Rufus tore his ACL yesterday

TheMrs923

Apparently there is a 95% chance that he won't need surgery since he only weighs 11 pounds.  He's been very good with resting but he keeps wanting to do it on the couch or our bed and he hops up before I realize it's happening.

*We tried to crate him yesterday, he freaks out.  I'm positive he would hurt himself more if we tried to force that issue* 

SBma

No good!  Our last dog did that on both knees.  She was bigger than Rugus (65 pounds) and had to have both fixed surgically.  It was very rough on her.  Hopefully he won't need surgery!

ChasingTheDog

Keep him on a leash everywhere and hitch him to things--like the couch leg or some eyelet bolts on the wall--that will help contain him, but he probably won't freak out like he would in a crate. You could also try an exercise pen--it's bigger, but he'll still be confined. 

 I've rehabbed a couple of ACL dogs and keeping them confined is crucial or it will never heal properly. I totally understand the crate issue.  

scout426

We are recovering from an acl tear in our big dobie right now.  We had to go ahead with the surgery and it was $$$$.  Although it is a big pita to keep Rufus resting it will save you time and money if you can get him to rest and heal without the surgery.  Our dog had to be crated for 4 months after the surgery and drugged more than I liked.  Hope he feels better.

Excitedtostart

Poor Rufus! I live in fear of the day we will have to repair Riley's. Our Rainy Day fund is actually the Riley Orthopedic Fund. 

What about making a ramp or stairs so he can get up there with you? Can you give him benadryl or sedatives to slow him down?

Poor puppy! GL! 

WaitingOnTwoPinkLines

ChasingTheDog:

Keep him on a leash everywhere and hitch him to things--like the couch leg or some eyelet bolts on the wall--that will help contain him, but he probably won't freak out like he would in a crate. You could also try an exercise pen--it's bigger, but he'll still be confined. 

 I've rehabbed a couple of ACL dogs and keeping them confined is crucial or it will never heal properly. I totally understand the crate issue.  

His only chance of avoiding surgery is strict confinement. He can't be jumping on things - at all. I agree with the playpen or leashing him.

ACLs are very touchy things, & sometimes confinement doesn't work. I hope it does for Rufus. His size is definitely on his side - I'm assuming he isn't overweight. If he is, he needs to get the weight off ASAP.

Good luck! If you have any questions, let me know.