Healing after ACL Surgery

Hi All,

My boy Gunny had ACl surgery 8 weeks ago. The repaired leg is obviously weaker and looks skinnier than the other due to muscle atrophy. I might be jumping the gun here, but I am concerned that I should be doing more to make him use the repaired leg more. We are still helping him up stairs but he goes down once in a while on his own. We are only doing very short walks and trying to keep him from his usual running around. Is there something I should be doing to force him to put some weight on that leg for just a few seconds at a time or am I rushing things? I am afraid that he will end up injuring the good back leg due to over compensating too long. I have read about water therapy, but I live in Youngstown, Ohio and no such thing exists here as far as I know. Anyone out there who has a dog that has had this surgery and can impart any suggestions would be greatly appreciated..

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Comment by Diane Burda on August 20, 2010 at 3:14pm: Well, we got a life jacket and my neighbor graciously allowed me to take him into her pool. He got a good workout. But I don't think that I will be taking him back in any time soon. I noticed a lot of fur floating atop the water afterwards. If it was my pool I wouldn't mind but someone elses pool is another story. I spent a lot of time using the skimmer net to get the pool looking clean. I guess we will start walking more when this summer sweat finally begins to subside.

Comment by Milo Love on August 20, 2010 at 3:08pm: Milo had it on two different legs - both hind legs.

Comment by Diane Burda on August 8, 2010 at 11:35pm: Did Milo have the ACL surgery on different legs or the same one? How old is he?

Comment by Milo Love on August 5, 2010 at 9:25pm: My Milo has had TWO ACL surgeries. One which was 3 years ago and one which was only 4 weeks ago. I understand your concern because our little corgi is slowly getting better. After the scar heals, I highly suggest massaging the area. During winter time, he gets arthritis and the cold affects his joints a lot. So in the winter, just be more cautious for that area.

Our little guy walks on both of them now and they will heal gradually. Just no crazy activities. I didn't do water therapy for Milo but have your Gunny walk slowly and take his time.

Best of luck! I know ACL surgery is major and it takes time to heal.

Comment by Diane Burda on August 4, 2010 at 4:20pm: Thanks Sam...I may have to ask my neighbor if I can bring him into her pool a few times a week before the summer ends here in Ohio.

Comment by Sam Tsang on August 4, 2010 at 3:59pm: Hi Diane, hydrotherapy is very effective. It promotes blood flow and allow muscle rehab without the weight bearing load. If such facility is not available, you can DIY at the lake, invest in a lifejacket and that should do it.