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Comment by Cathi on April 19, 2009 at 1:59am

Reading more about your situation, let me give you some more details about Bunny's rehab.
We had a canvas dog kennel, we call it 'the infirmary' since we use it mostly when one of the animals is ill or needs to be confined for health reasons. I put that in the kitchen since it has tile flooring, with newspapers down, and for the first week or two, Bunny spent her days there. Water and she could sit in the sun by the back door. The canvas kennel was about $30.00 at PetCo or somewhere similar.
My mom, who lives next door, stopped by to let her out a few times a day after the first three or four days.
I'm a single mom who works full time, so couldn't take the time to stay home with Bunny. If you can find somewhere to confine Cookie, to limit her running, jumping, etc. it would be ideal.
Short walks on a leash, mostly just to pee etc. to start is what our vet recommended.
Bunny was seldom outside the first month without being on a leash. We didn't walk around the block until about three + weeks into her rehab.
I also did some online research and started her on fish oil and glucosomine, msn and chodrotin(sp?), but please check with your vet first. I bought the supplements at the store, medium quality people brands because they were cheaper than ones sold in pet supply stores. And I checked with the vet for the dosage.
The vet checked Bunny's ACL about one month in and even though it was/is still torn it was getting slightly better. Remember its a ligament and can take months to heal; if you've ever torn one yourself you'll remember how long it takes.
Bunny is overweight, 38 lbs at her highest when she tore the ACL jumping off the couch onto a hardwood floor.
She's lost some lbs, and we'll go back around May 1st or so to have her weight and ACL checked.
My not being aware contributed to the injury.
So, no jumping, slow walking, confined space for awhile to allow healing and increase activity over time.
Today Bunny and I went to the dog park and walked for about an hour and she did fine. I lifted her into the car afterwards. Its been since very early February this year (around the 6th?) when she injured it.
Please do not give up, and recovery is possible.

Comment by Cathi on April 19, 2009 at 1:39am

Hi Linda,
Bunny's ACL is much better, and we limit any jumping, take walks and she's losing weight! Please don't give up! There is hope! I'm sorry I didn't reply to your comment and question the day you posted it.
Let's talk; when Bunny first tore her ACL I was very stressed about it and the potential for surgery. Many on this site have been very helpful with information and support. You are not alone in this.
Cathi

Comment by Bev Levy on April 18, 2009 at 1:01pm

Check with your local shelter, they may know of a clinic that is less expensive. Otherwise Corgi Rescue maybe your only option. I am so sorry that you are faced with this situation!

Comment by Sam Tsang on April 18, 2009 at 12:05pm

Also here's all the ACL mentioned in the past, may be someone can give you more direction

Comment by Sam Tsang on April 18, 2009 at 10:15am

Hi Judi, it is a tough situation to be in, I can imagine how overwhelm you feel. There are several options, if money is a problem, you can shop around and see which vet will workout a payment plan with you. Rehab takes a little work, but it is doable and it's only for a period of time. How about checking your area and see if there's a member who may be able to help you with rehab or a temporary home until recovery? Your last resort should be surrendering your corgi to a reputable corgi rescue. NEVER give up your dog to a shelter, yes it is a much faster and easier process, but every shelter is different and their "kill" policy varies as well. Let us know if there's anything we can help.