Torn ACL

I do apologize for the break in posts!  Aggie has unfortunately torn her ACL (a ligament in the knee).  It happened as I suspect most torn ACLs happen; when doing what seems like a no-big-deal activity.

Our crazed neighboring Saint Bernard, Cupid, was over to play.  Cupid LOVES playing with Aggie, and Aggie seems to enjoy it as long as she gets breaks now and then.  On this particular Sunday afternoon, they had been playing for about 10 minutes, and I was about to suggest that we finish the play session for the day, when Aggie got another burst of energy.  Cupid, never one to negate a good chase, took off after Aggie at a much slower pace (I secretly think this is why Aggie likes playing with her so much... she always wins the race!).

As Aggie returned down our icy path after her big loop around the yard (Cupid far behind), I heard a high pitched yelp escape her throat.  She immediately slowed and headed straight for the back door holding her hind left leg in the air.  The play session ended, and I entered the house behind Aggie hoping and praying that ice had cut her paw.

My heart sank as I searched in vain for an outward cut or abrasion.  No such luck; this was an internal injury.  We weren't able to get into the vet until Tuesday evening (2 days later).  My suspicions were confirmed: a partially torn ACL and a tear in the miniscus.  The vet (to my relief) suggested rest, anti-inflammatory meds, and a joint supplement.  Surgery avoided... at least for the time being.

Now, 2.5 weeks later, she's still refusing to use the leg with a rare exception.  Slowing her down has been hard.  She still feels a burst of joyful "zoomies" after a successful poop, and tries to sprint around the yard.  She hates being blocked from the upstairs (a big play pen in her opinion), and misses tearing after her orange ball.

But slowing down has also taught me to rely less on physical exercise to tire her out.  I've been forced to get creative with finding mental exercises for Aggie.  Once or twice a day, Aggie and I will go on what I call her Walk About where she is entire in charge of where we go.  Her fear keeps her from wanting to go far, but she really enjoys letting her nose lead us a few blocks this direction, a couple blocks that direction, and back again.  The sniffing keeps the pace slow, and she seems a little more content to rest and relax upon return.

So there is a silver lining, as with every cloud.  I've learned a few more tools to work with Aggie, and help her relax (even when she's not getting copious amounts of exercise).  She does not seems to be in excessive pain; in fact, she seems totally fine with being a three-legged dog for now!  I do hope the use of that leg will come back eventually, but as long as she's happy, I'll take it.  Please zip me an email if you've had to deal with a torn ACL, and how you were able to keep your dog content while lowering the exercise regime.  Thanks for reading!