Wed, Dec 12th 2012, 00:22 GMT

As recommended, restrict his activity to leash only. Lots of rest until he heals. Keep your dogs weight under control. Pepper is a very active dog, and in the long run, surgery was our only option.

ANSWERED BY

Pepper

Tue, Dec 11th 2012, 19:53 GMT

There are ways you can heal it without surgery, but you basically have to keep him confined for the 10-12 weeks he's recovering, make sure he doesn't run or frolic or any healing he does will be undone, bi-weekly vet visits, etc, but that's no guarantee that he won't need surgery anyway. My friend's Giant Schnauzer tore her acl and right before surgery the vet was like "You know what, she seems to have made some recovery since I saw her two weeks ago, let's see if we can do this without the surgery." Two weeks later she ended up needing the surgery anyway. Talk to your vet before deciding to do it without surgery, and do lots of research. And start saving up, because generally if a dog tears it's acl the other one will go as well within two years.

ANSWERED BY

Chase

My 115lb 4year old American bulldog tore his acl, surgery seems extremely pricey, any other suggestions? Answers at Dogster Answers.