You can read more about CCL Tears and what they are in one of our previous blog posts here. TPLO is often recommended for medium- to large-breed dogs, as well as canine athletes, as it restores them closer to normal function.
A CCL rupture is the leading cause of hind limb lameness in dogs and can cause instability in the stifle (knee) joint. Because the CCL weakens over time, it can rupture with seemingly minimal trauma. Why do dogs need TPLO surgery?Ī dog’s CCL, which is similar to a person’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in their knee, can degenerate or weaken over time for various reasons. In this article, we’ll walk through the process for what happens before, during, and after your pet’s surgery. This blog post addresses the top questions we get asked from dog owners about TPLO. If your veterinarian has recommended a TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) surgery for your dog, or you are researching it as an option, you probably have a few questions.
#ACL SURGERY DOGS HOW TO#
Recovery from ACL surgery takes time! Expect your dog to require 16 weeks or longer to have complete healing and return to normal function.Elbow Arthroscopy for dogs: How to help your pet recover quickly and stay mobile Blog What to expect before, during, and after TPLO surgery Follow your vet's advice and never force your dog to do exercises if they resist. Recovery from ACL SurgeryĮvery dog is unique, and not all dogs recover at the same speed. TTA surgery also eliminates the need for the CCL ligament by cutting the top of the tibia, moving it forward, and then stabilizing it in its new position with a stainless steel metal plate. With this surgical technique, the need for the CCL ligament is eliminated by cutting and flattening the tibial plateau, then stabilizing it in a new position with a plate and screws. This ACL surgery is typically recommended for small to medium sized dogs weighing less than 50lbs. This surgery involves replacing the torn ligament with an artificial ligament on the outside of the joint. Treating CCL injuries through the use a knee brace may be successful in some dogs when combined with reduced levels of activity.
Treating a CCL injury with a knee brace is a non-surgical option that may help to stabilize the knee joint, and give the ligament time to scar over and repair itself. If your dog has been diagnosed with a CCL injury, there are a number of treatment options available from knee braces to surgery. When determining the best treatment for your dog's CCL injury, your vet will take your dog's age, size, and weight into consideration as well as your dog's energy level and lifestyle. Approximately 60% of dogs with a single CCL injury will go on to injure the other knee within a relatively short period of time. Typically, dogs suffering from a single torn CCL will begin favoring the non-injured leg during activity which often leads to the injury of the second knee.
ACL injuries in people are particularly common in athletes.