Conservative Rehab for CCL Complete Rupture with definite meniscal tear?

[Guest guest]

I am seeing a 9 year old, 91 pound Akita who just fully ruptured one of her

cruciate ligaments about a week ago. Her knee feels pretty fibrotic and has

medial buttress so I expect she partially ruptured it a while ago but now it is

completely blown - the worst I have ever felt with a a significant meniscal

clicking every time you flex/extend the stifle. The owner are broke and want to

talk about options for conservative management. In general I am very open to

this, however, with the severity of her meniscal tear I am very concerned about

trying this. I wonder what the chances are of ever getting her to put weight on

this leg. Also, the other knee feels slightly thickened, so what if the other

leg goes? Another consideration is her weight and age. The owners are young

and willing to work hard. She is already on high dose omega 3's and

glucosamine. She responded well to her first Adequan injection. She came to me

on Rimadyl. and I just added some Tramadol. I have access to e-stim but no

laser (I could refer to somewhere that has a laser but as I said, money is very

tight). Any suggestions would be appreciated. Just want to do right by the dog

(and the owners).

Hutchison, DVM

Raleigh, NC