Bulldogs World

lots of people, including myself, have had success with complete rest and anti inflammatories for a month to 6 weeks.  That means having him penned up, go outside on a leash and no jumping on furniture.  Our guy has totally recovered after that and is doing great almost a year later.  Unless he is in extreme pain, I would sure try the rest first.  

Do not jump into surgery for this. We took Maude to our vet when she started limping. He said her ACL was strained and to do crate rest for 2-3 weeks and see if she was better. He also suggested starting her on glucosamine chondotrin. Crate rest did the trick for her. We moved her crate from the kitchen into the living room so that she would be with everyone and she did really well. We continue to give her and our other two dogs glucosamine every day.

I agree, this is something that needs to be really considered thoroughly (and second opinions are a good thing). We went through the surgery last year for Winston (you can read my answer below to Clint's question (my answer was posted on April 2nd) to read a bit more.

Thanks everyone.  The surgeon said exactly what you all said --- think about it for a week to a month.  He said it was definitely a torn ACL  and explained the two surgical options (to my husband; I wasn't there) but also talked about just rest and "living with it."  No pressure at all either way.  We are going to watch him.  He is on some pain meds too (from the original vet who is "famous" with bulldog owners).  My husband was very pleased with this surgeon (in Dallas, TX).  If we do go the surgery route, it will be $2800-3200.  He did mention that often it happens to the other leg too, even with surgery.

So, we'll see.....  I'd hate to change his quality of life, but I do worry about anesthesia a third time (neutered and eye surgery).  Though he has a great nose and palette, apparently.  Thanks for any advice.