How long to wait between ACL repairs??

[digitaldiva]

Our lab mix tore her left ACL in January and we had it surgically repaired. She tore her right ACL a few months later. The vet wanted to wait until the left one was healed, and said we could schedule surgery in September, to give the left one time to fully heal.

Since we are waiting, does this mean that the new surgery will be more difficult, as the ligaments or whatever have contracted?

Will the recovery be more difficult because the vet will have to streeeetch the ligaments etc in order to reattach them?

If we wait until November--when we have a Certif of Deposit mature--are we, in any way, further hurting or damaging our girl?

She is currently under "house arrest"--kept inside, when we take her out to the backyard to do her business, she's on a leash and we've built a ramp for her to slowly walk up and down the ramp with us.

Thanks for any help!
D.D.

[Traci]

As long as you are getting her followup exams/xrays, it may be possible to wait as the vet advises. Without exams, however, you have no idea of the damage being extended, so followup with your vet as he advises. You do NOT want to wait too long, since further damage is imminent, not to mention the pain and discomfort of this condition! If she develops problems sooner than the surgery date, you may need to be prepared for surgery sooner.

[digitaldiva]

Thanks, Traci. We've been taking her to vet checks and all is fine so far!

[Traci]

Good to hear, keep limiting her activity and don't hesitate to alert your vet at once if you notice anything unusual, no matter how slight (more discomfort and pain, etc)