[PyrNet-L] Health: Ruptured cruciate ligament

["Lene Nielsen" <sandybear@intercity.dk>]

One of my almost 8 weeks old puppies had an accident two days ago. One of
the adults jumped the gate to the kitchen where the puppies are, and
accidentally landed on a puppy. The puppy of course was screaming his head
off the way puppies do, but even after being comforted, loved and given a
bit of time to get over the fright he would not stand on his left hind leg.
So I took him to the vet, who said he did not think anything was broken,
probably a bad sprain, but to take him home, keep him quiet, and if he was
not improved in a day or two, bring him back for an x-ray.
Well he was only marginally improved today so I brought him back for an
X-ray. The x-ray confirmed that there was nothing broken, but he was now
very painfull around the knee and during anaesthetic the vet could feel the
knee being loose (not the kneecap like in patella lux. but below the
kneecap), so he now believes that the puppy has a partially ruptured
cruciate ligament.  
It seems that there is a good chance but no guarantee for a full recovery,
so I want to know if any of you have gone through this problem with a young
puppy. How did it work out ?. 
Part of the problem here is that this puppy is already sold, and should
have gone to his new family this tuesday. I have of course offered to
cancel the deal, but the family really want the puppy. But they also do not
want to start out with problems and a puppy who may never be completely
sound again. I realize that you can't give me any guaranties, just like I
can't give the family, but any experience will be really appreciated, as it
might help them make up there mind.  They are coming here on tuesday as
planned to see for themselves how he looks, and to take a look at the white
male, who is still not sold, but they want a marked one, and that I don't
have. 
Btw what ever they decide on tuesday, they are not bringing the marked
puppy home now. He is staying with me for at least a couple of weeks more,
but will that be enough to decide if he will be okay ??
As I have said before I will be very grateful for any input.

Lene Nielsen
sandybear@intercity.dk