My boxer had a cruciate op two weeks ago and seems to be back to his usual happy self!

I know it is WAY off in the future but how would you go about letting him off the lead for the first time bearing in mind I am guessing he won't just plod along next to me and will be off like a rocket?  I don't want to undo any of the rehab work I will have put in up to that point and I would prefer to err on the side of caution.

I won't be throwing any balls for him when he does go off lead for quite some time but I am aware he will most likely want to run run run!

I'd let him skiddy about on a long line when the time comes but not loose for quite some time yet. Knowing boxers, your biggest problem will be damaging himself in play with other dogs so that's a big NO NO for a very long time.
Hydro-therapy for several weeks got my bitch strong and stable enough to lead walk then for off lead ( alone) it took several more weeks on a long line. I let her potter around the garden to start with then progressed to an empty paddock.
Even when fully recovered I never let her indulge in T-boning or mad games because, as you probably know, the other crutiate is at risk- both from taking the strain and that it shares the same bad design as the other one. 

He has a flexi lead so I could use that as I know he will go crazy when he can free run.
Is hydro essential or just another good way of building up the muscles without further strain/weight bearing through the joint?

Is it likely that the other cruciate will go as I think he did a fairly major turn and stop when it happened?

Will he be able to play with other dogs again as he LOVES it and is only 18m old :(

Hi fellow sufferer, my Bulldog has been pretty immobile for the past 2-3 mths following extensive elbow surgery. Three weeks ago, he had the 'halo' supporting 8 pins removed. He is a 7 mth old pup and it's hard, but best bet is to keep your fella on a lead-not too long tho' as Boxers are energetic and athletic (sure you know that) and they can get up to quite a speed and still hurl themselves about on a long lead. My pup still has a bit of a limp, but in another month it will be better again. How about letting him off for the first time in an enclosed space, like an empty garage or enclosed garden/yard. Then you can control his activity a bit

He will poddle round the garden no problem but we are keeping him on the lead as he can get a bit excited after going to the loo sometimes lol!!  I just know that first time he can go off lead on the park he will really want to stretch his legs and you are right he can get up to quite a speed in no time at all!!

I just don't want to undo all the good work later down the line by letting him do too much too soon.  I don't want anyone reading this to think that I am planning any off lead work at this stage - I just want to be well prepared for when the time comes.

Glad to hear your dog is doing well!

> Is it likely that the other cruciate will go

I think that any dog who has had an AC rupture is more at risk of the other going. Boxers, Rotts and other powerful, muscular dogs put an enormous torque on the stifle joints when running and, especially turning at speed.
The fact that one has gone may point to a weakness. I was warned by the vet surgeon ,who did my bitches op, that this maybe the case.My bitch was wrapped in cotton wool after her op as I was never totally sure of her soundness.
Swimming is terrific exercise for them in their recovery. I found my bitch was pretty wacked out after her sessions and slept like a log, it really takes the fizz out of them.
I do hope your outcome is good.

My 19 mth old male Rottie had a cruciate op nearly 6 weeks ago.  3 weeks after surgery he started hydrotherapy, he has 2 swims per week and swims for 8 mins at the moment.  Last week he got the go ahead for short, controlled road walks so since Thurs he has had 3 10 minute walks per day which is helping to keep him from being bored.  As for going off lead he is a complete clown so i'm aiming for the autumn/winter when that might happen!

He had a vet check yesterday and is doing well apparently.  He's using his leg well and now the problem is keeping him from doing too much!

He's going back in 2 weeks and then they reckon he should be able to go for short walks (5-10mins) and build up gradually from there.

Could he go swimming before this - I forgot to ask yesterday!

Also, is he more likely to make a good recovery as he is only young?

Thanks for all your replies and help!