Looking for a good surgeon in GTA/ON

[naz]

There are a few options you can look at. With him being a pet and not a 'canine athlete', so to speak, you can look into having surgery done the way they were doing it 20 years ago. I was recently told by someone in the field that pet dogs have a good chance of recovery from that method of surgery as they're not working and pushing themselves. TPLO surgery is an option many people with working dogs choose because it is the better option for the job. First and foremost, finding a specialist to verify is your first order of business (and why you started this post). There is an excellent clinic in Guelph if you're willing to make the drive. The GTA has so many options, I'm certain there will be someone closer to you, though. Did your own vet make any suggestions as to who to see?

Above all else, I wish you guys all the best in getting the information you need to make an informed decision.

Thank you for the advise. Our vet gave us 4 different hospitals close to where we are but she didn't make any suggestions as to which one to go with. She said they're all board certified surgeons and left it up to us. Would you please let me know the hospital name in Guelph you mentioned? I don't mind the drive at all. I will definitely look into the fish line method which you suggested.

Again, thank you for the information and your well wishes. Much appreciated!

[naz]

Good suggestions A
The procedure you suggest was called the 'fish line' which many Vets used prior to TPLO, Tightrope, TTA etc. The cost was far less and was quite successful.
My old guy tore a crucia at 8 and the next one at 10. Rather than put him through surgery again we went to Pawsability in Toronto. Janice specializes in braces and artificial limbs for pets. She previously worked at Sick Kids so her experience is outstanding.
She built a brace for the bad leg, in 5 months that leg was as good as the one which had the surgery.
Much less invasive and the cost 5 yrs ago was about $900
I wouldn't go that route for a young competitive dog but certainly for an older dog.

Thank you very much for your suggestions. I will check out Pawsability as well, I had never heard of them. Thanks again!!

[Sharon]

Had that same surgery done on my dog for both hind legs- common to also need the second leg done at some point.
Very pleased with the surgeon- very experienced. He will of course do a workup and talk to you before deciding what is needed. I was very happy with the service and outcome- no problems for 7 years now.

Dr Gary Bouck DVM DVSc

Regional Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital
London ON
519 432 3300