Setting Expectations - Grade III MPL with cruciate tear

[Guest guest]

Greetings Group!

I have a client with an EXTREMELY hyperactive 10 pound (overweight) maltese.

Presented with acute onset intermittent non-weight bearing on the left hind leg

in June 2010. Bilateral MPLs (grade I on the right and grade III-IV on the

left). The left also had drawer and thigh circumference measurements were

visibly and measurably less on the left than the right.

Owner was counseled on weight loss, exercise restriction and surgery, versus

exercise restriction and hope for some kind of stabilization via scar tissue.

The dog, it seems, had other ideas about exercise restriction. He tears apart

doors/kennels when left in them, spending most of his time in said situation

bouncing up and down on his hind legs to tear things apart.

Fast forward to this week, presented to me with an occasional " click " on

extension/flexion of the left hind leg, but no appreciable increase in pain or

disuse of the leg. Owner is understandably nervous about surgery considering

that she can't keep the dog quiet, wanted to know if rehabilitation would help

Fluffy regain some stability in the knee.

I am just getting started with minimal equipment and experience -- this case

seems a little out of my league. I have also discussed referral to more

experienced rehab professionals in my area. Does anyone have suggestions for

this pet?

Best,

Bridget