cruciate ligament

Oh no, poor Sophie!

I'm not too sure on non-surgical options but I think it might be crate rest for a number of weeks so that the ligament can repair itself.

Oscar the JRT has had both of his cruciate ligaments replaced in the same manner that scallywag has mentioned - the band type thing. He's back to running around like he used to but he's half Sophie's age so not sure on anaesthetic risks for an older dog.

scallywag I know what you mean...a band is used to mimic the CCL which stablises the joint and stops the tibia sliding forward during weight bearing. 

caz2golden sometimes with a partial tear, complete rest for a period of time is enough. No jumping, twisting or stretching! This is really important also for the other rear leg because the dog shifts it's weight to the other healthy leg and this is why dogs often suffer double cruciate tears/ruptures. 

Laser treatment might be an option but Cartrophen injections are very useful too, helping the healing process and reducing inflammation. 

If your mum decides on surgery I would insist on pre blood tests to check organ function before proceeding, especially as Sophie has been on Carprieve for some time and given her age. 

The main types of surgery are the one Beau had where the ligament is replaced with a prosthesis and TPLO which is basically where the anatomy of the joint is recontructed to relieve stress and pain.

Sorry caz2golden I can't really offer any advice on cruciate tears/ruptures as the injury Jasper had was a partial dislocation of the hip.

We were lucky in that Jasper was treated successfully with the drug that gypsy mentioned Cartrophen. He has an injection of this every 6 months and he can be on this for life as it's non addictive. It your Mum is offered this treatment I'd seriously give it some consideration, especially given the age of your Mums dog.

A rather late update!

X-ray done, initially vets said cos of the amount of arthritis they doubted they could do anything but 10 days latter at a check up a different vet (one who has seen Sophie more and mum knows) has recommended an operation to stabilize it.

She is due for op next week.

I am at parents home at the moment and she can walk on it, she is as such on house rest. Mum and dad are unsure about the operation as she is not going around 3 legged though we do think she is not properly weight bearing on that leg as such she is just stabilizing herself on it! She has even had a play session with Phoebe (supervised)where they play tug with a toy. Phoebe was very good and stayed really calm (compared to how she plays with Gypsy). At 12 yrs old she is not a young dog so mum is concerned about success rate of surgery and getting her through the operation.

Vet is suggesting the operation where they drill a hole through the bone and then use a very strong suture material to go around the joint to help provide stabilization. I guess then with time muscles etc can develop to provide the support for the joint.

You should see how spoiled Sophie is at the moment. She has had sardines, salmon, white fish (I have already told mum to stop the oily fish well in advance of the operation),chicken, eggs, babybel cheese....... She is also getting cooked veg. She is eating like a queen! Must add she is in excellent shape i.e not overweight etc and that these nice things are not all added extras some are replacing some of the tinned/pouch dog meat she usually has. Also the tinned/pouched meat she is getting seems to be slowly being upgraded to things like lily kitchen!!

Good luck Sophie x

Hope all goes well for Sophie whatever the decision is.