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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Bumping this to get more information.  My 5 year old small dog has torn ACL and Veterinary Referral Hospital in Gaithersburg recommended surgery.

No xrays were taken.

Has anyone used this hospital for this service and have any feedback?

I really am wiling to spend the 5K they quoted me, but I'm worried that risking a surgery when rest might also work seems extreme.  Would love feedback on doing versus not doing surgery and also on this particular hospital. TIA.[/quote]

Let the specialists take x-rays. They have to hold the dog in a funny position with their leg sticking out back to get a good look. The test for a torn canine cruciate ligament is that the move the lower leg of the dog forward and the knee joint slides. It's hard to do because often the dog is in pain and won't let you. For my dog it was very clear there was something wrong. My dog was in pain (but weight bearing).

My friend with a smaller dog had a external capsular thing done where they repaired the ligament. It was &lt;2000 dollars and it lasted 7 years- the dog was &lt;20ish lbs.

My dog is 40lbs and active and had a TPLO. I got my dog evaluated at two different vets (VOSM in md and Virginia Vet Specialists in Charlottesville) as well as at two different vets - I moved in the middle of this. All agreed dog needed the surgery. It wasn't cheap but I'm glad I did it (I went with Virginia Vet Specialists). They also did baseline x-rays on dog's other leg. 18 months later she had to have the other one done. I could see the deterioration on the x-ray and she was back in obvious pain.

Anyways I'm happy I did it. I think it depends on your dog's size, activity and pain level.

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