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Lab Re-Injured Her Operated Knee and Is in Severe Pain

by Jackie
(Twinsburg, Oh)

Reader Question
My lab is 10 yrs old...she tore her ACl last Jan and surgery was performed on that leg and for almost a year she was great. then in jan of this year, she slipped on the ice and since then, she cant use that same leg. vet cant find anything wrong even with 2 sets of xrays. nothing in her leg or spine to cause this pain. she is in alot of pain and cant sleep or relax even with the pain meds and prednisone he has her on. she whines and yelps because of the pain. could she have re-injured the ACL? the xrays show surgery repair still ok, but could he be missing something? please help. i cannot bear the thought of her going a minute longer in this kind of pain...

Thank you .

Mommy of Abby


Answer from Our Team

Severe pain after a slip in a knee that had cruciate surgery can come from a late meniscal tear, which is one of the more common problems after cruciate surgery and doesn't show on X-rays. Other possibilities include a problem with the implant or suture, an infection, or an injury to the other leg or the hip.

Pain that keeps her from sleeping despite medication needs prompt attention, so call your vet today. Also confirm her pain medicines are safe together, since steroids such as prednisone generally shouldn't be combined with anti-inflammatories such as carprofen. Ask for a referral back to the surgeon or to an orthopedic specialist, who can examine the knee under sedation and check the meniscus with arthroscopy if needed.

See torn ACL in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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