Dog knee injury: Can I avoid cruel crate rest or expensive surgery?

Question

Took my dog to vet yesterday. He said my dog has "football knee". Apparently his knee should move up and down. He said it's twisted and is moving side to side. He said the only way to resolve is strict confinement for 30 days so scar tissue can form. My dog is a rescue dog, about 60 lbs. this seems cruel.. he already has diarrhea from stress of being locked up. The other alternative is $2000 surgery which I cannot afford. Can I splint his leg so he doesn't have to stay pinned up? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 8 months old | 65 lbs

Rebecca, DVM · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry for Brody's injury. It sounds like he had ruptured his cranial cruciate ligament. Surgery is the ideal treatment but when that is not possible, crate rest is strongly recommended. Every time Brody steps on that leg he is injuring it further. If he tries to run and jump or play on it he will injure it even more. So 4-8 weeks of cage rest is better than a lifetime of chronic pain and lameness. There are things you can do to try to make it easier on him. Toys or chews that may interest him but that he can't swallow large pieces of. Make sure he can be out with you on a leash when possible instead of a cage. If he is super anxious or fighting the crate you may need to discuss anxiety or sedation medications with your vet. Here's an article that explains CCL injury a little bit more. I would recommend starting Brody on a supplement such as Dasaquin to try to limit arthritis effects in his knees. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1975

Dog knee injury: Can I avoid cruel crate rest or expensive surgery?

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