Well, we went to our normal vet and she also suspected an ACL tear, but she said it may just be partial. Friday morning we went to the Ortho Vet and she did x rays and told us that it's not an ACL tear at all. She said there is no drawer sign. She told us that because ACL injury is so common a lot of general vets tend to automatically jump to that conclusion. The xrays showed no fluid on her knee either which confirmed it's not an ACL tear. The xrays show what looks like a chip on her growth plate. They sedated her and put on a splint. The vet is recommending 4 weeks if cage rest. So that's what we're doing right now. She said there is a surgery available for this. But because of Effie's age and the small size of the chip she doesn't want to jump to surgery. She prefers to try conservative management first. Effie looks absolutely pitiful in her splint and she's having a very difficult time walking with it on. It breaks my heart. She can't stand the cage rest either. She's just crying and crying as I type this. When she's calm I let her lay on the couch with me. But when she's trying to be active I have to use her crate. She normally does really well in her crate but she can't stand to be in there when we are home. We've been given Xanax and a mild tranquilizer med. But nothing seems to settle her downshe's just a puppy after all.
I am very relieved it's not an ACL tear. But I am concerned about the growth plate chip
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All of the support means so much She's doing alright for the most part. I have to say though...keeping my pupper so sedated breaks my heart & makes me feel like a horrible person. The vet did say that it is essential for us to keep her calm in order for her to heal. Lord, I hope this works and that it isn't all for nothing. I've looked her injury up online and it seems like surgery is the most frequent course of action. I think it involves placing a pin. But, the vet really seems convinced that based on the size of the fracture & and her age, that if we can keep her calm we've got a good chance of avoiding surgery. She goes in for her 1st bandage change tomorrow (this has to be done weekly). Her x-rays will be redone at the 4 week mark and I'll be sure to let you all know how she's doing 
and I hope you can avoid
@mybrindlegirl, thanks for the advice! That actually sounds like a fun game to play with her. It's so hard not being able to play around the way we normally would (I know she misses her Frisbee)
She had her first bandage change today. The doctor said she's looking good, though there really isn't any way to check progress until they redo her x-rays at week 4. The doctor said to just keep doing what we're doing. Giving her the meds has gotten a little easier because I realize she has to have them to stay calm. The sight of her trying to run or jump right now scares the pants off of me! Our new neighbor was outside with her dog this morning when I took Effie out to use the bathroom, and Effie was just DYING to go play with it. I can not wait for all of this to be over- but I have a feeling I will forever be worried about her overdoing it from now on!!
