Reconstructed knee & new probs w/GSD--need input pls

[digitaldiva]

Hi! I's asking this question for a friend of mine. He just moved and I believe he is in the process of getting recommendations for a good vet in the area.

His German Shepard Dog is eleven years old. When the dog was seven, he had his right knee re-constructed. Recently, the dog's injured LEFT leg (I think he had an ACL repair in the past) is bothering the dog a great deal. I'm not sure if the dog is limping or favoring it or what--my friend didn't say in his email.

Are there any cautions for my friend to be aware of, regarding surgery and recovery period for a dog who is a "senior citizen?"

Thanks for any input!
DeeDee

[Traci]

ANY surgery is risky, and unfortunately, only his vet can determine the extent of damage, the specific problem, if it requires surgery, followup care etc. There's a risk of any anesthetic procedure in any pet, but advise a presurg screen prior to any anesthetic (plus ECG for older pets). If full blood profiling isn't done on this dog yearly, then advise to get that done prior to any surgery and heart health check prior.

Recovery is different for every dog, and depending on the problem/procedure/expected outcome. If the dog is otherwise in excellent health, there should be minimal problems, providing the owner is observant, restricts activity during recovery, follows vet's directions, etc. If arthritis or degenerative joint disease is present, however, this could slow recovery to some extent, but there are also medications available to relieve discomfort, pain, etc.

[digitaldiva]

Thank you, Traci! I'll pass this info on to my friend.
D.D.

[mamabear]

I will add that if he is overweight it wont help. I don't know if the GSD you mention is German bred or American but Americans tend to be overweight so please tell friend either way that being overweight will hurt his bones as well.

Good luck with this. I have two West German Shepherd Dogs!!! They are great!! Ages 4 and 5.

[digitaldiva]

Thanks, mamabear. I think his dog is of German descent, rather than American.
D.D.