Cruciate ligament advise

I just found out today that my 10 year Staffy Rosie has torn her cruciate ligament. She has been limping on it for about a month and the vet couldn't get a good look at it as Rosie would tense up while being examined. I took her today to have xrays and was found to have a tear in her back right leg. She doesn't seem to be in any pain but is reluctent to put any pressure on it. We had a Chow Chow before we got Rosie and she did her cruciate ligament as well but she was in instant pain straight away so I didn't suspect it was so bad.
I am in two minds about her having the operation. I am more than happy for her to have the operation but I have a friend who has a St Bernard that also had a torn cruciate ligament and she decided to try rest in a crate and only going outside on a lead to go to the toilet. Katie has completely recovered with no ill effects. I am wondering if I should try this first before going for the operation. The money cost is irrelevant as I just want to do what is right for Rosie.
I would really appreciate any advise.
Thanks Jackie and Rosie.

I would go by your vet's recommendation. Some ligaments can repair themselves, but it depends on the severity. The fact that she's limping shoes how much discomfort she's in, because Staffords notoriously have a very high pain threshold (unless you slightly step on their toe while you're outside or in company & they let out a yelp as though you're killing them!), and won't show pain the way some other breeds will.

Don't forget that complete crate rest for a stafford is almost like torture! They are such active dogs!

What has your vet recommended?

Sorry I do not have any experience of this personally but please have a read the posts below, you may find something useful there:

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t28572-torn-cruciate-ligaments

Rosie had her operation yesturday to fix her cruciate ligament. I decided that it was best to get it fixed so she can have some quality of life. The operation went well and she is going to spend a couple of days in hospital to try and rest the leg and also give her some physiotherapy. My husband is currently stuck in Heathrow airport waiting to get a flight home to Australia so it is good Rosie will be spending extra time at the vets.

Glad it went well & I'm sure she'll heal quickly!

Your poor husband! Any idea how long he's going to have to wait?

Caryll wrote:Glad it went well & I'm sure she'll heal quickly!

Your poor husband! Any idea how long he's going to have to wait?

No not sure at all but I thinks he needs to thaw out. It is going to be 36C on Thursday.

So happy the surgery went well.. I hope Rosie is back to herself soon ><

I have posted a photo of Rosie today enjoying the sun and a bit of fresh air under Rosies update and photo.

Just seen the pic, thanks for the up date

My Gracie is 4 yrs and has injured her left CL have her on analgesia as vet says every dog with ligament inj should be on for at least x 4 weeks...and have x 2 weeks to go to see if needs surgery...was advised x 6 weeks of reduced exwercise so have had her quiet at home (vet advised crating staffies can cause them to get very distressed and do further injury)with no exercise/walks and on the whole is not limping...trying not to get too hopeful...surgery is 18,000 at least...crossing my fingers!!

My Ralph who is two and a half had his op for the same thing at the end of October... There are plenty on here who have gone through the same - but if you need any other help just yell! Hope Rosie feels better soon.

Hope the surgery went well, very important to follow post-op advice and limit exercise for several weeks. Crating is favoured and just out for toilets; if so obviously lots of quiet play and new toys needed. Providing you follow the advice a complete recovery is possible. Good luck.

Were now at 16 weeks post op..and complicated by restricted muscular function inhibiting ability to walk...so having weekly physio, laser and daily exercises we do at home...seems to me physio is essential post op and if done earlier would have made a very real difference were up to being able to mobilise x 18=20 mins now...its a long slog for sure

So glad that Gracie is improving; obviously all conditions are different and also vets' opinions. Murphy had his op as soon as he was diagnosed and it may be that this meant he retained his muscle function post op despite a few weeks complete rest. Although he always retained a bit of stiffness he was back to normal fitness within 3 months.

Hi our staffy had torn ligament operation 6 weeks ago,she is still limping but only after she's been resting or sleeping .Our vet said to start her off slowly at 3 wks after her op on her lead but encouraging her to pull which strengthens the leg to 're build wasted muscle ...now 6 weeks on and she's itching to chase balls etc so she feels better in herself but I still take her on lead walks increasing the length of time, 5 mins then 10 mins etc as vet advised but she definitely on road to recovery....