If there is meniscal injury, the damaged portion of the meniscus is removed. These cartilages act as shock absorbers and can become damaged when the cruciate ligament is damaged. We also evaluate the meniscal cartilages inside the joint. With either the lateral suture stabilization or the TPLO technique the first part of the surgery is the same and involves exploring the stifle joint and removing the damaged cruciate ligament since it cannot be repaired and releases inflammatory mediators into the joint that cause continues pain, lameness and progression of arthritis. These two techniques are relatively new and there is currently very little published data to support their use. We do not currently offer the Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) or the Tight-Rope technique.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs available for the dog are: Deramaxx, Metacam, Previcox, Rimadyl and Etogesic. However, intermittent discomfort continues along with the progression of degenerative joint disease (arthritis).įor more information on Glucosamine Chondroitin supplements that are available on the veterinary market go to the web site for the pet arthritis research center. Small dogs and cats (weighing less than 10 kg) can very occasionally be managed with conservative treatment consisting of exercise moderation and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers and joint supplements such as Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
The goal of treatment is to stabilize the joint to allow normal joint movement, thereby alleviating the dog’s pain and allowing for normal activity and a happy, healthy quality of life. Treatment for this painful condition requires surgical intervention in the vast majority of cases. Cats and small dogs can also rupture the CLL but the incidence is lower and more likely to occur later in life. Large active dogs and those that are overweight are more prone to CCL injury. This often causes degenerative changes in the opposite stifle (knee) as well. Therefore, a dog with CCL rupture in one stifle has a higher chance of developing the same problem in the opposite stifle within 1-2 years (approximately 50%). When this occurs in one joint, it then places additional stress on the opposite hindlimb as the dog compensates for the resulting pain.
Injury to the CCL can be complete or partial “rupture.” If left untreated, the ruptured ligament and resultant joint instability lead to joint swelling, pain and arthritis. Abnormal sitting posture (straight leg held out to the side).Obesity, biomechanical problems, or repeated minor stresses can also take a toll on the ligament, causing harmful changes over time. Dogs can tear or rupture this ligament when the joint is rotated or overextended. The cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, in the dog is the equivalent of the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, in people.Ĭranial cruciate ligament injury is the most common cause of rear limb lameness.
Dogs and humans share a very important but easily damaged joint.
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