In late December 2000 my wonderful boy "Bigalo" (an English Bulldog) began to hold is right rear leg as if it were lame. We have several pine trees and we thought he must have stepped on a pine cone, which he had done in the past. In checking his paw pad found no thorns or disorder which would cause him to not want to put pressure on his leg. We made an appointment with his vet (Dr. Bittle, Ambassador Animal Hospital, NC) and to our surprise found that it was a very
painful and possibly heredity problem. Bigalo's knee cap was half way up his thigh. We were immediately sent to an orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Betts, DVM, DACVS in Cary, NC).
The diagnosis from the vet was as follows: A chronic partial tear with considerable instability of the right cranial cruciate ligament/trumatic right medial patellar luxation was also confirmed. He also had osteophytes on the lateral side and the medial meniscus was badly torn. There was cartilage erosion of the proximal third of the medial torchlear ridge.
The knee surgery was performed on 1/11/01 with a cost of $1700.00. The report stated the CCL tags were excised, a partial meniscectomy was done, the ostephytes were removed, and a lateral capsular excision was done. Extra articular stabilization was achieved with #80 Mason nylon, drawer motion was eliminated. Securos crimping tube was then compressed on the strand. Two #2 Prolene were placed from the lateral fabella to the parapatellar fibrocartilage to reinforce the patellar-fabellar ligament tissue. The biceps fascia was advanced. Bigalo's medications were Cephalexin, and Rimadyl. He was hospitalized over night then brought home for his recovery.
To sum it up Bigalo had a bum knee and it was very painful for him and a scary experience for him as well as me. You see Bigalo and I have never been apart since the day my husband gave him to me. Please know your dog and his traits, it is so very important. I never knew about the joint problems bulldogs had, only the hip. It wouldn't have stopped me from wanting him, just help me be a little more careful in is activities. Bigalo's recovery was very hard for us as he had to have around the clock care, he didn't understand what was happening to him. He could not jump, squat, run or any fast movements. He had to keep him still (the easy part in owning a bulldog) but giving him the meds was a pain. He responded well to the surgery and today you can't even tell he had a bum knee, his total recovery time has been about 6-7 months. He is still healing as it will take along time. The extent of the problem and surgery his recovery time is great. We are careful though on his fast movements and running, jumping etc. These are all motions that can cause dislocation, and if the joint is deformed from birth, well it is a long road for you and your pet. Oh, by the way, just thought you would find this interesting; Bigalo had his right knee surgery 01/01, and I had had my right knee surgery 11/00. I guess you could say mother like son. They say your pets pick up your traits. Oh, Bigalo watch out.
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In late December 2000 my wonderful boy "Bigalo" (an English Bulldog) began to hold is right rear leg as if it were lame. We have several pine trees and we thought he must have stepped on a pine cone, which he had done in the past. In checking his paw pad found no thorns or disorder which would cause him to not want to put pressure on his leg. We made an appointment with his vet (Dr. Bittle, Ambassador Animal Hospital, NC) and to our surprise found that it was a very
painful and possibly heredity problem. Bigalo's knee cap was half way up his thigh. We were immediately sent to an orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Betts, DVM, DACVS in Cary, NC).