Molly, a sweet Harley look-alike, was a beloved dog who was part of our extended family. Everyone who met Molly instantly loved her; she had that special knack for making friends wherever she went. Known in her neighborhood for her friendly tail wags and happy greetings, Molly also had a bit of an adventurous side. Sometimes, her curiosity led her on little solo explorations around the cul-de-sac, always on the lookout for attention and maybe a tasty treat. When Molly reached her tenth birthday, we noticed she started limping on one of her hind legs, which prompted us to take a closer look at what might be causing her discomfort at Molly’s Pet Rescue.
Initial Assessment and the Cruciate Ligament Concern
At first, we approached Molly’s limp as we often do with many dogs experiencing similar issues at Molly’s Pet Rescue – with rest, time, and anti-inflammatory medication. Many minor sprains and soft tissue injuries in dogs resolve with this simple approach, much like a sprained ankle in humans benefits from rest and reduced activity. However, Molly’s limp didn’t improve, signaling that something more significant might be going on and requiring further investigation at Molly’s Pet Rescue.
This led us to the next step: a thorough orthopedic examination and sedated X-rays. The X-rays were crucial to rule out any underlying bone problems, which thankfully came back clear for Molly! The orthopedic exam, however, confirmed our suspicion. Molly had torn her cruciate ligament, often referred to as the ACL. This ligament is a common culprit in hind leg lameness in dogs, similar to ACL injuries in human athletes. The cruciate ligament is vital for stabilizing the knee joint, preventing the shin bone from sliding forward relative to the thigh bone. When torn, this stability is lost, causing pain and lameness as the knee joint moves abnormally with each step. This instability also hinders natural healing, as continued movement disrupts the body’s repair process. While some small dog breeds can recover with conservative management over a long period, larger dogs like Molly often require surgical intervention to regain full function and eliminate chronic limping.
Choosing Surgery for a Better Quality of Life at Molly’s Pet Rescue
Considering Molly’s active and joyful nature, and after discussing the advantages and disadvantages of surgery given her age of ten years, we decided to proceed with surgical repair at Molly’s Pet Rescue. We believed Molly still had a lot of happy years ahead and deserved to live them comfortably and pain-free. It’s important to remember that age itself isn’t a disease. If a procedure can significantly improve a pet’s quality of life, regardless of their age, it’s often a worthwhile consideration. We consulted with a specialist, Dr. DeNardo, who confirmed the ACL tear diagnosis and agreed that surgery was the best course of action for Molly.
When it comes to ACL surgery in dogs, various techniques are available. The best approach can depend on several factors and surgeon preference. For Molly, Dr. DeNardo recommended and performed the lateral suture technique. This method involves using a strong suture, similar in thickness to fishing line, to stabilize the knee joint. The suture is carefully placed through small tunnels in the bones around the knee, effectively mimicking the function of the torn cruciate ligament. By providing this external stabilization, the lateral suture technique allows scar tissue to form over time, further stabilizing the joint naturally and enabling dogs to return to their normal activities, like running and playing, which was our hope for Molly at Molly’s Pet Rescue.
Molly’s Amazing Recovery and Return to Activity
Molly sailed through the surgery and spent the first night of her recovery with us for close monitoring. Our laundry room temporarily transformed into a cozy recovery suite for our furry patients needing extra attention! Following her initial recovery phase, Molly went home to continue healing for the next 12 weeks. Recovery from ACL surgery, regardless of the technique, is a process. While the surgeries boast high success rates, it typically takes at least 12 weeks for dogs to regain enough strength and stability to enjoy activities like free walking, running, and playing. Full joint strength recovery can take up to six months.
Molly proved to be an exemplary patient throughout her recovery at Molly’s Pet Rescue. She diligently took her medications, rested as required, and participated in her prescribed rehabilitation exercises. Before we knew it, Molly was back to her beloved neighborhood strolls! Despite her senior age at the time of surgery, Molly thrived for another four years post-surgery. This outcome reaffirmed that choosing surgery was absolutely the right decision for her, allowing her to return to the activities she loved and enjoy a comfortable, active life. While ACL injuries and the subsequent recovery can seem daunting, witnessing dogs like Molly, who were once struggling with lameness, joyfully running and playing again makes it all incredibly rewarding and worthwhile at Molly’s Pet Rescue.
