Our boy had knee surgery today

[64osby]

Our 4 legged boy had to have ACL surgery today, he is a 6 year old Australian Cattle dog mix. He tore it chasing squirrels in the yard.

We have had Beetle for over 2 years now since rescuing him. He is a great dog, loved member of the family and very protective of my wife and kids.

I?m not one to do heroic measures to save an animal, but I just can let him hop around on 3 legs the rest of his life. The cost was $900.00 and worth every cent if it gets him chasing squirrels again. My new transom will just have to wait.

I have never heard of this injury with a dog before, my brother ? yes, but not a dog. Apparently it is quite common with larger hunting dogs, Huskies and Labs?.

The Vet just called and stated he is doing great; they had to remove the meniscus also. Recovery time is about 2 ? 6 months, with a great chance of arthritis from now on.

Here are a couple of pics (not the greatest off my mobile)

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Our boy had knee surgery today

Money WELL spent. Sounds like you got a pretty good deal also, I've heard that runs $1500 to have done. Now go give Beetle a big hug and a treat...

 

[64osby]

Re: Our boy had knee surgery today

Bubba,

This is my 3rd dog, The first two had long happy lives, Piston a Shepard /Collie lived 14 years and ended up with cancer, Teco ??? mix basically a Coyote, also lived 14 years and ended up with a club foot nerve issue. Had to put them both down, but they both had been great dogs that were integral parts of the family and left me with tons of great stories and memories. Both were free dogs that cost me over $500 the first month I had each of them, money well spent.

My kids and I watched Marley and Me again over the weekend, can't watch the end without thinking of my old dogs, always brings a tear.

Beetle lives for my wife, I'm just there to feed him leftovers and play. Nothing better than your dog by your side when you had one of those days. And yes - often more loyal than some family members.:facepalm:

 

[64osby]

Re: Our boy had knee surgery today

Money WELL spent. Sounds like you got a pretty good deal also, I've heard that runs $1500 to have done. Now go give Beetle a big hug and a treat...

Did a little shopping around and found a good young country doc. In the city $1200 - $1500. I'll be picking him up after 6 tonight. He'll be spoiled for weeks or months or years

 

[CC245]

Re: Our boy had knee surgery today

It sounds like Beetle will be chasing squirrels again soon. You did the right thing! My brothers Huskey had surgery on both his knees and lived until he was 15. I have 2 rescued Sheperd mixes and would give them whatever they need to continue chasing squirrels.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: Our boy had knee surgery today

You did the right thing.

Bo, my long departed buddy, a 80 lb. boxer mix tore both his acl's chasing squirrels, balls and everything else. His "country doc" wouldn't do the surgery because of his size, the "big city doc" charged a total of $3900 for two separate surgeries. I didn't hesitate one second, he was the best dog ever.