Hi Everyone- Cruciate injuries 'used' to be considered an out of shape, sports injury in middle aged dogs, as Sherri has pointed out...but I can attest personally that many, many Berners succumb to this injury, regardless of age or physical structure. For instance, my Tully was only 4 yrs old when he ruptured his ACL, and he was not what I would consider to be heavy. He eventually ruptured his other knee about 3 yrs later, but that was probably due to the tremendous stress of using the leg as his primary support. He had many complications with the first knee surgery.
My female Berner, Avery, is super athletic, in top physical condition and very lean and muscular. She partially ruptured her ACL a few months ago at the age of 3 1/2 yrs old. We decided to rest her and treat her with anti-inflamatories (Rimadyl) when she limps. Several months after her diagnosis, she only limps after exercise and on rainy days. Looks like we will not be putting her through surgery for a while yet. There are typically several options when dealing with a partial ACL tear. Some orthopedic specialists will recommend rest and pain management, while others will recommend to run your dog, hoping to fully tear the ligament. Some opt for surgical repair of the ligament regardless of the full or partial tear. At this time, there appears to be no 'right or wrong' answer. There are also several surgical techniques for repairing the injured knee, and those are up for debate as well. In the clinic setting, we are seeing young and old, small and large breed dogs with ruptured ACL's. Some are definitely out of shape, and even obese...while others are in top condition. Seems there is no rhyme or reason...or...perhaps there IS and we just don't know it yet? <g> Jennie Hoffnagle Glenmoore, PA
