My dog, Utah, is 5 years old and very active. He loves to run around as much as possible. This past fall, he tore his ACL while playing outside. This type of injury is a common one, but it can be difficult for larger, high-energy dogs like our boy to recover from. An ACL is a ligament that stabilizes the knee. When torn, it causes hind-leg lameness, pain, and swelling.

After several months of doing our best to let Utah’s leg recover on its own, our vet has told us that surgery is now necessary. They are recommending a procedure called a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO). This surgery ranges between $6,000 and $8,000.

My husband and I are doing everything we can right now to come up with the funds to get his surgery paid for, but we have realized that we need help from those who are able to offer it. Any amount you are able to donate would be greatly appreciated.

The good news is that once the 8-week recovery and rehabilitation is complete, Utah is expected to regain full use of his leg. We will be able to take him on walks, schedule doggie playdates, and go for swims at Nana’s house.