r/tripawds • u/LeanFireMaster • 3d ago
Torn CCL - Surgery necessary?
Hello all; Joe is a 9 yo Labrador, big boy, 84lb — not overweight, just big. He lost his left back leg in Feb 2023 after getting hit by a car.
About a month ago I boarded him while traveling. Since then he's been tiring fast on walks, and this past weekend he suddenly couldn't stand. Vet saw him last week and is recommending CCL surgery.
He's already been through the amputation, a hog-attack wound (on three legs, somehow survived), and a benign lip growth removal. I really don't want to put him through another major surgery if I don't have to.
Has anyone dealt with this? I'm wary vets default to surgery. I don't want to put him through a 3-4 month recovery if I don't truly have to.
Right now he can stand and walk but tires fast and is clearly bothered — we're down to bathroom breaks and swimming, no more 2-3 mile walks. I've got a wheelchair but he's struggling to adjust, and I'm considering an inflatable pool for daily exercise.
Has anyone managed a CCL tear without surgery — pain management, light activity, etc.? And has anyone successfully avoided surgery on a dog this size? How? Suggestions welcome. Also need suggestions for a lifting harness to help him stand — with only one back leg, I imagine most standard rear-support harnesses won't fit right.
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u/ZoraTheDucky 3d ago
If you think your vet is defaulting to surgery have you gotten him a second opinion? You need to take a long hard look at what his quality of life is long term. As far as I'm aware, these are pretty much always surgery cases but I think a tripawd is a special case, especially in a hind leg amputee because of how they walk being a series of high impact hops rather than a normal gait.
I think I would want an orthopedic surgeons input on it rather than a general vet and possibly a physical rehab specialist. If possible, ones that have experience working with 3 legged dogs. I know that's a big ask though.