Cruciate ligament (ACL/cranial cruciate ligament) ruptures are a common cause of hind leg lameness in dogs, this condition can be quite painful and exacerbate the symptoms of osteoarthritis in affected joints. There are three different surgical repair techniques commonly used today.
Extra capsular repair
This involves a placement of strong suture materials around the joint to replace the functions of the ACL, this method is less invasive and more appropriate for smaller dogs (less than 15kg). Most dogs will start to weight bear within 2 weeks after the procedure and be able to resume normal activities after 4-6 months. Typically, the dog will require 12 weeks of exercise restriction after surgery (no running, outside on a leash only including the backyard).
Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO)
This procedure uses a fresh approach to the biomechanics of the knee joint and was developed with larger breed dogs in mind. The idea is to change the angle at which the femur bears weight on the flat "plateau" of the tibia. The tibia is cut and rotated in such a way that the natural weight-bearing of the dog actually stabilizes the knee joint. Most dogs will start to weight bear within 3-7 days and have better mobility than before the surgery within 2 weeks. Post-operative X rays will be taken after 6-8 weeks to make sure bone is healed. Normal activities may be resumed after 3 months.
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA)
The TTA similarly uses the biomechanics of the knee to create stability though this procedure changes the angle of the patellar ligament. This is done by cutting and repositioning the tibial crest where the patellar ligament attaches and implanting a titanium "cage," and plate to stabilize the new angle. Similar recoveries are seen relative to the TPLO.
At the avenue veterinary clinic, we are offering extracapsular, TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) and TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement) procedures. These procedures are completed within a day and the Avenue Veterinary Clinic prides itself on providing a high level of care and pain relief, this includes local anaesthetic blocks, intravenous opioids and antiinflammatory pain relief being given at different stages of the procedure. If you would like a consultation with one of our vets about the options available for your pet as well as any concerns you may have, please call 59115070. We are also able to provide an over the phone price estimation if requested.