After chasing a coyote and injuring his leg a while back and being told initially first that surgery was not necessary, we found a wonderful veterinarian and have now unfortunately found out that he has a torn ACL and meniscus, and will actually have to undergo surgery to have a chance at returning to normal. Otherwise we can do nothing but he would be in some pretty significant recurring pain as the post traumatic arthritis worsened.
I had promised a few folks to report back on possible Stem Cell Therapy for injured animals. We were hoping that Stem Cells may help but in Louie's case the damage sounds too extensive for this only, and Stem Cells are best for treating older animals with arthritis. Did you get a vacancy I will write a separate post on current uses of stem cells in veterinary care for those who are interested.
The absolute worst thing about the surgery, except the cost, is the news that he will have to be immobile for a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks with healing time of about 3 months.
This is a humanoid dog who loves to socialize, roam free, and chase an occasional groundhog or squirrel or even coyote. (He can only catch the groundhogs however).
We will have to limit him to minimal walking on a short leash. For gods sake, this animal walks half a mile to reach the woods just so he doesn't poop in any of the neighbors' yards, and I have never seen him poop in his own yard. THAT will be a challenge!
I hate that he will miss his long walks to the woods and lake, but hope he can heal quickly and get back to chasing his varmits as soon as possible .
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