Ruptured Achilles tendon

Hi
My 5yr old border collie yesterday ruptured her Achilles tendon whilst working sheep . she is going to an orthopaedic specialist tomorrow for some sort of repair but it doesn't sound good does anybody have any experience of this injury ??
Thanks i am devastated
X Kathryn

I'm afraid I have not experience of this, just wanted to send you healing vibes and hope that it isn't as bad as it first appears.

Please let us know what the specialist says.

Hi all
Wicca had her surgery this afternoon, the tendon was torn away from its attachment &also split in places, this has all been stitched back together & re attached, she has an external fixator (like scaffolding) to keep her leg rigid & take pressure of the Achilles so hopefully it will heal, this has to stay on 8 weeks then its removed & some other support is applied she may be able to resume some sort of life in about 6mths .the injury was so bad amputation was an option but i have to try for her sake, working sheep is what she loves so hopefully she will be able to, but the specialist wasn't optimistic even if she was only having a 'pet' dog life he thinks it could all breakdown & she could end up 3 legged.
X K

Sorry to hear that the specialist isn't optimistic, but you just never know - some dogs do have an amazing ability to heal.

I know from experience that it is going to be hard work keeping your girl in check once she starts to feel better & trying to find ways of keeping her stimulated without exercise is very challenging.

Even if the worst happens, 3 legged dogs do manage very well.

I really hope all goes well - please keep us updated with her progress.

What a shame, poor Wicca hope she is not in to much pain, Is she home now or does she have to stay in for a few day?
Healing vibes for her.
xxx

hi,
Can't say this is an easy thing to deal with. Wicca cannot tolerate any of the more modern painkillers or antiinflammatories so controlling her pain has been really hard for us both, today she seems a little better.She has to have the dressings on her fixators changed every couple of days she is an angel as it must be painful.it is going to be a long long haul just hope its going to be ok for her. She doesn't go back to the specialist until 21st Sept for the fixator to be removed & a support dressing applied. Keep your fingers crossed for her.
X K

My fingers are well and truly crossed for her . Although not quite as bad, my rescue bc had a ruptured cruciate ligament, so I understand the struggles of the recuperation process.

Trying to find something positive about Wicca's intolerance to painkillers, she will be less likely to over-exert herself.....sometimes when on painkillers they think they're 100% fit and do more than they should, consequently taking longer to heal.

Please do continue to give us updates

I am sorry to hear about the terrible accident, poor Wicca It is very true what Hali says, dogs do heal amazingly well and often more than vets think they will, don't despair.

Sending healing vibes and cyber hugs to you both xxx

Thank you everyone, just reading the replies helps me feel a little more positive
X K

Hi here are a few pics of Wicca,
she looks so sad but she is coping well with the pins. 1 of the pics is a bit gruesome so don't look if you're sqeamish !
Have bought a huge cage so she can be outside with the others when she wants to be but still rested & safe.The vet seems pleased with how the skin wound & pin holes are healing but of course what is going on with the tendon is unknown.
Thanks for caring x K