Question by live2ride4eveh: Opinion on ACL tear surgery for my dog?
Recently my dog started limping, we took her to the vet and she was diagnosed with arthritis. We gave her prescription dog food and she started to improve. A couple days ago we threw the ball for her (3 times total she was looking sore) so she stopped and let her rest. When she got up, she couldn’t put any weight on her left hind leg. We took her to our vet yesterday (I trust him a lot, I spent my summers working in his office and he knows what he’s talking about) and he said since she had cranium something movement on her knee (which means her knee can swing towards her head -which it shouldn’t do) we should get it x-rayed. We did and it showed an ACL tear.He recommended surgery and said many of his patients have recovered completely sometimes even better with the surgery. ( I know this because I have helped him perform these surgeries and check up on the dog later) so I was talking to my dad about the best option this morning. Whether to leave it and let her rest pr the surgery. I was almost completely dead set on surgery until I found this website http://www.tiggerpoz.com/ and this is making me second guess on what I should to with her. What’s your opinion on getting the surgery or doing what the website suggests?
Thank you!
My dog is 7 years old and she’s a boarder collie blue healer mix so not small but not huge.

Best answer:

Answer by Critters WCX
I think witht his condition VERY STRICT crate rest may solve the problem. If anything, it won’t hurt, and at least you tried that route first.

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Question by Suzanne: Experienced Opinion: can a dog grow out of Patellar Luxation?
A year ago, my dog was diagnosed with Patellar Luxation. She would occasionally hop, holding one hind leg then eventually popping it back in place. The vet recommended surgery when she turns 2 years of age. Well she is almost 2 now and since the diagnose she has not hopped around at all. It’s weird, she plays, runs and kicks just like the other dogs and no signs of holding her legs up. My Question is, Could she have grown out of Patella Luxation or misdiagnosed or her puppy bones have grown into place? I guess, I don’t want any cutting unless absolutely necessary. I read that arthritis is inevitable if surgery is not performed for Patella Luxation…and I don’t want that for her either. Could someone with related experience please give me your advice….thanks everyone in advance.
FYI: Our dog is a 13 lbs, Terrier Mix

Best answer:

Answer by Keep My Soldier Safe
Patellar Luxation is not something that dogs just grow out of. However, a luxating patella may affect some animals much more severely than it affects yours. Medical therapy or leaving it be has little corrective ability in this disorder and surgery is normally required and is the treatment of choice. Although, surgical treatment is not necessary in every individual with this condition.

It’s really common in small dogs-unfortunately we often see it but we always recommend/give the option of surgery

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Question by Avocado: DOG OWNERS: What is your opinion of Purina Pro-Plan Selects?
I’ve recently started feeding my dog this food (the salmon flavor – her favorite food is fish). I bought it because the ingredients looked acceptable (especially for the price) and my dog actually seems to like it (she barely touched her previous kibble). I also researched it and it’s one of the few fish-based dog foods that isn’t treated with ethoxyquin. I’m willing to spend more money in order to feed my dog the best quality food possible, but this food is also easy to find and can be found in any grocery and pet supplies store.

What do you know about it? Are there reasons to switch to something else? Or is it a decent dog kibble that I should stick with?

BQ: I also put fish oil on my dog’s kibble because I heard it’s good for helping to prevent hip dysplasia and arthritis, which is common in German Shepherds (my dog is a 5-year-old German Shepherd mix). Does it actually work? What else does it help with?
Rawr Penguin: My dog was on the raw diet for about 6 months and the entire time, she frequently suffered from diarrhea, and she lost 15% of her body weight, even though I fed her 50% MORE than was recommended.

Best answer:

Answer by ladystang
get what you pay for
i like purina

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Question by Tyra: Your Opinion On Dog Beds?
My dog is in need of a new bed (her’s is starting to flatten out). She is an 8 year old Golden Retriever, and she has mild hip dysplasia on one side. She loves to snuggle in and curl up when she sleeps, especially on the couch or my bed!! She also loves to sleep upside down on the floor while her legs lean against the side of the couch (it’s really funny) but never sleeps like that at night, only naps. She needs something that will support her as she gets a little older, but also something that will be comfortable for her to sleep in. I was thinking about getting her a slumber ball such as this one:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=14586&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All&pc=1&N=0&Ntt=slumber%20ball&Np=1

Do you think that is an appropriate choice?

Thanks
Thank you Fonz, she’s my little girl!! I want what is best for her.
Thank you everyone for your input! I appreciate it!! Just so answer a few of your questions:

-The bed cover and liner is removeable for washing when needed, which is convenient.
-She also doesn’t have any chewing or incontinence problems, thankfully!
-The bed is designed as a wide flat cylinder, so that it will not roll. Also, it is designed so the dog will sing into it, creating walls around it to keep the dog comfy in the middle.

I’ve decided to get it for her, I’m sure she’ll love it, and maybe I’ll get my foot room back when I sleep!!

Thanks again!

Best answer:

Answer by Fonz
I think that you care a lot for your dog. I’m sure that you will make a good decision.

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