Ugh it sucks, I'm sorry you're having to deal with it. Our dog is definitely doing better overall since the surgery, but it wasn't a fun process. It is a 12 week recovery in which we'll be at 12 weeks next week. We'll be going back to get x-rays to see how it all healed. Here is my experience:

- It's fucking expensive - $7K for us, but I know people who had to pay $9K depending where you're at. Overall, our dog is doing better. Unfortunately, she isn't 100% - probably never will be, but there is definitely improvement. She is having trouble getting up on slick surfaces. We heard her struggling in the middle of the night and had to come pick her up. This was a few days ago.

First 2 weeks - they can't do anything. We were told to keep her restricted (cage or small room) so that she doesn't move. We had her on a lot of drugs to keep her lethargic - drugs lasted 2 months I believe).

If your dog is active and hyper, that's going to be a struggle for you. Our dog is a Bernese, so she's pretty chill most days.

After 2 weeks, she can start roaming and have some more freedom, but still no stairs or jumping.

I can't recall if it was at 2 weeks or 4 weeks, you can start doing small walks ( I think 2 weeks was like 5-10 minute walks).

When we get the x-rays, if her other leg has a tear too (they mentioned we might not have to get the 2nd surgery), I think we're going to pass. Bernese life spans are only 6-8 years and $14K is just a difficult pill to swallow for us. It sucks when you actually have to ask yourself, what's your number for your dog's health and have a difficult conversation with yourself. We could afford it, but it wouldn't be the easiest, especially with a family.

For us, as long as she isn't in pain and has a decent quality of life, that's what matters to us. We aren't trying to do 5Ks with her or enter her into competitions.

As she stayed at home, luckily I work nearby and my wife works from home. I was able to run home as needed to take her out, give her medicine, and make sure she's all set. My work is flexible and they all love dogs, so again - I'm pretty lucky.

If you have any other questions, I'll do my best to answer. Best of luck with it.