Surgeons debate which approach is best. Dr. Harari recommends going with the technique with which the operating veterinarian feels most comfortable. The aim of surgery is to stop the looseness and resulting instability of the joint. In people, torn ACLs are replaced with grafts from the person's own body or frozen tissue. Although surgery is generally very successful, recovery can be long.
People expect their dog to be able to jump up and run around.
Restraining extensive activity can be difficult in a happy Lab or any dog that is feeling better after being laid up. In fact, Zoe was too active too soon after surgery and ended up re-injuring one of her knees. Post-operative therapies are important to rehabilitation. Anesthesiologists and surgeons at the University of Illinois veterinary hospital work together to provide pain control and physical therapy, and are beginning to seek funding to develop Illinois as a regional center for post-operative rehabilitation. You can help your dog recover safely at home.