Dog, terrier/sheppard mix with possible cruciate tear

by Gary
(NM, USA)

My dog recently began limping on his rear right leg. When I took him to the vet and mentioned the leg, the veterinarian who I was with wiggled the leg around in several directions, took my dog out of the room, and upon returning with him, I was told he has a severed ligament in that leg. No x-rays were taken and I was told the only solution would be a surgery, replacing the ligament with fishing line(?), for $700. Is this a reasonable diagnosis at all?

Hi Gary,

It sounds like the vet should have been more descriptive. From the description is sounds like our dog has a torn cruciate ligament which is usually diagnosed by a "cranial drawer sign" which is flexing the knee and checking for excessive movement. It is very subtle but sure sign of a cruciate tear. No x-rays are usually taken for this. $700 dollars sounds like a reasonable estimate, and surgery is usually the only solution.

If you doubt this ask for a 2nd reference or disucss this with your vet more.

Thanks,

Dr. Chris