Fixing Cruciate Ligament

Shanao

So basically a friend of mine has a bernese mountain dog who slipped a few weeks back and damaged his cruciate ligament. He'll be going for an xray soon to get it checked out but the vet doesn't think it'll need a pin, though the ligament has begun to heal badly so it'll probably have to be rebroken and reset. Anyone have any idea how much this is going to cost and which vet in cork would be the best to go to?

Miss Lockhart

There are two options for cruciate ligament surgery.

Option one is where they essentially replace the ligament with synthetic material. This can be done by an experienced, ordinary vet and, in my experience, costs between €1000 and €1500 depending on the breed and the vet. This is not the "gold standard" option for large breed dogs.

Option two is where they do a procedure on one of the leg bones that basically negates the need for a cruciate ligament. This is known as a TPLO. It is considered the best option for large breed dogs. I couldn't tell you a price off hand, but I would estimate €2000 - €3000, and is only carried out by specialist vets with specific training. I would say there are few options other than UCD Vet Hospital or Gilabbey in Cork.

There is an Option 3 - which is complete cage rest for 6 weeks, if the ligament is not very badly ruptured, is healing well, or if the dog is not a large breed. Many owners find this option to be incredibly difficult to manage, despite the financial saving.

Good luck with your decision.

tk123

Miss Lockhart wrote: »

I would say there are few options other than UCD Vet Hospital or Gilabbey in Cork.
.

If you have an option go with Gilabbey. UCD don't come close to them!

Toulouse

My friend was recommended to use Gilabbey too for her dogs cruciate and was delighted with them.

Miss Lockhart

tk123 wrote: »

If you have an option go with Gilabbey. UCD don't come close to them!

My experience would be the opposite.

However, both offer a pretty good service overall.

Whispered

I have no experience with either but I have a friend who is regularly in UCD and finds it great.

With regards to the crate resting. If your dog is already crate trained, it is do-able and with careful management should not stress the dog too much.

Amberjack

I have a Springer with the same problem, she is on week 2 of bed rest which is near impossible for the breed, especially as she has a sister who needs regular exercise. She was initially given a pain killer via injection and is on Metacm. If it doesn't clear up, it may be surgery, although she seems to be doing ok at the moment.

Shanao

Just want to point out that its not my dog, its a friend's and she lives in Cork so Gilabbey would probably suit her better. He's a mostly outside dog so I'm not sure how well he would do in a crate. I'll tell her to get onto Gilabbey anyway and see what they say, thanks