Ruptured Cruciate Ligament

[cavNrott]

There are a few different surgeries for repairing ligaments but not dozens. There is the de angelis method of suture replacement, the TWLO or TPLO method and the latest being a new method called a TTA (I think that's what it's called).

The secret of the success of the surgery according to our orthopaedic surgeon is the quality of the aftercare. He said most surgeries turn out about the same. He insisted on my dog being crated for 6 weeks with only on lead toilet breaks. After 6 weeks she was allowed a 5 minute on leash walk per day....this increased by an 5 extra minutes per week. This meant 2 x 5 minute walks, not one 10 minute one and we proceeded that way with 5 minute increases.

At 12 weeks she no longer needed to be crated and made a complete recovery with no limping at all. She had TWLO surgery.

Keeping a dog confined is very important if the surgery is to be successful.

[Sayly]

Gracie our 3 year old Border Terrier ruptured her cruciate ligament late last year. She was a couple of kgs overweight at the time (we have always had a battle with her weight) and has a slightly luxating patella on the leg she didn't hurt. Our local vet who is a great vet, said she would most probably need the op and gave us some meds and said keep her quiet for a few weeks and we will see how it goes. After talking to some great people on here, I got the name of a vet who does chiropractic work (thank you Ness!) and took Gracie to see him. He has been fantastic and Gracie didn't end up needing the surgery. She currently is at the best weight she has been since a pup and is happier and brighter than ever. She still isn't 100% in that leg but she is 100 times better than she was. Her vet is happy with how she is going and we couldn't be happier with the outcome. :D

I was really upset when the vet told us what it was and then came home and looking it up but we are so pleased with the way everything has gone. The main thing is to have a vet you trust. :D

ETA: With the weight, Gracie loves pumpkin! We halved her food and gave her some mashed pumpkin to fill her up and she is thinner and happier than ever. :D

Edited April 22, 2008 by Lyndsay

[Staffyluv]

I have a stafford here with the same injury. We are doing the wait and see at the moment but I think that surgery is inevitable.

As for the cost - it depends where you are. We have been quoted $1000 for his surgery.

I would not hunt around based on price, I would be after the best surgeon (and we have him down here :D )...

Good luck with your little one and the surgery.

[Kelly_Louise]

The secret of the success of the surgery according to our orthopaedic surgeon is the quality of the aftercare. He said most surgeries turn out about the same. He insisted on my dog being crated for 6 weeks with only on lead toilet breaks. After 6 weeks she was allowed a 5 minute on leash walk per day....this increased by an 5 extra minutes per week. This meant 2 x 5 minute walks, not one 10 minute one and we proceeded that way with 5 minute increases.

At 12 weeks she no longer needed to be crated and made a complete recovery with no limping at all. She had TWLO surgery.

Keeping a dog confined is very important if the surgery is to be successful.

I agree whole heartedly. I think the after care is very important. Many people laughed and said I was overly anal about Chloe in her recovery, but I followed the specialists instructions to the tee (as I was given advice to do from this forum) as best I could, and the results show themselves today. That's why it certainly wasn't an easy job, and no matter how well the dog appears to be, gotta stick to your guns and follow instructions provided. I also preferred my vet to be on the cautious side, as I certainly didn't want any type of accident or relapse for my old girl.

I also think a quality job on the surgery is very important (as is having the right type of surgery to match the dog/injury). That is where a good vet and/or specialist plays a part - and again if you don't have 100% faith in your vet it's time to look elsewhere.

[westiemum]

Hi Lyndsay :rolleyes:

How's Uni going BTW?

Yep that pumpkin is marvellous stuff - my guys love it as well and it really helps in keeping their weight under control. I still think that weight control is more than half the battle with these dogs with joint problems.

Cheers,

Westiemum

Gracie our 3 year old Border Terrier ruptured her cruciate ligament late last year. She was a couple of kgs overweight at the time (we have always had a battle with her weight) and has a slightly luxating patella on the leg she didn't hurt. Our local vet who is a great vet, said she would most probably need the op and gave us some meds and said keep her quiet for a few weeks and we will see how it goes. After talking to some great people on here, I got the name of a vet who does chiropractic work (thank you Ness!) and took Gracie to see him. He has been fantastic and Gracie didn't end up needing the surgery. She currently is at the best weight she has been since a pup and is happier and brighter than ever. She still isn't 100% in that leg but she is 100 times better than she was. Her vet is happy with how she is going and we couldn't be happier with the outcome. :D

I was really upset when the vet told us what it was and then came home and looking it up but we are so pleased with the way everything has gone. The main thing is to have a vet you trust.

ETA: With the weight, Gracie loves pumpkin! We halved her food and gave her some mashed pumpkin to fill her up and she is thinner and happier than ever. :p