken her to the vet and because of her age he's unsure about the recovery for the surgery. does any one have any advice or suggestions that we can do to try and help her? Mum doesn't want to put her down but the vet seems to think that the recovery period for after the operation will be a extremely long one and may not be sucessful becasue of her age. She's still full of life and run and plays with our younger whippet. Any advice would be muchly appreciated!
Thanks
Jess
2006-10-20 12:43:47 · 6 answers · asked by river_crystal03 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
money is not a problem in this situation. thank you all for your honest answers! the vet has given us some medication to put her on for 2 weeks, she's on to her last few tablets then we have to take her back during the week and make a decision then.
2006-10-20 13:36:39 · update #1
If she was active previously I would do the surgery. Of course it's going to be a longer recovery, just like an older person. However many shepherds are now living to 15 or more because they have been better cared for. Sounds like yours was in good shape. I recommend having the surgery, but you may want to get a second opinion also. I know I would do it for my dog, give them a fighting chance.
2006-10-20 12:46:32 · answer #1 · answered by 26433_ED 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a small over weight dog and she too tore her crucial ligament. She went on antinflammatries and then an operration. She is 13 She was at the vet overnight and then we had to keep her quiet for a few days no walking etc then for a month no walking then slowly introduce walking round the block and then gentle running all in all it was several month before she was right that was a year ago and she is fine. She also had injections and pills to prevent athritis setting in the bill was about $900 but she is worth it hope this helps
2006-10-20 20:52:59 · answer #2 · answered by Lyn G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry I have no personal experience on what takes place with this surgery but had to add to this as everyone left stupid answers. Get her the surgery. If you leave her that would be worse than having her put down. She's got a few years left in her, and she's been a faithful companion, don't leave her in her time of need. All the people on here who only care about money and not life, I'm disgusted.
2006-10-20 20:31:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before we had enough money to waste on vets very every little thing, we would let the dog heal itself. She may always limp, or have to favor it, but a three legged dog will still try to itch behind their hears without it. Love is the best cure of all and that she doesn't need a vet for either. That's what 'her people' are for, so get your 'hugger' out and get to work on her recovery.
2006-10-20 19:53:15 · answer #4 · answered by Diana P 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I had a lab/dane mix. When they're old it's going to put them through too much pain ( & you through too much money) which might or might not help. Sorry!
2006-10-20 19:53:20 · answer #5 · answered by shermynewstart 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
MY SHEPHERD WOULD START LIMPING CUZ HE THOUGHT HE WAS A CAT AND TRIED TO CLIMB TREES TO GET TO THE SQUIRRELS, WE GAVE HIM GLYCOSOMINE (SP?) PILLS, IT WORKED PRETTY GOOD.
2006-10-20 19:55:51 · answer #6 · answered by TROUBLE 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋