A Jack Russell Still Lame a Year After Cruciate Surgery
by A reader
Reader Question
i have a 6 yr old female jack russel she has had an operation on her knee for cruciate since she has had this done it has been a year i was informed by my vet that thedog would be absolutley fine once she had this done she has a bit of nylon in her leg and her leg still isnot right i have since taken her backto the vets and demanded that they xray the leg as i feel that my dog may stillbe in pain it is a year since the operation and i have been back so many times the operation cost me 1400pounds and i have paid a further 300 pounds for them to tell me that she has arthritis i feel that if this is just arthritis why cant she put her leg down and she struggles with it i have spoken to my vet but dont seem to get much joy is this normal i have asked my vet for the xrays as i feel that i need to find out weather this is normal i feel that there is more wrong than i am being told i give her joint supplements and on the odd occasion i give her an anti-inflammatory pain medicine i dont like giving her this asit causes stomach ulcers she walks on her tiptoes since she has had the operation please can anyone give me some help on this i donr know what to
do i lovemy dog she is very spoilt and much loved and i would do any thing for her she is my life i just want to help her and i dont want to see her like this my grandads dog had the same op and hers fine if i had known she was not going to be right after this operation i would never have put mydog through it please help
Answer from Our Team
Most dogs walk well within a few months of cruciate surgery, so still not putting the leg down normally a year later is worth looking into. Common reasons include a torn meniscus (the cartilage cushion in the knee) that tore after surgery, the repair loosening or the nylon causing irritation or infection, the kneecap slipping, and arthritis, which develops in most knees after a cruciate tear. Arthritis usually causes stiffness, not refusing to use the leg.
It's reasonable to ask for a copy of the X-rays and for a referral to a veterinary orthopedic surgeon for a second opinion. A meniscus tear or a problem with the repair can often be fixed. Physiotherapy (rehab), weight control and joint supplements also help many dogs.
Long-term anti-inflammatory pain medicine is safe for many dogs when monitored with blood tests, and given with food. Ask your vet about the safest option for her and other pain relief that can be used alongside it.
See torn ACL in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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