possible torn ligament

Question
Are there any alternatives to surgery if my dog has a torn ligament?  She has been limping for a while now and the Tramadol and Rimadyl seemed to help but I can't afford to keep getting blood tests and paying $2 a pill.  If the ligament is torn, will it repair itself with scar tissue and if so, how long will it take?

Answer
Hi Lesa, Please remember that I am not a Vet.  With that said, sure your dog can benefit from supplements.  Will it repair the damage?  Sometimes - it all depends on the depth of the injury.  Surgery will still leave many dogs will developing Arthritis.

Here are some posts to folks in the same situation as you are:
HOPE this helps:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Bulldogs-2360/2009/12/Torn-ACL-alternatives-surgery.h...

Here is my private e-mail
mtnmom@gci.net