our dog had an operation for a ruptured cruciate ligament at the beginning of december. it was very successful and recovery seems to be going quite well. wondering how others with the same surgery did in the long term. should we expect a return to the athlete he was before? we'd like to enter spring hunt tests, any precautions to take?

Our chesapeake (4 year old male) also ruptured his cruciate ligament at the end of December. he had surgey 7 Jan 04. He had his cast removed on the 22 Jan 04. He is walking normally now with an occasional limp when he gets up from laying. The vet who conducted the surgery recommended keeping him on a leash at all times while outside for twelve (12) weeks after the surgery to limit the amount of running. Walking should generally increase as you progress through the 12 week recovery. I would think you may want to wait until late spring for any physically challenging hunt tests.



John G.

John
thanks!! thats is line with what our vet said. Since i wrote i have been to the vet he is doing great.. The vet said that the injured leg has scared nicely and that the ruptured joint (knee) is now stronger than the oppisite leg and its the oppisite leg thats in danger, it tends to get ruptured within 6 months of the operation. So i guess the leash is the answer for a while.