5yo lab needs tplo surgery

Question
x-ray confirmed that she damaged her back right knee,  keeps leg lifted most of time, but can put weight on it with a limp. the xray showed a diffuse area around the joint, the vet said that was the damaged area of the disc...  i cannot do the surgery right now, ($) and am wondering if her leg should be splinted so she does not further damage it before the surgery.  i would like to avoid the surgery if possible, as i have read conflicting information.  at this time i am keeping her in, no walks, just outside in the yard to releive herself...( our dear old dog just passed from bone cancer that originated at his surgery site 8 years later.  this is also a concern.)    thank you, jill

Answer
Hi Jill, I am so sorry for the loss of your dog to bone cancer.  
As for this 5 yr old lab, Please see here - I have seen great results with supplements:

ACL surgery is always offered by most Vets.  Sometimes it is needed and there is no other choice.  
****Other times, you have options with natural supplements and anti-inflammatories.
Here are some links that may help you decide what needs to be done...

TPLO Surgery : bulldog
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Bulldogs-2360/2009/3/Luxated-Patella-surgery-TPOL-1.h...


Bichon Limping:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Alternative-Medicine-Pets-3721/2009/4/arthritis-baby-...


Keep me posted - my private e-mail:
mtnmom@gci.net

Marie Peppers LPN MA