Hello,
My 20 month old GR boy has managed to rupture his cruciate ligament and is in for an op tomorrow.  The vet said they would be doing an implant.  I am literally sick with worry and have barely slept for a week wondering how he will be.  My biggest concern at the moment is getting him home as he hates the car, has to be physically hoiked in the back.  I have got a ramp but despite many tries he wont use it.  Obviously will try my best again tomorrow with the ramp.  I have bought the thickest cot mattress I could find so that if he does try to jump out he will have a reasonably soft landing.  We live in a bungalow sono stairs to worry about but we do have laminate flooring in the lounge.  Have bought lots of offcuts of non slip carpet offcuts scattered about so he doesnt struggle to get up. 
I have to say he is the most difficult dog I have ever had but I love him to bits and want to do everything .i can to help his recovery.  If anyone has experienced this injury and can give me any tips I would be grateful.
Thanks.

Do you know what type of surgery he is having? TTA, TPLO?

I see a LOT of cruciate patients and recovery is usually as good as the owner makes it. Post op restriction is VERY important, as is following a rehabilitation plan to the letter to get the best long term result. It's difficult in the short term but hopefully if you get it right now you will be set for life.

I would recommend a hydrotherapy centre with an underwater treadmill. Treadmill will be more beneficial than a pool. We see some excellent results. A large percentage of our patients are cruciate post op dogs. It really does help recovery immensely.

The only problems I've seen first hand have been where recovery has not been taken seriously and the dog has been allowed free run of the house or been off lead before the vet's said it's ok etc.

Hydrotherapy is an excellent addition to a rehab programme. We really do see some great results.

Forgot to add there is a good Facebook group called Canine Cruciate Recovery.

Many thanks for your reply.  I dont know the name of the op but I know the vet said they would cut the bone.  I will have a look at the Facebook page.  Thanks again , your reply is reassuring re recovery.

" ...... recovery is usually as good as the owner makes it."

Very true - A previous neighbour had this surgery (not sure exactly what procedure) on one of her Large Munsterlanders.   However, she, in my opinion, had him back on full exercise way too soon with the result he continued to limp to the day he died.    So yes, listen to the operating vet and take is slow!

I mean we do see complications but they are generally fixable and not very common.

Generally speaking, surgeries are successful and prognosis very good when proper aftercare is adhered to.

You may wish to look into supplements such as riaflex, yumove and omega oils in the long term as well.

One of my goldens had a crusciate repair when she was eight years old. She was kept very quiet for six weeks after the op only going for a very short stroll daily, but kept in a penned off area otherwise. When she was allowed out on longer walks she was kept on the flexi for three months with the length of the walks gradually increased and she was gently allowed to increase her pace. I also took her to aquatherepy once her wound had healed which was very beneficial.
When I first let her off the lead my heart was in my mouth as I was very worried she would charge off and something awful would happen, so I kept her on the lead for the first ten minutes of the walk until I felt she was calmer. Even at her age she was a live wire and full of life still so I needed to be careful with her.

> I have got a ramp but despite many tries he wont use it.  Obviously will try my best again tomorrow with the ramp.  I have bought the thickest cot mattress I could find so that if he does try to jump out he will have a reasonably soft landing.

It's really not a good idea to allow him to jump out of the car after the op, mattress or not.. Can you ask a neighbour or a friend to be there and help you lift him out of the car?

> I have got a ramp but despite many tries he wont use it.

Just to say when my Basset was diagnosed with all kinds of spinal and hip problems we bought a ramp for the couple of steps outside the back door, and one for the car.   The outside the back door was fine as he'd used one when a puppy but the car one took a bit more encouraging before he'd use it.   Fish4Dogs - treats had him soon using it, in and out again. and he's not normally one to accept something new very quickly.   I would say we had to fix matting (carpet tiles) to both ramps as the rough cover was too harsh on his feet.

My Golden is getting on in years now and sometimes needs help to get in and out of the car. I used to compete with him at agility so thought a ramp would be great to help him in and out of the car - he was used to running over the dog walk at speed so a ramp should be no problem..... but it was and he hated it.

I bought a very large caravan step and put the short side close to the bumper and he then steps up onto the step and into the car with ease. The step is a good size so it is very stable when he climbs up on it and he has plenty of room for his feet as it is fairly wide too. The ramps are quite steep and even though I bought a folding one it took up a lot of room in the car during journeys. I was also not convinced that it wouldn't become slippery in wet weather. The caravan step solved the problem and fits sideways on the floor in front of the back seats - which is fine as I very rarely have passengers in the car but might be tricky if your seats are all occupied.

Thanks for that suggestion!   He came home last night after having MMP surgery.  He dragged the vet into the waiting room to me in typical nutcase form. He had something to eat and drink when we got home but have to say we had a really bad night as he couldnt settle and neither he nor I  got much sleep.  Back to the vet on Wednesday for a check. 
The booklet I was given re the MMP says (and I quote) aftet 8 -10 weeks full unrestricted off leash excersise can be resumed.  This seems a little early to me so knowing what a fool he is I think maybe I will wait a bit longer.

Glad he's feeling ok if somewhat restless.

I agree with you about the unrestricted exercise so soon, you know your dog well and will be able to tailor the exercise regime better. It really is scary when you first let them off the lead, I was convinced that mine would tear off in such a rush to be free again that she would undo all the good work. I found keeping her on the lead for part of the walk so she was calmer seemed to be the best policy.